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1979: Logbook
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<h1>Expedition 1979</h1>
<p>The first part of the log is traditionally taken up by the journey out.<br/>
If this is of no interest, here is a link <a href="#id1979-76-1">to the caving</a>!</p>

<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-07-27A">Friday 27th July</div></p>

<blockquote>&quot;I drove and I drove<br>
 Oh how I drove, etc.&quot;</blockquote>

<p>Down to Somerset to collect food and A N Other item. Met Accountant on
the way to the pub - confirmed Hovercraft tickets - ate food, drank wine,
had last (almost) pint for several weeks - lapsed into fitfully sweaty
sleep. Yours sincerely <div class="trippeople">Tony M.</div></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-07-28A">Saturday 28th July</div></p>

<p>6.00 am sees <div class="trippeople">Andy</div> setting off on the great trek south (incorporating
second breakdown of Austin Maxi). Hit Chez Ben before 10 &amp; then towards
Tony's where we got lost because his map was crappy. Repacked cars - unfair
amounts heaped into the Crab while Julian kept his roof-rack hidden. After
driving round a roundabout 37 times, Nick eventually found the way to the
Hoverport where we arrived after a brief interlude for beer. From the
Hoverport we went to ... the ferry ... The super-smooth Griffiths hovercraft
booking scheme got us on an enormous hovercraft with a funnel ?! The drive
from Calais was smooth until midnight and then ...</p>

<p>Sunday 29th July</p>

<p>Stopped for a brew near Aachen, all five of us, then since the
&quot;Crab&quot; needed more petrol we arranged to meet Nick and Julian down
somewhere near Mannheim. But nasty noises started coming from the L.H.S.
rear wheel and when these developed into heavy clunks and bangs we pulled
into a parking place to inspect. Not really understanding what was wrong we
drove the car up and down the parking area, peering under the rear to see
what was happening. Unfortunately there then appeared a cloud of smoke from
the dashboard and the bonnet. This was discovered to be the whole of the
electrics shorting and burning the insulation from the dynamo via the
regulator and ignition switch to the solenoid. Flames were put out and the
battery disconnected. Luckily we managed to borrow a bit of wire and
insulating tape and botched it up. This enabled the car to start but did
nothing for the rear axle bearing. Left the motorway and arrived in
Rheinb&ouml;llen. Being a Sunday, all the garages were shut. Went to a
caf&eacute; and drank lots of beer, ate a meal and saw the two most
delicious pair of blonde twins. Such pert little buttocks and nicely
developed bumps under sexy white teeshirts, and only about 13 or 14. Managed
not to get chucked out of the caf&eacute; for ogling by their father and he
found out Fritz's telephone number for us. Slept off the beer next to a
stream and decided to move on slowly to Bingen.</p>

<p>Here we asked for a Ford garage at the cop shop, drank some more beer and
then set up camp by the Rhein in an orchard. Watched the most superb
thunderstorm and drifted off to bed, knackered. Also rang Fritz for the
first time.</p>

<p>However, Nick and Julian managed to get safely to Altaussee. They
discovered Karl Gaisberger is in Yugoslavia till August 12th.</p>

<p>Ben.</p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-07-30A">Monday 30th July</div></p>

<p>Nick and Julian plus a German dictionary negotiated free access to the
plateau. Walked over to 106 and laid a guide line back to the col. Went to
Fischers early, spent a while leering at the new waitress and then got
pissed.</p>

<p>TEAM TRIALS (+ TRIBULATIONS) left Bingen, hobbled to Mainz to see a man
about a rear ... wheel axle bearing. Confused lady in bank with Midland
cheque card; drank some beer standing at the bar ! Collected super efficient
car, drove towards Altaussee until the battery packed up at Bad Ischl. Tried
to telephone the boys at camp - but the jolly rotten fellows failed to find
the note. Had some beer, fell asleep in the car. [SEE TUESDAY FOR CONTINUING
SAGA] ---&gt;</p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-07-31A">Tuesday 31st July</div></p>

