This weekend we had the Midland Orienteering Championships on Sunday, but Saturday was devoid of fun, so we thought we’d better do something about that. We called Brendan, and he readily agreed to a day of caving in Ogof Draenen near Abergavenny. Attentive readers of the blog may remember that we’ve been there once before.
This time we decided to go in the opposite direction, heading for the far northwestern end of the cave, Gilwern Passage. Draenen has a particularly fun entrance, a series of drops with a small stream usually trying to find its way down the back of your neck. We were soon beyond this and clambering over the boulders that feature prominently in the cave. After a while we reached Tea Junction and headed up Gilwern Passage. This has some rather nice formations including an impressive metre-tall stalagmite, The Guardian. It also features lots of sliding around in knee-deep mud in the stream.
Eventually we reached a larger stream with lots of straws and passages off in every direction. After a couple of hours of exploring these, we headed back to the stream, stopped for pictures at a particularly nice bend, and then headed downstream intending to try to get into Breadfruit Boulevard, which is also supposed to be pretty. Unfortunately, we were defeated by the rather unpleasant duck at the start, so beat a retreat back out of the caving, stopping again at the Guardian for more pictures.
After the entertainment of the entrance series, we were back in the outside world after about six hours underground. Thanks to Brendan for leading the trip, and also for providing the pictures.
Oh, and the Midlands Champs on Sunday? It was a lovely day, spoiled only slightly by the ridiculously high entry fee. Rachel was 6th; I was 6th; both of us ended up in mud over our knees. Neither of us is Midlands Champion. Maybe next year (if we can afford to enter).
The caving pictures are great… :love: :love: it just reminds me what a great trip we had last year when you took us caving. Mwe can repeat it again soon (I’ll buy your beers all night!!). Nevermind about the midland championships…. next year you’re in the pudding race!!! 😯
super photos!
I take it that Tea Junction did not feature cake?
Perhaps we should have the next Blog Rendezvous in Derbyshire next year? There is loads of climbing and horizontal caves.
Fantastic pictures…
Maybe a rendezvous in Wales would be better, then we can get to see those fantastic formations. I always enjoyed the caves in Wales, but it’s where I’ve caved the least.
Actually, I’d love to do the Aggy round trip again, and Pete’s never done it. I reckon Anna and Ian would love it.
I had thought to have next year’s rendezvous as a high camp somewhere in the Lakeland fells or North Wales. The idea being to climb a long mountain route, and then come back to the tents for a night under that stars with a BBQ and some tipple of people’s choice… 😛
But, that’s just my suggestion. These other ideas are great too; so I’ll set up a vote to get preferences nearer the time…
Good ideas … I suggested Derbyshire on the basis of distance for you guys and the abundance of climbing crags.
Caving on Saturday, running on Sunday! How did your bodies cope? I’m always pretty knackered after a caving trip like that.
I did ache yesterday, but I think that was because Richard tried to pull me over a rock backwards!
What?!