dighalloween

Report by Jake

“Nick & Jake digging in Can of Worms, on the southernmost side. A total of 40 bags were filled, hauled out to the surface, and emptied.”

and from Nick

“… arrived at the farm to find no other participants. Undeterred the two chipped away the hard dry side of the Can of Worms removing a total of 40 quality regulation weight bags between them. Oil is required for the surface pulley or perhaps a new pulley for the next session and a slight narrower small but heavy pickaxe would be useful.”

Vince, Nick, Jake, and Tav

An earlier start for me at Can of Worms with drill/plugs and feathers to deal with the boulder loosened and pushed to one side last weekend. Spent an hour or so reducing the rock to more manageable pieces and was just ready to pack kit away as Nick arrived. The pile of rocks was removed (plus the rocks left underground last weekend).

A small team assembled again this week so, as we were already there, continued to dig in CoW. I worked away on the southern side while Nick concentrated his effort to the northern side. With two of us filling bags the support team, Tav and Jake, were kept busy. The task not improved as the pulley on the haul out to the surface was not performing as required, more of a ‘friction’ device!

Todays final count was 80 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus about 0ne dozen skip loads of rock added to the wall building pile. A good productive session.

Refreshments at the Hunters’ as usual.

Vince, Brockers, and Jake

A small team assembled today, and because of that Can of Worms was the chosen digging venue.

Underground,a brief discussion on digging strategy before Jake and Brockers got to work on the southernmost side at the current end of Can of Worms. My job was to haul away the spoil and carry the bags along the ledge to the skip (a skip replacement was required). When about 30 bags had been piled up with Brockers help these were moved up to the surface where they were emptied. The forecast was for rain later in the morning, so we wanted to get most of the surface work done before it got wet. The bags were dry enough to be repackaged and returned underground. Then back underground to clear the next lot. A brief interlude followed as Brockers wrestled with a large boulder. When the boulder finally came free some evasive action was required before it was moved to a position where it could be reduced in size (on another day!). The loose sediment was bagged up and the cave was cleared of spoil. A total of 48 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus quite a lot of rocks were still in a pile on the ledge to be removed when a bigger team becomes available. As we left the cave, there were some spots of rain.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ and looking out through the window it was now raining heavily!

Vince, Nick, Brockers, Jake, and Tav

The team assembled and all underground, digging today in the NE extent, in the AUD area. It was my turn to dig supported by Nick (who also was digging as there is plenty of space!), Jake was top of the slope hauling up the bags. Brockers and Tav were filling a few bags in Can of Worms (10no.).

I hadn’t been digging very long when a small hole was punctured through the thin calcite layer than formed the roof of the current dig. The ‘hole’ was expanded to allow my head to poke through and see whereabouts we were in AUD and then, satisfied with where we were the hole was made large enough to pass through into the passage beyond. The team all came forward to have a look, Jake and Brockers went to look at the rift at the far extent of An Unexpected Development. This part of the cave is seldomly visited.

Digging then continued, initially clearing the debris from the access route. Then worked around a large ‘stal’ boss and lowering the floor by digging the accumulation of ‘trampled’ sediment thereby creating more space to work in. It appears there are several phases of ‘open and closed’ passages separated by calcite flowstone (false floors) and sediment infill, these processes occurring over an unknown time span. Meanwhile, Nick was paying particular attention to a ‘lower’ false floor (?) and had pried loose some fragments calcite layering. Although the last bag of spoil had been filled, we could not leave the ‘wobbly’ rock so combined our efforts to remove it. It was past midday and time to clear spoil from the cave to the surface. Today, 64 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied, plus a few rocks, and another ‘hole in the floor’ or roof depending which side you are on!

To the Hunters’ for some refreshments!

Vince, Tav, Jon, Jake, and Brockers

Spent a peaceful time at the cave packing bags while waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.

Underground in the AUD area, Tav digging, I was clearing away the filled bags to Jon who hauled them up the slope and carried them across the chamber to the ‘hump.’ Brockers and Jake were digging in CoW where, rumour has it, that the “Leaning Tower” has bee toppled! (TBC)

At AUD, progress through the morning was steady rather than rapid due to a couple of large ‘stal’ bosses impeding digging until Tav dug around them. As usual digging ceased about midday and the cave was cleared of spoil. Not sure how many bags were filled, hauled, and emptied but it must have been around 60 or 70, a few rocks were added to the extension wall too.

A warm morning on the surface and a thirst was quenched at the Hunters’

Vince, Jake, Jon, Nick, Tav

Arrived at the farm early enough but ended up chatting to the farmer for quite a while. Eventually I got changed and set off across the fields as Jake rode his motorcycle into the yard. At the cave started to pack the dry bags ready for refilling later.