<p>Woke up in the car (several times) - woke Ben up, who was on the ground
outside ?! Daylight (04:40) so we set off to drive to Altaussee. All going
well ... up to Potschen ... down again ... into Luppitsch but miss the short
cut turning, stall and the Crab is out - no push start this time ! So - walk
to Altaussee &amp; welly Nick &amp; Julian out of bed at ten to six. Well,
we had brekkers and rescued the car and made a mess in the campsite, then
someone mentioned caving and all the parties changed.</p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-07-31B"><!-- same day --></div><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-1">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a> 1623/106</div> <div class="trippeople">Nick &amp; Tony</div></p>

<p>I got the short straw and ended up in the caving team. (Andy asked me to
mention that he carried the Bluewater up to the cave.) I'm writing this in
Bar Fischer, looking across at this bird wearing tight white jeans ...
phew&nbsp;! God, I must concentrate. Got underground, rigged the snow slope with a
ladder, and belayed the B/W at the top of Plugged Shaft, using last year's
bolts. Then unfortunately, the rest of the shaft had totally altered from
last year. Despite less snow than ever seen before, it was arranged very
differently. The snow platform had disappeared. At least the first two
rebelays of last year are buried in about 4' of snow. More rebolting will be
needed, and we had no driver or anchors, hence lack of complete penetration
(LCP).</p>

<p>Walked off the plateau after a <div class="timeug">1 hour</div> trip. Whilst walking off, Tony
noticed the huge phreatic entrance passed on the walk in. Small passage led
off from back of above, possible draught, but semi-blocked by boulder -
should yield to a hammer and needs looking at.</p>

<p>Nick</p>

<p><a href="../1978/log.htm">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-2">Next trip</a>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-07-31C"><!-- same day --></div>
After carrying B/W up for above abortion, <div class="trippeople">Andy</div> walked uphill to the right
of the col and found a large rift cave/phreatic tube affair which gave an
exciting 50m through trip. Altitude about 1750+m, 200m NE of col ?</p>

<p>[ sketch section ]</p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-01A">Wednesday 1st August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-2">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a></div>
<div class="trippeople">Andy, Tony and Ben</div></p>

<p>Underground by 11.15 Andy descended to a small hole in the ice where 1978
rebelay was wholly buried, descended to 1977 &quot;Snow Platform&quot; which wasn't,
and then back up to place a bolt. This was a pretty nasty job but eventually
was done and next rebelay was the obvious next stage - a brief Mars bar gonk
to inform Ben and Tony and off - next rebelay easy and good freehang but
then... Why does Plugged Shaft insist on comprehensively redesigning itself
every year ? Vast amounts of extra snow, and contact made with the opposite
wall of the shaft. Soon the next rebelay was needed but god knows where
Doug's bolt is hidden - ice everywhere ! At about -30m from the last bolt,
large, freehanging crumbling ice-stals adorn the far wall. These will have
to be shifted somehow as they look lethal - similar formations on the near
wall fall at a touch. A started looking for a good place to put another bolt
but all the right places were covered in ice or looked manky rock or both.
Other possibilities would cause rubbing further down so the explorer slowly
ascended looking for more places to rebelay but found nothing but snow and
ice - some of it descending rapidly. Vocal contact with T &amp; B suggested that
they exit while A bolted - then lighting failure, an inability to find a
good bolt placement, a powerful desire for a crap, a severe pain in the sit
harness, low flying ice from Tony's boot and great demoralisation determined
A to follow out - More Mars bars - Much Discussion - No Progress - Tony
heads for col, Andy for a grike and Ben to have a look at the underground
scenery.</p>

<p>&quot;Underground scenery&quot; - I'll see nicer scenery when they put me
just 6 feet under in a wooden box ! Went down, took ages passing the first
rebelay, got to the second which was a bit taut since Andy had left his
tockle bog on the bottom of the rope so I came back out, First impressions
pretty bad.</p>

