tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72563120493939748022024-03-13T22:07:18.629+00:00Legends SessionSPORT & EXPLORATION CAVING ARTICLES
Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-19251465581466672492021-05-27T11:17:00.006+01:002021-05-27T11:22:51.193+01:00Thundering Mouse Retreat Short<div>My first attempt at a short fictional piece. I've years worth of notes and ideas but this is the first I've actually committed to completing. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://crackcavingcats.blogspot.com/2020/05/thundering-mouse-retreat.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://crackcavingcats.blogspot.com/2020/05/thundering-mouse-retreat.html</span></a>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-29009836247125763642021-04-20T09:34:00.002+01:002021-04-20T09:37:55.995+01:00Mossdale Sessions 95 - 96 Youtube Video Link<p>Will begin writing the back-log of Sessions up after a couple more sessions. Or maybe I'll wait till I get to a hundred. </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-6szNodoU&t=23s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-6szNodoU&t=23s</a> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEr2KiJZBaa1O0A_mvd720zFhF95GDjXS4PKqlp5Zb1pPGntRlbXhtAd0hGYIOs1wH9d2U_bkyFGxagU0KEcQb2hyUl_fMBuG1Y2f4dt0FJZk80ZJLGwq2bwGnprnS2NrdFwscsRNUFcP/s2048/IMG_8159.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEr2KiJZBaa1O0A_mvd720zFhF95GDjXS4PKqlp5Zb1pPGntRlbXhtAd0hGYIOs1wH9d2U_bkyFGxagU0KEcQb2hyUl_fMBuG1Y2f4dt0FJZk80ZJLGwq2bwGnprnS2NrdFwscsRNUFcP/w480-h640/IMG_8159.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div><div><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2021. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div></div>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-77567725057687810372021-04-05T00:14:00.002+01:002021-04-20T09:35:03.057+01:00Mossdale Session 94 Youtube Video Link<p> <span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iNhCgUMyUM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iNhCgUMyUM</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK87OuhmDEt_jOyiy9rYh-i0jwaHrZkK7EinjtmCwgOm8vB9DantCm8fJPhPVx5j1sJfGkj9lv9pWHmaHmDEInYAt_-sVEd9UFgAtiiLaky4HnEzAKiMe0-00GUbAmYgOm1Hqm5EsESZ7Q/s2048/IMG_8055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK87OuhmDEt_jOyiy9rYh-i0jwaHrZkK7EinjtmCwgOm8vB9DantCm8fJPhPVx5j1sJfGkj9lv9pWHmaHmDEInYAt_-sVEd9UFgAtiiLaky4HnEzAKiMe0-00GUbAmYgOm1Hqm5EsESZ7Q/w640-h480/IMG_8055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div><div><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2021. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-79143836073458686132021-04-03T15:08:00.004+01:002021-04-20T09:34:47.295+01:00Mossdale Session 93 Youtube Video Link<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_juQSNxvXL8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_juQSNxvXL8</a></span><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO74ZqzlY9Xb0oHnq_PvurkG2yyw-NqcFH9bg8rsbihrf1bBrqNgAMTJkiDo5jlUS_0EVtr-aAB_1UpFXTKNQQ6dG9FGgNyZYCtwfX3nKFtZlFLzhrKdLxze6LBWuBQrshouDrhlJXpvpT/s2048/IMG_8024.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO74ZqzlY9Xb0oHnq_PvurkG2yyw-NqcFH9bg8rsbihrf1bBrqNgAMTJkiDo5jlUS_0EVtr-aAB_1UpFXTKNQQ6dG9FGgNyZYCtwfX3nKFtZlFLzhrKdLxze6LBWuBQrshouDrhlJXpvpT/w640-h480/IMG_8024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div><div><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2021. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-26491735609508152472021-02-03T16:12:00.057+00:002021-02-05T20:38:27.326+00:00Preceding the Session<p>Another long overdue piece with the odd addition to come no doubt. Took me weeks of thinking about it before I finally sat down at the computer, not to mention numerous attempts over the past four years. It's been a few paragraphs a day, for weeks, while I jogged my memory and searched through notes. Usually by this point I wouldn't have bothered, but feel it was a very productive period, one I never fully documented, and rather crucial to what followed in 2017.</p><div>Mossdale Sessions 1 & 2 are still to complete, and should follow soon. </div><span></span><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>2016</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>If I had to summarise this one in a few words it'd be, 'what a year!'</div><div><br /></div><div>Was one of the most productive years I'd had up to that point caving on the flanks of Great Whernside. The majority of it done with Ian Cummins. It was probably the most attention those caves had received for decades as well.</div><span></span><div><br /></div><div>Eight visits were made to Mossdale Caverns, five to Langcliffe Pot and four to Swarthgill Hole. Activity was also on going at Howgill Nick. The Mossdale visits were pretty well documented, via the blog and elsewhere, but the rest were not, especially the main Langcliffe trip which I really regret now. A few of the Swarthgill Hole trips were written up by Ian, and photographed/videoed by myself over the course of the visits. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Swarthgill Hole</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Neither of us had read any trip reports from Swarthgill, nor heard of any recent visits. We deduced we were the first beyond the duck to the final chambers in god knows how long. Attempting to capture decent pictures was a real challenge as was filming the duck with a very cold neck on both occasions.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>We dug the final chamber of Swarthgill in various places on two of the visits but quickly realised it would not fall to such simple tactics. The furthest limit of the final choke, which required a short but devious bit of route finding to access, was where we needed to be. Requiring poles and clips at the very least, to secure that area of the choke before you dare bang and bray. Enlarging a route following the North Wall of the final chamber down between the boulders also looked like a possibility. </div><div>I'll never forget the draught in Swarthgill Hole! Intimidating! New Fearnought written all over it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>It's the first time I've really thought deeply about that period, the memories flooding back today profound.We had some fun and laughs Ian & I. </div><div><br /></div><div>I recall a frustration creeping in towards caving around this time. I guess it was long overdue. The direction which came at Mossdale the following year.</div><div>Had I not found a definite target at Mossdale soon thereafter, Swarthgill Hole may well have featured instead. </div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8LBJ3iJzcqBI9leaR0aKw13f0gX7p7v9psEA9Ko1sfY_GmvN20QMqLt8m_O50yUsguPkIuwxEgj6Xg0V4EC6vi1PpCraZgMaZp9H_GdnVXfZZMCUd-ANSTs5emsGXzMTN5yPoxa-p48f/s2048/P1080940.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8LBJ3iJzcqBI9leaR0aKw13f0gX7p7v9psEA9Ko1sfY_GmvN20QMqLt8m_O50yUsguPkIuwxEgj6Xg0V4EC6vi1PpCraZgMaZp9H_GdnVXfZZMCUd-ANSTs5emsGXzMTN5yPoxa-p48f/w640-h480/P1080940.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot Ian's Wellies</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJGNc8npTvcUJx8RSGxoCAKwXxH3oH1qv_AhnnHSr_dBHgmn8uie46QT6woplkkfb63vC_xrrbtnzMDdgvqsCzZjRL4Py3aOdpFIRfORXn5L6uY8_auA71JIIskydj52UYFzX1xi9GFXm/s2048/P1090280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJGNc8npTvcUJx8RSGxoCAKwXxH3oH1qv_AhnnHSr_dBHgmn8uie46QT6woplkkfb63vC_xrrbtnzMDdgvqsCzZjRL4Py3aOdpFIRfORXn5L6uY8_auA71JIIskydj52UYFzX1xi9GFXm/w640-h480/P1090280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbEa_foTFg4vpSd1DDaS1gE1O1Yq16SdDAgXNUTk_VMeadPPDxRAg8FcZodBdOXhCpc7Pe0kI8bxbRfuxUpCMxDg6pcOZ7319boO3a1DvItuKUSuvYEjmVV3RM_mjnG15eaNSJD8G4oAA/s2048/P1090289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbEa_foTFg4vpSd1DDaS1gE1O1Yq16SdDAgXNUTk_VMeadPPDxRAg8FcZodBdOXhCpc7Pe0kI8bxbRfuxUpCMxDg6pcOZ7319boO3a1DvItuKUSuvYEjmVV3RM_mjnG15eaNSJD8G4oAA/w480-h640/P1090289.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Langcliffe Pot</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The Langcliffe Pot trips, organised primarily by Brian Judd, and using the Oddmire entrance on all visits, were mainly centred around prepping and climbing an objective in the far reaches (New Fearnought Streamway). The objective was an aven/cross rift just upstream of the Dementor Sump, which Brian had spotted back in the 90s.</div><div>After a few trips in late spring during high water, one of which stayed in the vicinity of Oddmire Pot, and the other a false start of sorts involving some mutinous behaviour from me, with the equipment finding it's way to Boireau Falls Chamber courtesy of Brian J and Alex R. </div><div>A few weeks later Ian Cummins and myself then ferried the gear through Nemesis to the big ledges of Sacred Way just beyond. Nemesis had required some digging open at one of the most desperate places. A guide line was also laid to aid navigation through the main section of the choke. We were both fairly convinced that the last people beyond Nemesis had been the two of us back in Sept 2010. I will continue to believe this till someone tells me otherwise.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>We passed the Agora that day and almost made it to New Fearnought (literally minutes away) but Ian suggested we call it a day. I was desperate to see Dementor Sump but didn't argue. Was a tiring trip. One of the best things to come from this one were the photographs which I'd begun taking just beyond Boireau Falls until our lights unfortunately dimmed. Having ditched the bag at The Agora I forgot to change the batteries on my main light. I recall warning someone else about this later down the line. The ground beyond Nemesis is far more time consuming than it appears on the survey. </div><div>We returned a week later, which was way too soon! Felt like forced fun at the time. I then did a similar thing and instigated a turn around in the bowels of the Nemesis Choke. It was to be the last time we were down Langcliffe Pot together. </div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypQq8EZAsO1vbD1eyXnivt4hx2TxPUgbLWZZ8p8WRxf9xA3jMmNxqTZwVctFjlXDFKsCDE0UutKN2KbVYu8tC9o50G_68WmgG5USJutyp_qH2rz_LOdokr2DQKkOIoLQAt7sWIhWncfVN/s2048/P1090418.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypQq8EZAsO1vbD1eyXnivt4hx2TxPUgbLWZZ8p8WRxf9xA3jMmNxqTZwVctFjlXDFKsCDE0UutKN2KbVYu8tC9o50G_68WmgG5USJutyp_qH2rz_LOdokr2DQKkOIoLQAt7sWIhWncfVN/w640-h480/P1090418.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nemesis Pitch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNnVv5GiL-szB33dr9i1imUKrYi22i67cZDqtDibLeuwAsLf8vrgMQxq4E8QcasWX8S8muu_u5PlEJVZNiBWugBlv6fIIHRK9V7f-2ynoSmyoUVsGb7jiAeZcafolCEa_vom-GVoT-2Wd/s2048/P1090549.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNnVv5GiL-szB33dr9i1imUKrYi22i67cZDqtDibLeuwAsLf8vrgMQxq4E8QcasWX8S8muu_u5PlEJVZNiBWugBlv6fIIHRK9V7f-2ynoSmyoUVsGb7jiAeZcafolCEa_vom-GVoT-2Wd/w480-h640/P1090549.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cached gear just down slope from exit point of Nemesis Choke</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_CN4-J8M4XSmpyaTQZQukv9cuVjWCU9CIRNsTD0FEuodDiyG3QW868biDtze3skIIXPIbFQlPBI8g6_f9-N2NpwV4NATjMOLnxmMRIO62OcUxELoXnpzHFlOJtjv1QQXL9wOeiBJlrnH/s2048/P1090420.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_CN4-J8M4XSmpyaTQZQukv9cuVjWCU9CIRNsTD0FEuodDiyG3QW868biDtze3skIIXPIbFQlPBI8g6_f9-N2NpwV4NATjMOLnxmMRIO62OcUxELoXnpzHFlOJtjv1QQXL9wOeiBJlrnH/w480-h640/P1090420.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCptkS1UW9diV0pZVOKtpW3bVARTRsCY-MsNmhGlCediqt4NmTcU1OKJIdCmzULqtCvUVkVbQLUxoXC52W9AxgijGTqk6AdcCNZd6EqffvChskavf65Jt18LWgePXJe_bteVUIoaCICKt/s2048/P1090478.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCptkS1UW9diV0pZVOKtpW3bVARTRsCY-MsNmhGlCediqt4NmTcU1OKJIdCmzULqtCvUVkVbQLUxoXC52W9AxgijGTqk6AdcCNZd6EqffvChskavf65Jt18LWgePXJe_bteVUIoaCICKt/w480-h640/P1090478.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-8l9PW019OCuBSgxQJXV620mEWmSbCZisRqdgyImm-V6LfagxMBRDmVFkAcn-ShpFoYUyv8c4R7iNwmN_J3DAPL6FJOf2D-SPXeY_Egav0rCRLFV9y_dWazky9jElmbIeQRYN37CDp8v/s2048/P1090532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-8l9PW019OCuBSgxQJXV620mEWmSbCZisRqdgyImm-V6LfagxMBRDmVFkAcn-ShpFoYUyv8c4R7iNwmN_J3DAPL6FJOf2D-SPXeY_Egav0rCRLFV9y_dWazky9jElmbIeQRYN37CDp8v/w480-h640/P1090532.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbYqzmhEUaCeHx6FdBHxGFrdQhH3eIN1Lxi-_iQv8uq5yXyBc9rzK1bV7BLi5KLNCXBRCof1i00OHta0sejMCSDz2igXteSVGrGFTldbpoOrCqePYEXXD3K2Ux9bttA4ez323zTukKtns/s2048/P1090544.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbYqzmhEUaCeHx6FdBHxGFrdQhH3eIN1Lxi-_iQv8uq5yXyBc9rzK1bV7BLi5KLNCXBRCof1i00OHta0sejMCSDz2igXteSVGrGFTldbpoOrCqePYEXXD3K2Ux9bttA4ez323zTukKtns/w480-h640/P1090544.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nemesis Choke from D/S<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />Early September I received a phone call from Brian inviting me on the next scheduled attempt on the Aven. Something I was surprised about at the time. It couldn't have come at a better time either. My motivation had varied throughout the year, though in this instance with the darker months fast approaching, the forecast outing felt like an absolute necessity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from a few scribbles and anecdotes scattered amongst notebooks I didn't write anything worthy of a journal entry afterwards, and all that survives are vague mental snippets.</div><div><br /></div><div>We began as a group of four in Kettlewell mid-morning, and stayed that way right up until the Aven had been climbed late in the evening. I do remember one of those in the party giving their partner a rough guesstimate of when they'd be out, or when to expect them - last orders was possibly mentioned - I recall thinking, or saying; you stand no chance unless you turn round early.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyClF4Ug2ccbXWN-Ee54gQOT7W3mpBBsRAfxODt22VAaQqubp9F7aIlvpltEYiLYmZru0eG28TMiJa3BAWHdy_VplFxoXxEDyoGxmJTSvQyIW5OboEyIw06sEO7pzNaoGVfyPeujdqbWoG/s2048/langcliffe+aven+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyClF4Ug2ccbXWN-Ee54gQOT7W3mpBBsRAfxODt22VAaQqubp9F7aIlvpltEYiLYmZru0eG28TMiJa3BAWHdy_VplFxoXxEDyoGxmJTSvQyIW5OboEyIw06sEO7pzNaoGVfyPeujdqbWoG/w640-h480/langcliffe+aven+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from myself and Brian the team consisted Becka Lawson and Alex Ritchie. Good speedy progress was made in spite of us all having a bit to carry. I had a daren drum chock full of food and other treats like tobacco and painkillers, the majority of which I barely touched, well the food that is. The only thing missing was the hammer Brian had purchased beforehand. </div><div>I remember the conversation at the foot of the Nemesis Pitch regarding SRT kit, and which two, especially who was going to climb the Aven, pointless taking four sets of gear etc.... I'm not sure whether enthusiasm was waning or what but my hand was first in the air, and that was after a decent pause, during which I'd spotted something out the corner of my eye, a freshwater shrimp in a pool...</div><div><br /></div><div>The work done previously in Nemesis definitely saved a lot of time that day. My only criticism was the guideline which would've been better belayed at points, instead of running loose throughout.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's a feeling you've arrived at your destination post Nemesis, amazingness awaits...... By the time you arrive at Dementor Sump you feel totally overwhelmed with the place. I always thought the 2nd time round it wouldn't feel as long in the far reaches, yet it's continued to every time.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix620LXFmPdz3yWoU1zqE6kFeBkya3qkCORBcNfll6cNZsMJi3stekjMnqOncOJbyoyve8O8FIhlm-IGS81pNS6R049aUqFp3dDdcV-8sfKCB-oi7M6EC7xlc5nbHAD4kETUMCIqmgXmSj/s2048/langcliffe+aven+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix620LXFmPdz3yWoU1zqE6kFeBkya3qkCORBcNfll6cNZsMJi3stekjMnqOncOJbyoyve8O8FIhlm-IGS81pNS6R049aUqFp3dDdcV-8sfKCB-oi7M6EC7xlc5nbHAD4kETUMCIqmgXmSj/w640-h480/langcliffe+aven+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq99kVS4OeC42HtOo8xaFwi5tBF1u1hdITgTAPJgNr2e5ARlDJW7_5c0mmNY2GWOw5UUPLqXhyphenhyphenSPTp1jK7i0hKvt1OYVcWD0YlViKndHk9vU62qYDepRSQ4nw6H3c5YtdzrPCtpfhxdh89/s2048/langcliffe+aven+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq99kVS4OeC42HtOo8xaFwi5tBF1u1hdITgTAPJgNr2e5ARlDJW7_5c0mmNY2GWOw5UUPLqXhyphenhyphenSPTp1jK7i0hKvt1OYVcWD0YlViKndHk9vU62qYDepRSQ4nw6H3c5YtdzrPCtpfhxdh89/w640-h480/langcliffe+aven+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>During the former trip with Ian I'd filmed a segment of the Sacred Way Camps and uploaded it to Youtube. In the footage you can clearly see an abandoned bolt hammer. I didn't notice this till much later but heading for the Aven that day, hammerless, we must have walked right past it. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was Alex and Becka's first time to the bottom so they headed for the final choke while Brian and myself sorted the gear and began climbing the Aven. Which hadn't turned out to be the Aven I thought it was. </div><div>Brian's was a fairly well hidden affair, just upstream of the sump. You'd have to be looking up at exactly the right time to even notice. With the obvious tunnel leading off at the top and it's proximity to Dementor I was instantly psyched with the possibilities. </div><div>The hammer situation was partially solved thanks to Alex and a multitool he'd brought, still there was little weight behind the device so placing the climbing aids took time. Dementor Aven was free climbable to begin with, starting upstream, then carefully traversing ledges round a corner to a funnel shaped muddy ledge part way up. The main difficulties were a blank section of wall with an offwidth crack to the right. This was slippy and for the most part unuseable if I recall. I forget why Ian wasn't able to make this trip, he would have made a far easier job of the climbing than I did, no doubt freeing most of it. </div><div>In all the feature climbed was about ten metres from the streamway below, and as I neared the top the big question was answered, yes the passage continued.</div><div>After securing the rope Brian began heading up while I went for a quick look. A stooping/hands knees phreatic tunnel lead off for a short distance to a low digable looking section, with a bend beyond. Brian then took over whilst I headed down for a smoke. It was suggested to the other two, who'd been waiting sometime and now visibly chilled, that they head out if they so wish. 'Oh, and don't forget to take the drill!'</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3KCkpfW4ahjPTikyKcus07rivjNcg48mp-ZYNgL5RjFDjni06nLzmihoqeSgfGtag3hjMD3hjoN-UWKMzdGIV7KS1kPQZt0xWX2y2bDizSHHnbdx9E8vMTkUVdi7ywRdXwutHQSDO3kb/s2048/langcliffe+aven+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3KCkpfW4ahjPTikyKcus07rivjNcg48mp-ZYNgL5RjFDjni06nLzmihoqeSgfGtag3hjMD3hjoN-UWKMzdGIV7KS1kPQZt0xWX2y2bDizSHHnbdx9E8vMTkUVdi7ywRdXwutHQSDO3kb/w640-h480/langcliffe+aven+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxxA-Oh3mMNPu4DOp8e9prT_NWcktNO6xhhHjQZP45evMIu4EfzYrahJ-ObdyPQX97DXULXIkqCssjnir27AU1Pp2u-OhXqTHF6aBgNUI_Tq6NoZiY7UpHLJLG8hmCXQO2nEazRbWnYDV/s2048/langcliffe+aven+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxxA-Oh3mMNPu4DOp8e9prT_NWcktNO6xhhHjQZP45evMIu4EfzYrahJ-ObdyPQX97DXULXIkqCssjnir27AU1Pp2u-OhXqTHF6aBgNUI_Tq6NoZiY7UpHLJLG8hmCXQO2nEazRbWnYDV/w640-h480/langcliffe+aven+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author placing anchors part way up the Aven</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jESoDAC9EtbR9NE8GG4VLmhgWBoCjtQmT2NWFiabq4fPoauCAa8fDkjv_PiHrzC-D3fzcLdIedRjpqYwD-U5H6xKcRRefens8PpGLUjFlPZeoOM83-IRav8vIcCnit9C_sz_D387b2Ox/s1015/langcliffesurvey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1015" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jESoDAC9EtbR9NE8GG4VLmhgWBoCjtQmT2NWFiabq4fPoauCAa8fDkjv_PiHrzC-D3fzcLdIedRjpqYwD-U5H6xKcRRefens8PpGLUjFlPZeoOM83-IRav8vIcCnit9C_sz_D387b2Ox/w400-h259/langcliffesurvey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've a vague memory of sitting in the streamway alone, smoking, and for the first time that day pausing for breath. Alex and Becka were packing to leave in the distance and gone by the time I was heading back up the Aven. </div><div><div>Beyond the Aven the roof tunnel continued for forty metres past a series of acute bends to where the ceiling suddenly met a floor of mud and cobbles(?). We then surveyed back to Dementor Sump. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>We discovered while packing to leave they'd only left us one tackle bag, a huge source of amusement at the time. Using electrical tape, snoopies and a few slings I made a carrying strap for my Daren Drum, which also acted as a banderlier, clipping as much stuff as I could to it. The lone bag was then thoroughly stuffed. I felt certain the other two would realise. I mean, what else is there to think about during the long slog out, aside from what you're bloody carrying. Sure enough they had, a welcome tackle bag awaited us just beyond The Agora.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we made our return of Nemesis, twelve hours had elapsed since we last passed that way. This didn't feel right in the slightest, but it had. Over the years others have spent far longer, though not all through choice.</div><div>Time was spent under Boireau Falls Chamber, as Brian exhausted every possibility attempting to return that pig of an upward squeeze. I was impressed with his hardiness that day. He may not have had a choice in the matter but he wore the whole thing with a smile on his face. No surprise he'd attained legendary status cave diving. Far skinnier, I also struggled to pass the obstacle straight away, taking a while to find the correct variation. </div><div><br /></div><div>Around this period, I was discovering my body was becoming less tolerant to extremely long periods in Neoprene. A good few years had passed since I'd done anything even close to this duration. Those final hours were unbearable and swore I'd find an alternative if ever I came that way again.</div><div><br /></div><div>We were met at 5am by the gloomy half light and heavy dew after an 18 hour trip. I can still picture the scene now. </div><div>I tried to sleep once home but gave up almost immediately and drove to the nearest open petrol station for smokes. That evening we met with Dave & Alan Brook and Chris Camm for a sunday roast in Kettlewell. After the restlessness I'd felt earlier in the day, the pub meeting was a welcome unwind. Brian was camping which had exacerbated an old injury after the trip, exiling him to another night healing before facing the long drive home. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fact I made no effort to write this trip up says a lot, and if I wasn't knowingly depleted after the Langcliffe trip I would be a fortnight later. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Mossdale again and again</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>October was one of those months for Ian and myself. He'd usually have the family holiday in the sun booked, and yet, we'd always end up doing something desperate the day before he went. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't recall the specifics but know the weather was obviously too good to ignore. With that came opportunity. One final Mossdale of the year. October was tainted with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The previous year I'd given Ian just a few hours to think about it - a last minute trip to the far reaches just before the weather broke - in this instance he had about a week. </div><div>I wrote a brief blog post on this visit to the High Level Mud Caverns but it far from portrayed the experience and a lot was left out. Had I not taken the photos, one of which I thought was very good, I probably wouldn't have bothered. It was rare to want to forget an experience. </div><div>You could slice the atmosphere from word go that day. Some days are just like that at Mossdale. The Mud Caverns offered laughably little hospitality, and clad in just 5mm of Neoprene, we were both wishing we'd worn more. Our call-out also mean't we were pretty limited, with what I thought was a meager margin for error. In the end we had to contend with the existing limit of the HLMC Southern reach. We took uttermost care with the mud during our return, never quite moving enough to warm back up. Physically I'd struggled that day as it was. Marathon was slow going with a still tender body. Ian flew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>During the exit I quickly inspected a feature (noticed earlier in the year) just downstream of Far Marathon's end. This was a streamway/channel cutting across the main passage at a slightly lower level. Stuck in the rift above this channel was an ammo tin, which I presumed was from 67. I'd this notion the channel continued straight and defied the turn towards Far Stream Cave, possibly even connecting at a lower level with the Mud Cavern fault/joint etc... I was also aware it could just be drainage circumventing the heavily cobbled collapsed region of the Mud Caverns Aven. I vowed to dig this next time I was there (this was partially accomplished Mossdale Session 1, the feature was named Lucky Dip). I've added a picture of the feature below (taken May 2016). I think it's the first time I've shared it publicly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Almost out and passing Broadway I said to Ian we'd be out in fifteen minutes. Generally we moved at a very similar pace and rarely needed to keep tabs. Due to my familiarity, especially in the entrance series, I would stay close enough to guide the way. I was aware of Ian passing the awkward up/over just behind me as I entered the flat out bedding, which involves a good few metres of noisy slithering, enough to herald my location. I guess by that point I hadn't predicted an issue so continued on to Fossil Chamber without looking back, stopping on the ledge atop the 2m climb. I waited, then I waited some more. It could have been five maybe ten minutes I'm not sure, but then headed back to see what was up. I returned to the nearside end of the flat out bedding thinking 'he must have come past here by now!?'. I then made my way back towards the entrance, searching the notorious offshoots where it's possible to go wrong, Nothing! </div><div>'Did Ian pass me at any point?' I really began to question this shit! So went to the surface to check, nothing! I ran up the hill to get a signal and put a friend on standby then headed back down. Going all the way to where he'd definitely been. It didn't make sense at all, though it never occurred to me he could be anywhere but between there and the entrance. I really believed he'd missed the Fossil Chamber turning and headed into an area that collapsed. </div><div>I questioned a lot of things as I then searched with peeled eyes expecting to find his body at any time. My own sanity was one of them; 'had I imagined Ian?' 'Was I alone the whole time?!' etc... </div><div>I may have gone back to the surface a second time but really can't recall now. I remember feeling quite sad and angry, that something bad had happened to Ian instead of me. I was also cursing myself for possibly jinxing the trip earlier on. </div><div>Eventually I made the decision to go back into the main cave. I couldn't see how that was possible, and didn't expect I'd find anything. Sure enough beyond Assembly Hall we found one another. Ian had taken a wrong turn just before the flatout bedding, leading him along a devious boulder ruckle route, eventually depositing him god knows where. I didn't recognise the description as somewhere I'd been. Not recognising the terrain he'd waited for me knowing I'd eventually find him. </div><div>All I remember of the return hike was little said. Alone with our respective thoughts. I was glad Ian had some holiday sun to come after that.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4tOq-lqCmBW83h2Ixkb-o_nksJJrKf2FCB31cjn-_Mr4HOO3Mt7GXdIaGSxuxHn64naiefH_I_buphbTXQb7spEvQN7zRg-DMVotZ40qSTe4xp5HXEQFJ7vLm1PUXaFMAmFRkbrEFgbl/s2048/P1090802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4tOq-lqCmBW83h2Ixkb-o_nksJJrKf2FCB31cjn-_Mr4HOO3Mt7GXdIaGSxuxHn64naiefH_I_buphbTXQb7spEvQN7zRg-DMVotZ40qSTe4xp5HXEQFJ7vLm1PUXaFMAmFRkbrEFgbl/w640-h480/P1090802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZKRqSp_zoRq9_3cVWo8ZHA_uvvn8HPVRu_-yZ2w1OhjJr0FnI0XpZP_UnUjE4-8216qQ6IJi9DgMHNF0upBjGGDfQ7k6aqqCR8ncJGaOcEll85PYyHyKA2c0ApKX50CNLG3ORKsxUKwW/s2048/P1090070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZKRqSp_zoRq9_3cVWo8ZHA_uvvn8HPVRu_-yZ2w1OhjJr0FnI0XpZP_UnUjE4-8216qQ6IJi9DgMHNF0upBjGGDfQ7k6aqqCR8ncJGaOcEll85PYyHyKA2c0ApKX50CNLG3ORKsxUKwW/w480-h640/P1090070.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The feature of interest and Ammo Tin. The channel trends Right to Left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Unless something changed drastically, that was it. I wouldn't be having another year like this. Flogging myself for the same old......</div><div><br /></div><div>I then took a job with a drain company in Burnley and did nothing but work for the next few months. The only time I thought about caving were those times I wasn't given a choice. The mechanism responsible for maintaining the hooks all these years..</div><div><br /></div><div>I was obviously thinking what next? And still pondering my options during those months working. There was the feature at the end of Far Marathon, and the idea to drain/re-examine Syphon Passage. I even considered the Mud Caverns but that seemed unrealistic at the time, with the way I wished to operate, which was mostly by myself with occasional help. Where Mossdale is concerned I felt it was the only way to maintain regularity and exploit every opportunity. That is unless you had very flexible helpers, which is pretty rare especially at this end of the market.</div><div>I still needed to thoroughly examine the Ouroborous terminal choke, a site I'd always dismissed due to the efforts made by others in the past. If they'd failed what chance did I stand!? </div><div><br /></div><div>I was also obviously very curious as to how I would feel getting underground again. The other reasons I suspect were secondary to this. In the final week before Christmas I contacted Alex Ritchie to see if he fancied joining me for a Mossdale.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Mossdale Session Zero (17th Dec 2016)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>On the planned day Alex's car was in the garage, as was my piece of shit. Fortunately I had a works van which actually felt pretty novel on the day, after all my years caving with cars. </div><div><br /></div><div>My journal states only three things.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>. Xmas trip with Alex.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>. Visited Ouroborous and Confusion Cavern.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>. First visit since that very strange experience in October.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I remember Alex inspecting the high level section at the Ouroborous choke while I squeezed down to Piston Chamber to inspect the limit. There was some old rope and a load of timber props, that appeared to support a big block. I don't recall details like, was there a draught? but concluded there seemed no way on, just a wall of hideous looking loose blocks. </div><div>Whether it occurred to me then or later, I'm not sure; but on the back of this visit realised if I did what those before hadn't done, I may stand a chance there. This involved bringing a lot of equipment like scaffold and making the working area a safer proposition. I'd been well aware for sometime that to succeed at Mossdale you had to be willing to do what others hadn't. </div><div>I didn't make my decision till some months later, but realised that day I was definitely doing this, with little doubt regarding the location.... Ouroborous.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alex took some pictures during the return of Easy Passage and later in Confusion Cavern. I think this was the day I realised the mistake in Cave and Karst Volume 1, having first flicked through it around this time. The picture credited as the High Level Mud Caverns is actually Confusion Cavern. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe Alex will jog my memory, cos I remember nothing further.</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked away from this trip feeling more positive, no doubt thanks to the forced break those past months. At that point it could have gone either way regarding activity the coming year. It would be circumstance that played the biggest role.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be continued in Mossdale Sessions 1 & 2..... </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRufAza6hLx224iEb-omxWj7obgopwxM57fCYrJLbIRcGMmx_ypbzpb75kB1FXfJ2rL_1GMqJJif8VP5CTTy4urClZdIg9_POniph8tSS7G-u1LalPP8GM2ieaJzWE321X-kukZPwXgs1/s2048/mossdale+session+zero.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRufAza6hLx224iEb-omxWj7obgopwxM57fCYrJLbIRcGMmx_ypbzpb75kB1FXfJ2rL_1GMqJJif8VP5CTTy4urClZdIg9_POniph8tSS7G-u1LalPP8GM2ieaJzWE321X-kukZPwXgs1/w640-h480/mossdale+session+zero.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Useful Links</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Swarthgill Hole duck Youtube Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd-FcbWS2Ok">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd-FcbWS2Ok</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Swarthgill Hole Photos - <a href="http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2016/12/swarthgill-hole-photos-and-report.html">http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2016/12/swarthgill-hole-photos-and-report.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Langcliffe Pot article and photos - <a href="http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2016/07/langcliffe-pot-via-oddmire.html">http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2016/07/langcliffe-pot-via-oddmire.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Langcliffe Nemesis Choke Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZGqkBhLZHA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZGqkBhLZHA</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Langcliffe Pot Sacred Way Camps - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVbVcDdfi0g">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVbVcDdfi0g</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mossdale Mud Caverns article - <a href="http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2016/10/mossdale-caverns-high-level-mud-caverns.html">http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2016/10/mossdale-caverns-high-level-mud-caverns.html</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Marathon Obsession article - <a href="http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2016/02/marathon-obsession-1-live-through-this.html">http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2016/02/marathon-obsession-1-live-through-this.html</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Further reading</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Beck, Simon (2016) "Shadowplay". Descent 251 (Aug 2016) . ISSN 0046-0036</div><br /><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div><div><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2021. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-52759412165816649952020-10-02T21:42:00.002+01:002020-10-02T21:45:20.429+01:00Mossdale Session 91 video link<p> Here's the video from my most recent session, the write-ups will follow soon.</p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPrEwztFXqw&t=229s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPrEwztFXqw&t=229s</a></span></i><br /></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0WXUBPsKRSZuB0H4WsDzwEoZ5U2MhjUdjic73ZdECmE1nqEWfcD8AWyEhRwQTt7MFZb6IRU5FBCzOAPmqw7pjR9X5_0Y6qUS6z8cH2pRJXGlWHluZFfuR1W-Hs5fk2bKQgU0Zhj-K-FT/s960/mossdale+session+91+approach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0WXUBPsKRSZuB0H4WsDzwEoZ5U2MhjUdjic73ZdECmE1nqEWfcD8AWyEhRwQTt7MFZb6IRU5FBCzOAPmqw7pjR9X5_0Y6qUS6z8cH2pRJXGlWHluZFfuR1W-Hs5fk2bKQgU0Zhj-K-FT/w640-h480/mossdale+session+91+approach.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br /><i><br /></i></b><p></p>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-60481711162538696032020-09-23T13:04:00.002+01:002020-09-23T13:07:27.833+01:00Mossdale Session 90 video link<p> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQhvJ89-zqw"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQhvJ89-zqw</span></a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3L-_wKdDY3M59dI4ObL4Ec0CCdW0YdMtsWSzzsaxgiEi_EiZGfAwGL1MQMJ_4lriBSUEk21Aj-CI_h-LOSn_XK0SmkuP6NH8G5A9Hf2ojiD3M7YdsqJLorb2JYvghWKqG-_MIZlQWMKh/s2048/mossdalesession90.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3L-_wKdDY3M59dI4ObL4Ec0CCdW0YdMtsWSzzsaxgiEi_EiZGfAwGL1MQMJ_4lriBSUEk21Aj-CI_h-LOSn_XK0SmkuP6NH8G5A9Hf2ojiD3M7YdsqJLorb2JYvghWKqG-_MIZlQWMKh/w640-h480/mossdalesession90.1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-26220395064833730002020-07-06T13:43:00.002+01:002020-09-23T13:28:07.178+01:00Mossdale Sessions 85 - 88<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: orange; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>Mossdale Sessions 85 - 88</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>14th, 21st, 25th, 28th May 2020</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>(All undertaken solo)</b></span></span><br />
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These were the first series of visits post Covid-Lockdown, which lasted the best part of two months till some of the restrictions on travel and outdoor exercise were lifted. I was in good health and had passed the time relatively well. Pushing the Mossdale Project from my mind would have been wise though, something I'd failed to do, or even tried for that matter. By this point the vast majority of winter/early spring had been spent with the idea of getting back and making some significant forward progress very prominent in my mind. Only three sessions had been achieved during that period, one in January (82) and two in March (83-84) when the weather finally allowed just before travel/curfew restrictions were placed. My enthusiasm was certainly waning when the time came to return, but having left little else in reserve what else was I to do.. The four sessions to come were not the best of restarts and plagued with incidents. My physical state was also under question at the time, due to a virus, though at the time I had no idea. My lymphatic system had been jacked up since early April, but all I'd really been suffering from was Ear and Head aches. It wasn't till I got back to Mossdale that I noticed any issues, I was getting tired really quickly and overheating badly. I was also struggling to put the necessary food in me at the time, my appetite having gone. The weight I'd put on quickly disappeared, meaning the new wetsuit fit me properly again by session 88.<br />
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Survey of work area's (Alley Cat Series) at base.<br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><i>Mossdale Session 85 - (14/05/20)</i></b></span><br />
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Even though travel and outdoor exercise restrictions had been lifted I still gave it some serious thought, especially whether I'd be upsetting the gamekeepers appearing so soon. I'd been ready to crack during those final few weeks so felt it was important I got back as soon as possible. My concerns though had been a complete waste of time considering the three gentlemen I bumped into on the very next trip - who were obviously completing their yearly bimble down the cave.<br />
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The most unusual element was probably the drive over, which felt like a real mission. Things were still pretty hazy regarding what you could and couldn't do and it sounded like the police were exercising their own discretion by handing out fines as and when they saw fit. If they didn't like the look of you, it was probably gonna cost. The anticipation of this definitely made it feel like the most demanding part of the whole day.<br />
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Certainly felt ready to be back, though it's been such a significant part of my life for so long now, I don't think I've ever really left.<br />
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The Swims were exceptionally clear, which was unsurprising considering that far from clement period of exceptional weather we'd all just experienced, while confined to our homes. I imagined I was the first to break the surface of the water here, as I had the last time.<br />
I tend to think about this section of the cave more than anywhere else. That desolate purgatory calm and the cave wondering where the fuck I'd got to. No doubt content to continue prolonging the mystery.<br />
This was the last session where I still felt me and the cave were on the same page, or that it wasn't out to get me at least. I'd known since the beginning I was pushing my luck at the best of times, even with a reasonable safety margin back then. I'd definitely been putting faith behind my corner cutting since making that initial breakthrough, when resources were becoming less abundant and did a very good job of ignoring it for the most part. Lately I was struggling with the possibility of disaster hanging over every visit.<br />
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It was while passing the more awkward sections I discovered I was flagging a bit. More than the usual slice was sapped and I was becoming severely overheated.<br />
Sweat was pouring down my face along the final stretch to Black Edge Choke, which on arrival was accompanied with a sudden feeling of nausea. I'd put on around 10lb during lockdown and the new wetsuit had felt incredibly tight. I did wonder if it was just that.<br />
I did question over the course of these four visits whether it was time I begin to consider alternatives to the wetsuit. Something I rarely ever have. The simplicity of that single streamlined layer has a lot to do with it.<br />
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Made a quick video in the Blue Room, then searched for my soon-to-be-doomed spare scaffold spanner. The adjustable other had long since seized up.<br />
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Stripped what remained of the scaffold from the end of Charlie's Alley, which had been there since July/August 2018, when I first started work in this section not long after it's discovery. The scaffold was actually doing very little and installed purely to protect the working position at the time from loose above.<br />
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Having just had a look back through the sessions I've discovered it's exactly two years to the day (4th July) since Session 58 when I was ferrying equipment to begin work in the Alley Cat Series. (<a href="http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-sessions-58-62.html">http://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/07/mossdale-sessions-58-62.html</a>)<br />
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I then moved through to the Trench and attempted to install some form of protection in Little Shop of Horrors and hopefully allow me to enter and inspect the outlet on the other side. Very little was achieved and what I did was a twat of a job. Working again in that very awkward position, that gave the Trench it's name...<br />
Definitely felt the draught at times and that presence of something beyond.<br />
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Made some further bits of video then headed out. Slog of a return along Ouroborous! Made some more video as I traversed Easy Passage/Righthand/Broadway and then from the main duck onwards a bit. Just a pity most of the footage is poorly lit.<br />
The Main Dam is actually quite a sight with such low water. The full extent of what was deposited by those floods earlier in the year is clearly evident. Really enjoyed returning the Swims. Very glad to reach the surface though mostly due to fatigue. Chatted to a Paraglider on the walk back and saw signs of others back working on the fell. Even though I felt like crap throughout this session it was still a much needed day out.<br />
Trip duration: 4 hours 20 minutes<br />
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Mossdale Session 85 Youtube video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAFcRqNe7ec" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAFcRqNe7ec</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><i>Mossdale Session 86 - (21/05/20)</i></b></span><br />
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A last minute decision to go my journal states. The weather had turned since the previous session but suddenly came good.<br />
Early start, arrived at the Scar for half nine.<br />
Considering my fatigue previously I'm unsure why I decided to take a one metre length of scaffold pole on top of my usual bag. Kept Wetsuit unzipped during the descent which appeared to help a little. Descent didn't feel bad at all considering the two items. The pole surprisingly made it all the way to the Choke.<br />
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Water levels were noted to have risen a little.<br />
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Made a quick video before I started, which was the only one that was useable. Even though the camera memory card is 30+GB the camera appears to only store so much. The previous sessions had not been deleted from the memory, due to the masses of space still remaining. Now I know but everything else that day became corrupted and couldn't be opened.<br />
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Straight to the Trench - Alley Cat Series. Two piece waterproofs on, which are keeping me warm far longer. Continued where I'd left off, installing scaffold protection, Little Shop. Got somewhere close then dropped the bloody Scaffold Spanner down a hold in the floor. I'd been meaning to install a lanyard to avoid just this. I was mostly upset about the fact it was barely used and one of the few tools I had down here that I actually paid for. The spanner wasn't too far below so I began to shift a few boulders in the floor and see if I could retrieve. The whole floor dropped moments later, taking me by surprise. Later in the session I deemed this the moment I used one of my lives.<br />
Little Shop was then abandoned with all the scaffold installed stripped out. Most of it was removed without having to take to much risk. That previously mentioned heavily corroded adjustable had to be smacked into life before I could begin dismantling anything.<br />
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Inspected the lefthand side of the entry slot to Little Shop and noticed that very little was now holding up that side, which also held the weight of Wharfegate's floor/slope, or at least some of it. I wasted no time in grabbing a scaffold pole to give the key stone a bash. With very little effort on my part, one or two bashes with the pole and the chamber collapsed with the pole suddenly snatched from my grasp. The lefthand curtain (flake) sliced down like a guillotine. With nowhere to go I was fortunate the Trench and scaffold provided the security it did. Had that occured when the floor dropped I'm unsure whether I'd still be breathing.<br />
Although I instigated the collapse it goes to show how dangerous all that time had been sticking my head/upper torso in there, scaffold or not..<br />
The slope of Wharfegate had also slumped leaving a debris cone and a hole, which gave the impression the passage may continue, that Wharfegate isn't terminal. This collapsed moments later and my memory took on the guise of fiction. I really questioned what I'd seen, but concluded that Wharfegate Chamber was possibly the top of a much-larger rubble-filled passage or vertical rift feature. <br />