Underground at the NE extent in the area adjacent to AUD Jake was digging aided by Tav, I was hauling the filled bags up the slope and carried bags across the chamber and over the hump when Jon departed to find some water to lubricate the skip run. Jon got waylaid by Nick, who was digging in Can of Worms. Nick had filled about 20 bags before joining the spoil removal effort. As midday approached Nick and Jon tarted to get the filled bags to the surface. Digging ceased around midday and the last few bags from the dig were moved along the passage and up to the surface. Today’s total = 83 bags filled, hauled, and emptied. It was a rock-free day!

At the NE extent dig the dig appears to be closing down a bit and veering to the north side towards the ‘known’ passage in AUD. On the south side, a large ‘stal’ boss bars progress and the roof is lower. There were some mutterings about digging a more open route through into AUD but, personally, I think that is not necessary and would lead to the damage of the more delicate formations present. Better to keep on the current trajectory and see what develops.

Anyway, it was time for the Hunters’ and refreshments.

Vince, Tav, Jake, Nick, Brockers

Arrived at cave and while waiting for the others to turn up added a few rocks to the spoil heap extension wall and packed the bags into bundles, mostly in ‘tens.’ Slipped underground with the packs of bags and had a peek at last session’s progress in CoW, it wasn’t long before I heard the others approaching. It was Nick ‘hell bent’ on getting to the NE extent, AUD area to get digging underway. I followed with some more packs of bags before turning around to join the end of the line as Brockers was close on my heels. He cleared the bags as Nick filled them, Jake hauled them up the slope, Tav moved the spoil across the chamber to the ‘hump’ and I dragged them over. When about 20 bags had piled up, they were shifted along to the entrance, me and Tav then pulled the spoil out to the surface. Back for more.

This time about 30 bags to clear out. I stayed on the surface to start emptying, quickly joined by Tav, and then the next backlog of bags arrived. Today’s total = 76 bags filled, hauled, and emptied and it was now time for the Hunters’ and some refreshments!

Report by Tav

“Tav, Nick, Brockers, Jake

A smaller team today so in keeping with recent tradition the Can of Worms was selected. Tav and Nick digging, Brockers and Jake clearing away. The cross rift chamber at the end of Can of Worms is now quite large. Digging took place at both the west and east sides of the chamber.

Today’s tally, 71 bags plus 2 rocks.”

With Brockers, Jake, Nick, and Tav

Arrived earlier with the intention of getting some photos of the interesting stalagmites uncovered during digging activities in Can of Worms. Of special interest is a teetering, fractured, but still standing, stalagmite, the ‘Leaning Tower.’

Just about done when I could hear packs of bags being dropped down the entrance and soon after I was joined by Brockers. Jake passed by on his way to dig in the AUD area followed by Tav and Nick. I stayed in CoW to clear up the mess I had created on Wednesday (and this morning) with Brockers helping to drag the spoil back to the ledge. Loose rock and lumps of degraded calcite ‘floor’ and 10no. bags were filled and hauled to the bottom of the entrance. Then we moved back towards AUD area to clear the pile of bags accumulated there. With Nicks help these were moved to the entrance, and while Nick went back for more, the spoil at the entrance was hauled out to the surface (Brockers above ground, I loaded the bucket). Then back for the next lot. When these had been hauled out, I joined Brockers on the surface. Rocks were added to the wall extension and began to empty bags. More bags were hauled out too.

At the end of play, a total of 85 bags had been filled hauled, and emptied with about 5no. skip loads of rock added to the wall including last weeks ‘forgotten’ stone!

As ever, refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’

Solo

Spent a very pleasant couple of hours or so in HR. Carried out a survey from ToT down to the current dig beyond in the AUD area, including the alcove where the faunal remains are located. Added a bit more detail here. When that was done continued with excavation briefly and recovered a few more specimens/fragments. Collected the canine tooth already exposed too.

On the way out of the cave stopped at CoW to retrieve one of the long bars there that might be required in AUD area on the coming weekend. While I was there couldn’t resist the temptation to have a poke at some things! Loosened and removed some more lumps of the degraded calcite flowstone floor and prodded here and there trying to get a better idea of what might be going where (if anywhere!). Of note are some large [broken] stalagmites that have been exposed during digging activities and sediment removal, these need photographing, perhaps on Saturday morning. It was time to leave before I made any more mess!

Vince, Jake, Tav, Nick, Jon

Arrived ahead at the farm before the allotted time and went into the shed to sort out some ‘good’ bags for use in LoH&G (Wookey Hole). Then a leisurely change, it was warm already. Minimalist approach to undergarment, shorts and T-shirt, same as WH attire, cotton overalls and other sundry items were stuffed into a bag to be put on at the cave entrance. Walked across the very parched looking fields, into the woods, to the cave entrance where I started to pack bags ready for refilling later. When I heard voices approaching, I donned my overalls and got prepared to go digging.

At AUD/BTOT area, and before digging commenced, quickly talked through faunal remains excavation with the team. That done, I got on with filling some bags. Jake cleared the filled bags away and loaded them into the skip to be hauled up the slope by Tav. The application of water to the slope made the skip easier to pull up. Nick was moving the spoil across the chamber while Jon was filling bags in CoW (Nick also added a few ‘guilty’ bags from CoW). When finished in CoW Jon joined the support team. When a suitable quantity of bags had accrued, they were moved through the cave to the bottom of the entrance. I think there might have been some reluctance to spend too much time above ground as it was getting rather warm, and the flies were biting!