<p>Summary so far: Progress minimal, motivation negligible. A</p>

<p>even Less Coital Penetration</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-1">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-3">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-02A">Thursday 2nd August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-3">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a></div>  <div class="trippeople">Nick  Julian</div></p>

<p>Having camped the previous evening at the col we were underground by 7.00
am. Got about 15m below the last rebelay in Plugged Shaft and placed an airy
bolt on the left hand wall - no ledges in sight.</p>

<p>15-20m below this we found one of last year's bolts and so rigged the
final section of Plugged Shaft. Thrashed on down, rigging as we went until
we reached the top of the 55m pitch. As we wanted to put a bolt in at the
bottom, Julian decided that this was a job for someone with a wetsuit, so
Nick descended to do the necessary. He rigged the final section of the pitch
from the bolt but then couldn't find the natural belay for the Balcony Pitch
so he left it. Prusiked out in just under <div class="timeug">2 hours</div> arriving at the surface
around about 2.00 pm.</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-2">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-4">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-03A">Friday 3rd August</div></p>

<p><div class="trippeople">Nick and Julian</div> walked into the advance camp with some more supplies
after a morning's festering. Had a scenic walk back via Kratzer valley.
Several holes giving forth howling very cold draughts were noted. Most had
been already numbered or else they quickly became too tight / choked. One
particularly inviting one was marked 9 &#143; (circle with a dot in it) or
something like that. The valley rejoined the conventional walk back on the
near side of the 'huts'. Met Tone on the walk back, just fresh out of 106
(see below) and back to the caf&eacute; at the top of the toll road for a beer...
and a thunderstorm. Drove down to the campsite to find ... Andy C. waiting
for us.</p>

<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-03B"><!-- same day --></div>
<div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-4">Meanwhile underground ...</a></div>

<div class="trippeople">Ben, Tony, Andy</div></p>

<p>After a wet sleepless night (the thunderstorm, I mean) three of us got
underground about 8 am. Rerigged Follow-through Shaft. Tony went out when
he'd got to the top of the 15/35m. Ben and Andy continued down. Rigged
Balcony with a piece of Marlow. Ladder on Overhanging Boulder Pitch. After
this we followed a small stream to the left, traversing above it on very dry
muddy ledges. Reached a 15m pitch. Andy put a bolt in which resulted in a
superb free hang, just clearing the wall all the way down. At the bottom the
place enlarged to a flat floor with a stream cut into it. Upstream it soon
became too thrutchy. Downstream we traversed above the stream to reach
another pitch. This was Mars Bar paper tested, and thought to be directly
above the Gents. Went back and tried to rig the 20m pitch. However, the rope
only reached the second bolt so we came back out. Andrew lost his carbide
and all his lights went out so I left him. <div class="timeug">Time 10&frac12; hrs.</div></p>

<p>Ben.</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-3">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-5">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-04A">Saturday 4th August</div></p>

<p>Festered all day</p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-05A">Sunday 5th August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-5">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a></div>  <div class="trippeople">Nick Julian</div></p>

<p>Took the attractive route down to the Fiesta Run rigging the 10m pitch
into the Gents off a bolt. Put another bolt at the head of the last pitch
reached last year and descended a 3m pitch to an obvious traverse level. A
15m traverse led to the head of a broken 15m pitch. A free climb down
brought us to the base of an aven with a vadose canyon leading off at the
far side. After 30m of traversing. another bolting job was called for. A 5m
drop landed on a large ledge. Yet another bolt was placed and we descended
15m to the floor. A very small vadose canyon (2m high, 0.5m wide) was
followed for approximately 30m till it broke out in the side of a large
aven, about 15m off the floor. The stream, which had been left at the last
pitch reached last year, could be heard entering down the aven. Most of the
draught went with the stream. <div class="timeug">Time taken 9 hrs.</div> Depth reached approx 400m.</p>

<p>To prevent too many club members blowing neurons in attempting to
describe which pitch they have descended, it has been decided by the cretins
that be to number the pitches.</p>

