Online Log Book 2007

[Dani]

I'd heard that - I thought the cave was quite pretty and there were lots of interesting shapes that should make for good sketching - have a fun weekend!

[Sumpy]

Dani you should really get a copy of Mendip underground to help you with names lol .. Twas a good trip shame we couldn't find our way around proper.
Thanks for the fun time guys.

[Chris Lank]

Fabo trip to Read's Cavern!  I really enjoyed having to find our way around without someone who knew the exact layout.  I reckon we still have unfinished business in it though.

[Dani]

I've got a copy (and even read it before we went to Reads), but I still can't remember the names of things  .  I'm afraid to say I can only remember things by what they looked like or how you had to cave them ie you go down a slidy bit then over a big hole in the floor and carry on till you get to a crawly bit - I think Andy calls it 'girly descriptions'.   A repeat trip is definitely in order - I might get the names right then!

[Chris Lank]

Swildon’s Hole – Upper Series
Wednesday 31st October 2007

Martin, Dani, Sumpy, Kaz & Chris L

Summary  - A nice relaxing bimble.

We commenced our evening’s stroll by finding a pair of unattached trainers in the car park near the barn.  These were subsequently returned to their rightful owner by one of our more honest members.

After reaching the entrance chamber, we took a small diversion to the Zig Zags area, before making our way to the head of the Wet Way.  One group went down the Top Oxbow via Butcombe Chamber, and the other group continued down the Wet Way.  We regrouped just past the Lavatory Pan before continuing down to Water Chamber.



At the Forty Foot Pot, we again split up, with one group taking the high route to the top of the Pot and the other group continuing downstream.

After descending the Forty Foot Pot, we again regrouped, took some photographs and made our way back to the surface via Water Chamber, Old Grotto and the Short Dry Way.



In celebration of our return to the surface, a small beverage was later consumed at a certain local hostelry.

[Chris Lank]

East Twin Swallet
Sunday 4th November 2007

Mark, Meg & Chris L

Our visit was suitably christened by a member of our party (who shall remain nameless) weeing on their oversuit prior to entering the cave.

There was lots of evidence of digging and shoring up in this cave.  I think it is fair to say that it was not the most attractive cave that we had ever visited.  After a quick descent to the bottom of the Third Chamber, we returned by the same way and headed off for our second cave of the day.


Sidcot Swallet
Sunday 4th November 2007

Mark, Meg & Chris L

We headed on down into the cave through the Tie Press and Boulder Chamber before ending up at the "infamous" Lobster Pot.  For safety’s sake, we rigged it with slings before descending.  After a short crawl we entered Paradise Chamber, which was suitably well decorated.  We were not feeling too adventurous so only went as far as the duck.  However, we agreed to return later and pass the duck to reach the end of the cave.

We made our way out of the cave using the same route.  The Lobster Pot was good fun although suitably difficult.  The remainder of the trip was mostly uneventful with two thirds of the party doing their best to get lost in the Boulder Chamber.

Thanks to M & M for a fun Sunday afternoon trip.

[Chris Lank]

Sidcot Swallet
Monday 5th November 2007

Martin & Chris L

The Return to Sidcot Swallet…

Our mission was to investigate likely looking holes and crawls during our way down to the duck at Paradise Chamber.  We both had a few interesting moments, which involved getting hauled out of various holes – in one memorable instance backwards by the ankles.  Nevertheless, we achieved our mission.

Purgatory was saved until last.  It had a totally different look and feel to the rest of the cave.  Given my “knackered” state, I didn’t push my luck but this is certainly an area for a future dedicated visit.

We did our best to discover a new entrance on the way out but despite our best endeavours we eventually found the correct route.

Very sore, covered in bruises but pleased with the evening's results.

[Misty]

Had a lovely Sunday saunter down Sidcot may I say, thanks for a lovely time.


Sidcot Swallet entrance Chris infront Misty behind


East Twin Swallet, Not as fun as Notts Pot lots of digging and shoring up made it simply unpleasent


Misty and Chris climbing up the kerplunk in East Twin Swallet


Misty up a May Pole

[Chris Lank]

Cuckoo Cleeves
Wednesday 7th November 2007

Sumpy, Tricia, Tim, Mark, Barry, Danny, Steve W, Karen, Martin & Chris L

After walking through half of Somerset, our trusted guide finally got us to the entrance of the cave.  We never doubted him for a moment (not much anyway).