At the dig (AUD area), the small space revealed last weekend was just that – a small space. A decorated space in a cross-rift that almost immediately closed down in all directions. The dig continues straight ahead where a large ‘roof’ flake was partially exposed that will require removal, but that will be a job for next week.

Meanwhile, Jon had arrived on the surface to haul spoil out, the temperature risen to about 30^oC and it was airless in the wood, the flow of bags was relentless. A total of 83 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied. There was a token rock but that had been left behind somewhere in the cave.

Refreshments at the Hunters’ were very welcome today!

Vince, Jon, Jake, Tav, and Nick

A damp morning but, thankfully, the bags remained mostly dry. Packed bags ready for refilling while waiting for the others to arrive.

All assembled headed underground, Jon leading the way to the AUD area where digging would take place today. Before digging got underway a brief discussion with Jon and Jake showing where the maxilla had been recovered and where the other remains are exposed. Jon got on with filling bags, I was clearing away, Jake hauling the bags up the slope, and Tav moved the spoil across the chamber to the ‘hump.’ Surprisingly, Nick was not active in Can of Worms due to an over-indulgence on the previous evening, instead he was the other side of the ‘hump’ hauling the bags over. When a suitable pile had amassed, the spoil was moved along through the cave to eventually arrive on the surface but were not emptied there. This process repeated as and when necessary.  

At the dig, some subtle changes seemed to be occurring; a corner appearing on the eastern side, a line of stal ‘stumps’ on the floor, a slight rise in the floor level, and a rise in the roof with some thin calcite layers. Then at the very end of the session as we had just finished tidying up, a prod of the sediment at ‘roof’ level revealed some open space above. It looked tantalising but time for digging was done for today and we left to help clear the cave. It will still be there for the next session, and it was good to end the morning with a positive note.

Total for today = 75 bags filled, hauled, and emptied; one token rock was added to the spoil heap wall.

Back to the Hunters’ Lodge Inn for refreshments this weekend.

Solo

After fiddling about with a few rocks and stone on the western spoil heap extension wall thought I had better get myself underground and get on with the main objective for the session.

Quickly along to the AUD/BTOT area to continue with the excavation of faunal remains. Once settled, began to carefully excavate around some visible bone fragments. Cave excavation of bones, whether human or faunal, can be frustrating at times due to the variation of preservation. As the morning progressed more fragments were recovered, mostly small <2cm². However, a nicely preserved partial maxilla, brown bear, with canine tooth embedded was recovered.

There were other faunal remains being uncovered too. I’ll need to adjust the excavation strategy in light of the changing circumstances. That will be another day as I had other things to do this afternoon so packed kit away and exited the cave.

Vince, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Mike

An early start (underground before 09:00) to carry out some “rock-bothering” before the rest of the team arrive. Before starting on the boulders in Can of Worms continued on to AUD area to install a M6-size eyebolt above the location of the faunal remains (STN.1) so enabling a plumb-line to be used when measuring depths of layers, also might double up as a useful place to hang a lantern to improve illumination of excavation. Back to CoW, I was still reducing the boulders there when the team arrived. The boulders were being rather stubborn and not breaking easily apart, a mixture of calcite and conglomerate. Eventually though the ‘battle’ was won.

Nick headed off for AUD area to get on with digging closely followed by Jake, Jon, and Mike to retrieve the filled bags left there on Wednesday, and there were rocks to move (CoW). When I had completed my early task, packed away kit, and joined the spoil removal team. When about 30 filled bags had been stashed at the bottom of the entrance plus a pile of rocks, Jake went up to the surface to start hauling out, I was at the entrance loading the bucket. Just as we were about finished voices were heard, the next lot was on its way. Midday, Nick had ceased digging activity and it was time to clear the spoil from the cave. I went to the surface to help with spoil redistribution, rocks were added to the western extension wall, and the filled bags were emptied in the space created. Some bags were easier to empty than others; the last of the plastic bags (c.20no.) had been underground for a long time covering the area of faunal remains, it had been decided to get rid of them and bags could not possible be removed from the cave in an empty state! On the surface, the plastic bags had to be cut open to remove the contents – at least they can never be filled again!

It was warm, and there were biting flies requiring liberal application of repellent, nobody could really be bothered to count the bags, and we arrived at an agreed figure of about 80 bags and a dozen skip loads of rocks.

Due to the ‘Pilton Pop thingy’ our preferred hostelry was closed for the weekend there being no other suitable venue, we enjoyed our refreshments (brought our own) at the cave entrance.

Solo

Spent the morning at home pottering around getting a few things together ready for a ‘Bear hunt’. At the farm dithered a bit with ‘this and that’, chatted with the farmer, and so was a little later underground than anticipated, no matter!