<dl>
<dt>Plugged Shaft<dd>1
<dt>Saved Shaft<dd>2
<dt>Follow-through Shaft<dd>3
<dt>P15 &amp; P35<dd>4
<dt>P10<dd>5
<dt>P55 &amp; P5<dd>6
<dt>Balcony Pitch<dd>7
<dt>P7<dd>8
<dt>P15<dd>9
<dt>P10 (Gents' pitch)<dd>10
<dt>Fiesta Run<dd>11
<dt>P35 &amp; P30<dd>12
<dt>P25 &amp; P20<dd>13
<dt>P25<dd>14
<dt>P20<dd>15
<dt>P5<dd>16
</dl>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-4">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-6">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-05B">Sunday 5th August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle">Prospecting on the Plateau</div> - <div class="trippeople">Tony + Andy C</div></p>

<p>Ben drove us up the Toll Road before going off to collect Simon + Simon.
From there we strode manfully up to the col camp before dumping some gear at
the large cave entrance visible on the return from 106 about halfway back to
the col. Collected some bits of Tony's gear from 106 and on the return
stumbled across a deep sounding shaft just off the marked route about 100
yds from 106. We returned to the large entrance and Tony set to at a rock
blocking the previously located passage beyond. After a couple of minutes we
broke through and Tony thrutched through in his shorts, T-shirt and carrying
his emergency electric light - found chamois skeleton in stooping height
phreatic tube which ended in a small cosy chamber after 50 feet. Andy then
attacked another entrance further along the cliff face, which was draughting
intermittently; dug through some loose rubble to enter a phreatic passage
similar to the previous one - but about 3m wide, flat floored and minus the
chamois remains. After about 40 feet a boulder fall split the passage. The
left hand dropped 3 feet to a boulder-choked depression then led up through
a boulder pile in the [looks like 'rough']. which Andy ascended as far as he
dared - about 15 feet - some ice in the roof. The R H lead at the boulder
fall led to the same boulder pile into the roof, which choked similarly.
Emerged with chilly hands after around ten minutes poking around. Tony
wisely decided not to enter, either because the entrance was awkward or more
probably because it was bloody cold and he wasn't wearing a wetsuit.</p>

<p>We then packed up the gear and trundled off to the promising looking
shaft found earlier on near 106. Sun by now blazing down. Andy spent the
first 10 minutes bolting the entrance while Tony fiddled around with his
chest harness and other bits of ironmongery. Rigged the pitch with a 50m
length of Interalp - Tony descended in T-shite and shorts, kicked away some
snow about 20 feet down, decided it was a wetsuit job and prusiked out,
lacerating knees en route !</p>

<p>Andy then descended to a ledge about 45-50' down, then returned to the
surface. Tony, having donned the necessary protective gear abseiled down
beyond the ledge through a narrower slit down to the bottom, which had no
exit. Prussicked back to above the ledge where a short traverse to the right
led to a 25 ft pitch with a possible continuation along the rift. Returned
to surface for reappraisal. Andy then descended to the bottom (of what was
about a 75 ft shaft) came back up to look at the side passage and returned,
considering it not worth pursuing. We thrutched around amongst surface holes
for a while before encountering Nick and Julian on their return from 410m of
106.</p>

<p>What an entertaining and pleasant day.</p>

<p>Tony.</p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-06A"><!-- next day --></div>
<div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-6">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a> 1623/106</div>    <div class="trippeople">Ben + Andy</div></p>

