Dry Gill Cave

 James, Jim, Jess, Ami, Jason

I’d come across this cave in the guide books some time ago, and thought it looked to have a lot going for it.  Ok, it’s a bit crawly and ducky, but the reward was supposed to be some fab formations.  Plus it’s a very short walk from the road and no SRT whatever is required.  Just my sort of cave!

It had been on the meets list before, but I’d been thwarted by bad weather – did I mention that it’s apt to flood?  But the forecast was dryish, so off we set.  And we found the (small!) entrance quite easily.  Ami nobly volunteered to go first, but quickly came out, doubting that it could possibly go.  So James stepped, well inched, in and his wellies soon disappeared so it was evident we’d have to follow.  It started small, tight and awkward, and remained so.  At one little climb, I managed to get up, but my wellie didn’t follow.  So we made gradual progress, with a lot of huffing, puffing and cursing.  At the next climb, I was convinced I wouldn’t make it, but with James’ and Ami’s encouragement and guidance, I did.

Now we were in the Obstacle Course, which continued in the same vein.  Surely we must be near the streamway now?  We were, but there was just one tight bit in the way.  This time, I really couldn’t fit through, despite strenuous efforts.  Worse – it took even more effort to back out, and then Jim and Jess whizzed through, making it look easy.

So I turned to retrace my ‘steps’ (if only!) and it was just as much fun on the way out, but it was a gorgeous moment when I finally popped out into the pleasantly cool (2° C) air to see Orion looking down on me.

I got changed and was guiltily wondering if it would be out of order to set off home, or should I wait to make sure the others got out, when I saw – much to my surprise – some torches coming down the hill.  It was Jim and Jess, and the others were not far behind.  Apparently the stream was so low, that it was hard to tell which was downstream.  They came to a duck and went through it, getting soaked, but – was it the right one?  And then there was a climb, but was it the right way or would it lead to an agonising crawl which just closed down?

In the end, they evidently decide enough fun was enough, so weren’t all that far behind me and I certainly hadn’t been rushing.

So a trip ticked off?  Yes and no – definitely one to return to and do properly, if you’re hard (and slim) enough!