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Spent a little time attempting to punch open the collapsed hole in Wharfegate, but finally saw sense after another scary collapse of the slope. Headed back along Charlie's Alley and spent a little time working near Charlie Say's on a partially mud-filled unpromising rift, heading SW.<br />
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Most of the above was punctuated with the making of video, a complete waste of time considering it was all lost.<br />
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Though my journal says little on the subject, I left that day feeling totally demoralised and once again back at the drawing board.<br />
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On arrival back at the 3rd Canal I noticed my water level marker from the previous session had been knocked over. Then just after Assembly Hall I came across a reflective marker, the like of which I've annoyingly collected a few times before. I suspected I knew the group and was not surprised to bump into the three of them getting changed as I made the surface. So much for social distancing I thought sometime afterwards.<br />
Trip duration: 4 to 5 hours<br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><i>Mossdale Session 87 - (25/05/20)</i></b></span><br />
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Another one of those on impulse. Didn't think I was well enough but packed the night before to see how I felt the following morning. Had just completed a week course of antibiotics, which had had no effect. Intended on calling the doctors first thing to see what next, that was until I realised it was a Bank Holiday. By that point I hadn't been aware what day of the week it was for weeks.<br />
Decided on a short session today, sort the doctors tomorrow and have a longer session Wednesday. Coming to a decision regarding what next at the choke was now once again on the agenda.<br />
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First time my legs had been out in shorts for a Mossdale approach since the previous summer. Was one of those days when Sun Cream was absolutely mandatory. Felt good to be getting plenty of sun.<br />
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Arrived at the Scar just after one pm to be greeted by a family, who it turned out were cavers themselves. Noel, Holly and their baby.<br />
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Water levels were noted to have risen 3 to 4" at the Beachhead marker. Swims were a little murkier than previously.<br />
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No decisions about what next made, but feel it's important I persevere with the Alley Cat Series. Excavating into the Wharfegate Ch slope/floor was one idea, though it's a big job and I'd have to scaffold/shore my way into it, possibly making use of the bedding, which extends away from the Pot/Fluted Column to the left of Wharfegdate, as an addition. Earlier in the sessions I'd considered digging down into the slope/floor against the backwall, but now I know it's dangerously false that's a no go.<br />
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Partially cleared out the area around the Pot/Fluted Column, the stuff I'd dumped in there from Little Shop.. If I can push the shoring I have back into Wharefgate and make a little more room, accessing the bedding may be a little more feasible. At present it's almost impossible to make use of due to the squeeze to access it from the Trench.<br />
Work position on knees began to annoy me very quickly today.<br />
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Made video of Easy Passage/Righthand/Broadway during the return again, this time with better lighting. I will add this to a later video. Had a drink from the stream on arriving back at Broadway, was so thirsty! Water is not something I generally carry while underground due to it's weight. Brian Judd told me he'd never had any problems drinking the water in there so that's good enough for me.<br />
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Whilst crossing Boulder Hall, a set route I stick-to religiously, I detoured slightly to the side and stepped on an apparently large flat block. Next moment I was flat on my back atop the not so firm rocking block, glad not to be hurt and cursing myself for straying from the usual program. That was now two incidents over two consecutive sessions. I said to Gina afterwards that if things come in three's then I'm in for at least one other.<br />
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Took the much longer but more direct route back to Yarnbury, via Gill House Beck, in the hope of catching others active on the fell, which I did. If I hadn't felt wasted enough post Mossdale then I definitely did after the hike back. There is little escape from Solar Radiation up there.<br />
Trip duration: 3 hours<br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><i>Mossdale Session 88 - (28/05/20)</i></b></span><br />
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Wednesday was postponed for Thursday due to a blood test first thing, which was enough of excuse to have an easy day. Spent the day in Burnsall after at least making an attempt. Made it ten minutes down the track from Yarnbury before I called it.<br />
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Took me two weeks to write this in Journal, which sums up my post session mood without the need for much else.<br />
I now know I was ill, but at the time I really thought it was just me beginning to lose it for good.<br />
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If only....<br />
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I think I was worn out before I'd even started on everyone of these four visits.<br />
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The lower choke was visited before I got started on this one, large pinch bar was grabbed and an effort was made to see if I could feel any moving air. Only Featherstone and area around the Healey Av/Pas Grave junction were actually inspected.<br />
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Back in the Trench an attempt was made to push the retaining wall back/further into Wharfegate Chamber. Some of the slope was removed to allow this, but one large boulder down low requires shifting if any progress is to be made accessing the left bedding.<br />
I was wary at this point about being in the firing line of several precarious blocks positioned at the top of the slope in Wharfegate. These had barely registered before the collapse of the slope, but were now an obvious hazard, though not enough of one considering I continued regardless, without any form of shield, working directly in the firing line.<br />
At some point after struggling to make any real progress pushing the shoring back and realising I couldn't continue winging-it any longer, I decided enough was enough. I would get all the remaining scaffold out of there, back to Charlie's Alley, and start a fresh if/when the time came.<br />
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Flooding has washed away a lot of the mud that once resided here. Especially off the ramp that lead to the aven at the end of Charlie's Alley. At the same time it's also exposed lots of instability. It did occur that maybe I should leave this area for a few floods, in the hope more of the Wharefegate slope is washed away, but I can't ignore the fact I've the resources to at least begin forging a route there.<br />
<br />
Anyway, whilst clearing out, a small stone whizzed by my head followed by the sense something bigger was on it's way. There's nowhere to go in the trench due to the awkward exit, so I backed-up as far as I could immediately. No sooner had I shifted from where I was a block landed right there and cracked the back of my hand. If I was in shock it was from disbelief I'd escaped with only a sore hand, or the matter it had stopped and not bounced on impact with the ground, which was due to my matting, the mud or the flat sided angular nature of the block.<br />
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The camera was with me that day but I made no video, nor felt like it. I will get some video of the block and the situation there next session.<br />
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Spent five/ten minutes back in Charlie's Alley checking my now swollen hand and listening for anymore collapse. Made decision to leave the clear out till next time when things had settled a little. As I write we've just had a week or two of on/off heavy rain, more than enough to penetrate this region, though I doubt enough to make any radical changes.<br />
Something else I noticed whilst passing Rightism during this series of visits was the undermining that's occurred under the block which forms the step down, and that key boulder to the side I shaved to gain entry to the White Hotel. Fortunately it's easy work to solve this, but I do need to think about it sooner rather than later, can't afford to get stuck on the wrong side.<br />
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Before leaving I did a little further work enlarging entry to the SW rift near Charlie Says.<br />
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Exit from Ouroborous was a soul sapping bastard.<br />
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A very slow plod back to the car followed.<br />
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Even though I'm back it feels very different to what it was. The Mossdale Sessions of 2017/18 were bathed in Neon Light. Whereas now it's just a dim reality. I'm obviously very glad to still be in the game up there. I guess it will just take time for me to re-adjust.<br />
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Trip duration: 4 to 5 hours <br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Next Installment: Mossdale Session 90 Youtube Video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQhvJ89-zqw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQhvJ89-zqw</a></b></span><br />
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<span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div>
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<span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2020. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span face="verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
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<br />Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-37037609172520447342020-05-16T16:31:00.001+01:002021-04-20T09:39:28.038+01:00Mossdale Session 85 Youtube videoSession 85's Youtube offering, and my first underground outing in a few months. The write-up should follow soon. Would actually like to get a few sessions behind me, and some progress made before I do any writing again, though that will all depend on the weather.<br />
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I was in a crap mood throughout this entire session and far from arsed regarding the filming. So please excuse another rubbish video. The fact I got something done is a definite positive, the past two months have been enduring.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAFcRqNe7ec" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAFcRqNe7ec</span></a><br />
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Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-30187103969561421552020-04-27T16:45:00.000+01:002020-07-06T20:01:57.524+01:00Mossdale Session 84<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><a name='more'></a><br /></i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><i>Mossdale Session 84</i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Mon 23rd March 2020</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Duchovny 19'</i></span><br />
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Another early start, arriving at the scar for half nine, underground for ten.<br />
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Strangely the entrance series felt like a right arse clencher. After somewhere in the region of 250 traverses of this section, I guess I'm pessimistic it will be me something drops on.<br />
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Main duck was similar to the previous session's departure state. Had to remove helmet and duck under again. Spent a short time removing more of the dam. The country being plunged into nationwide lockdown was looking more likely over the coming days. I wanted to try and do as much as I could just in case there was another big flood before I was allowed back.<br />
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The draught in the narrows prior to Piston Chamber was not as evident this time round, the weather topside was markedly different.<br />
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Did a little remedial work at the White Hotel before starting properly. Began building a retaining wall to add some support to the shelf/step, which must be crossed during passage of Rightism, over time due to floods I've a feeling this will become less stable. Will add a bit each session to this.<br />
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Had an awkward piss, journal states, due to rear mounted zipped on new Aqualung Wetsuit. Considering how flexible and warm it's been, so far it's worth the sacrifice. Beats a Rigor Mortis Bac. The last time I wore one of my oldies I painfully recall having the lyrics of Luna Chicks 'Light as a feather' going round in my head throughout the entire trip.<br />
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Forgot to mention in previous sessions write-up that I'd brought down a two piece set of waterproofs which can stay down here till they die. They're a lot thicker than the previous ones used, so I'm optimistic they will keep me warm and save me having to finally invest in a proper oversuit.<br />
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Gathered some tools plus the stuff I'd brought, incl surveying gear, and headed for Alley Cat Series.<br />
The scaffolding still looked in good nick down there, and at that point I was still considering stripping it all out that session. A niggling doubt existed I was doing the right thing if I did.<br />
The Alley Cat Series felt like a past life I'd suddenly returned to, the place oozed nostalgia, this after all was really the first time I'd been back. Everything that went down here, occurred that mad summer of 2018, before finding the Blowpipe pitch and that October's Castle party, a period which took some getting over, recovering from..<br />
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The air felt fresh in there, as it always does. Some of the mud appeared gone, especially from the ramp.<br />
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So back in the Trench, this time clad in waterproofs, I re-opened Little Shop of Horrors, suddenly feeling more drawn to continuing work there than I'd expected. There'd always been an open question here, I guess the Blowpipe and lower levels appeared to answer it for a time.<br />
I blocked entry to Little Shop of Horrors at the end of Session 66 with the debris I'd extracted from the Pot and fluted Columns when I was trying to gain better access there. I was now reversing the procedure and handling most of it for the second/third time. Although I suspected all the floor in this sector was false, I hadn't realised the full extent of Little Shop's. There's a definite block-filled downward trend, which I dug at for a while. There is also the issue of what lay through the opening on the far side of Little Shop... Feels very Nemesis.<br />
Continuing work here for the time being seems probable. It's possible I can salvage a little scaffold to further progress here, but it's looking more likely I'll be bringing more scaffold from home.<br />
There's still a lot to investigate in this section. I'm especially interested in that West/East trending back wall of Little Shop of Horrors/Wharfegate Chamber, and in reaching it somehow.<br />
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Made another Vlog video that session, not long after I'd reopened Little Shop, and before I started excavating the floor.<br />
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Alley Cat Series was then surveyed, albeit quickly, only the basics were collected, bearings/leg distances with a basic drawing made on the move. I doubted it was much different from what I drew from memory anyway.<br />
After a breather (smoke) in the Blue Room, feeling knackered and ready for off, I decided instead to extend the session and do some work in the lower levels. Didn't remove waterproofs while in transit, like I'd agreed I would, I ripped the arse out of the pants negotiating the head of the Blowpipe.. great! good job they were cheap cheap.<br />
Attacked the floor of Last Resort for a bit, with little or no depth achieved. The area where I'd previous felt moving air was also inspected, where the Notch joins Last Resort, which is pretty much the bottom of the slope in Featherstone Chamber. Another brief video was made before heading back up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-0M62yWZtuIXjvYOzLSk_ATUPJ-eT2PBdOhZHOnLxkKlVGUklOcoMWkJyPICRrF_2qasZKQMHznMFISEQUD7o2erqRFrTfWn3FgnsWtVMxPnGMYjyk2160VTzjsX7Hn8MXI0ocmlMICF/s1600/94691624_1093025501070456_423798523473952768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-0M62yWZtuIXjvYOzLSk_ATUPJ-eT2PBdOhZHOnLxkKlVGUklOcoMWkJyPICRrF_2qasZKQMHznMFISEQUD7o2erqRFrTfWn3FgnsWtVMxPnGMYjyk2160VTzjsX7Hn8MXI0ocmlMICF/s400/94691624_1093025501070456_423798523473952768_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newly surveyed Alley Cat Series on a yet to be finished survey of the extensions. Some of the Alley Cat features are unmarked. See Black Edge Choke main survey for more info </td></tr>
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Had I known we'd be restricted to our homes from that evening onwards I would have surveyed my way back along Ouroborous Passage. To give me something to draw up during lockdown.<br />
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Steady trip out feeling buggered yet bloody great! Don't think I'll ever pass up the opportunity of being here alone in favour of full time help.<br />
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Stopped in Boulder Hall to take pictures and make a video of the collapse. The camera switched off on me part way through. The collapse can be seen at the beginning of the Boulder Hall segment on the Youtube video for this session. Felt like a long session, though without a clock I'd no idea.<br />
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Returning the Swims was fun and refreshing, even managed to keep my helmet on this time through the duck, with most my head underwater though. Can't get over how clear the water was, with a lot of trout spotted.<br />
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A very worthwhile visit, feeling psyched about the next stage, whenever that might be. When I do return the focus will continue for the time being in the Alley Cat Series, and when a decision is made about where, a definite spot in the lower levels around Last Resort. <br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Trip duration:</b> 5 hours 30 mins</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Session 84 Youtube Video -</i></b></span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=871r4R4D0VI&t=3s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=871r4R4D0VI&t=3s</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnPRJ6EAES99238jRGw8Lxtu567Xc-ZdtaZJDc2SndA9QJss1iL2xn0tFASRKjjbEajiaZXXJ48coj3MTmT5rxK5jYoi2AFw0uHCFqRw3RUeM_SGJT-JHdgijrTjUHhxhjo8pOd7iLwfe/s1600/2016_1231_203438_003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnPRJ6EAES99238jRGw8Lxtu567Xc-ZdtaZJDc2SndA9QJss1iL2xn0tFASRKjjbEajiaZXXJ48coj3MTmT5rxK5jYoi2AFw0uHCFqRw3RUeM_SGJT-JHdgijrTjUHhxhjo8pOd7iLwfe/s640/2016_1231_203438_003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upstream trench in Boulder Hall exposed due to collapse of the boulder bridge that covered it. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd9GAUP-q_RaQ09h0TSzwHH1tPQV9mYRtRJU1bp5oGj5cugS3g1FbFSXnvDxOOg8o8ASKc5Sj6wkJoU8F7I0eWhqBEfdYg0mRvcjcR8nY_BJ8b64zb_plJduWtZJhBGo1P1SiS6GkJbuu/s1600/2016_1231_204149_002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd9GAUP-q_RaQ09h0TSzwHH1tPQV9mYRtRJU1bp5oGj5cugS3g1FbFSXnvDxOOg8o8ASKc5Sj6wkJoU8F7I0eWhqBEfdYg0mRvcjcR8nY_BJ8b64zb_plJduWtZJhBGo1P1SiS6GkJbuu/s640/2016_1231_204149_002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of the exposed stream trench </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdBTVDsauFmSfUXEpzK2-UXN8tKE0_aVmsVQ3MgKVRNLtuhBYKVGw4BsSJUBUItWQ_KDPVu0NXGBEd86M4y8bspwnuA3oMpga0OVCznToLDBIxxpObVq2ZNDiALFrWdv_VUGPEDy13n1_/s1600/2016_1231_210932_003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdBTVDsauFmSfUXEpzK2-UXN8tKE0_aVmsVQ3MgKVRNLtuhBYKVGw4BsSJUBUItWQ_KDPVu0NXGBEd86M4y8bspwnuA3oMpga0OVCznToLDBIxxpObVq2ZNDiALFrWdv_VUGPEDy13n1_/s640/2016_1231_210932_003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moorland debris from recent floodng in the entrance series</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XykyvtVTNvo8hlXKuQPpacCh6HY7YHpUiWrB3uYa43RfrHFkR81_msIm6DK8Itg_fdcl3hupYouYfMFHjN6x8UvLQIBHSPa-EP8fQWT3pOp8_PcuNTptpIcty1p86RMMyf0mlB9y03Lu/s1600/2016_1231_211003_006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XykyvtVTNvo8hlXKuQPpacCh6HY7YHpUiWrB3uYa43RfrHFkR81_msIm6DK8Itg_fdcl3hupYouYfMFHjN6x8UvLQIBHSPa-EP8fQWT3pOp8_PcuNTptpIcty1p86RMMyf0mlB9y03Lu/s640/2016_1231_211003_006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the entrance along the first crawl of the entry series</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIvj1_NqoujPivbexHHfW9BwyPHfxkSFGdAdovoY2CEXKGagaIgYvKDv38S4bnpAvCqUqhKsA9EdPnCIS9SpTH68EsPVi93AbmchpQrKUj4QopCGZUszU32yBnLAM-I8bUSx8sWtq8dXn/s1600/2016_1231_211451_002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIvj1_NqoujPivbexHHfW9BwyPHfxkSFGdAdovoY2CEXKGagaIgYvKDv38S4bnpAvCqUqhKsA9EdPnCIS9SpTH68EsPVi93AbmchpQrKUj4QopCGZUszU32yBnLAM-I8bUSx8sWtq8dXn/s640/2016_1231_211451_002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Next installment: Mossdale SessionS 85 - 88 <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/07/mossdale-sessions-85-88.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/07/mossdale-sessions-85-88.html</a></i></span><br />
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<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2020. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-25194766840114902962020-04-27T15:45:00.000+01:002020-04-28T22:54:41.600+01:00Mossdale Sessions 83 <h2>
<i style="color: orange; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-weight: normal;"><a name='more'></a><br /></i></h2>
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<i style="color: orange; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-weight: normal;">Mossdale Session 83</i></h2>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Sat 21st March 2020</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Mossdale is mine!'</i></span><br />
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Postponed from the previous day. I hadn't quite been ready, with things still to organise and acquire, which is a pathetic excuse considering I'd only been waiting eight weeks for the opportunity to return. At the time one more day didn't feel like such a bad thing. Though, had I known what was coming Monday I'd have done back to back days till then.<br />
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An exceedingly early start was had, not necessarily making up for the previous day either, find I'm far better motivated with really early starts than slightly later ones. My neighbours probably thought I'd shit the bed.<br />