<p>Due to Julian's late arrival to tell us that there was no tackle at 106,
we aborted the evening walk up and chopped the 110m rope in two. 5 am start
saw us underground by 8.30 (ugh !). Fairly quick even with 3 tackle bags
down to HotGK, then slower as the traversing progressed. Traversing seemed
easier than last year to Fiesta Run (very horrible). Then N &amp; J's 3m pitch -
obvious that new bolt needed - Ben feeling cool after a few minutes so him
to bolt. Andy set off to look for more protectors, bolts etc. on yesterday's
route. Down the 5/10 to a large chamber, free climb down to ante-chamber,
interesting hole up in left wall. Descending traverse to another pitch -
still no tackle in sight so down 5m - aha ! a can and a tackle bag - quick
nip down the next 15m for a brief look - uninspiring and then out - very
much more strenuous and horrific ascender slip of the top 5m pitch back to
Ben - bolt finished - just waiting for hanger. Replaced Marlow by 45m
Interalp - rebelay and Ben abseils into the unknown. One small rub, then
thrutchy - then - FREE ! 30m in an expanding shaft to a ledge, a few more
metres to a second ledge with a cross rift descending for a further 30m ?
Rift getting wider to left under a rock bridge and remarkable pinnacle of
limestone, Obvious rebelay needed - less obvious best place to put it: far
wall to the left best - and most difficult ! Ben ascends, Andy descends for
a look ferrying tackle bag / bolting gear down. A couple of stones lobbed
suggest a landing in a pool with rift continuing to left - possibly a
further drop. A belayed gear and then Tempus Fugit forced exit. Long slog
out with lots of ascender slippage including a certain amount of free fall
by Andy despite very frequent toothbrush stops. Up to HotGK OK and not too
long to get out - <div class="timeug">total 11 hr trip</div> to -385m. Rather dim walk back to col -
and quite dark back to caf&eacute; - finally hit Bar Fischer at 10pm in time for
four beers.</p>

<p>Andy</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-5">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-7">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-7">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a></div>   <div class="trippeople">Two Simons</div>   <div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-07A">7 August</div></p>

<p>What was to be a showabout trip for SK rapidly turned into a minor
derigging operation from the very bottom after a few beers.</p>

<p>Up by 6:30 underground 10 O'Clock after not much breakfast. Down to
Fiesta Run. Tried to find J&amp;N's pitches but failed, instead following
A&amp;B's pitch to the ledge - very impressive. (Forgetting to mention
rerigging the Gents' pitch with new IA).</p>

<p>Slow exit with near fatal [no bullshit] ascender slippage on pitch before
the Gents.</p>

<p>Experienced total ascender failure of CMI on way out. Had to continue on
botched up Petzl system. Eventually exitted at 9.45 followed by SK one hour
later.</p>

<p>Began to shiver and feel nauseous (not nauseating). Managed to crawl back
to col and was promptly violently sick after drinking some water. Staggered
into tent and fell into a fitful sleep.</p>

<p>Not a very useful trip but slow exit can be justifiably blamed on
apallingly slippy ropes and pathological ascenders.</p>

<p>S F---&gt;</p>

<div class="timeug"><!-- SF 11&frac34; hrs; SK 12&frac34; hrs --></div>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-6">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-8">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-99-1">H&ouml;hle 99</a></div>  <div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-07B">August 7th</div>  <div class="triptitle">Tony and Andy</div></p>

<p>Having been informed of the existence of 99 - about 100 yards away from
106 and draughting strongly, reached the plateau at about midday and
promptly disappeared - both of us - into the clints for a grande burundi -
followed at intervals by other offerings throughout the afternoon.</p>

<p>After a superficial examination, rigged the first 25' or so with a
ladder, or two, Andy descended and examined the draughting lead through an
icy orifice, followed by Tony who bolted the pitch head and froze up his
[???] ! Andy [???]ed the pitch with 50m of IA then descended down a snow
slope for about 40', whence the shaft turned slightly - a convenient rebelay
at a later date. Continued to the bottom - on first glance choked with
boulders and not producing any draught. The draught roared out of a vertical
fissure just above the apparent bottom of the pitch - impossible to get
through unless you [ four illegible words ]. Emerged into the bright light
of day after about &#190; hour. Tony then descended, between clint walking
activities, checked the impossibility of penetrating the draughting slot
(through which could be seen a 10&deg; slope down from right to left, ice
covered) and went down to examine the choke below; dropped a pebble which
suggested depth below so removed loose small boulders until only one large
block was left perched above what appears to be about 20 ft down to a ledge
and a further 20-30 ft beyond. This boulder will be moved, when 106 is empty
just in case a connection is possible, in order to pursue this dry old route
which may be considered to be draughting.</p>

