mirror of
https://expo.survex.com/repositories/expoweb/.git/
synced 2024-11-22 15:21:55 +00:00
650 lines
31 KiB
HTML
650 lines
31 KiB
HTML
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0//EN">
|
|
<html lang=en>
|
|
<head>
|
|
<title>
|
|
1979: Logbook
|
|
</title>
|
|
</head>
|
|
<body>
|
|
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="#1979-76-1">to the caving</a>!
|
|
|
|
<p>Friday 27th July
|
|
|
|
<blockquote>"I drove and I drove<br>
|
|
Oh how I drove, etc."</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 Tony M.
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Saturday 28th July
|
|
|
|
<p>6.00 am sees Andy setting off on the great trek south (incorporating
|
|
second breakdown of Austin Maxi). Hit Chez Ben before 10 & 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>Sunday 29th July
|
|
|
|
<p>Stopped for a brew near Aachen, all five of us, then since the
|
|
"Crab" 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
|
|
Rheinböllen. Being a Sunday, all the garages were shut. Went to a
|
|
café 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 café 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>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>However, Nick and Julian managed to get safely to Altaussee. They
|
|
discovered Karl Gaisberger is in Yugoslavia till August 12th.
|
|
|
|
<p>Ben.
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Monday 30th July
|
|
|
|
<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>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] --->
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Tuesday 31st July
|
|
|
|
<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 & welly Nick & 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.
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-1">Eislufthöhle</a> 1623/106 Nick & Tony
|
|
|
|
<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
|
|
! 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>Walked off the plateau after a 1 hour 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>Nick
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="../1978/log.htm">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-2">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>After carrying B/W up for above abortion, Andy 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>[ sketch section ]
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Wednesday 1st August
|
|
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-2">Eislufthöhle</a> Andy, Tony and Ben
|
|
|
|
<p>Underground by 11.15 Andy 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
|
|
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 & 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>"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 had left his
|
|
tockle bog on the bottom of the rope so I came back out, First impressions
|
|
pretty bad.
|
|
|
|
<p>Summary so far: Progress minimal, motivation negligible. A
|
|
|
|
<p>even Less Coital Penetration
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-1">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-3">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Thursday 2nd August
|
|
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-3">Eislufthöhle</a> Nick Julian
|
|
|
|
<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>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 2 hours arriving at the surface
|
|
around about 2.00 pm.
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-2">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-4">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Friday 3rd August
|
|
|
|
<p>Nick and Julian 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  (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 café 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><a name="1979-76-4">Meanwhile underground</a> ... Ben, Tony, Andy
|
|
|
|
<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. Time 10&#frac12; hrs.
|
|
|
|
<p>Ben.
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-3">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-5">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Saturday 4th August
|
|
|
|
<p>Festered all day
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Sunday 5th August
|
|
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-5">Eislufthöhle</a> Nick Julian
|
|
|
|
<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. Time taken 9 hrs. Depth reached approx 400m.
|
|
|
|
<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.
|
|
|
|
<dl>
|
|
<dt>Plugged Shaft<dd>1
|
|
<dt>Saved Shaft<dd>2
|
|
<dt>Follow-through Shaft<dd>3
|
|
<dt>P15 & P35<dd>4
|
|
<dt>P10<dd>5
|
|
<dt>P55 & 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 & P30<dd>12
|
|
<dt>P25 & P20<dd>13
|
|
<dt>P25<dd>14
|
|
<dt>P20<dd>15
|
|
<dt>P5<dd>16
|
|
</dl>
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-4">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-6">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Sunday 5th August
|
|
|
|
<p>Prospecting on the Plateau - Tony + Andy C
|
|
|
|
<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>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>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>What an entertaining and pleasant day.
|
|
|
|
<p>Tony.
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-6">Eislufthöhle</a> 1623/106 Ben + Andy
|
|
|
|
<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 & 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 - total 11 hr trip to -385m. Rather dim walk back to col -
|
|
and quite dark back to café - finally hit Bar Fischer at 10pm in time for
|
|
four beers.
|
|
|
|
<p>Andy
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-5">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-7">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-7">Eislufthöhle</a> Two Simons 7 August
|
|
|
|
<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>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).
|
|
|
|
<p>Slow exit with near fatal [no bullshit] ascender slippage on pitch before
|
|
the Gents.
|
|
|
|
<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>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>Not a very useful trip but slow exit can be justifiably blamed on
|
|
apallingly slippy ropes and pathological ascenders.
