Short Drop – Gavel Exchange

Ami, Darren, Gareth, James, Jason, Louie, Maz, Pete, Scott, Sophie, Steve, Tom  (Report by Maz)

In what might be classed as festival sized numbers for KCC, 12, yes 12, members made an appearance on Leck Fell for a mid week jaunt down one of my favourite caves.

We clearly weren’t the only ones feeling it, as a small group of other cavers were setting off for AKA pot, and another 3 were heading down to Short Drop.
All assembled, a counsel of war was held in the car park and it was agreed to rig both entrances to Gavel. This led to guest caver Louis being sent back to his car for karabiners and rope. That is how we welcome new members!

The main challenge began with the task of finding the entrances in the descending fog. Soon we reached Short Drop and the group split into a pair of sixes.
Our group consisting of myself, Steve, Scott, James, Tom and Jason began our descent. I like Short Drop. Its winding passages are easily navigable. There’s lots of little side bits to explore, some interesting features and a bit of a slither early on.

There was a bit more water than we expected and the wet crawl was exactly as it said on the tin. It wasn’t long into the twisting meanders where we met other cavers; the group of three including a 7 year old were on the return. A bit of negotiation, rather akin to meeting another vehicle on a single track road ensued. By weight of numbers, they backed up a bit until we were able to pass.

Soon we reached the fixed rope and slid down avoiding the bulk of the water, any moment expecting the other party. Still no sign, and it was mooted perhaps they’d missed Gavel entrance and were drifting around somewhere on Leck Fell.

Rounding a corner, I noticed lights above which signalled the B team about to descend the pitch. After a bit more shuffling and abseiling, a well organised and slick change over, and the exchange had occurred.

Next, we were on the rope and up the pitch. Tom and Scott de-rigging. The fog had switched to rain and we headed home, narrowly beating the others back by a few minutes.

Thanks to Ami for rigging Gavel and hopefully writing up the other half of this report. Thanks to everyone for a fine turnout