<p><a href="../1978/log.htm">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-99-2">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-8">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a></div>   <div class="trippeople">Nick + Julian</div>   <div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-08A">8th August</div></p>

<p>Plodded down to last pitch of last year. Julian then went off and
derigged the dry route whilst I bolted the rebelay for the twelfth.
Descended 30m in damp rift to an 'under over' (go over; the under's wet).
Almost immediately occurs a 50m pitch, split once. At the bottom is a 5m
free climb as the shaft levels out. Next is a pitch of about 20-25m. The
belays are both natural, but the backup is a little near the lip of the
pitch (be warned). From the bottom a large platform is the takeoff to a
pitch of about 20m. These pitches are a little damp, especially after rain.
Total depth ~500m at least. <div class="timeug">Time ~ 8 hrs.</div></p>

<p>Nick</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-7">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-9">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-9">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a></div>
<div class="trippeople">Andy and Tony</div> <div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-08B">8th August</div></p>

<p>Departed from the surface at about 11.00, starting to rain, with the
intention of continuing the survey to grade V (sic) standard, below the bolt
in Follow-through shaft, which we reached after about 2 hours, including
farting around on rebelays, farting around trying to use the compass - clino
- measuring tape, and sundry stinky gonks.</p>

<p>Eventually commenced surveying - measured the drop from the bolt to the
false floor at the bottom of Follow-through -10.8 metres, and surveyed the
small chamber at the bottom. Clino then packed up, as did enthusiasm and a
swift exit was made, J and N pursuing us on the way.</p>

<p><div class="timeug">Time ~ 5 hours</div> - Andy</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-8">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-10">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-09A">Thursday 9th August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle">Altaussee G&ouml;sserH&ouml;hle</div> <div class="trippeople">Ben Andy (till 6.00 pm) Simon K Simon F Nick Tony
Andy C Julian</div></p>

<p>Entered just after midday and steadily downed the pot. Some jacking
noises were made around 2.00 pm after we had finished two, but the
motivation of the more experienced members of the party saw the team through
a bad spell. Pausing only to leer at the pretties, the 4th, 5th and 6th were
soon finished and at 6.00 pm Andy W and Ben had to exit because of other
commitments. The rest of the team forged on down the 7th but had to stop
shortly afterwards for a food gonk. Heckling a harassed Austrian waiter
produced the necessary results: egg mayonaise, Wiener Schnitzel, ice cream
and another beer. By 9.30pm it was clear that some members of the team were
feeling the effects of a particularly long and tiring trip: clumsiness,
difficulty in focusing and the need to shout to make oneself heard all
pointed towards this. The meet leader therefore, wisely decided to exit
before terminal symptoms set in: vomiting, inability to raise oneself from a
prone position etc. Nearly fell into another pot on the way back. Time taken
10 hours. Depth reached 30 litres. A damn fine trip.</p>

<p>Beats any Reininghaush&ouml;hle for pretties.</p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-10A">10th August</div> <div class="trippeople">Ben + Andy</div> - <div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-10">106</a></div></p>

<p>After retreating after the 6th, Ben and Andy got up to the col as night
fell, staggering slightly on the way. It all looked set for a brilliant star
studded night. At 1 am, both were awoken by gales and lashing rain. The tent
leaked, tried to take off etc. etc. producing a particularly uncomfortable
night. Were due to get up at 5 but jacked due to the wind. Eventually got
underground at 9 am intending to hit the 600m level. Unfortunately it was a
bit wet underground and after reaching the free 15m pitch it was decided the
new pitches would be too wet so we jacked. Washed the 15m rope, took out a
piece of Marlow and a piece of hawserlaid.</p>

<p><div class="timeug">Time 6 hrs</div></p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-9">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-11">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-10B">10th August</div>   <div class="trippeople">Tony, Andy C and Simon K</div> - <div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-99-2">99</a></div></p>

