Old cavers

[Rachel]

I suspect that older (retired) folk have more time on their hands, both for caving and writing long articles. Juggling a full time job with caring for young children and elderly parents is quite effective at leaving younger cavers with fewer opportunities for either activity.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

I am second youngest in my team being only 71.  I am not as speedy as I used to be and some of the stuff I did when I was younger I quail at!

Yup just like 50 years ago us older folk in the group still have to look after young Doc.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

At approaching 75 I do more caving now than ever I used to do. Back after many years to some of the longer Welsh caves though having to keep a sensible pace. The issues with being an older caver are one of balance and concentration also one of not quite knowing where your limitations lie. Certainly squeezes are harder not that I am bigger than 50 years ago but the rib cage gets less mobile and squeezes feel tighter. Motivation is another issue. I love the digging and taking photos ( would you believe ?). I have over 2,000 images from last year worth saving despite the pandemic. Being fit at 75 is as much luck as anything else. Keeping going keeps one fit but many health problems can end it all. I go year by year and hope to still be caving at 80. If I can keep my patience intact I hope to be splattering the forum with images for years to come.

A thoughtful selfie taken this week.