Lost Johns – Sink Chamber via Dome Alternative

Pete, Ray, James, Dave, Jasmine, Scott

A manky night indeed. Yet more heavy rain, but The Kendal were unperturbed (mostly). Six of us made our moist way to Leck Fell. The plan: to reach Sink Chamber in Lost Johns via a mini exchange between Dome and Dome Alternative.
Unfortunately I somehow left out the short rope for Vestry pitch, so Dave was doomed to run out of rope before the base of Cathedral unless we changed tack. The exchange was abandoned, the Dome rope urged into early action, and we all committed to go up and down Dome Alternative. This charming little route starts with a pleasant crawl in what seems to be completely the wrong direction, before emerging into a parallel shaft and tunnel which eventually brings you to a window halfway down Dome pitch. I quite like it, but most people seem to prefer the more straightforward route after their first go. Anyway, it claimed an early victim in Ray, whose knee was playing up during the crawl, and he beat a reluctant retreat.
Five continued down into Shale Cavern. Dave rigged the last pitch into Sink Chamber, and we descended to take in the view of the very lively waterfall from Monastery Route. We didn’t hang around long, and James and Jasmine did a cracking job of derigging the pitches.
The way out was not without interest, for the stream in the entrance series had risen while we explored, and was pretty sporting, though not quite enough to hinder our exit.
Another good trip – thanks to all who came out in such rubbish weather!