Aggy – Saturday 5th February 2005

 

 

Present: Sooty, Gary, Tim, George, Lee, Tony and Sarah.

 

A family trip down South by Mrs Brennan-Hallam (with the small child) saw a window of opportunity for the much talked about South Wales trip.  A half baked plan was hastily put together which was only saved by Gary Jones.

 

Mr and Mrs Sooty, Lee (I’ve got a wheelie bin and I’m not afraid to use it) Perry, Tony and Sarah all arrived at Tim’s house and had to fend for themselves whilst Tim was called out to rescue the keys from the boot of the father-in-law’s car.

 

However normal service was resumed and a pleasant curry was enjoyed by all (together with an amusing cosmetic surgery programme on Sky!).

 

A 5am start soon saw us in Hale to pick up George and deposit the Pictish van (which was half buried in George’s bushes by Sooty’s parking).  We beeped at Roy Keane’s house as we set off on our latest adventure.

 

Gary’s instructions were first class and by 9-30am we were at Whitewalls and by 10am ready to go.  At 10-30 Gary was ready!

 

The misty view was enjoyed by all and we laughed at the entrance as it looked like a safe.  Gary briefed us on the bats (ie. No Ozzy impressions)  and the cave in general. Gary went at break neck speed but Lee was taking in the underground

Back

scenery.  Tony somehow managed to keep out of all the water, including the low flat out crawl and traversing over an ankle deep puddle.  

Whilst taking some photos in Turkey Streamway Gary warned us all about a knee deep hole in the floor which we all proceeded to fall into including Gary and disaster of disasters Tony got his leg wet!

Lee enjoyed the rope climbs (unlike Tim and George!).  Three hours of top quality caving saw us at the start of the outer circle.  George and Tim took a time out (soon to be joined by Sooty and later by Tony and Lee). We thought cave rescue may be required but ¾ hour later Gary re-appeared after “enjoying” Coal Cellar passage.  The return journey saw a few interesting detours but we did manage to avoid the rope climbs!!!!

 

On the return journey the first boulder choke was safely negotiated by all, except George who decided

that the normal route was far too easy and was going to exit the boulder choke through an impossibly tight squeeze. After about ten minutes of frantic wriggling accompanied by jeers of encouragement from the rest of the group he did indeed manage to accomplish this wondrous feat.

 

8 hours after leaving daylight it was regained (well it would have been if it hadn’t have gone dark!).  Sarah seemed happy enough after sit all that time in the car!

 

On changing out of our gear much merriment was had at Lee’s unusual jewellery! But it was soon time to find the B&B (it only took 5 attempts up the same stretch of road!) and a great meal/beer in the Bridge Inn.  

 

Needless to say everyone slept like babies that night and were ready for a hearty