|
|
|
|
<p>S F--->
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-6">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-8">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p><a name="1979-99-1">Höhle 99</a> August 7th Tony and Andy
|
|
|
|
<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>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 ¾ hour. Tony then descended, between clint walking
|
|
activities, checked the impossibility of penetrating the draughting slot
|
|
(through which could be seen a 10° 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><a href="../1978/log.htm">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-99-2">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-8">Eislufthöhle</a> Nick + Julian 8th August
|
|
|
|
<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. Time ~ 8 hrs.
|
|
|
|
<p>Nick
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-7">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-9">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-9">Eislufthöhle</a> Andy and Tony 8th August
|
|
|
|
<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>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>Time ~ 5 hours - Andy
|
|
|
|
<a href="#1979-76-8">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-10">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Thursday 9th August
|
|
|
|
<p>Altaussee GösserHöhle Ben Andy (till 6.00 pm) Simon K Simon F Nick Tony
|
|
Andy C Julian
|
|
|
|
<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>Beats any Reininghaushöhle for pretties.
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>10th August Ben + Andy - <a name="1979-76-10">106</a>
|
|
|
|
<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>Time 6 hrs
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-9">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-11">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>10th August Tony, Andy C and Simon K - <a name="1979-99-2">99</a>
|
|
|
|
<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>PS. Simon K festered coldly on the surface throughout and sensibly
|
|
resisted the tempting offer of a tourist trip.
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-99-1">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-99-3">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Saturday 11th August
|
|
|
|
<p>Rained
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Sunday 12th August
|
|
|
|
<p>Rained
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Monday 13th August
|
|
|
|
<p>Didn't rain, therefore:
|
|
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-11">Eislufthöhle</a> Julian, Andy W (taking photos),
|
|
Ben, Simon F, Nick (pushing team) 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>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>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>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>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.
|
|
|
|
<p>Thank god its over. The exhaustion at the time outdid the sense of
|
|
achievement, but we'll grow to appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
<p>Nick.
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-10">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-12">Next trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Tuesday 14th
|
|
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-12">Eislufthöhle</a> Derig. Tony Baroni, Andy C, SKellet
|
|
|
|
<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>Time ~~ 6 hrs
|
|
|
|
<p>Simon K
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-76-11">Previous trip</a>/<a href="#1979-76-13">Final trip</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Wednesday 15th August
|
|
|
|
<p><a name="1979-76-13">Eislufthöhle</a> Nick, Simon F, Ben, Julian, Andy C, Tony
|
|
|
|
<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 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.
|
|
|
|
<p><a name="1979-99-3">99 Simon K</a>
|
|
|
|
<p>Only problem, I hear, was removing the rock anchors from the wall. (Who
|
|
is this man ?)
|
|
|
|
<p><a href="#1979-99-1">Previous trip</a>/<a href="../../plateau/99.htm">Guidebook description</a>
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>Thursday 16th August
|
|
|
|
<p>The end ! Nick, Andy C and Julian to col to pick up the remaining gear.
|
|
Rest of day spent swimming, packing, sunbathing and driving home.
|
|
<hr>
|
|
<p>L.C.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
|
|
|
|
<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 -->
|
|
<img alt=">" src="../../../icons/lists/0.png">
|
|
1979 Expedition info:<br>
|
|
<img alt="--->" src="../../../icons/lists/1.png">
|
|
<a href="report.htm">Expo report, Cambridge Underground 1980</a><br>
|
|
<img alt="--->" src="../../../icons/lists/1.png">
|
|
<a href="bcracc.htm">BCRA Caves & Caving Report</a><br>
|
|
<img alt="--->" src="../../../icons/lists/1.png">
|
|
Eislufthöhle - <a href="descnt.htm">from Descent 44</a><br>
|
|
<img alt="--->" src="../../../icons/lists/1.png">
|
|
Nick Thorne's write-up in <a href="792026.htm">Belfry Bulletin 378</a><br>
|
|
<img alt="--->" src="../../../icons/lists/1.png">
|
|
Odkrycie i eksploracja Eislufthöhle - <a href="811412.htm">original
|
|
english article</a> (published in Polish in 1980)<br>
|
|
<img alt=">" src="../../../icons/lists/0.png">
|
|
<a href="../../pubs.htm#1979">Index</a> to all publications<br>
|
|
<img alt=">" src="../../../icons/lists/0.png">
|
|
<a href="../../index.htm">Back to Expeditions intro page</a><br>
|
|
<img alt=">" src="../../../icons/lists/0.png">
|
|
<a href="../../../index.htm">CUCC Home Page</a>
|
|
|
|
</body>
|
|
</html>
|