Post date: Jun 26, 2012 1:37:20 PM
Cavers (according to approximate time of appearance in the cave): Steve Muh, Lina, Eoghan, Pavel, Steve Bus, Al.
Trip time (average): 4 hours
One early Sunday, 3 respectful cavers were ready at 9am and waiting for Steve Muh, who had told them the day before to be ready on the time mentioned. Only later when we picked up Al at some time after 10am did we discover the cunning conspiracy, because of which nobody had time for breakfast, so we stopped in Enniskillen where we met Eoghan and Pavel. As it was Sunday, every respectful caver knows that he/she should not be in sight of cave until after midday. Following the rule we started gearing up well after 2pm. While Steve Bus, who was recovering after a trip to America, and Al, who was recovering from general laziness, stayed around the car, 3 eager cavers followed Steve Muh downhill to see the famous Noon’s Hole.
Note to self No. 1: Wet the rope before you rig a deep cave, otherwise going down will be slow and smoky.
Note to self No. 2: Take enough rope to leave sufficient amount for rebelays.
The weather was good and the water was low so it was a perfect time for Sunday cavers to fully appreciate the beauty of the cave. Pavel was eager enough to take off his harness in the bottom of the pitches and squeeze down to the wet part of the cave. He came back half wet and very unhappy about getting wet socks. Seeing such disappointment, me and Al decided to sit at the bottom and take a few pictures while the rest of the boys were investigating a hole in the bottom of the 4th pitch which apparently connects to the wet pitch – a ‘very awkward squeeze’ according to Steve Bus.
Going up was rather bouncy and the lack of rope in rebelays presented some technical challenges (see: note No. 2). But it was all sunny and warm at the top. A conversation of deep daylight pitches started on the surface and inspired me to visit Pollnatagha and its midges the Sunday after.
Overall, the trip was a success, all were happy and there’s nothing better than a good Sunday’s caving when you have a job to return to early in the morning.
Happy Sunday Caver Lina