Group 1: Adam (hero of route finding), Peter, Andrew, Tim, Chris, Al
Al: After sorting out the logistics of a 3km long cave which popped out miles from the entrance we divided into 2 groups whilst the drivers rearranged the transport.
1st trip: St Catherines -> Fisherstreet Pot (pre-rigged)
Started with a low crawl (painful for Pollballiny folk) which promptly became a streamway walk. Adam had read the book, and so route-led. Route finding was not really a significant problem – follow water downstream until there’s a ladder, in effect. One or two deviations from the route to find a grotto near Smithy Complex (Doolin Road inlet or something) which was particularly interesting with some fantastic formations once we found it. Set off downstream again, just as group 2 caught up. Left them behind to find the grotto. Walked down the streamway, getting slightly lost only once in the collapsed roof complex. Kept going. Couldn’t find another pretty bit (basically ‘cos it wasn’t pretty.) Passed an effluent inlet (it wasn’t affluent like some DUSA members), getting showered by it on the way. Found the moderately low wet crawl (which, incidentally, wasn’t sumped, but then that’s obvious isn’t it?) and found, surprise surprise, a ladder, rope, a pitch and erm, no stitch plate. Rigged an Alpine/Itie hitch, we think, and ascended, just as the other group arrived, to find some cows and Katrina looking a little annoyed at them for using our backup rope as a toilet, amusing cow-type chew stick and toilet (not in that order) and skipping rope. Changed in Doolin and went to pub.
Adam: Saw 2 fish in the stream (probably about 2km in). They were a light silvery/yellow colour. Couldn’t tell if they were albino as they swam away. Tim saw a frog too.
Group 2: Anthony, Jon, Julia, Gwyn, Martin
Anthony: …as above, except with Anthony as route finding superhero based on a single trip 5 years previously when a novice. Couldn’t remember any of the junctions, but didn’t get too lost anyway.
Al Cook, Adam Horan and Anthony Day