r.d.c.c. ewsletter · getting together at the club meetings is important to keep the club working...

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Mark Johnson 23 Peacock Hill Close, Grimsargh, Preston PR2 5BU Tel 01772 798889 e-mail: [email protected] R.D.C.C. EWSLETTER Incorporating Crown Caving & Potholing Club HEADQUARTERS: BREDBURY COSERVATIVE CLUB, GEORGE LAE, BREDBURY, STOCKPORT Publisher Issue No: February M Johnson 43 2009 The Rubber The Rubber The Rubber The Rubber Review Review Review Review The Rubbery The Rubbery The Rubbery The Rubbery View View View View The start of a new year and just as memories of turkey dinners, mince pies and Christmas trees started to fade it was time for the 2009 RDCC AGM. Great to see so many of the Ducks there renewing their membership. Meets secretary Bill unfortunately couldn’t make it on account of being on the other side of world, New Zealand to be precise, getting married (a poor excuse for missing the AGM I’ve no doubt you’ll agree). I’m sure you’ll all join in me in wishing Bill and Jo a very long, happy and fulfilling life together having tied the knot down-under (and I don’t mean underground!). I trust that now they’re married that Jo and Bill will let each other out to go caving occasionally! Whilst Bill is away, John Worden has heroically stepped into the breach once again as acting Meets Secretary. We’ve got plenty to look forward to this year, with a busy but realistic meets list already published (well done Bill and John). This year’s meets are exclusively Yorkshire based, but fear not those with a leaning for the peak district, we can certainly slot in some meaty Derbyshire trips. There is also a return to Ireland planned for those who may be interested (read on for more details) and I’m hoping to make it this year. Other exciting news – I’ve booked an Otter Hole trip for September 6 th (which unfortunately clashes with the Long Kin West meet). Bill has also floated a possible Mendip or South Wales (or even a Forest of Dean?) weekend. Who knows, we might even pull off a few social events too! As if that wasn’t enough to whip up your enthusiasm, we are also planning a long over-due Rubber Duck return to the Vercors in France next Summer in 2010. Read on for more informationthis is one opportunity you definitely don’t want to miss. So with so much to look forward to lets get stuck into an exciting, adrenalin loaded 2009. Get your calendars off the fridge door and let’s make it happen!

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Page 1: R.D.C.C. EWSLETTER · Getting together at the club meetings is important to keep the club working effectively and is an opportunity to plan ahead and make arrangements for club meets

Mark Johnson 23 Peacock Hill Close, Grimsargh, Preston PR2 5BU Tel 01772 798889 e-mail: [email protected]

R.D.C.C.

�EWSLETTER

Incorporating

Crown Caving & Potholing Club

HEADQUARTERS: BREDBURY CO�SERVATIVE CLUB, GEORGE LA�E, BREDBURY, STOCKPORT

Publisher Issue No: February M Johnson 43 2009

The RubberThe RubberThe RubberThe Rubber

ReviewReviewReviewReview

The RubberyThe RubberyThe RubberyThe Rubbery

ViewViewViewView

The start of a new year and just as memories of turkey dinners, mince pies and Christmas trees started to fade it was time for the 2009 RDCC AGM. Great to see so many of the Ducks there renewing their membership. Meets secretary Bill unfortunately couldn’t make it on account of being on the other side of world, New Zealand to be precise, getting married (a poor excuse for missing the AGM I’ve no doubt you’ll agree). I’m sure you’ll all join in me in wishing Bill and Jo a very long, happy and fulfilling life together having tied the knot down-under (and I don’t mean underground!). I trust that now they’re married that Jo and Bill will let each other out to go caving occasionally! Whilst Bill is away, John Worden has heroically stepped into the breach once again as acting Meets Secretary. We’ve got plenty to look forward to this year, with a busy but realistic meets list already published (well done Bill and John). This year’s meets are exclusively Yorkshire based, but fear not those with a leaning for the peak district, we can certainly slot in some meaty Derbyshire trips. There is also a return to Ireland planned for those who may be interested (read on for more details) and I’m hoping to make it this year. Other exciting news – I’ve booked an Otter Hole trip for September 6th (which unfortunately clashes with the Long Kin West meet). Bill has also floated a possible Mendip or South Wales (or even a Forest of Dean?) weekend. Who knows, we might even pull off a few social events too! As if that wasn’t enough to whip up your enthusiasm, we are also planning a long over-due Rubber Duck return to the Vercors in France next Summer in 2010. Read on for more informationEthis is one opportunity you definitely don’t want to miss. So with so much to look forward to lets get stuck into an exciting, adrenalin loaded 2009. Get your calendars off the fridge door and let’s make it happen!

