Vince, Nick, Brockers, Jake, and Jon
Got to HR before the team arrived to clear some vegetation (mostly brambles) and prepare the ground for the continuing extension of the spoil heap wall – somewhere for the inevitable supply of rocks to be utilized.
When the team arrived, Jake and Jon made a ‘beeline’ towards Can of Worms, Nick and Brockers provided the main support clearing away the spoil to the entrance. I started at the bottom of the entrance until a suitable quantity of filled bags had amassed then went up to the surface to haul them out and empty the bags, any rocks were added to the previously prepared area.
Just before Nick went underground, I mentioned that he might take a look at the perched rocks above the ‘slump’ along the ledge. There has been a lot of rain this week so for the sake of ‘safety’ they needed checking. On reflection, that was like ‘a red rag to a bull’ with the predictable result – the rocks were removed and immediately followed by more slumping! This resulted in a lot more work for me and also kept Nick occupied. An interesting consequence of this action was a small ‘viewing’ chamber containing some decent stalactite formations was revealed. This has yet to be fully investigated as it was decided that it might be better to let things settle down a bit and let gravity to its work.
Meanwhile in CoW, things were also progressing, and later reports were encouraging, the small ‘arch’ revealed last weekend continues and is showing some positive signs. It has now been opened up considerably and at the end of the session a lot of rocks were removed, digging is now much easier. As ever, time passes quickly and reluctantly digging came to an end, the last few filled bags and rocks were cleared from the cave and deposited on to the spoil heap. Today’s total: about 100 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus many rocks added to the wall extension!
A very satisfactory session rounded off with a visit to our favourite hostelry – The Hunters’ Lodge Inn.