Vince, Jon, Jake, and Nick Arrived at the cave entrance with plenty of time to break up the rocks left from last weekend in Can Of Worms. Unfortunately, I allowed myself to become distracted and felt compelled to add some rocks to the spoil heap wall extension. Eventually dragged I myself away and set off … Continue reading “6th December”
Vice, Jake, Nick, and Tav On the surface at the cave there were lot’s of rocks waiting to be added to the spoil heap walls so I got on with that until the others arrived. Can of Worms again this weekend. Jake and Nick digging – battering rocks, filling bags – some more robust rocks … Continue reading “29th November”
Vince, Tav, Jake, Mike, and Nick It was a wet walk across the fields, up to the cave. Underground, there were stones on the ledge awaiting size reductions with plugs & feathers so got on with that until the team arrived. Due to wet conditions and team numbers, it seemed an obvious choice to continue … Continue reading “22nd November”
Vince, Jon, Jake, and Tav Venturing underground the first thing I noticed was the sound – the sound of dripping waters into puddles in the Soft South, and there were trickles of water along the cave passages. The cave was much wetter than of late after the recent heavy, persistent rain, the overlying soil now … Continue reading “15th November”
Vince, Nick, Brockers, Jake, Jon Early at the cave to replace 10mm jute rope on the haul up out of the ‘pot’ with a 14mm hemp rope. These twisted natural fibre ropes are easier to grip with muddy gloves. The knots tied only last week were already tight. I was just about done as the … Continue reading “8th November”
Vince, Nick, Mike, Jake, Jon, and Tav Early to the cave to install new pulley on the haul out of the pot, new jute rope too (but this will be replaced as it was too thin, 10mm. Have ordered a 14mm hemp rope). Also replaced the worn-out skip on the haul from ledge/entrance. The rest … Continue reading “1st November”
Vince, Jake, Mike, Jon, and Nick I got to the cave ahead of the team to collect some sediment samples from An Unexpected Development (AUD) area for a local artist who wants to experiment with natural pigments (I have already collected samples from the Polden Hills, Dolebury Warren, and Wookey Hole). While I was there, … Continue reading “25th October”
Vince, Jake, Mike, Jon, and Nick I got to the cave ahead of the team to collect some sediment samples from An Unexpected Development (AUD) area for a local artist who wants to experiment with natural pigments (I have already collected samples from the Polden Hills, Dolebury Warren, and Wookey Hole). While I was there, … Continue reading “25th October”
Vince, Brockers, Jake, Nick, Jon, Tav, and Mike An earlier start for me, drill/plugs and feathers packed. Arrived at the farm, chatted briefly with the farmer, got the key from the shed, changed and walked across fields to the cave. Once underground set off to Can of Worms and got to work removing a calcite … Continue reading “18th October”
Vince, Nick, Jon, and Tav Due to a variety of circumstances, a suggestion was put forward “shall we have a Sunday session?” There were some minor glitches but, eventually, it came to pass. A suitable team gathered at the farm on Sunday morning. Underground, Jon and Tav were dispatched to Can of Worms to continue … Continue reading “12th October”
Vince, Nick, and Jon Arrived early at the farm, got changed, and wandered up to the cave. There were no bags to pack up so added a few stones to the spoil heap extension wall before going underground. Into Can of Worms to see last weeks progress and, while I was there, decided to remove … Continue reading “4th October”
Vince, Nick, and Jon Arrived early at the farm, got changed, and wandered up to the cave. There were no bags to pack up so added a few stones to the spoil heap extension wall before going underground. Into Can of Worms to see last weeks progress and, while I was there, decided to remove … Continue reading “4th October”
Some of us were attending Hidden Earth (BCRA national caving conference) in Llangollen, North Wales. Others were digging but, so far, a report on Saturday’s activities has not been forthcoming…
Solo Spent a couple of or so on the surface at the cave undertaking some spoil heap management tasks. Cleared overgrown vegetation (mostly brambles) before adding the available rocks to the western wall extension and levelled dumped spoil thereby creating space for more bags to be emptied. It was very pleasant in the warm, autumnal … Continue reading “24th September”
With Brockers, Jake, and Nick Arrived at the farm early only to remember that my key to the cave was in my car and that was at the garage! And I could not find the spare key. Nothing for it but to get changed and wait for the others to turn up. Jake soon directed … Continue reading “20th September”
Report by Jake
“Nick & Jake digging in Can of Worms, on the southernmost side. A total of 40 bags were filled, hauled out to the surface, and emptied.”