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I'd already made arrangements with my call-out the previous evening, but said I'd send a text to confirm as I made my way over-land. Due to a faulty battery on my main phone I'd swapped to an old i-phone at the last minute but made a mistake swapping the numbers. The text in question ended up going to my house mate who at the time wouldn't have made head nor tail of it. It wasn't till after the trip when I received a text from my call-out asking whether I was still going that I realised my mistake. He'd known something was amiss and would have acted when the time came. Usually I wouldn't worry too much about it, not having it that is, it's more the inconvenience to others. But under the circumstances; the fact I was shadowing three weeks of horrendously wet weather, meaning you never know quite what to expect, a preference for call-out is a bit of a no brainer. I once went to Steam End Cave without any call-out at all after my phone died walking in.<br />
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Cloudy and windy on the fell. I even checked the forecast a second time.<br />
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Even without the knowledge, or having been a spectator to those three weeks of severe wet weather that occurred the previous month, the land flanking Mossdale Beck was enough of a giveaway, and lent the Scar a daunting atmosphere under the sky that morning. I'd be lying if I didn't admit feeling vaguely hunted by the grimness to come.<br />
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Underground for half nine, and taking my time, especially with the entrance series. Something from the ceiling was noted to have disappeared almost straight away. Grass and moorland debris were hung up everywhere. The scaffold I'd built a few years back to support a possible ceiling threat had stood up well to the barrage. A lot of further loose was shifted aside as I made my descent.<br />
Fossil Chamber was noted to have been completely filled with water (ceiling debris)..<br />
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Water in the 1st Canal was very clear, expectedly cold, with a reduced airspace through the low section. The dam downstream at Razor Rocks had been restored some, raising the level a bit. So far so good I was no doubt thinking.<br />
As I approached the 2nd Canal I knew straight away things were very different on that front, even more so as I entered the water and looked downstream, seeing half the usual airspace disappearing off into the murk, maybe even less. The fact I questioned whether the main duck was even passable made me wonder whether these conditions were new territory for me, or maybe just a longtime since I'd had to deal with it like this. Either way the duck was gonna be desperate. The experience was certainly akin to my early forays in this cave.<br />
After swimming most of canal, I paused just before the first lowering to put my game face on, sans hood which for the first time ever I'd forgotten. The first lowering required half my face in the water, which a few summers ago had been at waste level. What lay ahead now appeared unfamiliar enough I actually had to think about where to go. With my helmet now off, further low going brought me to a cross rift heading right, which I recognised as being in the roof above where the route usually zig zags through the duck proper. I followed this with helmet in one hand underwater, due to the lack of room, and drybag in the other floating behind. I then looked left where i knew the duck must go to find grass, froth and a totally unusable airspace. With both hands busy I managed to align myself automatically with the shape of passage I knew existed underwater and propel myself at the same time, through the three foot or so dive. I even managed not to bang head. My buff was almost a goner though. I exited the duck totally waterlogged with a face full of grass/froth to find the newly rebuilt dam literally rearing up over me.<br />
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Before breaching the dam I got some pictures and a bit of film. The folded shovel that's usually stashed there was gone but fortunately with the sediment (cobbles/shingle) being fresh it was pretty easy to shift, unlike the aeon compacted stuff we'd shifted three years ago. I was still there a good while and thought water levels were well on their way down as I continued onwards.<br />
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3rd canal and original Swim were very deep with the going in places very low with the increased flow all of a sudden.<br />
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Checked the positive control marker at the head of Broadway finding it half full of silt and nothing else. The water was evaporating out of them after all. I spoke with Nicola afterwards about this and she's apparently on the job.<br />
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Strong draught met through the narrows leading to Piston Chamber, enough to excite me regarding what was in store. A block had been detached from behind the A-Frame above entry to Rightism and needed shifting before I could pass. Tried to be as careful as I could passing Rightism, over the shelf/step to White Hotel, surprisingly this appeared well intact.<br />
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The head of the Blowpipe appeared ravaged by flooding, a clump of grass hid most of the bolt and carabiner. The tool bag I'd liberated to the levels above last session was caught on the choke stone below.<br />
<br />
The outlet of Last Resort appeared washed open when I peered in. A pile of collapsed boulders had to be shifted before I could safely enter. There was little change there on inspection. The floor I was mean't to be attacking at Last resort wasn't touched that day.<br />
Made my first attempt at a vlog video before heading back to the Blue Room. The intention is to begin videoing as much of the sessions as I can without impeding progress too much.<br />
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Back in the Blue Room, found Daren Drum in the alcove, nowhere near I'd left it, and managed to open lid. Contents seemed fine. The same couldn't be said for a completely flooded first aid kit, which was thought well sealed in a dry bag. Made a quick video in the Blue Room, then headed back to the main cave feeling spent but satisfied after an already eventful outing.<br />
Another tick partially completed was a few pictures of the Ouroborous entry section, which is pretty easy on the eyes.<br />
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On returning to the main duck, I was surprised to find levels there still very high. Hesitated for a second whether to remove more of the dam, but just went for it instead. A slight helmet off dive was again necessary though the route far more visible this time. I surmised later, the amount of water my dam breach allowed through was still less than the amount flowing into the cave. Found the folding shovel whilst entering the 3rd canal literally just beyond Boulder Hall where the water level marker is placed every session, very surprised how something so streamlined had been carried the distance it had, through a good distance of open water then some rather devious stream channels. Couldn't quite believe my eyes when I saw it.<br />
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Exited the cave to better weather and plenty of bods on the fell. The day was one of those experiences you'd be nervous about if you knew what was coming beforehand, but with hindsight glad you had. They keep you sharp and on your toes especially here, where complacency is never a good thing.<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Trip Duration:</b></i></span> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>4 hours 30 mins</i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Session 83 Youtube video - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KnymgOTiSM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KnymgOTiSM</a></b></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7K2ibTWYugR6V43CvApALdw86Nt2DLP7_Clqbpwy0f7-dtnizkAV3q6p5Xc7nPq60sgd5csrerg1z21jZOBvH4O-TOp5HNmXqGOhr1ovT92aMdDZaQYlJgB8m3xmOrypAGNbFY8YPjoJ/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7K2ibTWYugR6V43CvApALdw86Nt2DLP7_Clqbpwy0f7-dtnizkAV3q6p5Xc7nPq60sgd5csrerg1z21jZOBvH4O-TOp5HNmXqGOhr1ovT92aMdDZaQYlJgB8m3xmOrypAGNbFY8YPjoJ/s640/IMG_0064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newly formed dam, at the downstream end of 2nd Canal. Deposited by three weeks of flooding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRMC7gbiRyW5AQKi0td3aiU_mSUSAZgUG-afAQT14Btsv5J4imS6v23nhhjgHY2CIxX5inMWcgscCvb7UFyrJZ7vjCi3rDjFN-zUbq-isTcU11jAB-SXr56o8oNdMfsL1A_We435-yq9D/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRMC7gbiRyW5AQKi0td3aiU_mSUSAZgUG-afAQT14Btsv5J4imS6v23nhhjgHY2CIxX5inMWcgscCvb7UFyrJZ7vjCi3rDjFN-zUbq-isTcU11jAB-SXr56o8oNdMfsL1A_We435-yq9D/s640/IMG_0066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another picture of the dam before I began to remove it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHXMUW9XCgadQ0cHaFSvwEwFxT2BlXVIxe03UQ1MBn_xsWfNlWbbTQieBY52WLLchZeO0xhtFVbMCqAnCO4h8kg4KusNyMJeOh3oKcIKyxhlMCNuO4qvi8NSFtjnpCeE2QtIqMHSNvDN1/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHXMUW9XCgadQ0cHaFSvwEwFxT2BlXVIxe03UQ1MBn_xsWfNlWbbTQieBY52WLLchZeO0xhtFVbMCqAnCO4h8kg4KusNyMJeOh3oKcIKyxhlMCNuO4qvi8NSFtjnpCeE2QtIqMHSNvDN1/s640/IMG_0075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the exit point of the main duck, formerly called the Drown or Glory</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFKWBfztzwBapAaI9JKD0fUAsq5yDcPZOXE0bu99b0iTTN15aVQzBq-I_B0plskxZ5wipw0eFXEKhdeGLZqyIFeatHP5hj73cgBn5g-QyudUO0q_FKJ1Ld0fSDn11Rxs0AxJ1Ya0C_xKs/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFKWBfztzwBapAaI9JKD0fUAsq5yDcPZOXE0bu99b0iTTN15aVQzBq-I_B0plskxZ5wipw0eFXEKhdeGLZqyIFeatHP5hj73cgBn5g-QyudUO0q_FKJ1Ld0fSDn11Rxs0AxJ1Ya0C_xKs/s640/IMG_0078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip83gbawnCLMCAP8fbt7Y6njRCUX9gog2CLVHqIZpW_vpusmy4-iC9aKnP3sGwQtbtgHiAVVrQbsKG3Rib7DI49XvHAtF8jU9C4MQOPPnFIoc77UZw_-2AOMpmRNM72POMNuLsM-YQ4gDh/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip83gbawnCLMCAP8fbt7Y6njRCUX9gog2CLVHqIZpW_vpusmy4-iC9aKnP3sGwQtbtgHiAVVrQbsKG3Rib7DI49XvHAtF8jU9C4MQOPPnFIoc77UZw_-2AOMpmRNM72POMNuLsM-YQ4gDh/s640/IMG_0082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post dam busting!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLvYZZcMDWv1A4HVeiQLuqovppC-dRwkrYhtFanOpu8KSKuZbpubz3__gB1riZxOXHPr9QIHYDiVWK8k15iMbPUfUBcZL2QgFVy1e1QLcupVmxIpT_RjY3SBD2ZsgO9jzgROEeRbXClSu/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLvYZZcMDWv1A4HVeiQLuqovppC-dRwkrYhtFanOpu8KSKuZbpubz3__gB1riZxOXHPr9QIHYDiVWK8k15iMbPUfUBcZL2QgFVy1e1QLcupVmxIpT_RjY3SBD2ZsgO9jzgROEeRbXClSu/s640/IMG_0084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entry section of Ouroborous Passage #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#2</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvvLWI2r1kPBOcmWoUIoel-ofNOUGQw0ZBEwusa1BoaSGj82rn6D7ym5LvwYljeHnLEDfWvFpIT1IIORgSVy91ilxypTDfox6I_ZrHSZSdO7NeJ6U9KQBUloQKcIGZRGhaeW9oncgV4E0/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvvLWI2r1kPBOcmWoUIoel-ofNOUGQw0ZBEwusa1BoaSGj82rn6D7ym5LvwYljeHnLEDfWvFpIT1IIORgSVy91ilxypTDfox6I_ZrHSZSdO7NeJ6U9KQBUloQKcIGZRGhaeW9oncgV4E0/s640/IMG_0099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58j_ZpVn7TG1pnnIYNuaw81szw1lOEnhMJcdtPDufxv1DdrbtpRBpZjT16quQvQQMqvxkFL5EqsVXYnZnC0xHlvUvE1xmyiJX2jtYBK4aOacENlQS2solSGKlXWapTKS6TKdaEtzunaqN/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58j_ZpVn7TG1pnnIYNuaw81szw1lOEnhMJcdtPDufxv1DdrbtpRBpZjT16quQvQQMqvxkFL5EqsVXYnZnC0xHlvUvE1xmyiJX2jtYBK4aOacENlQS2solSGKlXWapTKS6TKdaEtzunaqN/s640/IMG_0106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phew!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Next Installment:</i></b></span> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mossdale Session 84 <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/04/mossdale-session-84.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/04/mossdale-session-84.html</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2020. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
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<br />Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-29492086571125821282020-04-24T11:52:00.007+01:002020-04-27T17:38:23.818+01:00Mossdale Sessions 82<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><i><a name='more'></a>Mossdale Session 82</i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Wed 22nd January 2020</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck, Nicola...)</i></b></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'La Femme Nikola'</span></i><br />
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Today's was the first Mossdale visit of the new year and working trip since late autumn (2019). Aside from a Dowbergill solo early November and a visit to Blackpool Sands (Mossdale) on New years eve I hadn't done anything worthy of note since.<br />
The purpose of work had me fooled for a bit, and lasted a few months before those old reflexes returned. A dream about Langcliffe Pot when I was still happily ensconced derailed any expectation it would last. I was in the entrance of Oddmire Pot, through one hole was a serene picturesque canal bank with cottages, happy people and an obvious nice life, through the other and past a pile of my caving books was the far harder and menacing dream version of Langcliffe Pot.<br />
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I then thought of nothing more but Mossdale for the remainder of the year. I think the desire alone was enough at the time, it gave me something to work towards, now that that very thing sucked. I also needed to consider my strategy regarding what next, before I did go back.<br />
The fact that work during this period included seeing Eshton Hall everyday, en-route to the yard, was kinda symbolic and rather unsettling to begin with. I mean for christ sake, is it just me! Of all the Mossdale triggers for somebody trying to avoid that very thing, Eshton Hall was at the top of the list... Mostly though it was a pleasant daily nostalgia trip.<br />
I was working on a major roof project there during the first year of the Mossdale Sessions (2017), it was also where most of the resources for the project came from as well.<br />
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Since discovering the Blowpipe and exploring the lower levels beyond (session 69 onwards) I've spent/wasted enough time searching for a quick and easy continuation. It was now time to start considering a longer term solution to moving things forward, i.e committing to one of the few likely looking spots, and pouring the resources necessary to push it, see it through.. I was still undecided about where, but knew I'd know when the time came....<br />
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Nicola arrived at the station mid-morning. Stopped at Screwfix for some bits and treat us both to some gloves from the Mossdale fund.. Shitty traffic around Skipton. Glad I'm no longer coming this way for work, especially the return through Keighley's present debacle..<br />
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Felt like a back breaking load with the drill & co. Been sometime since it was last used/taken down there, possibly as far back as session 69, 2018. When all is said and done I'm really only getting going again since then anyway.. It's been slow getting going again, but at least I'm still in the game. The intention is to apply pressure till it's cracked, or alternatively I do.. There's a sense what came before was just the beginning.<br />
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Had an unexpected encounter with a few lads from Burnley Caving Club, Peter Wilson & Alec Peacock, who seemed quite surprised we were actually going down Mossdale that day. When you're connected via social media it doesn't seem like such a longtime since you've seen people, even though in this instance it was years since I'd seen either of them.<br />
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Aside from the unpleasantly cold water in the cave everything else was perfect for a visit so early in the year. Obviously we'd no idea what was on it's way a few weeks from then.<br />
I still speak to people who are very surprised I manage to visit all year round, and to be frank that was always the case even before I lowered the main dam at the end of canal #2.<br />
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A few sessions I raised the subject of an old picture I took of Blackpool Sands in 2005, before the now huge cobble/shingle Bar began to gain in size, in the area where you enter from Assembly Hall. The intention was to take a picture and compare the two here. I finally got round to doing this today, although I didn't quite get the angle right, relative to the older version. I hadn't noticed before but the date 22/08/05 is stamped on the back of the photo.<br />
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As I mentioned the Swims were freezing, and we both gasped our way through. The third canal had obviously been dredged again by winter flooding, and was almost back to being The Swim it once was. I think Nicola pretty much swam this section without having a choice in the matter.<br />
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A major collapse of the false floor in Boulder Hall had also occurred over the winter. The feature in question was a bridge of boulders that overlaid the initial stream trench that enters Boulder Hall at the upstream end. Entry to the chamber was possible via this route but I long avoided it for purely this reason. I guess vindication eventually comes to those who wait, especially my warnings that fell on deaf ears with at least one person here.<br />
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Some may also recall Roger Rabbit from the previous session, who at the time had been gracing the most constricted section of Confusion Passage. Winter flooding had for once done something positive and removed it.<br />
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The strap on my dry bag broke at some point during entry making the drill a twat to carry for remainder of trip in. It doesn't help that the drill wasn't used on this outing either.<br />
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Once at the choke I headed down to the lower levels for some tools while Nicola investigated the two inclines heading NE of the White Hotel. It was whilst grabbing tools in Featherstone Chamber that I noticed my Daren Drum had been crushed/imploded. The lower levels had obviously been completely underwater. Considering the intermittent draughts here, which have never been as evident as those in Alley Cat, the outlets are obviously well blocked.<br />
I'm not sure what I was expecting that session with the bag of tools I dragged up to the BlueRoom. It's also the closest to liberation those tools will ever see.<br />
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Nicola had little to report back from her NE incline investigation, all aside from finding a pencil. This had been resting on a chokestone jammed in the first and steepest incline (on the left as you first enter White Hotel). It wasn't till later that I remembered placing it there after forgetting to pack it away during one of the surveying sessions of 2018.. Considering how useless my floodmarkers have been so far, the pencil in question has to be the best one so far and confirms the backing-up of floodwater hasn't been that high.. yet.<br />
<br />
We then attempted to gain entry to the area SW of the Airlock (chamber), via the two possible access points; the tight bedding that leads SW from the Airlock and the ramp/incline on the right as you enter the Blue Room. Neither were possible, and as I'd already deduced some enlargement of the route will be necessary to achieve this. It was also decided that approaching via the Airlock route would be the easiest. Even though I'd brought the drill + plugs/feathers, the prize in question didn't seem worth the effort unpacking it all.. Capping was deemed the best way forward there, and I was out of ammunition at the time.<br />
Before heading out I also had a look up the first and steepest incline out of White Hotel (only my 2nd time up there, the first being the day we made the break-through here - July 2018). I noted today that it probably connects with the Northerly outlet of the Boiler Room.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaco4zEoAJ0jQWeo6OAnRlLIW9gOuqKmsp_vDorNe1nKF7QMZLJEVYs4Qag2DN_12dFLJaNPDjsTd5_qEnBbshf2IhX_EmM-Od5ivF0GHMZdMItVgu56LtsnuQHTG8-cNAo2V67UXhpiw3/s1600/94584797_877149599425056_3557880376053465088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaco4zEoAJ0jQWeo6OAnRlLIW9gOuqKmsp_vDorNe1nKF7QMZLJEVYs4Qag2DN_12dFLJaNPDjsTd5_qEnBbshf2IhX_EmM-Od5ivF0GHMZdMItVgu56LtsnuQHTG8-cNAo2V67UXhpiw3/s400/94584797_877149599425056_3557880376053465088_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow marks denoting area's worked/inspected</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The lowest of the high water markers at the Serpent was checked during this trip and contained a little water/mud. I was pretty convinced by this point they weren't working, and suspected the water was evaporating out. Nicola suggested placing a positive control marker to check they were definitely working, which we did a few feet above the stream at the juncture of Confusion Passage/Broadway on a rock shelf anchored in place with numerous boulders.<br />
<br />
After another gasp inducing return through the Swims we retired to our regular Wetherspoons in Ilkley for tea.<br />
<br />
Overall a very quotable day, considering just about everything said was scrutinised to varying degrees of laughter.<br />
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Trip duration: 4.5 hours ish<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMv5Y6nS-Epe7TBoRf8DfTP-EWLAwwTs3s4n8ze9D5BfkcgCfwbwHV_yXlPRocMSa1ZEq9OsTqP1yrMyeIgRAR12DYVlxnwDZUKw9LT-UwHLoQcprbnVLm-VkQiLQC5-qdu1bNHBMA-Nz/s1600/83346627_263778284606237_2981014440830304256_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMv5Y6nS-Epe7TBoRf8DfTP-EWLAwwTs3s4n8ze9D5BfkcgCfwbwHV_yXlPRocMSa1ZEq9OsTqP1yrMyeIgRAR12DYVlxnwDZUKw9LT-UwHLoQcprbnVLm-VkQiLQC5-qdu1bNHBMA-Nz/s640/83346627_263778284606237_2981014440830304256_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_6dvKx9z5Aq_61Jd8tZjEge00Diu72mpnL351atkffeIIZXOMQVutUWLwLbP4hVv8WfPkB6y5SzuDZEiuhAezlqk33WIrj916hoB3_Q_MT5wkVeB_oXo10tLGWLMa6tPd8SoGkF9_ZO-/s1600/94219325_670429153777911_3056452861324951552_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_6dvKx9z5Aq_61Jd8tZjEge00Diu72mpnL351atkffeIIZXOMQVutUWLwLbP4hVv8WfPkB6y5SzuDZEiuhAezlqk33WIrj916hoB3_Q_MT5wkVeB_oXo10tLGWLMa6tPd8SoGkF9_ZO-/s640/94219325_670429153777911_3056452861324951552_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackpool Sands 2005</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3wTOeeHBnhBaqJ2bNiuEnmdUzDej9JxSPU3nhD0nlhxC1MSvfs6vEapROXO9ki_3JARbuitkHisWxs0KL9OZJ4vC55u7Oy6q-Xz5N2n_MszqyuH1czxJatPQh15s4AUx96YBacGbv_Ds/s640/IMG_0023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackpool Sands Session 82</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t4ap7EEp3TU84uWou_5VEja_h7cIIO4-rp-WQmd9PPJyetHkoMZz_R64kBKBdtTq_XWuIbwoP7cIAIgmtZD5oB1-A6YuXuXyiTPnfFYtETqmEONrwy6iAmWJ3YMuid1D0rsTFJvAsLIk/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7t4ap7EEp3TU84uWou_5VEja_h7cIIO4-rp-WQmd9PPJyetHkoMZz_R64kBKBdtTq_XWuIbwoP7cIAIgmtZD5oB1-A6YuXuXyiTPnfFYtETqmEONrwy6iAmWJ3YMuid1D0rsTFJvAsLIk/s640/IMG_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackpool Sands Session 82 for comparison with the older picture. The cobble bar on the right was almost non existent back in 2005</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCOm8qtVYEv4-ifGkfY85L4KRl3RAvdJ5Vtli7NvAMkrFxTHMJRujujpQMFIFCstDWWpUul1NEXHw2EaMdH_rW_Cxi4Yt5BqlFvygUPDJjR8Wmj44usiSMy-SIJ8GrJFV9v5JBsHHcXor/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCOm8qtVYEv4-ifGkfY85L4KRl3RAvdJ5Vtli7NvAMkrFxTHMJRujujpQMFIFCstDWWpUul1NEXHw2EaMdH_rW_Cxi4Yt5BqlFvygUPDJjR8Wmj44usiSMy-SIJ8GrJFV9v5JBsHHcXor/s640/IMG_0032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHRy_ADYKvI0zwItNhH9If4jDMJ0dhSU8g9ZegWDT1Jv9miqZUeFTaaxJmxKg-ZJgUkCDbyOxM9O6_rNHFRH-vZuymrBJmJhhSnqgtnZGD3cnpHG6FTZUOaaOdFEEi_4n1DfSGkWWTFk_/s1600/83085961_986077825111908_758395274904207360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHRy_ADYKvI0zwItNhH9If4jDMJ0dhSU8g9ZegWDT1Jv9miqZUeFTaaxJmxKg-ZJgUkCDbyOxM9O6_rNHFRH-vZuymrBJmJhhSnqgtnZGD3cnpHG6FTZUOaaOdFEEi_4n1DfSGkWWTFk_/s640/83085961_986077825111908_758395274904207360_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Next Installment:</i></span> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Mossdale Sessions 83 <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/04/mossdale-sessions-83.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/04/mossdale-sessions-83.html</a></i></span><br />
