Try Caving Trip - 29th/30th Jan 2011 (Official Signup & Information Post)

[Drongo]

All the gear collected, hope I've enough sizes for everyone...

Batteries are being charged as I type...
(There should be enough charge in them for the weekend, but just in case we spend an extended amount of time underground you may want to stick 4 x AA in yer bag as spare)

Just a wee detour to Blacklion tomorrow morning after McDonalds to collect the key for Marble Arch and we are all sorted...

Don't forget...!!
Sleeping Bag
Wellies/Boots & warm socks
Food/Drink & means to cook it
Warm old clothes you don't mind getting muddy
Torch for use above ground
Wetsuit if you have one
Donation to the cave rescue team for the loan of gear
Some ££ in case we end up in the pub (there are no cash machines after Enniskillen)
Phil likes Talisker or Highland Park - 15yrs or older...;o)

Oh, and bring some water as it looks like it's going to be a cold one, which means the tap may be frozen...!!

[MikeD]

Thanks Drongo, you've put a lot of effort into this!

Can I get a bit of a feel, for how wet we're going to get, to help me choose what clothes to bring (i know you said old...)

Will we generally be walking through dry caves, with maybe ankle level water?  Then maybe a  bit of a swim near the end?

Do we need to be carrying our own towels in a water proof bag to dry off when we get out of the caves (or is the hut very handy to it?).

I got a new tent and would like to pitch it - is there suitable ground near the hut?

[darren]

hi mate.
if u check in earlier posts we could be in waist deep water mate.

[Drongo]

Can I get a bit of a feel, for how wet we're going to get, to help me choose what clothes to bring (i know you said old...)

Will we generally be walking through dry caves, with maybe ankle level water?  Then maybe a  bit of a swim near the end?

The first part of Marble Arch is dry - Once you leave the tourist path there is a quick few second wade through water that between thigh and waist deep.

John Thomas' Hole, which is another nearby one is extremly muddy...

Do we need to be carrying our own towels in a water proof bag to dry off when we get out of the caves (or is the hut very handy to it?).

You won't need to carry anything in the caves, bar a few snacks and maybe a drink...
The wet caves on Sunday, usually we just strip off at the road side, dive into cars, turn on heaters and get back to the hut as quick as we can to warm up...

I got a new tent and would like to pitch it - is there suitable ground near the hut?

Maybe, I've never looked...  There is usually livestock about, once we've had a cow in the living room...
Maybe they will all be in bed for the winter...?

[MikeD]

Sounds great, might even get me some nice cow-action too......

[suspectmonkey]

might even get me some nice cow-action too......

Don't forget the peppered sauce

[darren]

Sounds great, might even get me some nice cow-action too......

mooo.!

done a fine job phil on all we need.

what time do we expect to be back on sunday.
not in a rush to get back though.

[Drongo]

Home Sunday... Sometime between then and now...

[LandyLiam]

LandyLiam's mate now can't make it, LandyLiam still ok though    and even working on doing an overnighter, negotiations are at a delicate stage though 

[Kayakgirl]

Audrey can't make it now either.

[LennyJ1]

All packed. You would think I'm going glamping

[ChuckMcB]

Have fun guys.

[RedLeader]

Have a great time, try and get some piccies !

[LandyLiam]

it appears i must have thrown out my old wellies that i just went looking for, i've a nice pair of comfy waterproof rigger boots, would they do? or would i be better with an old pair of hiking boots and maybe a pair of very thin "beach shoes" for the wading bits?

[Drongo]

old hike boots, thick socks and wet feet is what I'd go for...