Today’s objective (beyond Trick or Treat/AUD area) was to have a closer look at where we were with things and give the surface area where the faunal remains have been recovered a good clean with the trowel, preparing the ground for excavation now it’s dried out. During the cleaning process more faunal remains were recovered (including partial podials and phalanx, Ursus arctos). A couple of specimens were encased in calcite and required some gentle persuasion with small hammer and chisel to recover them.

The faunal remains were bagged and tagged, photographs were taken, and notes were made. The specimens were removed for cleaning, drying, ready to be identified and catalogued. Several bags (9 in total) were filled with sediment in about 3 hours – time passed so quickly.

Vince, Roz and Sara

Just for a change, a tourist trip into Hallowe’en Rift. Route from entrance via Merlin’s, Tuck Shop, An Emotional Journey to An Unexpected Development involves quite a lot of crawling. Dragged along a ladder and rope to descend the rift in AUD with Sara (Roz stayed at the top) followed by a tour of the rest of AUD then along towards Trick or Treat via the T-Junction (not going down Toil and Trouble) to the current dig in AUD area and location of faunal remains. Then back through to the Soft South therefore avoiding more crawling! A brief stop at Can of Worms to look at rocks that require size reduction and the results of Saturday’s ‘bulge’ removal which is impressive – it is now a spacious access to the ‘cross-rift’ and easier to load the skip at the current dig-face. Then a return to the surface, round trip completed, and a fine little trip it is too! Very enjoyable.

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Nick

As seems to be usual I arrived at the cave with time to spare so occupied myself fettling walls and packing bags until the team assembled. Jon has returned from injury although the story we had fabricated was more imaginative, Nick was [almost] recovered from a long bike ride, Lôn Las Cymru (NCN 8 mostly) completed this week.

A brief discussion regarding venue and strategy and we settled on Can of Worms with the task of removing the bulge of rock/calcite obstructing access to the cross-rift, this would be attacked from both sides. Jake from the ‘dig’ side with Nick on the approach side after retrieving some hefty bars from AUD area. Jon and me, were on spoil removal. It was pleasantly cool underground while on the surface it was very warm and humid.

The spoil was moved out to the surface, rock added to the western extension wall, and bags emptied in the space created. At the end of the session, 44 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus an unspecified quantity of rock hauled and placed on the wall. And the skip can now be loaded direct at the dig-face in CoW. There is one large boulder that requires some further attention to reduce its size to more manageable pieces.

Refreshment was very welcome at the Hunters’ it had been warm work today!

Vince, Brockers, Jake, Nick, and Tav

A mindful gathering to celebrate Global Wellness Day!

An early start for me to replace a couple of skips (thanks to John Cooper and Wessex for supply of drums) before returning to surface, where I was joined by Brockers, we packed bags until the team arrived.

A slight change of order for whatever reason resulted in me digging. My choice of venue was the AUD area. Had a quick look and poke through the ‘hole in the floor’ Jake also had a look but that was abandoned in favour of digging over the top of the ‘false floor.’ As I filled bags, Jake cleared them away, Brockers and Tav moved the spoil along towards the cave entrance while Nick filled a few bags from Can of Worms, before joining the clearance effort. And so, the morning progressed.

At midday digging ceased and all attended to clearing the cave of spoil. About 70 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus a few token stones.

Refreshments at the Hunters’

Vince, Jake, Nick, and Tav

Another earlier arrival at the cave packing bags until the rest of the team turned up. When all were assembled the small team deployed to Can of Worms where Nick was upfront digging. While Jake cleared away the filled bags I went on to AUD to retrieve the strips of polyurethane (industrial door flaps) to be reused on the skip run at CoW. Tav remained on the surface.

On my return to CoW the strips were quickly put in place and then the task of clearing the accumulation of spoil could start in earnest. The strips proved to be a big improvement when hauling along the passage. The first batch of bags cleared out to the surface and while they were being emptied by Tav, Jake and I went back for the next lot. And so, the morning progressed – 100 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus about a skip load of stones. Thankfully the heavy showers and thunderstorms forecast held off although Tav reported some lighter showers had passed over.

Later, while sat in the comfort of the Hunters’ enjoying our refreshments, the sky opened, torrential rain! We had timed our activities to perfection.

Vince, Jake, Nick, and Tav

An earlier start for me as I wanted to continue preparing the ground ready for extending the spoil heap wall on the western side. That done got on with packing bags just as the others arrived.

A smaller team assembled today so the digger, Tav, chose to excavate in Can of Worms. While Tav started to fill some bags the rest of us went to AUD area to clear the pile of rocks from there. The rocks (and the first batch of bags from CoW) were hauled out to the surface. On surface duties today after digging last weekend, I added the rocks to the wall extension and started to empty some bags, then the next batch of bags was ready to be hauled out, and so it continues for the morning. It was very warm and humid but, thankfully there were no annoying flies (although I had sprayed myself with some insect repellent!)