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<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2020. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
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<br />Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-3887849121895748422020-03-24T16:20:00.000+00:002020-03-24T16:20:12.247+00:00Mossdale Sessions 83 - 84 Youtube clipsStill in the process, or yet to complete the written side of Sessions 82 - 84, but here are a couple of video offerings from 83 & 84. Although I've been considering Vlogging the sessions for sometime, it wasn't until session 83 that I decided to give it a go. I know they're pretty crap but I'm hoping to add more content and substance to them as I go.<br />
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Mossdale Session 83 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KnymgOTiSM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KnymgOTiSM</a><br />
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Mossdale Session 84 - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=871r4R4D0VI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=871r4R4D0VI</a><br />
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<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2020. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
<br />Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-45195182065479832082020-02-23T12:02:00.000+00:002020-04-24T12:40:30.601+01:00Mossdale Sessions 79 - 81<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><a name='more'></a><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Mossdale Session 79</span></h2>
<b style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br /></i></b>
<b style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>26th June 2019</i></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Oh I am sorry to disappoint you, bet you were rubbing your little hands together, afraid it's looking like I'll be about for a bit yet'</i></span><br />
<br />
Been staying with friends in Burnsall for a few days at a time during this period, while I get back on my feet. No van though, which is still parked on the driveway at home, sans tax, insurance and in need of repairs to the coolant system, so I'm dependant on lifts. Am glad I didn't sell it back when things were deemed beyond a point of no return.<br />
<br />
Almost made my way to Mossdale a fortnight ago but still on the weak side. The longer approach walk from Burnsall appeared formidable back then.<br />
<br />
Long slow plod of a walk in the heat. Especially up the gill from Hebden. Quitting the tobacco five days ago has probably helped, more psychologically than anything. I'd expected to have my arse handed to me fitness wise after those poisonous months of spring.<br />
<br />
Arrived at the Scar early afternoon after an unusually long approach compared to the norm.<br />
<br />
Journal states an uneventful trip to the project.<br />
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The fact it was almost a year since the breakthrough to the White Hotel (Mossdale Session 52 - 25/06/18) occurred to me as I passed the restriction (Rightism). I recall a comment from Adele during this period about it feeling like a lifetime ago.<br />
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Investigated the SW bedding off the Airlock for the hundredth time. Nothing new gained. Passing a metre or so of constricted ground to the area beyond will require the removal of an edge here and there. A job for when I next bring the resources...... I'm not convinced a way on exists here and suspect the draught is coming up through the floor from the lower levels?<br />
<br />
The Alley Cat Series was then visited for the first time since Nov 2018 (the night I filmed the Swims and managed a paltry amount of surveying, when everything in there appeared freeze dried).<br />
Journal states that the draught was very evident today as well, especially near Little Shop of Horrors. I'm glad I've maintained these journal reports immediately after every session, I would long have forgotten details such as this, especially now seven months down the line.<br />
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The hole/slit near Charlie Says appears to have opened a little with flooding. Nothing new noticed at the limit of the series beyond the 'Trench'. I can almost feel the freshness of the air there even as I write. The essence of what was felt still lingers with thought.<br />
The scaffolding I used here can be stripped out over the coming visits to be used elsewhere. I also climbed up to Wharfegate and better inspected the seepage inlet looking for voids amongst the mud/boulder floor, nothing found.<br />
I'm still scratching my head regarding this area. The back wall of the chamber appears to be Bedrock, not just a large loose block, and something that appears to be the Hanging Wall of this fractured earth. I've often wondered what digging the considerable mud/boulder floor of this chamber would reveal? A few loose sections of scaffold pole and clips were collected up as I returned to the Blue Room. <br />
<br />
Next came the descent of the Blowpipe (2nd pitch), a feature I hadn't even named the last time I passed by here. Tidied up the cache of gear in Featherstone Chamber and moved it all a little higher up and out of any future deluge.<br />
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De Fleurs Passage naturally followed. One of the boulders that forms the bridge midway through 'Pas Grave' spun on it's axis as I passed over it. The usual head shaking followed gritted teeth of this section.<br />
<br />
Flooding appears to have washed open the hole in the floor of De Fleurs slightly, that I began digging session 77 (24/02/19). With only the pinch bar to hand the dig was prodded and enlarged a little more. Conditions were no less miserable than before, with the same seepage/mud, and that nerve racking sensation that my surroundings were not as stable as they appeared.<br />
After reaching a similar conclusion to session 77, that some form of retaining wall was probably necessary to aid a worthwhile attempt, I turned my attention to the clean washed fragment of passage that runs parallel to the south. Though my journal states better progress was made, the same flake barred the same access in the end. The drill + plugs/feathers will be required at the very least to make further progress here.<br />
<br />
Last resort (nothing) was then followed by the terminus of Healey Avenue where something previously missed was discovered. The new discovery was a roof passage, aligned with - heading back along - Healey Av, and floored by Healey's ceiling. After a few attempts the feature was deemed too tight/awkward to enter. I was giving off so much steam it was hard to see clearly beyond a few metres where it appeared to widen slightly. Having some company/backup for this one would be wise, though it hasn't stopped me of late.<br />
The journal states moving air was felt here as well, though this could be connected to what I've felt emanating from the floor around the Lower Chambers/Last Resort region not far off below.<br />
I suspected at the time, as the survey also suggests, that the feature linked up with the Alley Cat Series or the alcove off the Blue Room above. If the survey is anything to go by then there's around four/five metres between this feature and that above, more than enough ground to hide a possible way on.<br />
Had an urge to trial excavate the floor of the Alley Cat Series ever since I first visited there and became aware of the draught, this new find may well save me bothering.<br />
The fact Healey Avenue ends the way it does always raised suspicion, as if there should've been a continuation heading South East, around a bend - in keeping with that common NW/SE master joint.<br />
<br />
Prior to this area of the cave being thrown into disarray, things would've been far simpler passing this way I suspect.<br />
<br />
Still no closer to finding a definite point to push next, though I can't complain about the lack of options. I guess a lot boils down to my indecision of late and the hope of finding a way-on that avoided a major resource draining assault. De Fleurs Passage or the outlet in Last Resort seem the best of the bunch, with enough scaffold on site to get things cracking at one of the two. It's time to accept I need a long term plan here, I've wasted enough time now hoping I'd eventually stumble upon a short term one. Chances are if I pick roughly the right spot I doubt I'll have to go far to be through. Call it another hunch but that's how I've felt in there without ever knowing why - a sense of the beyond only metres away - as I've mentioned before.<br />
<br />
Headed out checking a further few bits with a relaxed enjoyable return to the surface. Didn't feel as knackered as I'd expected to either. Somebody I'd encountered earlier in the day had commented that I still didn't look very well, in their usual passive aggressive manner. That may be the case pal but lets not forget which of us was heading to Mossdale that day....<br />
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Trip duration: 2 hours 30 mins<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKx5IZQFZ9sAXVYOs-55sA92en40hUUcCbmsDzvmmLjSyrQwy1ReECA3jG1HqdxIs7e6ECTbwk9E_88C3X2zcAxbksG6SWF5lKr1oZHKigR4elZlAeJ5cxiJo2CCC3UDIQPtPaVvN2ks5/s1600/IMG_7045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKx5IZQFZ9sAXVYOs-55sA92en40hUUcCbmsDzvmmLjSyrQwy1ReECA3jG1HqdxIs7e6ECTbwk9E_88C3X2zcAxbksG6SWF5lKr1oZHKigR4elZlAeJ5cxiJo2CCC3UDIQPtPaVvN2ks5/s640/IMG_7045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post De Fleurs mucky, even after a wash off in the Swims</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Mossdale Session 80</span></h2>
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Thurs 25th July 2019</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Genius borrows and those with no imagination steal'</i></span><br />
<br />
Postponed from the previous day. Been in Burnsall since Monday. Still no van - getting it sorted shouldn't be far off. I was almost joined by others, interested in helping out with the project today, though a transport issue at the last minute mean't they had to cancel.<br />
<br />
Late start after a tonne of faffing about in the morning. Fortunately got a lift off Gina to Yarnbury, which cut a big chunk off the approach hike. The only downside was a fast approaching thunderstorm.<br />
<br />
Had planned to strip the scaffold out of Alley Cat but due to the forecast, giving little room by that point, decided instead to visit Syphon Passage and complete the Straightway Loop.<br />
<br />
My journal entry mentions little of the descent, nor the unusual left turn at Cigarette Junction, which I suspect was appreciated at the time. That bleak ominous section, a contrast to the friendly Easy Passage, no doubt taking my mind off shit.<br />
<br />
Little is said of Syphon Passage either, though from memory I recall it was accepting a decent flow. Appearances can be deceiving mind...<br />
During a visit with A-Wilson (Mossdale Session 2 - April 2017) when we completed the Borehole Passage/Oomagoolie loop, I'm almost certain we encountered an inlet on the left close to Fungus Chamber, maybe even further on nearer to Rockabottom Chamber. I didn't really think much of it till afterwards, probably when viewing the survey and at a loss as to where it was coming from, but wondered if it was fed by Syphon P. The intention was to return and investigate it further, both the inlet's location and to test the water entering Syphon somehow - dye etc - but these plans along with pushing Syphon Passage proper were shelved when the focus shifted to the terminus of Ouroborous/Black Edge Choke.<br />
Progress at Black Edge Choke in my own opinion has made other sites in Mossdale pretty much redundant for the time being, and this will remain the primary focus, though a simultaneous effort at Syphon Passage will be made from here on out, if only to investigate what was found by those who previously explored here.<br />
<br />
I still have Sessions 1&2 to write up, something I may prioritize once I've got these uptodate, but going back to the Oomagoolie loop excursion (session 2) we found Shingle Passage sumped d/s of the junction with Borehole Passage and a partial blockage at the far end of one of the chambers (Fungus/Rockabottom), suggesting that part of the cave hadn't been visited in a while. A pristine caterpillar (white,black) was seen somewhere along the North Easterly branch (terminal) off Carbide Tin Junction, the end of which was visited (mud choke - fresh earthy atmosphere).<br />
For those visiting the cave who don't fancy Kneewrecker or the Marathons but fancy something more sporting than a trip to Rough Chamber et al then the Oomagoolie Loop from Cigarette Junction, via Borehole Passage/Rough Crawl, is highly recommended and deserving of the higher grades.<br />
The remainder of Session 2 was spent collecting up as much telephone wire as possible, into two plastic sacks, from Rough Chamber onwards upstream. A considerable effort was made lowering the dam that day which was followed by an unnerving boom!<br />
That trip was less than three years ago, yet eighty Mossdale visits ago as I write!<br />
<br />
Aside from sussing out how I was going to divert water away from Syphon Passage, the remainder of Session 80 was spent completing the Straightway loop, visiting Rough Chamber & Great Aven before making a steady exit. Lots of fresh flood froth noted, assume from the storm Tuesday night. Thought I could hear thunder as I exited the final section of the entrance series.<br />
Enjoyed the hike back to Burnsall even with the debilitating heat. Managed to avoid blisters unlike the previous session's approach.<br />
<br />
Trip duration: 1 hour 30 mins<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_OgtFppCB7MoBMeMsnkiOOYsp0-x4lkFpdU9RGb8_w0Ph_ofZCCB8cZ7njRKUclWeokzeaLXn0rKeaXDJRI6avpd80YUtiZnaZLSMcJKRPzK2EVJb1Fjf3E787_IIYe1rncEXvgBkAsg/s1600/IMG_8804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_OgtFppCB7MoBMeMsnkiOOYsp0-x4lkFpdU9RGb8_w0Ph_ofZCCB8cZ7njRKUclWeokzeaLXn0rKeaXDJRI6avpd80YUtiZnaZLSMcJKRPzK2EVJb1Fjf3E787_IIYe1rncEXvgBkAsg/s640/IMG_8804.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contemplating something... either 'I'm glad to be back', or 'I'm bloody condemned to this for eternity!'</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Mossdale Session 81</span></h2>
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Saturday 24th August 2019</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon beck, Nicola...)</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Damage done is damage never undone'</i></span><br />
<div>
<br />
Finally got van back on the road around mid August and celebrated with a Dowbergill through trip the following day. The entrance shaft of Providence Pot was found to be awash with water, seeping through the walls from the beck. I almost cancelled the trip after several blind attempts to descend the restriction whilst at the mercy of the deluge, with a few loose boulders felt under foot. Back on the surface a good handful of bracken was collected to plug the holes, which just about did the job. Dowbergill Passage was traversed under very sporting conditions with only the final low bits avoided due to high water. I will admit to a feeling of relief on the other side, but mostly just glad of been responsible only for myself that day. A much needed and thoroughly enjoyable hour plus resonating with the natural elements again.<br />
<br />
Dismal weather followed with the first opportunity for Mossdale deemed unignorable. After a few failed efforts to synchronize, as can be the case the moment you begin organising Mossdale trips, Nicola was free to join me on this one. This wasn't Nicola's first visit to the cave, having caved here with John Holloway and others in the past.<br />
<br />
Water levels were still raised but all passable. The work lowering the dam really has stood the test of time.<br />
<br />
A group from York Caving Club were in the cave that day having visited Boulder Hall & Confusion Cavern, taking some great pictures in the process, and who we met during their exit. I hope our slinking in the shadows waiting in surprise whilst you approached in the Swims was taken in good faith.<br />
<br />
Confusion Passage was ripe with the smell of a once cute furry animal snagged right where the passage pinches, giving few options but to hold one's nose, and in the case of the route I've long taken, where Roger was in full view suspended above it, averting one's eyes too. The flood that left it there definitely had a sick sense of humour.<br />
<br />
A very cold draught was met beyond Broadway which intensified at the choke (BlackEdge). The lowest confines of the choke - De Fleurs Passage/Last Resort - were inspected to see if the previous monster flood had uncovered anything of note. Little had changed from last and I once again deduced this area would require heavy metal to make any further progress. I also concluded (again), as did Nicola, that an easier way on must surely exist, possibly beneath the abundant false floors on the level above and to the South West - 'Alley Cat/Airlock' region, where much of the draught emanates. I'm fairly sure the draught I've felt in the Alley Cat series does not originate from the explored lower chambers. </div>
<div>
<br />
With this been the first accompanied trip since Session 68, before the breakthrough to the Blowpipe and lower chambers, I took the opportunity to attempt a vocal connection between the terminus of Healey Av and Alley Cat Series above. This was quickly achieved, with the added smoke test, via roll-up, which caused initial confusion from Nicola. 'Oh my god why can I smell smoke in here!?' I wish I'd said 'it's not coming from me!' This vocal connection confirms the survey is somewhere close to accurate at least. The newly discovered section of passage atop Healey Avenue was given a little further consideration, but again I failed to gain entry. </div>
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<br />
The day ended with a pub meal and a good laugh or two. Been a good while since I had as much fun or laughter as we did that day. </div>
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<br />
Trip Duration: 2 1/2 hours ish </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixovtQ6N3GzWodOw_dl-GMCUqdiPVrwcENPcj2V87XgnWUEy8eVrZGtEeZl8ECcuSJSbLvgjI6Oh6rlu7XsE_bpHzsk3txit3n7ONmvMfs5-SXGLBTMxB81Pw-oeN__Wjueuefx-L14BtA/s1600/68873757_409882086315317_371475419397881856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1217" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixovtQ6N3GzWodOw_dl-GMCUqdiPVrwcENPcj2V87XgnWUEy8eVrZGtEeZl8ECcuSJSbLvgjI6Oh6rlu7XsE_bpHzsk3txit3n7ONmvMfs5-SXGLBTMxB81Pw-oeN__Wjueuefx-L14BtA/s640/68873757_409882086315317_371475419397881856_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The source of much amusement later in the day. Our 'We're in the process of working it out' picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Next installment:</span> </i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Youtube Clips from Sessions 83-84 </span> <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/03/mossdale-sessions-83-84-youtube-clips.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/03/mossdale-sessions-83-84-youtube-clips.html</a></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 400;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span>
<span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 400;"><i>Mossdale Session 82 - </i></span></span></span><a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/04/mossdale-sessions-82.html">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/04/mossdale-sessions-82.html</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2020. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-15913323528020797392020-01-26T13:11:00.002+00:002020-02-24T10:18:26.876+00:00Mossdale Session 78<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mossdale Session 78</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Friday 29th March 2019</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Je suis Mortel'</i></span><br />
<br />
<i>Note: It is almost ten months since this session occurred, making this the most overdue piece since the Sessions began. Session 78 had originally been intended to complement Sessions 76-77 & other favourites (1&2) as the final piece in a trilogy, covering my train wreck existence at the time. Aside from having no wish to delve back into that period and a need to get things up to date I'll be keeping it brief..</i><br />
<br />
A further few weeks of work were endured post Session 77 before I quit, leaving me in a foul mood and wishing I'd gone with my gut in January and walked then. The job was well behind schedule and frustratingly poorly managed, though such trivialities were far from the reason. I was far from well yet hadn't quite cottoned onto that fact, but had the money to continue underwriting the constant state of not caring too much about it. Later and with hindsight came the realisation that taking a break to sort my shit out had been more important than money.<br />
The fact I still felt gripped by new year was ridiculous three months in. The Resolutions I'd been attempting to sell myself were all but gone the moment I quit that job in early March. I then got-on-it 24/7 and didn't quit till the end of May... <br />
<br />
A severe weather event and large flood occurred the middle of March. Mat Stockdale mentioned a group of kayakers having made it from Burnsall to Bolton Abbey in some ridiculous time like ten minutes.<br />
Mossdale doubtless took a battering, with this being one of the bigger floods to occur since the extensions (Black Edge Choke) were first entered the previous summer, subsequently allowing passage a sizeable and destructive body of water as opposed to the formerly heavily obstructed one.<br />
<br />
The possibility flooding would lend a hand, by doing some work for me, was something I'd anticipated since first deducing the change. The complete opposite was also a consideration, due to blockage or collapse, and appeared possible after a visit by Alex Ritchie the evening of the 27th (Mar19), when armed with a Go Pro and alone he filmed passage from the surface to Black Edge Choke. Unfortunately and rather unexpectedly Alex reported back after the trip that he'd failed to find the route onwards at the scaffolding, via the restriction (Rightism) to the White Hotel. He instead climbed up to the Boiler Room, noting the North Easterly passage I'd only recently explored myself. Although sceptical regarding the route being blocked, I knew it was far from impossible.<br />
<br />
The final obstruction just prior to us (SB/AW) first accessing the White Hotel was a considerable boulder I'd capped just enough to allow passage. Although the boulder in question rocked and occasionally threatened to block the restriction, over time it settled and appeared solid. Obviously I continued to remain vigilante about it. The possibility this boulder had moved during the previous flood appeared the most plausible explanation. Having caved with Alex enough to regard him as a very adept caver I struggled to believe he'd missed an obvious way on as well.<br />