Report by Jake
“Nick & Jake digging in Can of Worms, on the southernmost side. A total of 40 bags were filled, hauled out to the surface, and emptied.”
Vince, Nick, Jake, and Tav An earlier start for me at Can of Worms with drill/plugs and feathers to deal with the boulder loosened and pushed to one side last weekend. Spent an hour or so reducing the rock to more manageable pieces and was just ready to pack kit away as Nick arrived. The … Continue reading “6th September”
Vince, Brockers, and Jake A small team assembled today, and because of that Can of Worms was the chosen digging venue. Underground,a brief discussion on digging strategy before Jake and Brockers got to work on the southernmost side at the current end of Can of Worms. My job was to haul away the spoil and … Continue reading “30th August”
Vince, Nick, Brockers, Jake, and Tav The team assembled and all underground, digging today in the NE extent, in the AUD area. It was my turn to dig supported by Nick (who also was digging as there is plenty of space!), Jake was top of the slope hauling up the bags. Brockers and Tav were … Continue reading “23rd August. Another round trip!”
Vince, Tav, Jon, Jake, and Brockers Spent a peaceful time at the cave packing bags while waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. Underground in the AUD area, Tav digging, I was clearing away the filled bags to Jon who hauled them up the slope and carried them across the chamber to the … Continue reading “16th August”
Vince, Jake, Jon, Nick, Tav Arrived at the farm early enough but ended up chatting to the farmer for quite a while. Eventually I got changed and set off across the fields as Jake rode his motorcycle into the yard. At the cave started to pack the dry bags ready for refilling later. Underground at … Continue reading “9th August”
Vince, Jake, Jon, Nick, Tav Arrived at the farm early enough but ended up chatting to the farmer for quite a while. Eventually I got changed and set off across the fields as Jake rode his motorcycle into the yard. At the cave started to pack the dry bags ready for refilling later. Underground at … Continue reading “9th August”
Vince, Tav, Jake, Nick, Brockers Arrived at cave and while waiting for the others to turn up added a few rocks to the spoil heap extension wall and packed the bags into bundles, mostly in ‘tens.’ Slipped underground with the packs of bags and had a peek at last session’s progress in CoW, it wasn’t … Continue reading “2nd August”
Vince, Tav, Jake, Nick, Brockers Arrived at cave and while waiting for the others to turn up added a few rocks to the spoil heap extension wall and packed the bags into bundles, mostly in ‘tens.’ Slipped underground with the packs of bags and had a peek at last session’s progress in CoW, it wasn’t … Continue reading “2nd August”
Report by Tav “Tav, Nick, Brockers, Jake A smaller team today so in keeping with recent tradition the Can of Worms was selected. Tav and Nick digging, Brockers and Jake clearing away. The cross rift chamber at the end of Can of Worms is now quite large. Digging took place at both the west and … Continue reading “26th July”
Report by Tav “Tav, Nick, Brockers, Jake A smaller team today so in keeping with recent tradition the Can of Worms was selected. Tav and Nick digging, Brockers and Jake clearing away. The cross rift chamber at the end of Can of Worms is now quite large. Digging took place at both the west and … Continue reading “26th July”
With Brockers, Jake, Nick, and Tav Arrived earlier with the intention of getting some photos of the interesting stalagmites uncovered during digging activities in Can of Worms. Of special interest is a teetering, fractured, but still standing, stalagmite, the ‘Leaning Tower.’ Just about done when I could hear packs of bags being dropped down the … Continue reading “19th July”
With Brockers, Jake, Nick, and Tav Arrived earlier with the intention of getting some photos of the interesting stalagmites uncovered during digging activities in Can of Worms. Of special interest is a teetering, fractured, but still standing, stalagmite, the ‘Leaning Tower.’ Just about done when I could hear packs of bags being dropped down the … Continue reading “19th July”