Today’s total = 85 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus 10 full skip loads of rock hauled out and added to the wall. It was time to secure the cave, down to the farm and change, then up to the Hunters’ for the usual refreshments. An excellent mornings activity!

Solo

What better place could I be on a rainy day forecast than underground in HR carrying out some “rock-bothering”. Spent a couple of hours or so reducing the collection of conglomerate boulders put to one side on Saturday into more manageable pieces ideal material for wall-building. The rocks broken up, kit packed away, the debris was moved along to the bottom of the slope awaiting removal on the weekend. Raining when I arrived at the surface.

Vince, Tav, Nick, Jake, Brockers

Got up to the cave early with a variety of tools to clear the ground of brambles and other vegetation so another section of spoil heap wall can be added. When that was completed started to pack bags ready for refilling later.

The rest of the team arrived, bags were packed, all underground. I headed off to the dig in the AUD area followed by Tav. Jake, Brockers, and Nick filled a few bags (10no.) in Can of Worms before starting to clear the accumulated filled bags and rocks.

I continued digging through the ‘hole in the floor’, while Tav filled a few bags from the area above the ‘false’ floor and created a bit more space. I managed to expose some more substantial boulders and moved them to a place where they could be dealt with at a later date (I’ll break them up midweek). Once the boulders were out of the way the sandy matrix could be loosened and bagged. Towards the end of digging some lumps of calcite (floor) were removed making the end a bit roomier. Cleared up the loose and that was the digging done for today, time to get the cave cleared!

About 60 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied with 10 skip loads of rock used to start the next section of spoil heap wall. Cave secured, it was time to get changed and up to the Hunters’ for some refreshments.

Solo

Spent a pleasant couple of hours or so “rock-bothering” in the AUD area. Moved the resulting pile of debris along to the skip ready for removal at a later date.

While I was underground and had some time took a closer look in Can of Worms. The current dig is in a circa north/northwest to south/southeast aligned cross-rift, there are potential ’leads’ in several directions. At present most of the effort has been on the northernmost side back towards an area where other digs have trended; to the southern side it is equally viable but there is a rather large lump of conglomerate to be dealt with; and straight ahead, southwest, there is a possibility but a reduction in floor level would be required. Generally, the area could do with a good tidy up to fully determine options.

Vince, Jake, Jon, Brockers, Nick, and Tav

An earlier start for me to carry out some ‘rock-bothering’ in the AUD area where there are a couple of large conglomerate boulder requiring some reduction in size to be more manageable. Underground by 09:00 with drill and plugs/feathers packed. The rocks were dealt with producing quite a pile of material suitable for wall building and had just finished moving the debris along to the skip when Jake appeared, then Jon too. Jon positioned at the top of the slope hauled up the rocks, Jake was digging filling bags, and these were moved up too. And so, we progressed with no sign of anyone else.

Nick, Brockers and Tav were back in Can of Worms where Nick filled about 40 bags. They then came along towards Trick or Treat/AUD area to clear the considerable accumulation of spoil there.

Below the ‘hole in the floor’ the potential ‘lead’ to the east appears to have ‘pinched-out’ so the effort turned back to the northeast. Removal of fine-grained sediment revealed a couple more large conglomerate boulders, and these were moved to one-side to be dealt with at a later date. There was plenty more space now to continue digging.

All too soon the time for digging was over for today and the move to clear the remaining spoil from the cave took priority. About 90 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus about a dozen skip loads of rock were added to the west extension wall. An excellent session.

Hunters’ Lodge Inn for refreshments! 

Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Tav

Underground, Brockers digging in An Unexpected Development area (Jake had given up his turn in favour of Brockers this week), Jake cleared away filled bags and rocks, I was hauling the spoil up the slope and passing it on to Jon, who took it across the chamber in Trick or Treat area to the ‘hump.’ Meanwhile, Tav was busy filling bags (30 in total) in Can of Worms assisted by Nick, who was clearing and moving spoil wherever he was needed. As usual, the supporting team changed positions regularly to keep spoil moving through the cave. Eventually, the spoil arrived at the surface.

In AUD area some discussion regarding digging options took place. There are some large boulders appearing below the ‘hole in the floor’ and these need to be exposed before they can be dealt with (drill/plugs & feathers). Towards the end of the session a ‘floor’ seems to be revealing itself!

At midday digging ceased, the remaining spoil was cleared from the cave to the surface. Today’s total = 80 bags filled, hauled, and emptied plus 8 skip loads of rock were added to the spoil heap wall.

To the Hunters’ Lodge Inn for refreshments as usual.

With Jake, Brockers, Jon, Nick, Mike, and Luke (Nick’s nephew)

Got to the farm early to deposit the tools recovered from Wookey Hole on Thursday evening in the shed for use whenever required. The ‘mini-sledge’ and pack of empty bags were taken up to the cave. There seems to be some renewed vigour in the team today as everyone arrived earlier than usual.

While the others packed bags, I headed underground to An Unexpected Development area with Luke to take some photos before it gets too ‘steamy’. We were soon joined by Nick. Photos were soon done and I retreated to my rightful position in a supporting role leaving Luke as guest to dig aided by Nick as mentor.

