Mossdale - Ouroborous project

Simon Beck

Member
As you can imagine I'd rather be up there working than wasting the weather writing about it. I'll be desk bound for a good few days when I do finally get round to it!
 

Simon Beck

Member
Finally got a chance to sit down and write-up at least some of my backlog. More to follow shortly if I can stick at it.

Mossdale Sessions 46 - 49 http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-sessions-46-49.html

Mossdale Sessions 50 - 51 http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-sessions-50-51.html

 
As I am about to disappear for a week or so with work, its always good to know that I have some good "caving" reading to be doing, if I can't be doing it myself!
 

Simon Beck

Member
I find the writing up bit to be absolutely exhausting!

Mossdale Session 52: http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-sessions-52.html

Mossdale Session 53: http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-session-53.html

Mossdale Session 54 - 57:  http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-session-54-57.html
 

Alex

Well-known member
Fantastic read and it really sounds like you have made quite a few small extensions.
 

Simon Beck

Member
Mossdale Sessions 58 - 62  https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-sessions-58-62.html

Mossdale Sessions 63 - 66  https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-sessions-63-66.html
 

Mr Dinwiddy

Member
Latest updates:
http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/09/mossdale-session-69.html
Thanks for the latest instalment Simon. I know you said somewhere you find the write-ups draining but please keep them coming. First the story is gripping and I want to hear the next instalment and second your writing style is engaging and atmospheric. Cheers
 

Simon Beck

Member
Strangely enough I was in the process of adding the latest three. Slow going I'm afraid. The less I interact with the place the harder I find the write-ups, the disagreeable weather is the cause in this case. A few more to go.

Mossdale Sessions 67-68 http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/09/mossdale-sessions-67-68.html

Mossdale Session 69 http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/09/mossdale-session-69.html
 

Clive G

Member
Simon Beck said:
Strangely enough I was in the process of adding the latest three. Slow going I'm afraid. The less I interact with the place the harder I find the write-ups, the disagreeable weather is the cause in this case. A few more to go.

Mossdale Sessions 67-68 http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/09/mossdale-sessions-67-68.html

Mossdale Session 69 http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/09/mossdale-session-69.html

I was reading your reports with great interest as you wrote this! Years ago (early 1980s) I made up a file of reports of pushing Mossdale with a view to going there one day, but that day has still to come . . . Remember that if the draught picks up noticeably whilst you're underground it's probably been caused by a significant change in temperature outside or there is considerably more water flowing through the system. If the draught stops then there will probably be a sump somewhere between the deep cave and the entrance.

At present I haven't got my file and survey to hand to see where you are digging, but the progress sounds very promising with more to follow. Imagine the possible open passage ahead (especially from the draught) but don't try and visualise it or assume it's going to continue a long way until you actually experience things for real. It's a balancing act between opening your mind to possibilities but corking down otherwise euphoric enthusiasm until it's really all there in the hand. I found the way into and pushed Northern Stream Passage in Agen Allwedd (off the mouth of the Southern Stream Passage and Main Passage junction) for some distance on my own, until I realised that it would be more fun enjoying experiencing 'caverns measureless to man' for the first time with other people. Also, if you end up with too many new obstacles stacked behind you to get back through, with possible moving rocks along the way, you need to have left very good instructions with the person who would initiate any callout. A pea whistle is a good way to announce your presence when shouting or banging on rock might otherwise have little effect!

Mike Boon turned up from Canada or wherever at the BCRA Conference around the mid-1980s and we met. He didn't use many words - it was all in the eyes - and I think he would be well pleased with the efforts you are making. He got lost in the cave and mentally challenged to the point of tears by Ken Pearce who picked the correct way on towards the exit, probably because he was more tuned in to where the way on may be found and was being led by his inner voice. Perhaps read or reread his chapter on the cave in 'Down to a Sunless Sea' (1977) and see if he can assist where there are choices to be made - to help dispel the shadow of Ken Pearce's challenge.
 

Simon Beck

Member
Hi Clive thanks for taking the time to respond, I appreciate your words and advice, but some of it did give me the impression you think I was born yesterday. No disrespect intended. I do have a bit more experience of this cave than the impression you've given me above.

The draught info was very valuable. Would definitely like to hear more on this subject.
 

Roger W

Well-known member
Smashing stuff,but do cave carefully,Simon.  It would be more than a tad distressing if we never got to read about Session 70 'cos you got stuck in the cave and couldn't get out to write it up.
 

Simon Beck

Member
Roger W said:
Smashing stuff,but do cave carefully,Simon.  It would be more than a tad distressing if we never got to read about Session 70 'cos you got stuck in the cave and couldn't get out to write it up.

Hey Roger, no need to worry, I've come this far and managed to stay in one piece, and don't expect any sympathy if it did go wrong. If the going begins to get really dodgy again I've a pile of recycled scaffold at my disposal. Plus I have already managed to survive 70 & 71, I just haven't written them up yet. Things are going well but I've yet to hit terra firma and suspect I'll be needing more rope, this is just a hunch at the time being though. Relating to Mossdale and previous exploration/discoveries this development is all very new, there's really no rule book to fall back on. I have every intention of maintaining an open mind and not getting ahead of myself, the process is reward enough. Thanks
 

Simon Beck

Member
The last offering till I manage to return.

Mossdale Session 70 - http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/09/mossdale-session-70.html
 

tamarmole

Active member
Simon Beck said:
The last offering till I manage to return.

Mossdale Session 70 - http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/09/mossdale-session-70.html

Always a good read.

If your wetsuit is shrinking / getting stiff  chuck it in the washing machine with loads of fabric softener, that usually does the trick.
 

Simon Beck

Member
tamarmole said:
Simon Beck said:
The last offering till I manage to return.

Mossdale Session 70 - http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/09/mossdale-session-70.html

Always a good read.

If your wetsuit is shrinking / getting stiff  chuck it in the washing machine with loads of fabric softener, that usually does the trick.
Thanks!

One of the best things I ever started doing was using the washing machine for wetsuits and all other neoprene items. I think Adele recommended this and the use of fabric softener. It does make a big difference especially when using the suits regularly, but shrinkage hasn't been avoided overall.

I don't recall having any shrinkage problems with a Scubapro suit I once had, which was also double lined and used sporadically for half a decade.

I am curious what the manufacturer recommends, to avoid shrinkage, especially when they tend to be dead against using washing machines. In this instance though I'd rather not bother, they'd probably tell me it's due to poor storage conditions or vermin nibbling away at the suits overall integrity.

When you've forked out ?300 for two suits in the hope they will keep you going for quite some years, it's a shame when neither fits, or bears it's original dimensions, long before the suit is damaged beyond repair (less than two years).
Their old suits were far superior and lasted forever when patched well. Can't deny they are still good in wet cold caves, but doubt I'll be putting further money in their pockets.

I also don't think that treating long term customers poorly is worth this type of bad publicity either.
 
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