<p>What a stinking day ! Enthusiasm unfortunately overtook common sense and
with Andy lugging 82 metres (yes 82 !) of Interalp we raced up to the
plateau to change rather unhappily in low cloud and drizzle. The wetsuits,
previously left at 106 to freshen themselves, lived up to their name and
caused some discomfort which was accentuated by hanging around in a very
cold pot. Tony went down first, happy to get below the draught and snow
(into which the end of the rope had frozen pretty solidly) in the hope of
moving the obstructive boulder whilst Andy put in another bolt half way down
the shaft. Needing a lifeline to be protected against a head first lob Tony
sat around waiting for Andy so that we were both frozen by the time progress
could be made. The boulder eventually had to be pushed creating a wonderful
noise as it dropped 12 feet to a boulder strewn ledge. Tony then free
climbed down and eventually calling for Andy's assistance the boulder was
pulled back from its position on the top of a longer pitch. Extreme cold led
to a return to the surface after the next pitch had been observed to
corkscrew cleanly away for at least 30-40 feet. Everybody was feeling
miserable though progress looked hopeful and we jacked through more dismal
rain.</p>

<p>PS. Simon K festered coldly on the surface throughout and sensibly
resisted the tempting offer of a tourist trip.</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-99-1">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-99-3">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-11A">Saturday 11th August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle">Rained</div></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-12A">Sunday 12th August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle">Rained</div></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-13A"><a id="id1979-76-11">Monday 13th August</a></div></p>

<p>Didn't rain, therefore:</p>

<p><div class="triptitle">Eislufth&ouml;hle</div>  <div class="trippeople">Julian, Andy W (taking photos),
Ben, Simon F, Nick (pushing team)</div> with all five of us derigging. Yes,
derigging, initially because we thought we were running out of time, and
could only afford one more push and, as it turned out, because the pot ended
of its own accord.</p>

<p>An early start saw the pushing trio soon reaching the 15th pitch, whilst
the other two plodded on down taking piccies at various places. The short
rope on the 15th was changed for one that reached, and Nick descended.
Trooped off down a very high and wide rift, well supplied with boulders,
including some 'deads' in the roof, if you see what I mean.</p>

<p>The floor sloped down gently, with the stream flowing just under the
boulder floor. Ominous black mud started to cover the rock. The head of a
short pitch was soon reached and the drop tests confirmed with a loud
booming splash that a sump was in the offing. Bolted and descended the pitch
(5m) to ankle deep mud covering boulders, and a large, long, deep lake of a
sump pool - an interesting moment for all concerned. Andy and Julian arrived
and photographed the place to pieces (I hope).</p>

<p>All five of us then started to derig. Then as the cold water pounded down
the pitches, tackle hauls got tangled, tempers got frayed and the weight of
equipment increased, we all began to realise what a shag the derig was going
to be.</p>

<p>With each of us earning hero points of doubtful validity, we eventually
got all the gear above the Hall of the Greene King, spat over our shoulders
and left the place. <div class="timeug">Trip times varied between 14 and 16 hours.</div></p>

<p>Thank god its over. The exhaustion at the time outdid the sense of
achievement, but we'll grow to appreciate it.</p>

<p>Nick.</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-10">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-12">Next trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-14A">Tuesday 14th</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-12">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a> Derig.</div> <div class="trippeople">Tony Baroni, Andy C, SKellet</div></p>

<p>Blatted down to top of HotGK with wierd fantasies about derigging whole
lot. Discovered that the tackle bags are f...ing heavy, esp Andy who was
dumb enough to carry the huge yellow TB. SK got jammed in over Keg Series
and swore mightily, also leaving his knee pads and most of his knees here.
Everyone took ages on Plugged, with many slipped ascenders and more
swearing. Eventually removed 3 TBs + ammo cans. Got charged by cattle on way
back - bravely repelled [???]</p>