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MEETINGS Meetings in 2008 were quite well attended but there was a slight drop off in attendance compared with 2007. Getting together at the club meetings is important to keep the club working effectively and is an opportunity to plan ahead and make arrangements for club meets. Please make every effort to attend as many as you can. Here are the dates the 2009 meetings: Apr 10th May 8th Jun 5th Jul 10th Aug 14th Sep 11th Oct 9th Nov 13th Dec 11th

CLUB NEWS As mentioned, Bill and Jo have just got married and whilst Bill is now back with us in the UK, Jo remains in New Zealand for another month. John Worden is acting as Meets secretary in the meantime. Pete will be out of action this year on account of having both his knees replaced (bionic Pete!), although I suspect this will do little to dampen his enthusiasm or prevent him participating fully in the only slightly less physical activity of cave-drinking. For those of you with an interest in virtual sports (Wii fit addicts), Pete can take you on a virtual caving trip down just about every hole in the British Isles (and a few besides) describing every passage, foot hold and knot if you keep him supplied with sufficient alcohol! And just so you know, at the AGM there was a change to one of the rules. From now on clean up trips at the clubs adopted caves (P8 and Lost Johns) will no longer be exempt of meets fees. The rationale for this change is that in recent years there has been very little cleaning up to do, unlike the days when the caves were quite heavily littered, not least with spent carbide, now a rarity.

MEMBERS We currently stand at 18 members + 2 non-caver members. Between us we’ll ensure that our newer members get plenty of opportunities to develop and practice their new skills – if you are new to the sport, please do take the opportunity to practice your SRT and ladder techniques on Pete’s training wall. Don’t forget that you MUST be insured in order to go caving – it is advised that you have your green insurance cards with you when go caving.

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FINANCES In 2008 we spent £246 on gear, mostly bags and karabiners, leaving us with a deficit and reduced balance compared with 2007. However the club finances remain in a strong position and we plan spend more this year on personal SRT gear to help new starters to get going until they are ready to buy their own kit and in new ropes.

CLUB LIBRARY The club copy of Cave Photography (Martin Farr) seems to have gone astray. If anyone has it, please could you let me know. The club has an extensive library – please ask if there’s something you’re interested in. Also, anyone who feels the club would benefit from a particular title, please let me know and we can try to procure a copy. Donated books and videos, as always, gratefully received.

EQUIPMENT As soon as Bill has got himself sorted on his return from New Zealand we’ll organize the annual equipment check. It is clear that our ropes are getting old (many 10yrs+). Whilst there is no clear evidence as to the true effect of aging on ropes and despite the relatively light use the ropes have had in recent years the time has come to take some decisions regarding replacement. This is on the agenda for the meeting on Friday 13th.

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CLUB TRIPS

Walk near Barbondale (visiting Castle Knot and Calf Top Summits)