Some tiny fragments of bone found by Nick last weekend were bagged and removed from the cave to later be added to the HR faunal assemblage.

On my way from the dig, I passed Mike who was hauling spoil up the slope, Jake was in the chamber (Trick or Treat area) and crossed over the ‘hump’ where I stopped to pull through the filled bags and rocks. Then with Jake these were moved to the bottom of the pot. Meanwhile, Jon and Brockers were busy filling about 20 bags in Can of Worms.

Eventually, we all came together, and the filled bags and rocks were moved through the cave and out to the surface. Most of the ‘rocks’ consisted of large lumps of fractured remains of ‘false’ floor, all edges of the calcite were sediment-covered indicating fragmentation occurred in the distant past. In total 84 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied. Some of the bags were very reluctant to release their contents. In addition, about half-dozen skip loads of ‘rock’ were added to the spoil heap extension wall.

As ever, refreshments were enjoyed at our favourite hostelry, the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

With Jon, Nick, Jake, and Mike

The bags left hanging on the lines had dried very well and were shaken free of sediment and bundled up to be stored underground – Jake estimates there are about 380 bags now available for refilling, probably not in a single session though!

Jon was main digger for today and he led the way to the northeast and the area of An Unexpected Development with Nick assisting at the dig site. Jake hauled the spoil up the slope and Mike moved it across the chamber to the ‘hump’, I was on the other side puling the spoil across. A positional shift enabled the spoil to be moved to the bottom of the pot. And so, it continued. When a suitable pile dad accrued at the bottom of the pot another shift in positions the spoil was hauled out of the pot to the base of the entrance. Then back to clear the next pile of bags and rock. A time check and a decision to stop digging at midday and get the spoil cleared from the cave.

A total of 74 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus another 4 skip loads of rocks added to the spoil heap wall extension. It had been very dry underground today and the skip-runs all required the addition of water to enable the skips to move more freely. It was warm too.

Well deserved refreshments were enjoyed, as usual, at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Tav

Tav set-off to the NE extent, An Unexpected Development area, to dig with Jon helping to remove the spoil generated; Brockers went to Can of Worms to fill some bags. There was the pile of rocks and gravel to remove from the NE, so spoil was quickly moving through the cave to be temporarily stored at the bottom of the entrance. Nick and Jake were shifting spoil from the NE and up to the ledge, I cleared spoil from Brokers and hauled stuff from the ledge to the entrance. When Brockers had filled about 20 bags he went up to the surface and started to haul spoil out of the cave. This was not an easy task today as recent rain had soaked the hauling rope and mud soon adhered to it making the rope very difficult to grip. There was not enough water in any of the buckets to wash the rope. Eventually, Jake took over from me at the bottom of the entrance and I went to the surface to help with the hauling out.

At the end of the session 96 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus several loads of rock were added to the spoil heap wall extension. A productive morning, concluded with a visit to the Hunters’ Lodge Inn for some refreshments.  

Solo

Drill/plugs and feathers packed into tackle bag, time to go ‘rock-bothering!’

At HR, very briefly scratched around the spoil heap wall extension before getting underground to attend the primary objective. At the dig in the area of An Unexpected Development a rock had been left exposed on Saturday, and it was my intention to reduce it into more manageable pieces. After this task had been achieved, I trimmed a lump off from a protruding boulder before removing a ‘lip’ of rock and calcite along the edge of the ‘hole in the floor’ to make removal of spoil a little bit easier. A pile of rocks for the wall were stacked to one side along with a couple of bags of gravel. Time to pack up and leave the cave.

Hunters’ Lodge Inn does not open on a Tuesday lunchtime so returned home, I’d forgotten my wallet anyway!.

Vince, Tav, Jon, Jake, and Nick

Underground digging activity was mostly concentrated at the NE extent, in the area of An Unexpected Development (AUD), although Nick, freshly returned from a working field trip to Angola and raring to go, couldn’t resist an opportunity to fill some bags in Can of Worms (CoW). At the AUD area it was my turn to dig, the spoil being cleared away by Tav, Jon hauled the bags and rocks upslope and carried the spoil across the chamber to the ‘hump.’ A combination of Jake, Nick, and Jon then shifted the spoil through the cave to the entrance initially, then to the surface. The pile of rocks I had stacked to one side a couple of weeks ago in the chamber were also removed to the surface.

The digging effort (AUD) continued to open the area below the “false floor” where there are potential leads to the northern and eastern sides. Just need to create some more space to enable progress in both directions. The fine-grained sediments comprise silty, fine sand with frequent inclusions which consist of cobble- and boulder-sized chunks of calcite ‘floor’ and less frequently dolomitic conglomerate. At the close of the digging session, a large boulder was eventually prised free of the fine-grained sediment and left in position where it can be easily reduced into more manageable fractions. At the end of digging the progress made is clearly visible.