A trip to see for myself was decided upon.<br />
<br />
<b>The following is taken from my journal and is all that's documented about the visit. I must have lost interest in writing this one up afterwards.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was undecided for most of the morning about whether I was going to Mossdale. Physically I didn't feel up to it, nor did I even want too. But something came over me, I forget what, enough to galvanise me to go. At that point I didn't think Alex could have made a mistake like that. Anyway regardless of whether the need was there or not I had to get out of the house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Was a gloriously sunny day, the ambience of which you'd expect later in the year. The air temperature was still down though. Felt only slightly out of shape, still a bit of a slog over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The scar hinted of the monster flood from weeks previous, but still nothing of significance had changed. Much fresh sand deposits..........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Notes that accompany the entry mention the cobble/shingle bar in the 1st Canal at Blackpool Sands having completely disappeared. This had been a recent addition from a flood or two ago and made the going here awkward, what was once a nice deep water wade was reduced to an awkward stoop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Further notes;</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Quick descent, no bag etc...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lowest high water marker at Serpent showed positive result, the grass & flood debris in the vicinity were enough to confirm. The high marker showed non.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The entry section to Ouroborous was scoured throughout. The sludge and sand squirm had been dredged back to bare rock and cobbles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">North East Branch in White Hotel noted to continue further than originally thought, through a section of breakdown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(briefly) Excavated rift in branch off Upper Featherstone Chamber. As expected drops to false floor which I suspect links with the mud banks in the lower chambers. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
Aside from the journal entry & notes made and the fact the restriction through to the White Hotel was still wide open, my memory of this visit is pretty much non existent. The restriction (Rightism) was actually bigger than it had been, but I could also kinda see where Alex had gone wrong. A protein shake drum I'd been using as a bucket was jammed in the rift above the restriction and the route did appear to go down and back on itself.<br />
<br />
One thing I haven't forgotten is the state I was in at the time. The fact this visit happened at all is testament to something. The what is questionable. As far as I was concerned this was my last ever visit to Mossdale.<br />
<br />
Thanks also go to Alex for removing the pile of telephone line stashed at Razor Rocks, during his evening visit, and taking it to the surface. Good effort!<br />
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Trip duration was 1 hour 25 minutes. <br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Next installment: Mossdale Sessions 79 - 81</i></span> <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/02/mossdale-sessions-79-81.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/02/mossdale-sessions-79-81.html</a></h3>
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2020. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
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Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-85546867914306752992020-01-20T21:33:00.001+00:002020-01-26T13:20:02.337+00:00Mossdale Session update - January 2020<br />
<a name='more'></a>Although it's been four months since any work was done at the site it doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about it or at least attempting to get down there to get some done. The job I had left little in reserve, which I've now thankfully quit. Mossdale was visited New Years Eve but no work was done nor will it count as a session.<br />
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Work is about to recommence at Black Edge Choke, with the intention of buckling down and getting this site cracked once and for all, if indeed it can be... I've every faith in the site as ever by-the-way</div>
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The Syphon Passage pumping project is also still on the agenda, with a view to getting things set up Feb/Mar in preparation for a good dry spell.</div>
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I've been slowly writing up what remains of the backlog, and still struggling my way through the one for 78, a trip that occurred almost ten months ago, and with little of substance worth sharing anyway. I guess I'm doing it purely for completeness or something, as I have since the beginning.. Sessions 79-81 from summer/autumn last year and session 82 (1st working visit of 2020) from several days ago are still to write up and will hopefully quickly follow 78. Getting cracking again in the cave should hopefully speed things up on the blog delivery front, as it has in the past.. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX8O-CtNxw_RHQVd6dJz6gRVOXOglDW2b6NsQ_byZH2_ONs0QMa69piCDTAazI3K6q9jyX3VnNlTFv4xAsEiaKzewNMSM6WcKJ_RnBVEHy96olhs9UuZ1SZDzVtoncCRKy492TQStdx1e/s1600/83268098_2667517849951721_8023056513029373952_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX8O-CtNxw_RHQVd6dJz6gRVOXOglDW2b6NsQ_byZH2_ONs0QMa69piCDTAazI3K6q9jyX3VnNlTFv4xAsEiaKzewNMSM6WcKJ_RnBVEHy96olhs9UuZ1SZDzVtoncCRKy492TQStdx1e/s640/83268098_2667517849951721_8023056513029373952_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny Stodart New Years Eve</td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next Installment: Mossdale Session 78 <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/01/mossdale-session-78.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2020/01/mossdale-session-78.html</a></span><br /><div>
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2020. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
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Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-30316854989106537922019-06-11T01:07:00.002+01:002020-04-24T12:38:27.831+01:00Mossdale Session 77 & Other Favourites (part two)<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a name='more'></a>Mossdale Session 77 & Other Favourites (Part two)</span></i></span></h2>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Who'd have ever thought, Latin America's finest would ever find it's way down that shithole'</span></i><br />
<br />
It's only recently I've put my finger on something I've spent the past decade sporadically pondering the genesis of. That of my post teen ideals, especially the conflict felt towards the future, and how I dealt with it. Mostly by prioritising the present.<br />
I'd always assumed it came from my mid/late teens revolt, with little further consideration.<br />
A conversation with a friend recently on the subject, highlighted the possibility it developed during my formative years with Asthma & Eczema.<br />
<br />
Although neither were at the extreme end. Death from the former was an unequivocal fact under the wrong circumstances. Inhalers were used daily, and kept it mostly under control.<br />
Asthma attacks were a regular occurence and I recall many nights struggling to breath, to sleep, and the debilitating effect the condition had on even the most effortless of movement.<br />
<br />
I was fortunate to grow out of both throughout my late teens, with parents who saw the benefit of facing it, instead of hiding. And yet I began smoking at 16! Which definitely contributed the need for inhalers until my late 20s when I began the journey to quit. I've gone without more than I did with, but never quit sporadic periods of smoking since.<br />
<br />
When your young, vulnerable, dependent, you've little insight to draw from. My coping mechanism was to engross myself in the present.<br />
I've surrounded myself that same present day bubble ever since. Memories of childhood, which the conversation above evoked, were testament to that. I never would have gone back that far.<br />
<br />
Swimming really helped. My instructor at Aireville Swimming Pool really pushed me to break through those psychological barriers. Facing duress, breast stroking like hell, whilst struggling to catch air. The seed of determination was sowed back then.<br />
<br />
I've been obsessed about one thing or another my whole life. Video Games, Skateboards, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Girls, Climbing, Potholing, Women.<br />
<br />
Facing fear became the most compelling aspect. If anything that's what my life's been dedicated toward.<br />
<br />
I was never really a potholer. Just someone using that outlet to break personal barriers.<br />
<br />
The misconception I chose Mossdale, via some deluded image of myself, conqueror of the feared Mossdale Caverns for example does make me laugh.<br />
<br />
Not knowing my own strengths, or how to extract them, mean't using what ever means were available. The use of a social lever for instance - where such an impression could form - was purely a tool to aid getting the job done. My determination in the beginning far outweighed the aptitude I possessed in the facing those goals.<br />
The effort made to condition myself over the course of those years transcends vanity by some distance believe me. Unless you took that journey, you couldn't begin to know.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'Based on who I was beforehand, roughing myself up severely was necessary to disconnect like I did'</span></i><br />
<br />
No, I chose Mossdale as much as Mossdale chose me. My roots had a lot to do with it but, I was hooked immediately, and made a pledge to the site before the bulk of my sport caving. After which I burnt out, with a handful of years soul searching to find my way again.<br />
<br />
The project was a culmination of factors, primarily momentum re-gained at the site circa 2015. When I saw the chance I seized it, knowing I couldn't live the way I was for much longer.<br />
A last ditch attempt to justify all those years living and preparing in the present, with little regard for the future.<br />
<br />
A big breakthrough, justification for material beyond that of the blog, a book etc... A far cry from the other opportunities. Still, I did it for myself and what I gained from the experience. It's also a tough call leaving the path long travelled when there's a carrot still dangling.<br />
<br />
<i style="color: orange; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">'The fact remains, you can't predict what will come to pass'</i><br />
<br />
It came so close to never happening though. The overall birth of the project had as much to do with circumstance as anything else.<br />
<br />
I never really had a plan, even after choosing Ouroborous, but did have a lot of gathered experience with the site, and above all else the confidence to do it the way I wanted.<br />
Even during the period when, with Adele, ferrying supplies to the original depot, I was only looking ahead as far as the scaffold cage. To make the then limit as safe as possible to work from. Beyond that I didn't have a clue, but there existed a sense it would go, and what I imagined strangely came true to some extent.<br />
<br />
Adele's help was absolutely fundamental, especially early on. Her enthusiasm was infectious and it helped to have someone equally driven by my side. There were others but it wouldn't of worked, especially when it was me organising myself around them. Something that just doesn't work regarding operating at Mossdale. Especially with the frequency I wished to visit. And to boot, I was fucked if I was gonna do that. Why dedicate myself to a task but them handicap myself with those who haven't.<br />
<br />
I'm intrigued to see how long it takes those who would approach it differently, clocking up the mileage I did, even before the project began, let alone afterwards. <br />
<br />
There are guide books, surveys and journals relating to Mossdale, but nothing comes close to the engagement manual I shared, via those fatiguing blog entries. An understanding with Mossdale that beggars belief was formed to do that.<br />
<br />
Had I focused on the job I was doing throughout 2017, till early the following year. One definitely leading to further opportunities, I reckon I'd still have found my way here. To where I've been these past months.<br />
<br />
Money and me don't mix. Never been able to hold on to it anyway. The boredom getting it is where the dabbling began. Just to get by.<br />
Long hours dancing, house/techno, were also growing on me at the time. The ironic thing is; all those years I'd spent scraping by - caving lots/working little - forbade such lifestyle exotica.<br />
<br />
The Sessions were worth the sacrifice considering where I was in life at the time. The progress made and the writing I did were worth the stretch..... Session 69, christ! It was worth that one alone.<br />
<br />
Were they worth the sacrifice at home, the break ups, the neglect, over the course of those years? Knowing what I do now. No!<br />
<br />
I would never have opened my eyes though.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'd been was well aware my foundations were crumbling and the future was looking bleak for sometime. A caption I added to a picture taken by Leif Andrews in Bar Pot, Jan/Feb 2017, of me descending the alt big pitch, sums up my concerns at the time.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'The future's bright, "Yes," Mr Beck says, "about as bright as the shaft I'm descending."</span></i><br />
<br />
Instead of doing the sensible thing, I activated self destruct mode. Literally!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The project offered escape from the future, and the ability to continue not giving a shit about it. </div>
<br />
The only solution was change years prior. Years it took to find myself in the first place. The element I glimpsed early on and chose to pursue, took time to develop and blossom, into something that came too late because I wanted a regular life as well. Or is it the other way round?<br />
<br />
That was my mistake, if any, which ever way round you look at it. It's one or the other when you devote to something with that kind of intensity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;">Mossdale Session 77</span></i></h2>
<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunday 24th February 2019</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Simon Beck)</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Pas de Fleurs'</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
Still working. Tough Week! Eczema's returned with a vengeance. No doubt a culmination of factors. The informal work arrangement has mean't I'm wearing the same gloves for weeks at a time. The site is cold and bloody damp and it's mostly brick/lime demolition/rebuilding. Great training though. Keeps the fear up - to quote a film.<br />
The other shit is beginning to have a severe and noticeable effect. I may as well have been shot in the face.<br />
<br />
Saturday was reserved for Mossdale, with a late night buffet forcing a reschedule. I woke at 2pm on Saturday feeling revolted with myself. Decided instead to go that night with another buffet curtailing anything but a visit the following day. Raided the pharma's to aid getting some sleep which mean't little sense was made of those incessant early morning alarms. I'd even made a sign telling me what to do 'It's Mossdale Time Mofo'er!'<br />
<br />
My call-out woke me at 10am wondering whether I was still going.<br />
<br />
Having at least packed the previous evening I headed off almost immediately.<br />
<br />
Didn't feel too much time pressure by that point - it was gonna be a late one regardless - so visited the team at Howgill en-route. I was surprised to see Adele in attendance, having not seen her for a while. After a brief chat I left wishing she was coming with me.<br />
With sore hands and a bruised soul, the session ahead appeared a dank meaningless chore. At the limit of my creation. With possessiveness the isolated garner.<br />
<br />
I was missing a wetsuit sock from the previous visit's changeover, so made my spares up with a few regular socks. Lost feeling in that foot passing the swims. Again very cold.<br />
Felt glad to be back despite my condition. The rewards are always high claiming effort so late in the weekend.<br />
The badger was never seen but severely felt. I knew where I was heading afterwards. Another factor which brings pride my resolve to go ahead with the session. Especially with that head on shoulders.<br />
<br />
After descending the 1st pitch to the Airlock (chamber) I again quickly inspected the low bedding leading off to the SW. No improvements were made on previous attempts, but left promising to investigate this properly at a later date, if only to tick it off the list.<br />
<br />
Changed socks at the Blue Room, followed by another rummage through the cache. A tidy up was concluded in order, mostly the removal of rust and quietly gathered rubbish.<br />
<br />
Adding surveying to the quota was a truly masochistic move, but necessary to obey logic. Something that brought little meaning toward my end to begin with, let alone today.<br />
<br />
Although the lead up to the 'East Branch' (aka NE Branch) had been previously surveyed, I decided to start from scratch at the head of the climb down to 'Healey Av', making a better job than I did last time.<br />
My choice of station is the main contender relating to why I've struggled.<br />
Surveying the branch beyond the restriction & climb (later named 'Pas Grave' and terminus beyond 'De Fleurs Passage') was horrendous, with note making a burden with cold muddy hands and seepage awash. Fortunately I wasted little time and just collected the bare minimum of data. Glad it was over I tossed all paraphernalia related well out of sight. There appeared some scope for excavation so only the pinch bar remained.<br />
<br />
A mud/boulder choked false floor, appeared to lead down to something, and a draught could be felt at times. The journal states the draught but I can't for the life of me remember this being the case now. The joys of screwing with your chemistry!<br />
After tussling with the floor for a while, it was obvious no navigable way on could be forged with the limited logistics at my disposal. Some scaffold from the level above would be in order.<br />
A few metres back from the tip of the branch, in the south wall, was a squeeze leading to a small clean washed passage that followed the trend. Although there is a difference between the two levels I surmised that the route from 'Last Resort' may lead this way and have something to do with it. The tip of the 'East Branch' and 'Last Resort' are most definitely connected, if not the same blasted mud/boulder fill.<br />
An attempt was made to enlarge the squeeze but non were successful. A flake requires removal, or destruction, and some scaffolding at the very least. Can't help but feel there is another way, option, etc.... As if the answer is staring me right in the face. All I need do is figure the pattern.<br />
<br />
With the survey drawn up some months later it was obvious, as it was with the earlier doodles I scrawled. The common joint pattern prevails, only jumbled up by faulting and what not, and possibly a once much taller joint guided feature, than that existing upstream. <br />
<br />
The area I worked during this session appears to represent the opposite side of the fracture zone I encountered at the terminus of the 'Alley Cat Series'. The route onwards may well exist somewhere in between, possibly continuing to go vertical. Time will tell, possibly via my own hands, especially now I'm not quite out of the game, as I thought I definitely was this past segment of my life.<br />
<br />
Even though I felt ready for off, there remained a need to make the most of the visit, so re-surveyed the 'Notch' leading along 'Healey Av'. Another rushed affair and with hindsight wasted considering I'd lost the data when time came to do the drawing up.<br />
<br />
Predicted another rough exit, but once initiated it felt nice. Took time and stopped at Boulder Hall for maybe twenty minutes, to try capture a decent self timer of yours truly amongst the sprawl.<br />
After warming up the Swims were hideously cold! Growled my way throughout.<br />
<br />
Dusk was surprisingly claimed, with a quick change and equally hasty hike back. I then pushed my little 1.3 Turbo Diesel to the floor, exiting a mid-way off ramp of the M60 exactly an hour after leaving Yarnbury... Twat!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Trip duration:</span></i></b> <i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4.5 - 5 hours ish</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><i>De Fleurs Passage</i></span></h2>
<br />
<br />
Although previously referred to as the 'NE Branch' and later 'East Branch', I didn't name the individual features - 'Pas Grave' & 'De Fleurs Passage' - until the drawing up mid to late May. I'd spent the day pondering what became 'De Fleurs Passage' but almost floored myself when the idea struck with how goddamn appropriate the name was.<br />
Tending to the survey and drawing up occurred during one of the darkest periods I've ever experienced. I couldn't stand the thought of leaving the writing with nothing to give depth or readers a reference.<br />
I hadn't the stomach for it, nor the interest, but found it a welcome distraction as the days passed by, with an ever increasing focus re-gained. It took several weeks to complete in the end, compared to my initial idea of a quick drawing, of inferior quality, highlighting the discoveries. As I said in the earlier write-up, it contributed to me escaping the thick fog enshrouding me at the time. <br />
<br />
The 'East Branch' was the last piece of exploration work I'd done as my old self, both in and out of caving. Someone I thought was long gone and no doubt probably is. It was also at the very limit of my discovery and furthest I got from base. It was profound to be considering this very thing during a time when I'd truly stopped looking ahead, had zero interest in anything but the reflections of what I'd missed resultant that self indulgent focus. The limit of what was once my life, as well as that very thing itself.<br />
<br />
Pas De Fleurs relates to the sub theme of a film I'd watched the previous year, and partially identified with. Mainly the bad guy, good girl, coming together in symbiotic disharmony, with a notably tragic ending. Heat meets Romeo & Juliet if you like. The film got rather poor reviews, but I'm glad I watched it in spite of what I felt was an unjust analysis.<br />
In recent years I've come to appreciate the independent side of the industry most, especially indie world cinema. Of note; the Belgian/Flanders offerings. Savage Films and their movie 'Bullhead' was an incredible piece of work, leading me to delve deeper. 'A Prophet' was another, as well as a tonne of others.<br />
Jean De Florette & Manon Des Sources were two films we covered in English at school and where my interest was no doubt sparked.<br />
<br />
Escape through cinema is something I've consistently sort since my mid-teens. In this instance I felt utterly gripped with the uncanny resemblance to events leading my own ruination.<br />
Seeking the usual comfort through the movie was something I couldn't face and I avoided it completely. My own ravaged mind was enough with out memories of the sympathy I'd felt towards the lead characters, back when my own life was hunky dory.<br />
<br />