We descended down through the concrete entrance tube, entrance chambers and canyon to the bottom chamber of the cave.  The air was not great and we were all suffering a bit.  A couple of the team pressed on through the squeezy rift to the sump and dig beyond.  It had been hoped to find the The Lake but a slight geographical miscalculation meant that a non–optimal route was taken (i.e. the wrong one).

After gathering our breath we headed back out of the cave and off to the Hunter’s for a well earned drink.

[Chris Lank]

Rod’s Pot
Saturday 10th November 2007

Tim, Sumpy, Martin & Chris L

As a warm-up to the next cave, we decided to take a short tourist trip to Rod’s Pot.

After a quick march down to the bottom of the Main Chamber, we had a quick look at the top of Purple Pot before heading out.

Not much to report except that we found it a little odd to exit a cave during daylight.

[Chris Lank]

Drunkard’s Hole
Saturday 10th November 2007

Tim, Sumpy, Martin & Chris L

This was the first time in this particular cave for most of the party.  Nevertheless, we decided to use it for a bit of ladder and lifeline practice.

We descended down the steeply sloping entrance passage and through the vertical squeeze, before reaching the 10m pitch at the rift.  With much fumbling about on my part, the ladder and lifeline was finally rigged.



After climbing down, we had a bit of a look around at the bottom of the pitch and found all sorts of interesting ways on, plus the skeleton of an unfortunate animal.  However, as time was against us, and we were aware how much “fun” the ascent out of the cave was going to be, we decided to turn around and save the rest for another day.



Many thanks to the posse for a good day’s caving.

[anfieldman]

Cuckoo Cleeves
Wednesday 7th November 2007

Sumpy, Tricia, Tim, Mark, Barry, Danny, Steve W, Karen, Martin & Chris L

After walking through half of Somerset, our trusted guide finally got us to the entrance of the cave.  We never doubted him for a moment (not much anyway).

We descended down through the concrete entrance tube, entrance chambers and canyon to the bottom chamber of the cave.  The air was not great and we were all suffering a bit.  A couple of the team pressed on through the squeezy rift to the sump and dig beyond.  It had been hoped to find the The Lake but a slight geographical miscalculation meant that a non–optimal route was taken (i.e. the wrong one).

After gathering our breath we headed back out of the cave and off to the Hunter’s for a well earned drink.

Muchos apologista's amigo for not writing this report. Been very busy since Wednesday. 

[Sumpy]

Drunkard’s Hole
Saturday 10th November 2007

Ar was a good day out doing both Rods then Drunkards, Shame I could not fit down the vertical squeeze but all was not lost as when I headed out to wait for the others to return I bumped into a group of girls from Oxford Uni CC who demanded we all share in "Random caver hugs!!" Now who can refuse an offer like that?

[Chris Lank]

Goatchurch Cavern
Wednesday 14th November 2007

Frank, Ellie, Mark, Sumpy, Dani, Sim, Chris L & guests (Russ, Stu, Nick)

After entering through the Main Entrance, we made our way to Boulder Chamber by (not very) Bloody Tight.

Ellie, Sim, Mark and our guests went down the Drainpipe for a “look-see” before supporting Mark in his triumphant return to the Coalchute (scene of some previous unpleasantness).  Well done Mark!

Dani forced her way through the tight squeeze between Boulder Chamber and Water Chamber.  I gamely tried to follow but had obviously eaten a few pies too many and got slightly stuck.  Many thanks to Dani, Sumpy and Frank for taking the time to extricate me!

Frank, Dani and I pushed on through Dexion-series and into the chamber beyond.  Frank did his best to lose his headlight but found it again.  After having a quick breather, we then returned to the rest of the group who were getting ready to leave via the Tradesman’s Entrance.

Upon leaving we headed off to the pub for a natter.

(Photos are from Frank.)

[Chris Lank]

Drunkard's Hole
Wednesday 14th November 2007

(By Barry Hulatt.)

There was a breakaway trip on 14th November by Barry Hulatt and Steve Windsor (two of the more senior members in Burrington on the night). We managed to insinuate ourselves into the far reaches of Drunkard's Hole, which seemed, surprisingly, to have shrunk since last we were there. A stream had recently been flowing in the bottom dig, silting up the way on. The tightness on our return up the rift, carrying gear, and feeling pretty unfit for the task, made us wonder if a dig anywhere down here was really on.
 
By the way, can anyone who has been down there in the last year or so remember what the dead animal above the stream was? It's either a dog or a fox, but there's no fur left now. (Not much left on the bones for a stew either).

[Dani]

What happened to the wedged wellies picture?

[Sumpy]

What happened to the wedged wellies picture?