A total of 54 bags (including 14 from CoW) were filled, hauled, and emptied plus 15 loads of rocks were hauled out and added to the spoil heap wall extension. The session was concluded with refreshments at the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Tav

Got there early to scratch around the wall extension and start to pack the now very dry bags ready for refilling. The team arrived…

They had already decided to dig Can of Worms, the “easier” option. No matter. Jake digging, I was hauling the spoil from the dig to the ledge and then loading the skip to Tav at the bottom of the entrance, Jon was on the surface hauling the spoil out and emptying bags in the pleasantly warm sunshine. Some of the rock pieces from my last trip were taken out to the surface. As the morning settled in to a steady rhythm, Tav helped move bags across the ledge. The cave has dried out considerably and the skip runs required some lubrication to enable the loaded skips to move more freely.

At the dig, the way ahead became less clear as the session progressed as, directly ahead, an apparently solid rock face appeared; more large, fractured and detached stalagmites were uncovered, and an associated stalagmite base still seemingly attached to rock. As more digging occurred the “blank” wall revealed ‘phreatic pendants’ along the bottom edge. All in all, it is quite perplexing. The answer, as ever, is that lots more digging is required!

At the end of the session, 70 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus several loads of rock for the wall added to the surface pile.

The digging session was concluded with refreshments at our favourite hostelry, the Hunters’ Lodge Inn.

NOTE: Due to a number of factors no digging was undertaken on Saturday 29th March 2025.

Solo

Carried in drill and plugs/feathers to reduce in size the accumulated large rocks left in various places in the cave. First pile in the chamber, Trick or Treat. Rocks dealt with, decided to secure the conveyor belt on the slope from the chamber to the dig in An Unexpected Development area. While I was there had a quick peek at the dig too. Back to the chamber, packed kit into bag, then along to Can of Worms to break-up rock left there. Again, as I was there, a quick look at progress in the dig. Returned to the ledge and packed away kit for the last time. Exited the cave.

Stopped at the Hunters’ for some refreshment, it’s on the way home anyway!

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Tav

Early start for some more wall-building. A smaller team assembled for todays session. So, diggers choice of venue – Jon, as we were down in numbers, elected to have a look in Can of Worms. Jon upfront, Jake clearing spoil back to the ledge, I flitted between the ledge and the entrance, Tav stayed on the surface. Before digging and spoil removal was fully underway various skips were replaced and hauling ropes changed – new skips always slide more freely! Jake also carried out some work to improve the skip run from the dig and a large rock was removed. The morning progressed smoothly as digging continued and spoil was moved through the cave to the surface where the bags were emptied and hung-up to dry.

By the end of today’s session, a total of 63 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus several skip loads of rock added to the spoil heap wall. There are some rocks still underground that require some reduction in size, a job for plugs and feathers another day.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’ as usual.

Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, and Tav.

On an early spring morning in the sunshine, Hallowe’en Rift is a pleasant place to be, on the surface anyway. Added the few rocks that were available to the embryo spoil heap wall and scratched around some sediment to consolidate the wall. Then packed away the very dry and dusty bags ready  for refilling at some later stage. When todays team had assembled all set off underground.

Tav led the way to the NE extent (An Unexpected Development area) with Jon to clear the filled bags and rocks away, Jake was hauling the spoil up the slope, Brockers moving it across the chamber (Trick or Treat) to the hump. Before joining the team, I decided to take a quick look into Can of Worms to see how it was progressing. While I was there, I made a very token gesture of filling some loose bags (3no.). then along the NE passage to move spoil.

As digging continued, spoil was moved through the cave to the surface, rocks were added to the ‘embryo’ wall, bags were emptied, then back underground to repeat the process. By the end of the session, about 50 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied plus several skip loads of rocks. Some larger rocks were left lurking in the chamber waiting for a reduction to more manageable (and useable) sizes.

As ever, the morning was rounded off with a visit to our favourite hostelry! Another good session.

Vince, Tav, Jake, Mike, Nick, and Jon

An earlier start by me, as the weather is good, to clear brambles and other vegetation to clear a space for the next ‘terrace’ wall to retain spoil. Used the available rocks to start on wall-base.

When the team assembled, and the dry bags packed, all underground. I headed to the NE to dig, Jake went to the SW to dig in Can of Worms, Nick went along to An Unexpected Development (AUD) to carry out some restoration work. Tav joined me at the NE dig site (AUD area) and set about bailing the quite considerable puddle aided by Mike at the top of the slope. Tav then cleared the filled bags and rocks that I dug from the ‘hole in the false-floor’. Jon was busy moving bags from both digs (later joined by Nick) by stages on the journey towards the surface.

At the NE, the task was to further develop the ‘hole in the false-floor’ revealed by Jake last session. Some largish rocks were wrestled out, along with quite a lot of fine sediment, and the only definite conclusion was – there is a lot more stuff to dig out yet before a clear idea of what is going on can be seen! It does look very interesting. The base of the false floor can be seen and the possible remnants of a lower ‘floor’. There are some coarse calcite crystals visible too. The ‘passage’ may continue in an easterly direction but too early to be certain.