– 2nd November – JW, WN After a late party behind Clapham Stores on Saturday night, then a visit to Daleswear on Sunday morning it was a leisurely start. Deciding on Barbondale we drove there passing the final right turn for Easegill taking the next right fork. Instead of going towards Barbon we drove the opposite way a mile down the valley and parked at a large flat area by the beck- obviously a tourist spot. Time being limited, we opted for the shorter, although steeper route to Castle Knot basically heading straight upwards from the vehicle, meeting a track, which led us along the right side to the Knot. It was a sunny if blustery cold day, so again we were both donned in at least four layers each with hats, balaclavas and gloves! Below the top was sheltered so we had some food then set off again twenty minutes later. The path continued over the Knot, down to the valley and up the far side where we turned right at a prominent wall/fenced corner. A ten minute stomp took us to the summit of Calf Top at about 600pm. Admiring the views and taking photographs we started our descent by leaving the path to traverse downwards along the top of the valley (you could see the caves around Short Gill) enclosing a circuit back to the Landy. Three/four hours later at the vehicle I could tell thatI had done some strenuous down climbing as my legs continued to tell me the fact until the following Thursday: different muscles, eh! Aside, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to do more seeing as I spend most of my time UNDER-ground when in Yorkshire!! So, back at Jane's we had a brew then collected 'Chinese' plus 'chippy' teas en route home. A good do!

Report by John Worden

Dig update “Time on our hands” – 23rd November – JW, WN We watched the Ricky Hatton fight at Janes early Sunday morning but still got to the dig for midday!! Bill dug a few feet down in the far corner grading the sides. No stop for brews as it was windy and bitterly cold. Fifty buckets of spoil removed. Both dug out more turf to make room for spoil then closed up dig. Had our butties back at Jane's in the warm!

Report by John Worden

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Celebration of Jim Eyre – 29th November Jo, Bill and I drove to Jane's on Friday night. Jo was tired so Bill and myself went to the pub. On Saturday the three of us met the Red Rose C.P.C. at Bull Pot Farm to walk across the fell before scattering Jim's ashes. We all clambered up the icy pathway opposite the 'kissing' gate, going across Ease Gill Beck, then towards Top Sink. It was cold with a couple of inches of snow but a 'cracking' day! Apparently a misunderstanding saw some of his ashes being emptied down Top Sink with a few words captured on video. However it was to be done near Boundary Pot on a level sward of turf that was in Lancashire, not Yorkshire (the boundary being near the further side of the aforementioned pot). Anyhow, there were plenty of ashes to spare as we repeated the process in Lancashire!! Everyone trundled back to the farm looking at historical photographs of Jim and his colleagues so we said our farewells then went to Bernies for a brew and warm up. Later we had a curry with Jane and friends in Settle where I was brave (for me) deciding on a chicken madras - ooooh it was hot!!! Definitely the hottest thing going in and out of me in a long while!! We headed for the celebration in the New Inn. The place was crammed on both sides! After three hours they still had not auctioned all Jim's cartoons and there was no time for the slide show, but hey, it was a great do! I look forward to the forthcoming tribute in 'Descent.'

Report by John Worden

Gragareth Summit Walk – 30th November – JW, WN, JD It was to be Jo's final day in England before leaving for Kiwi land on Monday so we agreed on another walk. After fuelling up in Bernies we drove to Leck Fell, parking in the second layby (nearer the farm). It was a great blue sky day with four to five inch deep snow about. All 'togged up' we set off towards the farm going through the first gate on the right. It was just a case of walking straight up the fell with the 'three old men of Gragareth' to our left. Further on we reached the summit taking more piccies and wondering at the breathtaking views! Descending, we took photo's of three old cairns then more of the three men- the cairns proper! The sun setting on our return to the car I remarked to Jo as to what a fantastic way to end her stay here and she said how much she had enjoyed yesterday and today’s walks, especially with the snow and all! Terrific stuff; another fab weekend!!

Report by John Worden

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P8 Jackpot – 7th December – JW, MJ, KR, MW, SH, AS, MH, CB This was a cold day – very cold in fact. John and I arrived early in the morning, meeting Pete who had very kindly run down with the gear. We rigged the pitches with ladders ready for the afternoon team. We had planned to do the trip in two waves when we had a lot more interested but after a number of last minute drop outs, we probably could have got away with all going at the same time. Anyhow, John and I visited each of the sumps and then returned to the bottom of the second pitch via the lower stream-way, which always make for an interesting round trip. We met the afternoon team at the bottom of the first pitch and after belaying Christine and Mike we headed out. After a quick lunch and a pint at the Wanted Inn we headed home. A great day’s caving.