I'm spent and struggling to focus on elements I still wish to include. The above will remain a work in progress.<br />
Mossdale Session 78 and Other Favourites (part three) will possibly be sometime in the coming, though maybe not. I hadn't expected to knock these previous two out as quickly as I did.<br />
There was so much more going on in the background that wasn't covered in the earlier sessions, and for obvious reasons.<br />
Overall the writing I've done has never been far from my life outside of caving, and I'd probably cease bothering if the pursuit was all I wished to cover. I actually find the caving side of the write-ups incredibly tedious.<br />
I've never followed any rules with it, hence my decision to share via a blog, with zero constraints. It's free, there are no adverts, and primarily I do it as much for myself as I do to share.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Rules are what deprive you of yourself'</span></i><br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2019. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-49580861821412165532019-06-06T13:50:00.005+01:002021-03-23T21:41:59.856+00:00Mossdale Session 76 & Other Favourites (part one)<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><a name='more'></a><br /></i></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><i>Mossdale Session 76 & Other Favourites (part one)</i></span></h2>
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Behold! The error thy way's nigh'</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
A three month hiatus. The longest since the project began. With little justification in raising the question; how did that happen!? Though to begin with it wasn't through lack of trying.<br />
<br />
EGR Valve failed on van a few weeks after Session 75, en-route to Session 76. With a few further false starts. I was back working and trying to buckle down and save. It was also that time of year again, where you accept once a month with work, is doing well.<br />
Things were going okay to begin with and I quickly built a stash of cash with the intention of another full time Mossdale push early spring.<br />
<br />
Sometime around there Dowbergill was done on impulse. Those days would never be as good if planned. Bumped into a party from York mid-way, and parted company feeling like I'd interfered more than I should. The group were scattered at differing levels, and I was concerned about those having not done the streamway squeeze under the elevated water levels that day. I hung about until all looked okay but felt like a right cock afterwards.<br />
<br />
With money in my pocket I dabbled elsewhere deeming it mandatory to get by. Christmas/New Year (18/19) were a blur I remember little of. With a considerable fortune spent!<br />
I was nursing a severed attachment I hadn't predicted. The loss of a much valued house mate and ex. Who I'd spent the past year convincing I was wrong for. I'd instigated it, but cared enough to see early on it wasn't right. They deserving far better than the little I could offer.<br />
Having only dated those of a similar age or older, someone vastly younger than myself was a new experience. I was surprised how quickly my conscience got to me.<br />
Seeing somebody a handful post college when pushing forty can make you feel pretty old, which at the time I did, especially when they're attractive and colloquially first in romance.<br />
<br />
Regardless of perspective, or stance, I'd like to think it was educational for them.<br />
<br />
I can't help look back at that period with bemusement, and wonder just what I was thinking adding all those extras. The shared house was ace and the entanglement fulfilling, but the conscience thing haunted me. The other factor added was where the damage was done. With an ever increasing tupperware filled with end-of-world-treats.<br />
I can't argue it was a stand alone period. Pivotal almost. With a lot going on come Winter (17/18). Probably too much. I was fit, healthy, with a perceived head well above water.<br />
I'd moved late spring (17) and vowed to simplify my life and try not get seriously involved. Yet I did the opposite and complicated things more than I probably ever had.<br />
I'm shaking my head now. As I've done before sat here. I can't say I haven't lived though.<br />
<br />
Taking heed the advice proffered during those periods. That it won't last forever, an end will come, is never taken. They're an accepted consequence. Just not at the time one would most prefer. The energy required is granted until the point it isn't any longer.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Age comes with little warning eventual'</span></i><br />
<br />
I was approaching the late 20s (sessions) at the the end of 2017. Having decided to pursue what became Leftfield Deep. I'd not cottoned on to the false nature of the floor at that point, and shelved the plan to go directly ahead. A number of limestone beasts stood in the way of that route. Plus that fine looking seam appeared to require considerable capping to pass. Not something I was willing to resort too, nor would, if I thought there was an alternative.<br />
It's an argument that could never be won or lost, and no one appears to be right or wrong on the subject. There is a line, and some are well over it. In some cases it's no longer cave exploration but mining for the sake of it. More the means than the end.<br />
I resorted to capping after quickly realising the limitations and expense of plugs/feathers, but never felt I came close to crossing the line I speak of above.<br />
<br />
Although my mind appeared on the project throughout 2018, it wasn't. It barely got 50% of the effort I could have given. I realise that now, but not then. I was enjoying my overall far too much, with insidious factors slowly taking hold.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Rock bottom is purely a point of view'</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'It's very geography finite yet infinite'</span></i> <br />
<br />
It was a fun year, but I was fool to think it didn't hold consequences. Especially the longevity which I could maintain that type of lifestyle.<br />
<br />
That big party once a year can not be blamed, but it's where it began. I was fairly restrained at the 1st, came back from the 2nd a very different person, with the third swinging the final blow to come.<br />
<br />
December (2018) contrasted heavily with the previous one, and wore similar clothes to the season. The house felt empty and I missed my house mate. It was far from the 'Spaced' it once was. With the place to myself the Bose was wound up full, with Techno and tupperware sustenance.<br />
<br />
You can't predict attachment till severed, but at the time I was happy for her. I warned against staying close but swore we would. Maintaining the friendship was important but such transitions are difficult and I knew only too well what it would spell.<br />
Pleas to continue the relationship over Christmas caused ever greatening anxiety. When you know you've convinced somebody it won't work, you know their return will hold less faith - till something better comes along etc... I still felt responsible and too attached to say no, but could predict the pain of that empty house filled with occasion periods of past light.<br />
I apparently broke down over the xmas period to one friend, prophesying it my downfall. I don't remember this but my behaviour at the time suggests I was an emotional wreck.<br />
<br />
I've no doubts it could have worked, though I had a seriously low opinion of myself regarding relationships by then, and knew the damage association with me would bring.<br />
No matter how much you want something with somebody, when you care about them, especially their future, while blatantly aware of your own, which wasn't much in my case except the Sessions, it's hard to overcome your conscience and try.<br />
<br />
The rhythm I'd preserved at the project throughout was lost come January(2019). The agenda was still very prominent, but something else offered it support.<br />
<br />
A messy start to the year ensued. Much of it I can't remember now.<br />
<br />
Had I not being so pigheaded, in thinking I was strong enough to deal with it, stopped and focused on myself, I may well have avoided the total breakdown to come.<br />
I was still very health conscious, eating well, knowingly aware the caving would be screwed if I continued.<br />
Helping out a friend while her mother was very ill offered rehabilitation, and the end of the reignited post Christmas affair. The agenda of which had been on the friend in questions mind all along.<br />
<br />
Some of the best friends I've had were ex's. In this case I allowed my previous two to destroy one another. Mates it may be, but when there's still an emotional attachment, jealousy for instance, your wading in to dark waters allowing one to deal with the other. Emotionally I was stretched thin, couldn't deal with it, and just needed a break, but passed it over to someone who only wanted to destroy it.<br />
<br />
I'm far from the only relationship fuck up, but tended to always take responsibility, when on many occasions it wasn't my own doing. I'm still admittedly a fuck up in that area.<br />
<br />
Been obsessive about a given thing has always swayed my attention from what I was taught to do. I've fought for both simultaneously throughout. Neither appear real with a view to the other.<br />
Although last year there were times down Mossdale when I completely disconnected from what I would usually be missing.<br />
I recall two occasions during exit when I almost turned round and went back in, wondering where I was going. I blended in to that place as if a piece of furniture.<br />
<br />
But that's because I'm deluded and think I'm a rock.<br />
<br />
Considering all I've written, especially the candour, it does surprise me the conclusions people draw. Having a blog with decent traffic tends to give you a bigger gob than those who choose to presume. But you don't have to believe me. You could believe the rumours that I wear a Super Simon costume under my wetsuit and believe I'm immortal.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'A vast difference in perspective far from qualifies an opinion to begin with, even when you add a brain'</span></i><br />
<br />
A few weeks back I told a mate (Gina) I was attempting to roll an Ouroborous roll-up, then work out how the fuck to smoke it. She laughed but it summed up perfectly my paradoxical bloody underworld. Not to mention my chosen Mossdale site and present cranially funkagenic locale.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><i>Mossdale Session 76</i></span></h2>
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<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">16th February 2019</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Simon Beck)</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'I can't find a pulse! But can with possession'</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
Took Friday off work (15th) with the aim to visit that day. A slight detour mean't Saturday instead, and a surprising 10am arrival at Yarnbury.<br />
<br />
The Howgill Massif were out in force and like clock work arriving on cue.<br />
<br />
A windy day so avoided the exposure of Kelber and caught up with the Howgill lads along the boundary wall.<br />
<br />
Underground for 12:15pm with an inventory of surveying gear, tupperware, i-phone 4 (photography) and spare wetsocks.<br />
<br />
No real hint my long absence was notable. Quite the contrary. Though I was far from sober, having breached the tupperware numerous times overland.<br />
Flowed through the entrance series with remarkable grace. Hardwired it is. Only took a few hundred times. More than worthy in itself of the cause. Had similar learned responses traversing Dowbergill Passage (D/S) over much of it's length those past years.<br />
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Signs of passage noticed at Blackpool Sands. Water very cold with frozen feet till Easy P. My spares for the trip in were old, shredded and pointless.<br />
Main duck still the same. No urgency to dredge.<br />
<br />
The lowest of the high water markers at the Serpent was checked. Negative. I did wonder whether they were working, but why wouldn't they?<br />
I dismissed the results anyway. Too long a layoff to be of any use. They're only there to offer piece of mind in the event of unexpected flooding, entrapment.<br />
<br />
Fresh deposits noted between the two initial acute bends of Ouroborous. What was usually a sludge squirm was now a partially dredged sand/shingle crawl. Signs of passage were also noted along this sections. Definitely not mine from three months back.<br />
Even during the latter parts of the journey in I was still deliberating over what to do that session.<br />
<br />
Arrived at the A-Frame, just beyond the original frontier edge, and decided to survey the 'Boiler Room' (aka Early Starter). A site I'd only visited a few times prior, maybe only the once, I can't remember.<br />
<br />
The surveying throughout has flitted between haste and the need for thoroughness. The latter overall holding little importance, yet something I still regret not upholding from word go. A fixed standard etc..<br />
This side of the project, the data collection/surveying, could only be described as frigid, annoying and oppressive. The compass side of the job was very frustrating, especially alone. With a strong belief something was throwing the readings off. Aside from the scaffold which was, I think it was just my ineptness and lack of satisfaction through the task.<br />
When the inevitable breakdown came less than a few months later, I came to resent this wasted time immensely. Fortunately this was redeemed with an unexpected need to find salvation via a focus I thought was long lost. It was one of a number of steps taken at the time which possibly contributed to me saving my own life.<br />
<br />
Hadn't expected to be entering new stuff on that day, or more, stuff previously missed. While taking readings at the top of the shaft, with one foot in the Boiler Room, I noticed a squeeze leading to passage beyond, in a North Easterly direction. The Boiler Room was quickly surveyed and the squeeze entered and easily passed. This lead over mud to an enlarged area and a more constricted tube from there. I surveyed as I went. The passage was of the garden variety, formed between breakdown blocks, no doubt along one of the cross joints. The way on lead to a squeeze over a pointed boulder and what appeared to be terminal beyond. The righthand segment of the dead end was out of view and may go round an acute bend. The squeeze was attempted several times, both head and feet first, but my hips failed to allow passage.<br />
I was eager to return to work at the 'Notch' so left this for another day. I doubted it lead anywhere, with most of this stuff, so far, ending in mud and breakdown. The lack of any draught also spoke volumes.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'I've learnt a lot from this overall discovery'</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'Thoroughness is synonymous only with doubt'</span></i><br />
<div>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
A little re-surveying was then done on my return down the shaft. Hadn't been happy with the job I did of the White Hotel, so redid this section as far as the bolt at the 'Airlock' (aka 1st pitch).<br />
<br />
It took a good few days to get this visit written up in my journal, so much of the little stuff is lost.<br />
<br />
I remember having wine gums in the 'Blue Room' (aka Depot Chamber) from an unopened packet, and rummaging through the cache for something. Adele's tackle bag was claimed, deciding I may as well make use. It having resided beyond 'Rightism' since our 2nd visit to the 'White Hotel' last June, almost a year ago as I write. The buckle snagging affair in Dowbergill whilst passing the streamway squeeze, under Brew Chamber and sporting conditions, came to mind as I considered the bags life. As you do momentarily, without ever really thinking about it. That one stands out as definitely having happened at the time.<br />
<br />
I'd felt on top of the world that summer of 2018. But had said to Adele at the time; it would be the best she would ever see me again.<br />
I don't think I was really dwelling on my state today, but knew something wasn't right. I think I was being held up purely by my perceived independence, the routine of work and abundance of cash. Mostly though, and being honest, it was probably the Blow.<br />
Lucile was still there, but all I felt was the loss of something I knew would never return, with her having moved out two months prior.<br />
I could tell something in me didn't give a shit with the stupid risks I was taking. Especially whilst working the second half that session.<br />
<br />
The Blowpipe (aka 2nd pitch) was inspected, en-route to Featherstone Chamber, for any changes due to flooding, but nothing appeared out of place. This section will definitely suffer over time and become a hazard. Any visitors should be on there guard beyond the existing frontier, but especially when descending the 'Blowpipe'. I've no doubts this new addition to Mossdale is probably the most dangerous section of the cave, aside from the flood prone bits under wet conditions only.<br />
Prior to the opening of this new section, flood waters would have backed up at the existing limit and percolated through the heavily choked recesses. A sizeable body of water, becoming very destructive beyond Rightism, as the way-on plummets, can now pass freely all the way to the lower chambers. Something will eventually give here, so treat everything as suspect. <br />
<br />
'Hard Corawl' rests on a false floor within a rift that intersects the 'Blowpipe'. Floods will eventually undermine this, possibly destabilising the fragile hanging bridge at the head of the pitch which extends back within this rift.<br />
<br />
After months considering the possibility of a route onwards at the 'Notch' I wasted no time getting stuck in again. A fissure was uncovered with several very awkward boulders blocking the way. By then though I was certain the fissure linked with the left side of 'Last Resort'. A route downwards was still a possibility between the 'Notch' and the false floor leading along 'Healey Avenue'. I then attacked the floor from the 'HealeyAv' side, fully aware of the questionable hanging ceiling directly above me. The pinch bar was dropped well out of reach and appeared irretrievable. Boulders were then tossed aside with bare hands, with little care in the world, until I could reach down to grab it. With no way on found I gave up and headed for the 'Last Resort' having left a headtorch shining down the earlier found fissure. Case closed! The fissure did link with it. I'm not dismissing the possibility of something missed still existing in the vicinity I worked this session. The draught experienced here in the past suggests it's far from written off, but may well have been emanating from the aforementioned chamber.<br />
All roads at that point lead via the 'Last Resort' with the only open question being whether the 'East Branch' (aka NE Branch), only visited once, provided any answers. The latter would wait till next session. Finishing the survey of Alley Cat and stripping out the scaffold there, for use down here, was also considered for next time.<br />
<br />
My journal entry for 76 ends there, with the only memory of having taken some pictures during the exit.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Trip duration:</span></i></b> <i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5 hours ish </span></i> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Surveys of working site to be added</i></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A video made during our first visit to the 'White Hotel' Mossdale Session 52 </span></i> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0YuZ9lCpvM&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0YuZ9lCpvM&feature=youtu.be</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4Pitjf65CSjScVIBN10aKHa3wsEA24qQnJbJSy6Gtt87BsgUIj6Yxv7gyFsHcJwPeIeYehFqOL2BJHVpvhIsBHfBLxgRrZ2jS2E6W6-QW4iB6r840S880_LtT7BvlZ5DgZeOIw55_apG/s1600/IMG_0358.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4Pitjf65CSjScVIBN10aKHa3wsEA24qQnJbJSy6Gtt87BsgUIj6Yxv7gyFsHcJwPeIeYehFqOL2BJHVpvhIsBHfBLxgRrZ2jS2E6W6-QW4iB6r840S880_LtT7BvlZ5DgZeOIw55_apG/s640/IMG_0358.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notch during excavation. Fissure leading to Last Resort blocked from view by boulders.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_XvJnESTQz2urtJ4mgFHyQEtYjIHehr3N5sX7T6E_8-s_MKfuj9e5WePYzxrwSC5EawwxUcJocejo445XTNDL_se1IeTDzOKYoU1Z5Bna6zSqC-1wi0NVU4J_npo1LdAemvOW5lfe4Xg/s1600/IMG_0359.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_XvJnESTQz2urtJ4mgFHyQEtYjIHehr3N5sX7T6E_8-s_MKfuj9e5WePYzxrwSC5EawwxUcJocejo445XTNDL_se1IeTDzOKYoU1Z5Bna6zSqC-1wi0NVU4J_npo1LdAemvOW5lfe4Xg/s640/IMG_0359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Featherstone Chamber looking towards the connection with the chamber at base of the Blowpipe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hv71Pqf3Y1-OcfLrqEsOO2IZjlZCkKQ_Tdi4cv6RkQ1mpBeQ2ryqWZBHLi6BYxwjscKilTq21piKCLBIRT03BCfi85Gb9vyLu_eHSOZi7UXzU35qObyHqNQWTiJZqtRricW_6v9Exkgw/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hv71Pqf3Y1-OcfLrqEsOO2IZjlZCkKQ_Tdi4cv6RkQ1mpBeQ2ryqWZBHLi6BYxwjscKilTq21piKCLBIRT03BCfi85Gb9vyLu_eHSOZi7UXzU35qObyHqNQWTiJZqtRricW_6v9Exkgw/s640/IMG_0361.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking downstream Easy Passage</td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Next installment:</b> Mossdale Session 77 & Other Favourites (Part two) - <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2019/06/mossdale-session-77-other-favourites.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2019/06/mossdale-session-77-other-favourites.html</a></i></span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2019. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span face=""verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span><br />
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<br />Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-53016457488075994322019-05-21T20:40:00.003+01:002021-04-20T16:37:53.603+01:00Survey of Black Edge Choke - Mossdale Caverns <a name='more'></a><h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Mossdale Caverns - Black Edge Choke - 2017/18 Extensions</span></h2>
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Far from the common standard, but as good as it's gonna get from me. First time I've ever drawn everything like this up. </div>
<div>
The survey is mostly to show the discoveries, and not for precise measuring purposes. Although the bulk was surveyed, some sections were not, and are marked as so. Some bits, especially in the lower series were reduced in size to make it more readable. </div>
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Assuming my clinometer readings were somewhere near, the vertical profile won't be far off. I guessed the depth to be somewhere near that, just from passing through and totting it up etc... All the surveying was done alone, with little prior experience. </div>
