Swildons down to Sump 1

Date:

05 June 2010

Party:

Big Dave, Lionel, Ali, Sarah, Dan Margot & Rupert

Photos:

In Brief:

The trip to Swildon’s Hole took place just after a trip to a caving shop, and some of the brand new kit was put to immediate use. The author at least felt like a million dollars in the cleanest suit in the world and snazzy neoprene socks. Ali, who had been into the cave the day before, had warned us things had changed near the entrance in recent times, and those with previous experience in this void confirmed that. Besides that, the cave was dryer than normal.

We made our way through the Jacob’s ladder and on, fairly soon reaching 20 ft drop. It was quickly rigged, but not so quickly Sarah and Dave had no time for some unexpected interaction. After the drop the proximity of the double pots was announced by a splash and roaring laughter. Inquiry revealed that Dan's grip had slipped, and he had received a proper Swildon’s baptism, to great amusement of his mother.

Continued:

Scurrying on we came to sump 1, which killed the so far apparent determination of the group. To go through, or not to go through? Richard was our first man, and he lay down in the water, and decided against it. Lionel was still dry and wanted to keep it that way. Dave might not even fit through. I thought that may mean the end of our exploration, but I had evidently not reckoned with Ali. He did not hesitate, grabbed the rope, and vanished. And I'm not a fan of having other people have all the fun without me, so I took a deep breath and followed. A good baptism for the suit, and for myself, as I had so far been a sump virgin. Ali decided we could make it to sump 2, and on return reconvene with the rest even before they’d reach 20 ft drop. That turned out to be a tad optimistic, and we met the rest of the party at the wire ladder.  Richard and Sarah were up already; Richard was manning the safety rope. Dan was next, and showed us how youthful enthusiasm can get in the way of a calm and tidy ascent. Dave next showed a proper dislike of ladders does not necessarily hinder, after which I fortunately illustrated boots with hooks for the laces do not have to be a problem either.

Once up I found Dave catching his breath. Rupert was right behind me and with the three of us we went on. Rupert managed to extend the trip a bit by being convinced we needed to take the high road somewhere where there was no high road, something that did not please Dave who was tired, but the delay was modest, and not much later we came out again, into the nice weather. We could hear the pub beckoning us from the cave entrance…

.Write up by  Margot

Added 24-06-10