Report by Mark Johnson

Alum Pot – 4th January – JW, WN Having been in the Dales all week I met Bill in the pub so it was decided on a trip down Alum as he wanted to test his new rack descender. He picked me up then we drove to Alum Pot Lane parking at the end as usual. We had a leisurely change then ambled to the stile on the North West (240' shaft) side. Bill belayed his rope to the two trees and I rigged both 'y hangs' taking me down to the ledge above the final 'roped' pitch. Bill followed rigging the last one with the same rope. We climbed down the cascades to look at the sump where we spotted a white shoe that had been washed in and was jammed about 15' up in a rift! We looked at where Diccan Pot entered then exited by climbing the relatively dry stream way. I munched a Mars bar as Bill ascended then removed the 'y hangs' on my way up. We pulled rope out from the surface, bagged it then walked back to the land rover. Later we went for some tea in Inglesport for a change, also buying some gear. We called in at Jane's for another brew and headed home. It had been a bit cold but sunny day giving good views down Alum shaft; what is more, there were still plenty of attractive icicles festooned on the walls with more ice on the waterfall- top stuff!! An excellent trip to finish my week in Yorkshire. Cheers Bill and many thanks for the lift back!

Report by John Worden

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Heron Pot – 1st February – JW, MS, SH, RJ, MH, CB, RS, AS I'm sat in the car, waiting. The car dashboard tells me it's just below freezing point outside. I'm not feeling well, having been struck low yesterday with some sort of flu/leprosy hybrid disease. I can't stop sneezing. This isn't a good thing, especially as me and Bec would be helping Pete put Mike and Chris through their paces on his SRT wall. Still, I get through the day without any mishaps. All too soon it's six in the morning and we have to get up and get ready. We pick up Adam and Reynard, making good time and arrive in Ingleton at quarter to nine. Bernies isn't open yet, so we kill time going for a short walk around the block. Finally it's open and we can order some food. With eyes larger than my belly, I order the big breakfast, led astray by Reynard. My illness of the day before starts reasserting itself after what looked like a reprieve. I only eat half of it. Mike and Christine are still waiting for their food long after everyone else has finished. It's not going to be an early start. Finally we park up in Kingsdale, change in the not quite subzero sunlight, and start to walk across the field. It starts to snow. After what seems an age (not to mention a lung burster of a climb up the hill for me), we reach the top. Reynard and Marc have gone ahead to rig, so we slither into the small hole in the ground. It's a hundred yards of groveling before we reach a place where we can stand up. I hate groveling at the best of times, so while I'm ill, it really doesn't endear itself to me. But now we can stand, even if we have to walk sideways. We zigzag our way down the watercourse until we reach the first pitch. Mike and Chris handle it well, following the previous days practice. Then it's on to the second pitch, with an awkward re-belay around a corner. Chris struggles with this due to the lack of a sling, but Mike appears to take it in his stride. Then it's onwards and downwards some more, with the passage getting smaller and lower till we end up crawling flat out for what seems an age. Memories of Poll-na-Duff spring to mind, but fortunately it ends soon enough. With a last tight squeeze around a corner, Marcs camera goes off in my face and we're outside. Snow is gently falling. I make a decision. I'm tired, ill, weak, and most importantly, don't want to crawl that far back again. So while the others bravely head back in, I strike off down the hill to have a potter around Yordas. As I walk in, I'm amazed at the size of it. The main chamber is vast. If someone had told me, I'd have packed my camera, tripod and flash. I'll have to go back for some pictures. Something to bear in mind for the future.