<p><div class="timeug">Time ~~ 6 hrs</div></p>

<p>Simon K</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-76-11">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#id1979-76-13">Final trip</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-15A">Wednesday 15th August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-76-13">Eislufth&ouml;hle</a></div>  <div class="trippeople">Nick, Simon F, Ben, Julian, Andy C, Tony</div></p>

<p>More derigging. Simon F, Ben, Nock straight (?) out with vast amounts of
tackle, Julian following derigging. Ben's CMI and light met their respective
makers half way up Plugged Shaft accompanied by some very unchristian
language and Julian met Tony and Andy C at the second rebelay to help tackle
hauling. All over in 6&#189; hours, then to the serious business of carrying
the gear back to the Bergrestaurant. All back by 6.00 pm amd so to the Kitzer
Hotel for food and Fischer's for fizzy wine and beer.</p>

<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-15B"><!-- same day --></div>
<div class="triptitle"><a id="id1979-99-3">99</a></div> <div class="trippeople">Simon K</div></p>

<p>Only problem, I hear, was removing the rock anchors from the wall. (Who
is this man ?)</p>

<p><a href="#id1979-99-1">Previous trip</a>/<a href="/1623/99/99.html">Guidebook description</a></p>
<hr />
<p><div class="tripdate" id="t1979-08-16A">Thursday 16th August</div></p>

<p><div class="triptitle">The end !</div> Nick, Andy C and Julian to col to pick up the remaining gear.
Rest of day spent swimming, packing, sunbathing and driving home.</p>
<hr />
<p>L.C.P.</p>

<dl>
<dt>28th<dd>Julian     Hovercraft
<dt>29th<dd>Ben        Breakdown
<dt>30th<dd>Ben        Breakdown
<dt>31st<dd>Nick       Lack of Penetration
<dt>1st<dd>Andrew     Lack of Penetration
<dt>2nd<dd>Not awarded
<dt>3rd<dd>Not awarded
<dt>4th<dd>Not awarded
<dt>5th<dd>Not awarded
<dt>6th<dd>Simon K    Rice chef
<dt>7th<dd>Simon F    (w)Retched performance
<dt>8th<dd>Simon K    Ticket
<dt>9th<dd>Simon K    Travellers cheques
<dt>10th<dd>Ben        Irresponsive
<dt>11th<dd>Not awarded
<dt>12th<dd>Not awarded
<dt>13th<dd>Simon F    (w)Retched performance
<dt>14th<dd>Simon K    Unbedded, Baa ! look at that Chamois + assorted
cock-ups (Primus stove, map, getting stuck, 'sprained' ankle etc. etc.)
<dt>15th<dd>Not awarded
</dl>

<p>At an informal meeting of an ad hoc LCP committee the overall expedition
LCP was unanimously awarded to Simon K. Glowing references were made to the
high degree of incompetance maintained by this individual and he was
presented with a packet of rubbers to ensure his line continues no further.
League tables were as follows</p>

<ul>
<li>Simon K  4
<li>Ben      3
<li>Simon F  2
<li>Julian   1
<li>Nick     1
<li>Andy W   1
<li>Tony     0 \
<li>Andy C   0  } relegated
</ul>
<hr />
<!-- LINKS -->
<ul id="links">
<li>1979 Expedition info:
<ul>
<li><a href="report.htm">Expo report, Cambridge Underground 1980</a></li>
<li><a href="bcracc.htm">BCRA Caves &amp; Caving Report</a></li>
<li>Eislufth&ouml;hle - <a href="descnt.htm">from Descent 44</a></li>
<li>Nick Thorne's write-up in <a href="792026.htm">Belfry Bulletin 378</a></li>
<li>Odkrycie i eksploracja Eislufth&ouml;hle - <a href="811412.htm">original
english article</a> (published in Polish in 1980)</li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="../../pubs.htm#pubs1979">Index</a> to all publications</li>
<li><a href="../../index.htm">Back to Expeditions intro page</a></li>
<li><a href="../../../index.htm">CUCC Home Page</a></li>
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