Return To Quarter Way Up Hole

[The Old Ruminator]

Two full days at QWUH. The originally impenetrable tube has been converted to a haulway and replaces the previous route up ther choke.



The choke has been modified leaving a rther nasty looking roof but thats not the way we want to go. We have a plan ---

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Yesterday was about stabilizing the horrible choke and laying the conveyor belt in the tube. Now ready to push South next week.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

We were expecting a productive day but as usual things got horrible. An early lunch and an exchange of ideas resuted in a " Vurley Wall " . ( see next Descent ) . This is being built up on the scaffold pole to protect the entry tube.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

The wall will continue up with the scaffolding in on the right. The dig will go along the fault wall bottom left. One pole has been added.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Brian at the start of the next phase of digging. Down and along the wall.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

The big rock with the capped end fell out just after I took the photo. Lots of spaces beyond.

 

[Badlad]

Looks like a good time to find a new dig to me

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Looks like a good time to find a new dig to me

Never. We shall prevail.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Time to go home ---

 

[Goydenman]

amazing action photos and frightening dig!!!

 

[The Old Ruminator]

A new dig ?
This is Mendip. If it was easy it would have been done years ago. We are the most experienced cave diggers in the UK . Peter and I have been cave digging for over 60 years. Others in the team similiar. OK that does not make us safer but we always seem to find an answer to the problem. Nigel is back with us. He has a great technical background in engineering. This dig has great potential. Over half a mile of limestone going south, east and west. At the right level OD to correspond with fossil systems at the quarry like Fairy Cave. At a centre point in the original catchment if my theory regarding that is right. Time is the essence now as we are fading. I am 78 this year. Each session has a toll. Luckily the trip into the dig is short. We have loads of room for rock disposal ( a typical Mendip issue ) . A good draught and an easy run to get stuff out. Ultimately what does it matter any more ? I dont care if we find anything or not. I have had my luck with that over the years. Its my trip to the gym. My social life with friends and yes still to dream just a bit.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Today.

https://flic.kr/p/2rcRbBn

 

[The Old Ruminator]

This weeks collage.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

This week. The struggle continues.

https://flic.kr/p/2recGV2

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Going along the fault was . Its fairly horrible.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Propping.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Part of the new wall.

URL=https://hosting.photobucket.com/3ee...0032360.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds]

[/URL]

 

[The Old Ruminator]

Yesterday. We need to reduce the boulder but not take it all out. Engineering solution.








Back to the mine on Friday.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

The " Chiptruss Patent " side mounted boulder support jack completed. The swivel bolt cut back to the nut. Seen here on the " Trivice " ( yes three vices ) scaffolding and base jack cutting and assembly stand. The pins are 8mm same as we use for other things.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

OK more splodging. Here is a slightly redacted trip report.

All the gear in including the Chiptruss Patent Brace. This was ably fitted by Nigel and Brian. Lunch time. I went in to look at the horrible boulder in the roof of the dig. One stare and it fell out. Great crash in front of my nose bending the scaffold pole pin. I did not touch it. Top dig was differant. I poked out the hanging boulder. Another close call. Two huge boulders remained so I poked them and they crashed down a foot from me. Lots more smaller stuff so retired to somewhere safer. Brian and Nigel capped the end off the braced boulder in the dig. Added a new brace under the pole with the bent pin. Peter hauled. I was resting a bashed finger. The dig carried on down in mud and boulders getting wider at the bottom. Lots of spaces below and an undercut fault wall. Draught coming up to join the incoming tube draught and go upwards somewhere. In any case looking quite promising. I have got some Acro props free in Teignmouth. I wonder if Mr Goldie can pick them up. The top dig is going onward but still horrible. It might get another poke. Next week we could be short handed if Mr Goldie is about.

Fitting the side brace.








URL=https://hosting.photobucket.com/3ee...342552f.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds]

[/URL]