Report by Sam Harber

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Heron Pot – 1st February – cont… This was our second caving trip with RDCC following on from a December afternoon in P8 (Jackpot) where all the pitches were done on ladders. With the prospect of SRT being needed for Heron, we’d spent the previous day practicing on the outside wall of Pete’s house in a pleasant bracing wind. After an early start and faster than expected dash up the M6 we made our way to Bernie’s for the traditional fry up and lots of coffee. A leisurely breakfast followed, then more delays as we tried to get our borrowed kit on, adjusted and ready. A brief slog up the hill (a good chance to get warm in the slightly icy weather) led to the top entrance of Heron Pot into which the advanced party had already disappeared to get a head start on rigging the first pitch, a few minutes walk away. Pitch 1 was approached by an interesting ‘wedge and wriggle’ traverse protected by a rope (Bec had stopped at this point on a previous visit as it had been unprotected and moves over the pitch towards a ladder), then an abseil. The second pitch started shortly afterwards and was trickier, with a chance to practice passing a re-belay needing a pendulum to reach. Luckily we’d done just this in Bredbury the day before, so it wasn’t too much of a tangle! From the base of the second pitch a short walk led to a long section of crawling. This started off as hands and knees but then got lower and holding an inch or two of cold water. I briefly stopped having fun at this point and became very jealous of the shorter members of the party who didn’t have to resort to flat out crawling. Luckily it wasn’t long until I was cheered up again by the sight of the exit hole and a camera flash catching my facial expression. After a short wait on the hillside in light snow and a team photo, we realised we were only half way through the trip, so started the journey back into the cave. SRT inexperience resulted in a lot of flailing about from the novices in the party, especially at the re-belay, and there was some entertainment coming back over the traverse at the top of the first pitch - but eventually the top and the exit were gained. All in all, an excellent day out despite the weather.

Report by Mike Hough

Heron Pot – 1st February – cont… With relatively little water flowing down the pitches, the re-belay on the second hardly seemed necessary but having taken the trouble to find the bolt (hidden around the corner on the right), I decided to use it anyway, to give those less familiar with SRT a bit of practice. With all safely down the pitches we pressed on. What little water there was in the final crawl (only a couple of inches) and was icy cold, so it actually felt warmer, emerging onto the snow dusted fellside. After a quick team photo, the majority opted to return the way we had come (some of us had left our SRT kit at the bottom of the pitch and had no option).

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On the way back a few of us made the 3m climb into the Phreatic Inlet, to look at the formations in its aven, occupied by a solitary bat which we took care not to disturb. This area looks like it would provide a dry refuge to anyone caught out by a sudden rise in water level. By the time everyone was out of the cave, it was about 4pm so we abandoned plans to do Yordas as well and retired to the cafe. Perhaps we’ll have to put Yordas on the list for next year.

Report by Marc Stirrup

Giants Hole 21st February – KR, MW From 7 down to 2 on this trip, oh well! Meet Mick at 10.30 down at Peakshill Farm. The wind was blowing a bit (well a lot so it was a bit on the cold side), so we got ready in a flash and off we went. Not much water down in the entrance so that was good. On to Garlands Pot where Mick rigged for SRT and down we went, then dumped all the SRT gear (as we were going to do the round trip this time). Through the first squeeze and on to Crab walk sideways. I am sure it is getting longer (or am I getting older)? (More likely you’re getting older Kev! ED) Then the vice and in no time we had got to the Giants Windpipe, Mick in front with me right behind him, a bit of water so not too bad but was very cold. A short bit of hands and knees crawling and then we could stand up and so onto the traverse over Crab walk. We got to the wedged rock at the end of the traverse and started to free climb down to the stream then back up to garlands pot and thus, up and out.

Report by Kevin Rands

Dig update “Time on our hands” – 22nd February – JW, WN As Bill had been busy in New Zealand with a certain young lady, a gap of about two months had passed since we put some graft in! Anyway, after an early Saturday night we made a good start, being at the site for eleven-ish. Bill dug while I hauled and barrowed. He got down about three feet at the far side pulling out mainly rocks with some containing fossils. Everything was dry in the dig but there was a biting wind. Before digging at the bottom we 'gardened' some loose stuff at the top of the shakehole, which we thought may have been caused by the recent heavy falls of snow- especially up yon! So after a good five hour stint we returned to Jane’s, had brews then went for fish and chips in Settle. A fitting end to a productive day!!

