Present: Andrew, Al, Chris R
Al: As Andrew hasn’t an SRT kit, we also did a not SRT trip. Andrew, Al & ChrisR decided to do Swildons as Chris knew it to the sump and we fancied diving it. Changed in a barn, with some swallows. Went the ‘dry’ route as it was rather wet. The dry route was also moist, but incredibly pretty. Did the 20′ ladder with ease and stomped to sump. Chris and Al didn’t really want to do the sump, but we really really did want to do it too (?). After about five minutes of gradually getting wetter and closer to the sump, Andy pipes up “Look, if you really are going to do it, go on, I want to do it.” Stupidly, the reply was “If you want to do the sump go on and do it.” So he did. We then had to follow him. Chris got thru’ OK. Al, however, forgot to not breathe, and made Chris quite concerned. Fuck it, I’m too drunk, someone else’s go!
Andrew: At the other side of the sump the air smelt stale. We waded through deep water to a dry stretch of cave. A short distance on we found another sump and a drier passage to the left. A sign announce that the sump was not free divable. We decided to retreat and plunged quickly back through sump 1 on our return.
The passage was uneventful until a tricky climb up a waterfall. Here, Andrew’s light gave up the ghost. The other two intrepid cavers bounded on unknowingly leaving him to scrabble in the dark. “Where are you Andrew?” “I’m here I think, yes, definitely here.” “Safe?” “Maybe! There’s a foothold, yes and a bigger hold.”
Up and finally in some light provided by fellow cavers. Light that had to be sufficient for numerous free climbs, traverses and a twenty foot pitch. Yes, definitely, you would be surprised.
Out in the sunshine we agreed it had been a good cave. It is very satisfying to dive a sump, bit cold though.
Al: Cushhdy cave! V. wet. S scary.
Al Cook and Andrew Webber