With large areas of the UK suffering from heavy rain I headed up to Peak Cavern in a dry Peak District to do some wet caving with Jim. We were both a little disorganised so the day started a bit late and then evolved into a marathon tea drinking session before we finally got going.
After a brief chat with the people running the show cave we wandered in and Jim stopped to give a chat to a tour party. He explained to them what we were doing, how the cave fitted into the general underground drainage of the area and what we were looking for. Beyond the show cave we split up. I dived through Buxton water sump and Jim walked round the outside through the dry passage. We then both went up to Ink sump dive base carrying equipment and scaffolding. On the way out I walked round and Jim dived out on my kit.
The whole trip had been very sociable with the pair of us chatting away throughout, discussing ways of applying boulder drilling and moving techniques. Plans were formed. The only thing missing was tea. At the entrance the show cave staff sorted out that shortcoming, providing us with a freshly made cup each.
Back at the TSG hut in Castleton Jim gave me the wellies Rachael had left behind on a previous trip. She says they have sentimental value or some such girlie thing attached to them, I’ll see if she still wants them back next Wednesday at the pub.
My, what a nice pair earrings you have! :geek:
Oh, and an interesting trip into Peak Cavern too. I didn’t realise you cave diver dudes shared gear like that. I thought the set-ups were all very personal and safety aspects (like, what stuff is where in an emergency) too crucial?
The most crucial thing is where is the cup of tea coming from – and they seemed to have that one sussed. 😉
Gear sharing isn’t common but worth practising. In the event of a rescue situation a diver will have to use whatever gear is available. Jim had his own cutters stowed in his regular place (safety critical). Most of the rest is all of a muchness as long as it fits. There will be differences in the detail but that can be learned by diving with each others kit.
Tea is always essential.
Okay, now what the hell are “cutters”? I’m guessing these are some sort of knife to cut the line should you become entangled in it. But if that is the case, why should you have your own? If my assumption is right they sound fairly standard…
Maybe “cutters” are a bit like the shielded blade that skydivers carry to cut tangled lines to a knackered canopy before ditching it and deploying a reserve?
Ah, my brain hurts now, off for tea…
Cutters: cutting tool – can be a knife or some form of shears or something else. The location, method of storage, method of attachment and other factors. It’s different for each diver.
I’m surprised that a cup of tea is needed for such small area of pain 😆
Small but crucial?
Yay … My wellies … I’ve missed them.