Report by John Worden

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Flood Entrance Pot – 1st March 2009 – MJ, JW, MS Originally listed as a Flood / Bar exchange, the dwindling turnout meant it was going to be one or the other. (Maybe being listed for Feb 29th put people off?). We had an early start, being changed and off by 9:45am. On the walk up we took a detour to briefly check out the “Time on our hands dig”. Entering via Wades, John took the lead as he was keen to rig. Disappointingly the head of the first pitch didn’t appear to have widened with use! We proceeded at pace and quickly descended the first two pitches and we also rigged the 7m climb and the cascade pitch. At Pitch 3 I took over the rigging which took a bit longer due me being a bit rusty and also the absence of the second deviation – a handy flake opposite the water providing a suitable alternative. Once tied off at the head of SE Pot and everyone safely descended we headed off to the man chamber for a quick visit. We made good progress on the way out, meeting another group from Nottingham University CC at the head of pitch 3. The double rigged pitches did prove a little bit of a nuisance, especially the first pitch. We exited at 4:30pm, a 5½ hour trip. My thanks go to Marc and John for their company and a great day’s caving.

Report by Mark Johnson

Special report from Bill

17th Jan 2009 – Harwood Hole, NZ BN+ 2 Kiwis Gary & Mitch This is a large vertical shaft about 200m deep with 180m free abseil down to the bottom. There is a way out from the bottom via starlight cave. As some of you may know, I have returned to New Zealand for a short holiday and whilst here I arranged with a local caving buddy to do a couple of trips upon Tarkaka Hill, a large lump of limestone north west of Nelson in the south Island, NZ. After a leisurely start we drove up the long winding road onto Tarkaka Hill and the 15km road to the car park a short walk from Harwood. We were a team of three cavers and one spectator. We got changed and organized the gear, tossing up for who would carry the 200m rope along the gentle downward slope, 45 mins walk to the hole. At the top of the shaft, we stopped for a brief lunch (thank you Chrissy) and chatted to the few tourists enjoying the view. Gary rigged to the take-off edge using a short rope and then Mitch and I lowered the rope bags down to him. After a brief pause I clambered down to the rope at the pitch head, this is more a scramble than a pitch. Carefully abseiling down I reached the take of ledge where Gary was making ready for his departure. For those who have done the big pitch in the N.W. corner of Alum Pot this is a very similar experience, if you add another 100m or so to the bottom and expand the shaft somewhat. Gary disappeared into the abyss down about 70ft or so to the re-belay that takes out a nasty rub point.

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Having rigged this he descended into the semi daylight slowly becoming smaller and smaller. I followed him down. All the way down you can see the pile of rocks at the bottom, where you eventually make a hopefully controlled landing - the length of the abseil is not to be underestimated, arms get tired, the rope feeds all so freely through your rack and the bottom seems still a long way away. When I arrived at the bottom, Gary was busily taking off his harness and the other gear. He asked me if I had a plastic bag as he was “caught short”. I thought I probably had somewhere in my dry sac. In NZ caves you have to carry spare dry clothing in case of bad weather/getting stuck underground as a lot of the caves are very remote. I pulled out the first bag I came to but this was rejected - “too small” yelled Gary. I looked deeper and found a more suitable sized bag, which Gary took and shot off across the top of the scree into the shadows. While waiting I took the opportunity to snap off pictures, but even with a flashgun facing a clean wall, it was a large hole in which to take pictures. Lots of moisture hung in the air from the short rain shower. The picture taking had limited success. Some moments after disappearing Gary returned looking rather relieved. Mitch had a small problem up at the re-belay but eventually joined us cursing his descender. The way on is down a large loose rock pile, taking a lot of care not to cause an avalanche. At the bottom to one side is a memorial to Peter Lambert, the leader of a group who was killed by falling rocks whilst being winched out. (The original explorers had to be winched in and out before advent of SRT). Continuing down are a series of rimstone pools (like gigantic gour pools) some being several feet deep, some dry and others containing water. The way on is a series of abseils down the left hand-side of the pools. After landing at the bottom a careful circuit around a pool leads to a very impressive waterfall. Apparently no one has ever scaled the waterfall – big potential for new passage (I’ll be back!). The main way on is downstream traversing deep pools. The passage we were following twisted and turned with various pools to be negotiated (if we had wet suits the pools could have been swam rather than traversing round). We came to a calcite constriction, which can become impassable in wet weather meaning a return to the shaft and a long climb out. Passing through this and continuing through the cave we entered Starlight cave, the lower entrance to the system. Traversing more pools we came to Starlight passage so named because of the crystal encrusted roof. This short passage ends in a climb down to a pretty chamber with a (yes, you guessed it) another pool, which has to be crossed to get out passing beneath loads of fossilised stalactites. Outside the sun wasn’t out but it was still quite warm. Starlight cave entrance emerges onto a loose boulder slope across which we picked a precarious route, zigzagging steeply up to the top. A short walk and we were finally back at the top of the shaft. To retrieve the 200 meter rope I had to re-descend in the waning light. Climbing back out whilst de-rigging gave an opportunity to

