Cavers: Tim, Sooty, Paul, Tony, George and Duane

A nice early start saw us in Inglesport and Tim had an interesting chat about Hale sleeping arrangements with Paul. George gave away Tim’s new toy to Tony thus ruining Sooty’s potential gag.

After a good breakfast we set off for the cave only to find half way the Tony had forgot half his kit so we return to Inglesport and some more Tony credit card bashing activity.

At the layby we argued over ropes and Tim won thus too much rope was taken.

A stroll soon saw us at the cave and Tony led expertly rigging as he went.

Duane love the rifty bits and we rapidly descended the cave and (on Tim’s instructions) took off SRT gear after the last pitch.

After the entrance pitches Tim was delighted to encounter a flowstone feature, which forced the troops to lie face down in the freezing water.  Tim squealed like a baby pig as his

knackers caught the full brunt of the North Yorkshire January freeze.  Tony did his crab impression even though he was in a wet suit and everyone else just loved it!!!!

Some nice caving saw us at the sump only to discover the bypass needed SRT gear to access – damn!

Never mind we had some of Kathy’s ace butties and exited to shouts from Tony at George, George going on strike at the bottom of  the final exit pitch,  and Tim swearing at the stubborn tackle sack.

Upon exiting the cave our rubber gloves stuck to the metal exit ladder due to the extreme cold.

Walking down the hill froze ropes to PVC oversuits etc.

Last down the hill were Tim and Paul who were greeted on the lane by Sooty and his hot Thai soup – lovely!

Off to the Marton Arms in the snow for a nice pint.

Back home for 10-30pm!!!

Tim