Solo Spent a very pleasant couple of hours or so in HR. Carried out a survey from ToT down to the current dig beyond in the AUD area, including the alcove where the faunal remains are located. Added a bit more detail here. When that was done continued with excavation briefly and recovered a few … Continue reading “16th July”
Vince, Jake, Tav, Nick, Jon Arrived ahead at the farm before the allotted time and went into the shed to sort out some ‘good’ bags for use in LoH&G (Wookey Hole). Then a leisurely change, it was warm already. Minimalist approach to undergarment, shorts and T-shirt, same as WH attire, cotton overalls and other sundry … Continue reading “12th July”
Vince, Jake, Tav, Nick, Jon Arrived ahead at the farm before the allotted time and went into the shed to sort out some ‘good’ bags for use in LoH&G (Wookey Hole). Then a leisurely change, it was warm already. Minimalist approach to undergarment, shorts and T-shirt, same as WH attire, cotton overalls and other sundry … Continue reading “12th July”
Back to the ‘Bear hunt’ Took a ‘karrimat’ in with me today to the excavation site in the AUD/BTOT area, which was to prove a comfortable option. The plan was to lower/remove the clay layer that appears to be sealing faunal remains. This was done in 25mm – 50mm ‘spits’ using wooden clay-modelling tools. Close … Continue reading “9th July”
Back to the ‘Bear hunt’ Took a ‘karrimat’ in with me today to the excavation site in the AUD/BTOT area, which was to prove a comfortable option. The plan was to lower/remove the clay layer that appears to be sealing faunal remains. This was done in 25mm – 50mm ‘spits’ using wooden clay-modelling tools. Close … Continue reading “9th July”
Vince, Jon, Jake, Tav, and Nick A damp morning but, thankfully, the bags remained mostly dry. Packed bags ready for refilling while waiting for the others to arrive. All assembled headed underground, Jon leading the way to the AUD area where digging would take place today. Before digging got underway a brief discussion with Jon … Continue reading “5th July”
Solo After fiddling about with a few rocks and stone on the western spoil heap extension wall thought I had better get myself underground and get on with the main objective for the session. Quickly along to the AUD/BTOT area to continue with the excavation of faunal remains. Once settled, began to carefully excavate around … Continue reading “2nd July”
Vince, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Mike An early start (underground before 09:00) to carry out some “rock-bothering” before the rest of the team arrive. Before starting on the boulders in Can of Worms continued on to AUD area to install a M6-size eyebolt above the location of the faunal remains (STN.1) so enabling a plumb-line … Continue reading “28th June”
Vince, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Mike An early start (underground before 09:00) to carry out some “rock-bothering” before the rest of the team arrive. Before starting on the boulders in Can of Worms continued on to AUD area to install a M6-size eyebolt above the location of the faunal remains (STN.1) so enabling a plumb-line … Continue reading “28th June”
Solo Spent the morning at home pottering around getting a few things together ready for a ‘Bear hunt’. At the farm dithered a bit with ‘this and that’, chatted with the farmer, and so was a little later underground than anticipated, no matter! Today’s objective (beyond Trick or Treat/AUD area) was to have a closer … Continue reading “25th June”
Vince, Roz and Sara Just for a change, a tourist trip into Hallowe’en Rift. Route from entrance via Merlin’s, Tuck Shop, An Emotional Journey to An Unexpected Development involves quite a lot of crawling. Dragged along a ladder and rope to descend the rift in AUD with Sara (Roz stayed at the top) followed by … Continue reading “23rd June”
Vince, Jake, Jon, and Nick As seems to be usual I arrived at the cave with time to spare so occupied myself fettling walls and packing bags until the team assembled. Jon has returned from injury although the story we had fabricated was more imaginative, Nick was [almost] recovered from a long bike ride, Lôn … Continue reading “21st June. Solstice!”