All too soon it was time to cease digging activities and clear the cave of spoil. About 70 bags (15 from Can of Worms) were filled, hauled, and emptied on to the spoil heap and 6 skip loads of rock for the wall.

Refreshments were enjoyed at the Hunters’.

Vince, Jake, Brockers, Nick, Jon, Mike, and Tav

First day of meteorological spring and it was glorious up at HR packing up some very dry bags in the sunshine.

A full team assembled for todays activities. At the NE extent (An Unexpected Development area), Jake was busy filling bags, I moved them away along with the occasional rock to the ramp where it was hauled up the slope by Brockers. It was wetter than expected and quite a large puddle of water had accrued at the bottom of the slope. A futile effort to bail it was soon abandoned. Tav moved the spoil across the chamber to the hump. After that I don’t know who did what except that Nick filled bags in Can of Worms (about 20). Anyway, the spoil found its way to the surface eventually.

At the NE extent, Jake was following what appeared to be a diminishing ‘rift’ trending approximately eastwards. He was just tidying away some loose material when a hole opened through a ‘false floor’ to reveal space beyond. Some ‘gardening’ was required, and some large lumps of rock and calcite were removed. It was interesting to note that a large lump of calcite flowstone contained within a detached stalagmite around which the flowstone was deposited. In an effort to reduce one boulder to more manageable pieces by Brockers only resulted in a broken lump hammer. The sledge was retrieved from elsewhere and the boulder succumbed! Soon a better look at the space ahead was possible, it measures about 1.2m wide x 1.2m length x 0.25m height and appears to trend downwards. Of course, there is a lot more sediment to be removed before we know whether this represents a significant development or not. But a change must be good!

All to soon it was time to stop digging and all hands to clearing the cave of spoil. About 85 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied plus about 8 skip loads of rock ready for wall building. Good session!

To the Hunters’ for refreshments.

Vince, Jake, Jon, Brockers, Mike, Nick, and guest Arthur Griffin

Arrived at site a little before the team. It was pleasantly warm in the sheltered sunshine so much better than last weekend. Added a couple of large rocks to the spoil heap wall before starting to pack the surprisingly dryish bags ready for refilling. The team arrived, the remaining bags packed, and underground we ventured – not to Can of Worms this time but to the NE extent, An Unexpected Development area.

Jon took the helm and led the way with Jake close behind, and they were soon filling bags. I hauled them up the slope passing the filled bags to Mike who carried them across the chamber to the ‘hump’ where Brockers took possession and transported the spoil to the bottom of the pot. Nick, meanwhile. Took Arthur for a tour of the cave as far as An Unexpected Development anyway, before they too joined the digging effort. Arthur took over from Jake while the rest of us then combined our efforts to shift the spoil through the cave to the surface where the bags were then emptied.

The count went somewhat awry after 68, but we agreed that at least 80 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied. And, although still squalid underground, it was so much more pleasant than last weekend!

To the Hunters’ for refreshments as usual.

Vince, Jake, Jon, and Mike

Smaller team assembled today so options were left to ‘diggers prerogative’ – Mike chose ‘Can of Worms’!!!  

While Mike was left to get on with filling bags, the rest of us decided to shift the accumulated pile of rocks from the bottom of the pot to the entrance ready to be hauled out of the cave later with the first batch of filled bags. Conditions today meant two people were required on the surface for hauling. Jake returned underground, I stayed on the surface to add rocks to the spoil heap wall and empty the bags already on the surface before going back below. It was particularly cold, wet and miserable today both underground and on the surface, it was all rather squalid.

At about midday, a return to the surface to clear the next pile of bags and empty them (me and Jake). Jon stayed underground to help Mike move the last few bags to the entrance and these were hauled out to the surface. A total of 50 bags were filled, hauled, and emptied today, and quite a lot of rocks were added to the spoil heap wall. Very cold, wet, and miserable. Time for the Hunters’, some refreshment, and a warm by the fire!

Vince, Mike, Brockers, Jon, Jake, Tav

The bags were almost dry, which given the very gloomy weather, was a surprise. Anyway, all were packed ready to be refilled later. Time to head underground.

I was digging at the NE extent with assistance from Mike. The effort continued to excavate a route to the eastern side of the known passages in An Unexpected Development beyond the surveyed area. There are tantalising spaces ahead but all very small. Brockers was hauling the spoil up the slope before swapping with Jake, once again Jon was filling in wherever needed. Tav filled (10no.) bags in Can of Worms, where digging is reportedly “easy.”

The most difficult task is the movement of spoil through the cave to the surface. It is especially mucky in the cave at present due to the continuing damp weather. The surface soils are saturated resulting in an abundance of percolation water (drips) into the cave. Squalid at times!

At the end of the session, 80 bags had been filled, hauled, and emptied. The rocks remain at the bottom of the pot where they can stay until required for wall building.

Post-digging refreshments were taken at the Hunters’ Lodge in as usual.