They got liberated LOL   Another good Wednesday night trip thanks all!

[Chris Lank]

For Dani - A pair of weged wellies attached to a wedged caver in Goatchurch Cavern:

[Ellie]

Swildons Hole
Saturday 17th November 2007

Frank, Sim, Gary, Mark, Megan, Chris L, Ellie + guests Emma (15) and Anne (12)
Trip report by Ellie

After much faffing about getting changed, we headed off to the cave with the two girls complaining of being cold and wet before we had even crossed the field!       Once there, we entered the cave without too many protests (just a couple of squeals) and we proceeded along the long dry way.   On down the streamway to the top of the 20 ladder pitch where we turned around and headed back.  I was treated to an impromptu song and dance routine in the water chamber by the two girls whilst the others took a detour up the old 40.  Reconvening we headed up the wet way - where Frank had helpfully gone ahead to rig a lifeline up the Well (we think that was the correct name) for the novices.  Turning left at the t-junction to reappear in the long dry way, Mark noted that his suit - having just been nicely washed - was now muddy again.......out of the cave and off to the pub to partake of refreshments and plan future trips.

Photos to follow. 

[anfieldman]

Swildons Hole
Saturday 17th November 2007

Turning left at the t-junction to reappear in the long dry way, Mark noted that his suit - having just been nicely washed - was now muddy again.......

There's no point in going to Swildons and coming out muddy!
 

[Chris Lank]

St Cuthbert's Swallet
Wednesday 21st November 2007

Photos only.  Report to follow from Chris Castle.

[anfieldman]

Nice piccies.
Did someone bring up their beans on toast in the last one??

[Frank]

Swildons Hole
Sunday 18th November 2007

Here are a few pics from the fun splash around the upper series on Sunday...











For the full set go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/franks_pics/sets/72157603263585600/

Looking forward to curry night!
Frank

[chriscastle46]

Wednesday 21st November 2007. St. Cuthbert's Swallet.

Chris Castle, Chris L., Barry H., Steve W., Martin L., Danny B.

This was a grovel around some of the places less frequently visited not too far from the entrance.
Progress was a bit slow along the Wire Rift due to somebody climbing right to the top by mistake and having a job to get down again. Once that was over we went to Lower Mud Hall and climbed down Mud Hall Pitch to enter Lower Traverse Chamber. At the very top of this is an ascending passage to Upper Traverse Chamber which we took and admired the fine formations there; some of Chris L's pictures are of them. We entered a pretty grotto that I'd never been in before, it may go further than we could see but this could not be done without climbing over the flowstone. After a look at Maypole rift we took the route towards September Series to see the bridge and fine grill, then climbed up to Boulder Chamber for a look at The Cascade before wriggling in to see the crystals near Kanchenjunga and back to Lower Mud Hall via Rocky Boulder Central Passage.
Despite the wet conditions and the gate valve in the dam not being closed properly there was no water coming down the Entrance Rift.
Chris

[Chris Lank]

Sidcot Swallet
Saturday 24th November 2007
Mark, Meg, Sam, Brendan, Tricia, Tim, Chris L

We split into two groups.  Sam led Brendan, Tricia and Tim into Purgatory for a bit of a “shufty”.  After passing the difficult Z-bend at the entrance they had a good look around, noting the sharpness of the walls.

In the meantime Mark, Meg and I headed for the entrance to Eden in Paradise series.  We stripped off to our wetsuits and tried to push through the squeeze.  Despite our best endeavours, none of us are ever going to see Eden as we are too large!

Despite the disappointment, we started part two of our mission – to push through the duck (which looks like more of a sump).  We started bailing and siphoning the water to make the sump into a duck.  In the meantime our colleagues joined us from Purgatory and their assistance made a significant difference to our efforts.

The wetsuited trio of Mark, Meg and I got through the duck and entered the passage beyond.  (It was noted that a certain, anonymous, member of the team was particularly vocal in their appreciation of the water temperature).

We reached the 15’ foot Chimney.  As cold and tiredness was setting in, I made a solitary climb up the Chimney and took some photographs of the Grotto for posterity.

Upon returning to the Lobster Pot the team had the usual fun and games.  We were also treated to an all time classic statement, “You can stand on my helmet if you want to, just let me know if you are going to do it”.  Sounds painful.

Changing in the car park afterwards was not much fun given the cold day.

Well done to everyone concerned for the concerted team effort.

Mark looking pleased with himself:



Meg in Paradise series:



The way to Eden:



Passing through the duck:



15' Foot Aven:



Grotto:



Lobster Pot: