IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT OR: . - A SOLO TRIP WITH 8 FRIENDS

As a postscript to the Easegill traverse,( the one where the de-.tackling team forgot to take a spanner,) I thought that I’d add to tales of woe.

We started out the following Wednesday evening. There were to be 9 very fit and experienced cavers. ’The pick of Red Rose, B.I.C.C. and N.C.C.’ The first member fell by the wayside when her house flooded half an hour before we set off. The next ‘dropout’ slept right through. - and then there were 6!

It had been agreed by all that we would meet at Leck Fell, so Nick and Simon roared off in a cloud of burning oil, (Simons’ equivalent of a Porche,) to Bull Po Farm. (I bet that was Nicks fault. ed.) - and then there were 4!

The remainder of the team parked at Leck Fell and set off for Pip. entrance. Half way through the walk Rick and Simon could be seen driving up the road, obviously they bad realised their mistake. (I bet that was Simon, ed.) I waved and shouted, generally trying to make myself conspicuous but I thought they hadn’t seen me s they turned the car around and disappeared back whence they came. While all this was going on the other three had walked down the fell to look at Deaths Head. I did not realise this, so I, thinking that I’m on my own, rushed off to try and catch the other three up.
- and then there was 1!

I rushed through the cave, de-rigging as I went, I shouted at the top of my voice for the others to wait, to no avail no one was listening It wasn’t until I reached the last pitch that I realised what a ridiculous situation I’d gotten myself into. Here was I, with arms full of tackle, chasing through one of the tightest holes in the dales, trying to catch three of the N.C.C. thin men. Needless to say I gave up all hope of catching them!

Now this is where the tale takes a real twist. Unknown to me, Simon had actually seen me from his car, All he’d done was to turn his car around and go back to the gate to pick up Nick, get changed and follow us down the hole, with no means of getting back up again!! (Short of struggling) Anyway, Simon turned up just as I was de-rigging the last (i.e. first) pitch. . ?7? Don’t ask me, I only print it — ed.) - And then there were 3!

Finally, we raced ‘round to the New Inn for a few jars and a good laugh. Oh by the way, guess who else was there - yes you’ve got it - the other three cavers and the two dropouts. — AND THEN THERE WERE 8.

PS. I don’t recommend solo do-rigging trips in Pippikin

STEVE ROUND

Sounds like a normal Red Rose trip to me. ed.

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