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appreciate the size of the water formed shaft 60meters across and 200meters deep. It was starting to go dark as we walked off. Mitch persuaded a young chap who had come to admire the void to carry a bag for us back to the car park. After loading up and sharing a beer we headed back to Mitch’s place. My thanks go to Gary and Mitch and also Canterbury Caving Club Christchurch NZ for loan of the rope.

Report by Bill Nix

OTHER INFO

Ireland 2009 September 2009 will see us heading off to the Emerald Isle to Doolin in County Clare. Previous expeditions have been very successful and enjoyed by all. We will be staying at the self-catering Rainbow Hostel, an ideal base for a long weekend of caving as well as great walking and local tourist attractions. There are three pubs in Doolin and plenty of opportunity to enjoy live, Irish folk music. Local caves include the Coolagh River Cave system, Doolin River cave, Poll na Gollum, Poll Elva, Poll-na-Gceim, Cullan 1-5, Faunarooska, St Catherines 1 to name but a few. We hope to do 3 caving trips of a moderate standard (details in the County Clare guide books) The costs of the expedition are:

- Accommodation: en-suite bunk rooms £35-45 for 4 nights - Transport approx. £95 (based on 3-4 people sharing a car) - Fuel, insurance and breakdown cover costs to be arranged with car

driver If you haven’t been, you really don’t want to miss out. If you’ve been before you know how good it is – so get yourself signed up. Deposits of £95 for ferry booking required by May 31st – contact Bill on 07768270765 or 01782 720 968

Otter Hole and Long Kin West Long Kin West has been moved to 2nd August from the 6th September to make way for Otter Hole. Once again, weather permitting, Otter will be offered to those who have not done it before on a first come first served basis. In addition to the 2nd August, Long Kin West meet there will probably be another meet (maybe even on the 6th September for those that cant make the August date and those who aren't doing Otter Hole. Long Kin West is a very deep shaft with a long climb out. If you decide to do it, please come on some trips before hand to ensure, your fluency in SRT techniques.

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Vercors Summer 2010 It has been far too long since our last visit to the plateau du Vercors in the French pre-Alps. So finally here it is, the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular region, with it’s amazing caves, canyons and waterfalls. The proposal is go for a 9 days (2 weekends + 1 week including a days traveling either side) in August 2010. We will return to Les Myrtilles campsite on the outskirts of La Chapelle en Vercors http://www.camping-myrtilles.com with great facilities and friendly staff. More details including dates and costs to followEif you’re interested please contact me at [email protected] or call on 01772 798889.

AND FINALLY Here are a few up and coming dates: March 29th – Link Pot (Ease Gill) April 10th – Meeting April 12th – Stream Passage Pot April 26th – Dican Pot May 8th - Meeting May 10th – Marble Steps Pot May 31st – Lancaster Hole

Cave safe and hope to see you out soon, Mark.

Page 14: R.D.C.C. EWSLETTER · Getting together at the club meetings is important to keep the club working effectively and is an opportunity to plan ahead and make arrangements for club meets

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