Vince, Brockers, Jake, Nick, and Tav A mindful gathering to celebrate Global Wellness Day! An early start for me to replace a couple of skips (thanks to John Cooper and Wessex for supply of drums) before returning to surface, where I was joined by Brockers, we packed bags until the team arrived. A slight change … Continue reading “14th June”
Vince, Jake, Nick, and Tav Another earlier arrival at the cave packing bags until the rest of the team turned up. When all were assembled the small team deployed to Can of Worms where Nick was upfront digging. While Jake cleared away the filled bags I went on to AUD to retrieve the strips of … Continue reading “7th June”
Vince, Jake, Nick, and Tav An earlier start for me as I wanted to continue preparing the ground ready for extending the spoil heap wall on the western side. That done got on with packing bags just as the others arrived. A smaller team assembled today so the digger, Tav, chose to excavate in Can … Continue reading “31st May”
Solo What better place could I be on a rainy day forecast than underground in HR carrying out some “rock-bothering”. Spent a couple of hours or so reducing the collection of conglomerate boulders put to one side on Saturday into more manageable pieces ideal material for wall-building. The rocks broken up, kit packed away, the … Continue reading “27th May”
Solo What better place could I be on a rainy day forecast than underground in HR carrying out some “rock-bothering”. Spent a couple of hours or so reducing the collection of conglomerate boulders put to one side on Saturday into more manageable pieces ideal material for wall-building. The rocks broken up, kit packed away, the … Continue reading “27th May”
Vince, Tav, Nick, Jake, Brockers Got up to the cave early with a variety of tools to clear the ground of brambles and other vegetation so another section of spoil heap wall can be added. When that was completed started to pack bags ready for refilling later. The rest of the team arrived, bags were … Continue reading “24th May”
Solo Spent a pleasant couple of hours or so “rock-bothering” in the AUD area. Moved the resulting pile of debris along to the skip ready for removal at a later date. While I was underground and had some time took a closer look in Can of Worms. The current dig is in a circa north/northwest … Continue reading “23rd May”
Vince, Jake, Jon, Brockers, Nick, and Tav An earlier start for me to carry out some ‘rock-bothering’ in the AUD area where there are a couple of large conglomerate boulder requiring some reduction in size to be more manageable. Underground by 09:00 with drill and plugs/feathers packed. The rocks were dealt with producing quite a … Continue reading “17th May”
Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Tav Underground, Brockers digging in An Unexpected Development area (Jake had given up his turn in favour of Brockers this week), Jake cleared away filled bags and rocks, I was hauling the spoil up the slope and passing it on to Jon, who took it across the chamber in … Continue reading “10th May”
With Jake, Brockers, Jon, Nick, Mike, and Luke (Nick’s nephew) Got to the farm early to deposit the tools recovered from Wookey Hole on Thursday evening in the shed for use whenever required. The ‘mini-sledge’ and pack of empty bags were taken up to the cave. There seems to be some renewed vigour in the … Continue reading “3rd May”
With Jon, Nick, Jake, and Mike The bags left hanging on the lines had dried very well and were shaken free of sediment and bundled up to be stored underground – Jake estimates there are about 380 bags now available for refilling, probably not in a single session though! Jon was main digger for today … Continue reading “26th April”
With Jon, Nick, Jake, and Mike The bags left hanging on the lines had dried very well and were shaken free of sediment and bundled up to be stored underground – Jake estimates there are about 380 bags now available for refilling, probably not in a single session though! Jon was main digger for today … Continue reading “26th April”
Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, Nick, and Tav Tav set-off to the NE extent, An Unexpected Development area, to dig with Jon helping to remove the spoil generated; Brockers went to Can of Worms to fill some bags. There was the pile of rocks and gravel to remove from the NE, so spoil was quickly moving … Continue reading “19th April”
Solo Drill/plugs and feathers packed into tackle bag, time to go ‘rock-bothering!’ At HR, very briefly scratched around the spoil heap wall extension before getting underground to attend the primary objective. At the dig in the area of An Unexpected Development a rock had been left exposed on Saturday, and it was my intention to … Continue reading “15th April”
Vince, Tav, Jon, Jake, and Nick Underground digging activity was mostly concentrated at the NE extent, in the area of An Unexpected Development (AUD), although Nick, freshly returned from a working field trip to Angola and raring to go, couldn’t resist an opportunity to fill some bags in Can of Worms (CoW). At the AUD … Continue reading “12th April”
Vince, Jake, Jon, and Tav Got there early to scratch around the wall extension and start to pack the now very dry bags ready for refilling. The team arrived… They had already decided to dig Can of Worms, the “easier” option. No matter. Jake digging, I was hauling the spoil from the dig to the … Continue reading “5th April”
Solo Carried in drill and plugs/feathers to reduce in size the accumulated large rocks left in various places in the cave. First pile in the chamber, Trick or Treat. Rocks dealt with, decided to secure the conveyor belt on the slope from the chamber to the dig in An Unexpected Development area. While I was … Continue reading “26th March”
Vince, Jake, Jon, and Tav Early start for some more wall-building. A smaller team assembled for todays session. So, diggers choice of venue – Jon, as we were down in numbers, elected to have a look in Can of Worms. Jon upfront, Jake clearing spoil back to the ledge, I flitted between the ledge and … Continue reading “22nd March”
Vince, Brockers, Jake, Jon, and Tav. On an early spring morning in the sunshine, Hallowe’en Rift is a pleasant place to be, on the surface anyway. Added the few rocks that were available to the embryo spoil heap wall and scratched around some sediment to consolidate the wall. Then packed away the very dry and … Continue reading “15th March”
