Sunday 29th July
+ -Stopped for a brew near Aachen, all five of us, then since the +
Here we asked for a Ford garage at the cop shop, drank some more beer and
+
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.
However, Nick and Julian managed to get safely to Altaussee. They -discovered Karl Gaisberger is in Yugoslavia till August 12th.
+Ben.
+Nick and Julian plus a German dictionary negotiated free access to the +
TEAM TRIALS (+ TRIBULATIONS) left Bingen, hobbled to Mainz to see a man
+
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] --->
Woke up in the car (several times) - woke Ben up, who was on the ground +
I got the short straw and ended up in the caving team. (Andy W asked me to +
Walked off the plateau after a
Nick
+should yield to a hammer and needs looking at. +[ sketch section ]
+Underground by 11.15 Andy W descended to a small hole in the ice where 1978
+
Underground by 11.15 Andy W descended to a small hole in the ice where 1978
rebelay was wholly buried, descended to 1977 "Snow Platform" 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
@@ -180,43 +207,45 @@ 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 W for a grike and Ben to have a look at the underground
-scenery.
"Underground scenery" - I'll see nicer scenery when they put me
+
"Underground scenery" - 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 W had left his
tockle bog on the bottom of the rope so I came back out, First impressions
-pretty bad.
Summary so far: Progress minimal, motivation negligible. A
- -even Less Coital Penetration
+Having camped the previous evening at the col we were underground by 7.00
+
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.
15-20m below this we found one of last year's bolts and so rigged the
+
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
After a wet sleepless night (the thunderstorm, I mean) three of us got
+
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
@@ -248,21 +279,26 @@ 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. Time 10½ hrs.
-
Ben.
- +Festered all day
+To prevent too many club members blowing neurons in attempting to
+
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.
Ben drove us up the Toll Road before going off to collect Simon + Simon. +
We then packed up the gear and trundled off to the promising looking
+
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 W 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 !
Andy W then descended to a ledge about 45-50' down, then returned to the
+
Andy W 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
@@ -343,26 +380,28 @@ to surface for reappraisal. Andy W 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.
What an entertaining and pleasant day.
+Tony.
+Due to Julian's late arrival to tell us that there was no tackle at 106,
+
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 & J's 3m pitch -
obvious that new bolt needed - Ben feeling cool after a few minutes so him
to bolt.
-
Andy W set off to look for more protectors, bolts etc. on yesterday's
+
Andy W 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
@@ -371,7 +410,7 @@ 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
+
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
@@ -383,56 +422,59 @@ out with lots of ascender slippage including a certain amount of free fall
by Andy W despite very frequent toothbrush stops. Up to HotGK OK and not too
long to get out -
Andy W
+four beers. +What was to be a showabout trip for SK rapidly turned into a minor -derigging operation from the very bottom after a few beers.
+Up by 6:30 underground 10 O'Clock after not much breakfast. Down to
+
Up by 6:30 underground 10 O'Clock after not much breakfast. Down to
Fiesta Run. Tried to find J&N's pitches but failed, instead following
A&B's pitch to the ledge - very impressive. (Forgetting to mention
-rerigging the Gents' pitch with new IA).
Slow exit with near fatal [no bullshit] ascender slippage on pitch before -the Gents.
+Experienced total ascender failure of CMI on way out. Had to continue on
+
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.
Began to shiver and feel nauseous (not nauseating). Managed to crawl back
+
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.
Not a very useful trip but slow exit can be justifiably blamed on -apallingly slippy ropes and pathological ascenders.
+S F--->
+Having been informed of the existence of 99 - about 100 yards away from
+
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.
After a superficial examination, rigged the first 25' or so with a
+
After a superficial examination, rigged the first 25' or so with a
ladder, or two, Andy W descended and examined the draughting lead through an
icy orifice, followed by Tony who bolted the pitch head and froze up his
[???] ! Andy W [???]ed the pitch with 50m of IA then descended down a snow
@@ -449,16 +491,17 @@ 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.
Plodded down to last pitch of last year. Julian then went off and
+
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
@@ -468,38 +511,41 @@ 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. Time ~ 8 hrs.
-
Nick
+Eventually commenced surveying - measured the drop from the bolt to the
+
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.
-
Entered just after midday and steadily downed the pot. Some jacking
+
+
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
@@ -513,17 +559,19 @@ 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.
Beats any Reininghaushöhle for pretties.
+After retreating after the 6th, Ben and Andy W got up to the col as night
+
After retreating after the 6th, Ben and Andy W 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
@@ -531,12 +579,14 @@ 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.
PS. Simon K festered coldly on the surface throughout and sensibly -resisted the tempting offer of a tourist trip.
+rain. +Didn't rain, therefore:
+An early start saw the pushing trio soon reaching the 15th pitch, whilst
+
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.
The floor sloped down gently, with the stream flowing just under the
+
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 W and Julian arrived
-and photographed the place to pieces (I hope).
All five of us then started to derig. Then as the cold water pounded down
+
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.
With each of us earning hero points of doubtful validity, we eventually
+
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. Trip times varied between 14 and 16 hours.
-
Thank god its over. The exhaustion at the time outdid the sense of -achievement, but we'll grow to appreciate it.
+Nick.
+Blatted down to top of HotGK with wierd fantasies about derigging whole
+
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 [???]
Simon K
+More derigging. Simon F, Ben, Nock straight (?) out with vast amounts of
+
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 6½ 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.
Only problem, I hear, was removing the rock anchors from the wall. (Who -is this man ?)
- +L.C.P.
+At an informal meeting of an ad hoc LCP committee the overall expedition
+
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