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Hoping to get it copied and digitised etc... Writing up the final sessions to follow soon ish.</div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfInWbt3LNPVC5htjrapANFX911hRasaAQtYqp5wuvmBeag88ts-9JbDupBqdYsa_xhU4EL2mq0hCIWjP9f_scYKujItFS6nfMlzQBveZ-L6uNoiFyhl9-Er5Sr_pzixSzGe9M0srcZDN/s2048/IMG_6548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfInWbt3LNPVC5htjrapANFX911hRasaAQtYqp5wuvmBeag88ts-9JbDupBqdYsa_xhU4EL2mq0hCIWjP9f_scYKujItFS6nfMlzQBveZ-L6uNoiFyhl9-Er5Sr_pzixSzGe9M0srcZDN/w478-h640/IMG_6548.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPejWzCrEK5eOz9n4BO6hWqmsl3aYY5TbwaB1bj_toTmodgDFfW-9386MS9jmiz6IrvdrdNZ4TmKXFSBWGatKt2tJABS5LO8ySNDV9u9Spjdobk0IfGcF9OrUlNEiDU2lEsp7Up3oBKdbP/s2048/IMG_6551.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2010" data-original-width="2048" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPejWzCrEK5eOz9n4BO6hWqmsl3aYY5TbwaB1bj_toTmodgDFfW-9386MS9jmiz6IrvdrdNZ4TmKXFSBWGatKt2tJABS5LO8ySNDV9u9Spjdobk0IfGcF9OrUlNEiDU2lEsp7Up3oBKdbP/w640-h628/IMG_6551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwB3qH422ydHmwz-1N_LJVIVjQFaG3SGe0z4gTiBRFiLsAEjYZHHBl7E1SyX4fqXs3PQUmmrOYj5dU_cqRoUw_ny7HmP65b1h4pKGKigW3GuhdN2U4QPuIcyzi36MP4SDBDUMqndqlktP/s2048/IMG_6555.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwB3qH422ydHmwz-1N_LJVIVjQFaG3SGe0z4gTiBRFiLsAEjYZHHBl7E1SyX4fqXs3PQUmmrOYj5dU_cqRoUw_ny7HmP65b1h4pKGKigW3GuhdN2U4QPuIcyzi36MP4SDBDUMqndqlktP/w640-h402/IMG_6555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>
<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next Installment:</span></i></b> <i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mossdale Session 76 & Other Favourites (part one) <span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2019/06/mossdale-session-76-other-favourites.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2019/06/mossdale-session-76-other-favourites.html</a></span></i></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2019. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span face=""verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span> </div>
Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-86882392763514267732019-05-17T00:41:00.001+01:002019-11-23T10:35:43.978+00:00Session's Finale & other favourites - coming soon!<a name='more'></a>A quick summary of Sessions 76 - 78 was posted on ukcaving, with the intention of leaving it at that. I hadn't the will to delve back that principal slice, nor do I now.<br />
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<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The things missed.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of single mind.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Subject me now.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My only purpose.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But with this time.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have recalled.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What once my purpose.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So without feeling.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I will but try.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Extend due process</span>.</span></i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A rough arse cobbled together survey of all the extensions will also hopefully be included with 76-78.<br />
<br />
Excuse the bullshit above. I've realised having spent on it. I really must have nothing better to fucking do. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Don't holdeth thy breath!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
SB<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0llBRRMg422Xpu0mzIWI2XyvIS2BNyfKH440XbDTgpgIsDiZfo6qEvsvKx0XA5qS0t5V0ceXHcCsN_qW61SQq3Dltc0rXQdtzixZRRaj4qy-FbyBgx0UVdb0Ds0Z0P4deAE-WYI5QNSkT/s1600/fingers%2521%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="414" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0llBRRMg422Xpu0mzIWI2XyvIS2BNyfKH440XbDTgpgIsDiZfo6qEvsvKx0XA5qS0t5V0ceXHcCsN_qW61SQq3Dltc0rXQdtzixZRRaj4qy-FbyBgx0UVdb0Ds0Z0P4deAE-WYI5QNSkT/s640/fingers%2521%2521.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't give a now, didn't give a then. Picture Skillfully timed by Adele Ward, post Langstroth Pot pull-thru, back when he was only the cusp of a tard. The source of amusement now, I know what was on my mind at the time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/lareve/hubert-kirchner-live-la-r-ve" target="_blank">https://soundcloud.com/lareve/hubert-kirchner-live-la-r-ve</a><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Disco Shit!</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: orange;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Next installment:</b></span> </i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: orange;">Survey complete, inked and craving</span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: yellow;">-</span></i></span><span style="color: yellow;"><b> </b><a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2019/05/mossdale-sessions-survey.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2019/05/mossdale-sessions-survey.html</a></span></span></h3>
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2019. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span></div>
Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-41896713662750023322018-11-07T20:59:00.002+00:002019-05-17T01:40:43.120+01:00Mossdale Session 75<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="font-weight: normal;"><a name='more'></a>Mossdale Session 75</i></span></h2>
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Friday 2nd Nov 2018</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>(Simon Beck)</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Purpose breeds the determination'</i></span><br />
<br />
Another fortnight between encounters. Which is pretty reasonable considering the season.<br />
<br />
With the heat off the push, and back to snagging, the wait felt bearable. Yet an unusual habit developed over the course of those few weeks, of sleepless nights, deep in thought regarding the extensions, satisfying an urge to work things out and predict the next move. I couldn't help feel there was more to it than that. I've been plagued by Mossdale since I was in my mid-twenties.<br />
<br />
The break also gave me a chance to quit the fags again. Today's session was the second day of non smoking. There isn't a cat in hells chance it could've been the first, hence the pressure to quit the day before the planned trip.<br />
With the schedule ahead brimming with nicotine dependency, I knew it was my last possible opportunity for sometime to come.<br />
Usually I would fail so soon after restarting. Savouring sacrilege just that bit longer is too hard to resist.<br />
<br />
Yarnbury for ten, Scar eleven, with my business face on. The tedium to come surveying, or struggling, as I choose to refer, had obviously galvanized my defenses. Or maybe I was just excited and focused about spending all those precious Mossdale Air Miles on something that comes a very very distant third to the caving and writing side of this project. The fact that I despise the writing side at this point should give some indication of my feelings.<br />
<br />
Water levels down, lowest I've seen for a few months.<br />
<br />
I was planning to take a picture of the Blackpool Bar during the commute (mentioned session 72) for comparison with a 2006 version, but found the old I-phone provided had a flat battery, even though charged the previous eve! Reconditioned phones for you! Felt like one hassle saved at the time.<br />
<br />
Dealt with the flood damaged head of the 1st pitch in passing. Only took me five minutes to sort. The plumb vertical, and slightly awkward 2.5m drop, is now a nice easy staircase type affair. The title of 1st pitch, which it didn't really deserve anyway, will be re-considered.<br />
<br />
Dried my feet and changed to fresh wet socks at Depot Chamber (formerly D-Rift), plus some lightweight waterproof top and bottoms to add some insulation overall. The fact I didn't think about my feet again for the next hour or two was a huge bonus. I actually forgot all about them come to think of it.<br />
<br />
Never got a rhythm going with the surveying, but pushed on well beyond the face of defeat. Only the North East branch remains in the lower series of the choke now.<br />
<br />
The intention that session also, once surveying ceased, was to inspect the lower floor (false) of the main (NE/SW) Rift, which leads back to the Notch in Featherstone Chamber. The draught was actually felt whilst finding a station a little further down the Rift, where entry to the Lower Chambers is made, appearing to emanate from the floor.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;"><i>Surveys at base of article for reference to features and working areas</i></span><br />
<br />
With the surveying done I began digging trial holes in the lower rift floor, and quickly uncovered a cavity between solid looking walls. The spot was beneath jammed boulders and the bridge of mud and blocks - which forms the floor of the 3 way junction - the integrity of which I didn't wish to test. There was also little room to work and stack stuff. Excavating the floor of the Notch, only a few metres away, from within Featherstone Chamber, appeared the best option. Work there began immediately.<br />
<br />
Most of what remained of the session was spent enabling easier working access to the Notch. The floor of Featherstone Chamber converges on this feature like a funnel. Opening up the base of the slope just prior to entry allowed a little more room and digging options, aside from headfirst only with legs/feet trailing up slope behind.<br />
Some very large awkward lumps were rolled up and out of the way, one of which I can still feel in my back now. Around an hour was spent at the Notch, allowing some excavation of the target area as well.<br />
No conclusions were drawn, regarding how promising this may be, but it is looking like the best prospect found so far in that section of the choke.<br />
<br />
The fact there may be hope in the old Notch yet felt like a huge success that day!<br />
<br />
I could have stayed longer and continued work, but reminded myself I was mean't to be taking it easy, and should be thankful, that more than just bland surveying came of the session.<br />
<br />
It wasn't till packing it that I fully appreciated how much better my feet felt. Usually by now they'd be squelchy and numb, and racked with that trapped nerve type sensation.<br />
<br />
A thoroughly enjoyable exit was had.<br />
<br />
If I never made an ounce of progress here, the individual character of every commute would be worth the effort alone.<br />
<br />
Got back to the car to a flat battery and a stimulating backwards off verge jump start, requiring a push to begin with and a dash for the controls.<br />
<br />
Look well to everyone of these, there aren't many left in the year.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Trip duration: 4 hours</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVwwyOHIuJOaKRhLMTHePcxJiUXNpdtLm2GD4z1C9Lpb469vdGBnIBOWC55rHmobK7EbCgdPPKJChict2zfblrIMSlnKizBiepxt3-P9GRUtzBAU08JLv9Aqduh_N6U8r8PaTrwe263u8/s1600/45552086_1873514516095277_8890715876202905600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1269" data-original-width="1600" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVwwyOHIuJOaKRhLMTHePcxJiUXNpdtLm2GD4z1C9Lpb469vdGBnIBOWC55rHmobK7EbCgdPPKJChict2zfblrIMSlnKizBiepxt3-P9GRUtzBAU08JLv9Aqduh_N6U8r8PaTrwe263u8/s640/45552086_1873514516095277_8890715876202905600_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vast majority of the 2018 extensions. Most of the Alley Cat Series is missing from this, as well as the Boiler Room and the area where the scaffold cage/leftfield deep were located back towards Piston Chamber. Hope it makes some sense.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2-sIgumhUvdegSMmQFlPyHMeQYWVzU-DGwfcbidm4EJ7l8k9YAGD8Gh6QzL9aq6hayx-DfGVkImc3FKCdexf_FqPCJ02lRsQ4EfTBRGXbXWmpOsdSttMIDiZMfaEx6hrDq-VrlZVIJs9/s1600/45259788_166610644291993_1889833387456200704_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2-sIgumhUvdegSMmQFlPyHMeQYWVzU-DGwfcbidm4EJ7l8k9YAGD8Gh6QzL9aq6hayx-DfGVkImc3FKCdexf_FqPCJ02lRsQ4EfTBRGXbXWmpOsdSttMIDiZMfaEx6hrDq-VrlZVIJs9/s640/45259788_166610644291993_1889833387456200704_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whatever!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Next Installment:</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="color: orange;">Mossdale Sessions<i> 76 - 78</i>, update(04/05/19) although they will lack the usual effort, I will try get these done this weekend.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: orange;">Update 17/05/19</span></b></i> <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2019/05/mossdale-sessions-finale-other.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2019/05/mossdale-sessions-finale-other.html</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2018. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-46039393672343349162018-11-06T02:07:00.001+00:002020-07-16T09:47:21.322+01:00Mossdale Session 74<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><a name='more'></a>Mossdale Session 74</i></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>
Sat 20th Oct 2018</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'All the piggy backing in the world could never substitute the advantage gained in getting there alone'</i></span><br />
<br />
After missing two perfect opportunities over the course of previous days, I felt it necessary to make an effort this evening, regardless of productivity.<br />
<br />
I was still delicate and recovering from a once yearly weekend party. Which never fails to lead me down the fuck-up-trail till some time after.<br />
<br />
I shouldn't complain in this instance, it was far longer before I returned to Mossdale after the previous year's event.<br />
<br />
With errands decided upon that morning, the visit was cancelled. I originally planned on Mossdale first then the errands after. Driving back around mid-day, I couldn't shake the proposition of visiting Mossdale that evening. The only thing that appeared to stand in my way was enthusiasm.<br />
<br />
Showing even an ounce of weakness to my self usually guarantees the source of my unease will occur.<br />
<br />
No matter how much I rationalized it would be a wasted outing with little work getting done, I just couldn't resist the gains. A little extra resilience gathered. Like collecting body armour in one of those old Sega games.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Future gain comes with excess past effort'</i></span><br />
<br />
Arrived at the Scar early evening after traveling my old approach via Howgill. An unexpected comfort came with that choice. Nostalgia mostly. But nevertheless a pleasant companion all the way.<br />
<br />
I left the last of the day's light, knowing it would not be there when I returned.<br />
<br />
There is an added element in visiting this cave alone at night. The trail of darkness no longer ends at the surface. You feel gripped by the clutches of the added night sky.<br />
<br />
High water the previous weekend really had reeked havoc. Froth hung high & heavy in the entrance series, and a ludicrous amount of fresh sand was dumped in Blackpool Sands.<br />
Not one to miss an opportunity, providing the resources, I brought a borrowed head cam, and filmed my journey through the Swims that evening. Surprisingly my first ever attempt to capture any real material from that part of the cave. Even though I'd threatened for years I would.<br />
The camera unit was far from waterproof which made for clumsy movement, trying to keep both hands dry. I hadn't expected the results to be any good, but was astounded at the quality when viewed later, especially considering how blaze the attempt was.<br />
<br />
The main reason for bringing the head cam was to have a rough first attempt at the 'Voices of Broadway'. I've heard distant voices in many parts of this cave, but no more so than at Cigarette Junction. Where the added volume and ferocity of Broadway appears to conjure a crowd of bickering souls.<br />
The original idea was mainly just sound. The sort of thing people listen to relax etc. I envisaged a segment about an hour, and something I could upload on to Youtube. I was also curious how it would sound at home and far away from the cave. Would the magic be lost?<br />
Anyway that first attempt was a flop. I filmed my journey down Broadway, set the camera down on a ledge and left it running as I walked away. Unfortunately the camera stopped recording minutes after I'd left.<br />
No instructions nor attempts to fathom the device, beyond the logical, mean't I was at the units mercy really. I was fortunate filming the Swims was such a success.<br />
<br />
With only two weeks since my previous session, the changes made by last weeks flood were very clear. I was again surprised with a negative reading from the lowest high water marker at the Serpent.<br />
<br />
Ouroborous Passage was a train wreck, having carried a substantial current. Signs of severe backing up before the choke were again observed, and this time, evidence that Piston Chamber had been severely breached. The bag of scaffold foam had this time floated to the downstream side of the chamber, to rest against a temporary boulder dam where the scaffold cage once was.<br />
<br />
The slope leading to the first pitch had also suffered severe damage. The once solid flake and head of the short drop was now loose. I chose to ignore this expected new issue and save for another day. Safe passage was still possible with care.<br />
<br />
The difference in temperature between the main cave and Black Edge Choke that evening were significant enough to notice. I cooled very quickly once I'd begun surveying.<br />
Spare Wet Socks were brought overland but I decided to leave them at the surface in the end. I felt I'd enough on the cards that session and uncertain I'd be at the choke long enough to justify the hassle.<br />
<br />
Surveying the whole of the Alley Cat Series was decided upon but in the end I only managed about 1/3. A puny amount overall, but ask me if I cared. You can't put a price on experiences such as these.<br />
<br />
The mostly false floor of Alley Cat appeared freeze dried. Which I suspect was partially imagined due to the very cold dry air. The entrance series of the main cave was also bone dry.<br />
<br />
There was again a definite hint of the unexplored lurking.<br />
<br />
When I made my first break through of the project, to what became the White Hotel, I felt like I'd already been there. As if it's presence alone for all those months was responsible.<br />
<br />
There is certainly a lot more to all this than just sight and sound.<br />
<br />
My weekend of partying had also reignited the smoker in me and today's session was my first time ever smoking in the extensions. I'm grateful of my will power on this rare occasion and blessed to be six days smoke free as I now write. I think I smoked a years worth in those three weeks!<br />
<br />
Cold, wet and feeling a little dog eared I made my way out. Followed by a ghostly blinding mist all the way back to the Serpent. Where the sudden clarity in the air signaled warmer climes. Dave Hodgson if you are reading this would you be interested in expanding on this with some real science, data collection etc?<br />
<br />
A rare smoke was enjoyed at Cigarette Junction in passing, to the cacophony of unanswered voices.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Trip duration:</i></b></span> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>3 hours</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Youtube links</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Mossdale Swims part one:</b></span> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xjm1jLt3s8&t=29s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xjm1jLt3s8&t=29s</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Mossdale Swims part two: </b></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBylH_u2TJw&t=45s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBylH_u2TJw&t=45s</a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Next installment: Mossdale Session 75 <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/11/mossdale-session-75.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/11/mossdale-session-75.html</a></i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2018. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span>Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-49031792197199752472018-11-04T15:29:00.005+00:002018-11-06T02:15:01.831+00:00Mossdale Session 73<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><a name='more'></a>Mossdale Session 73</span></h2>
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Sun 7th Oct 2018</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'A slow to reach destination, is no less a destination reached'</i></span><br />
<br />
Hadn't expected to visit Mossdale at all this weekend. The outlook earlier in the week suggested a total washout. But the good weather Saturday brought surprise enough to check the forecast. Sunday's weather was suddenly too good to excuse.<br />
Little rain had appeared to fall since the previous weekend so I expected quite low water. Not the case at all.<br />
<br />
With only surveying on the cards, it took just that little extra oomph to get going.<br />
<br />
At this time of year, the prospect at dawn can seem quite unsettling. But once off, those early morning weaknesses are eventually left behind. If I don't feel this from time to time then I know I'm not trying hard enough.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Fear is the best gauge of effort'</i></span><br />
<br />
The moors seemed that bit bleaker and unfriendly that day. I met somebody on my walk over who disagreed. Had they known where I was going they may well have understood.<br />
<br />
Mossdale Beck took me by surprise, with expecting far lower levels. For once there appeared purpose in that falling water, beyond the usual gravity.<br />
<br />
The sky turned slightly while I changed, and the odd speck fell. I did question why the forecast hadn't been checked a final time before losing mobile data. All appeared fine when I woke up, but that was the last time I'd looked. The outlook for now five days ago was really bad.<br />
Oh the mind games I've played in this same spot, on and off since the age of 25. I can honestly say those early trials have made the past year and a half, seem almost effortless regarding that side of things. I don't see my decisions regarding the weather as life or death here anymore, and never really did. I just see a long uncomfortable wait if I did get it wrong. With those above over-reacting being my main concern.<br />
<br />
For those planning to visit in the near future, please tread carefully in the entrance series, especially in the vicinity of the 2m climb, just before Fossil Chamber. Above the climb there is a loose block which with care is of little danger, it's loose but still well housed. But at the base of the climb, to the left (looking towards entrance) there is a block the size of a chest of drawers, which is now almost completely undermined. This hazard can be avoided quite easily but is also easily missed if you didn't know it was there. I will try and get round to dealing with this during the winter months, but for the time being just be careful, assume that everything is loose and waiting for clumsy mitts.<br />
<br />
Because of the delay I sensed there would be in writing up this series of visits, I posted a few words on Facebook after this one. Dependent on how much effort I place in my journal entries, the essence of any given session can easily be lost, especially with a long delay transferring it to the blog. My facebook post for this day does a far better job than I can now do with said journal entry. So I will finish with that instead. Aside from the fact it was a surveying only visit, there was little else that jumped out at me worth mentioning.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>It may well be a few more weeks before I'm up to date on the blog so will say a few words here. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The change in season appeared final these previous two sessions. I was better prepared for conditions today but session 72 (last saturday) was dreadful! Wishful memories clashed with intimidating dark waters as I waded those turbulent swims. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Work today fell purely to surveying. Mapping all the new stuff is now the priority before any further pushing work is done. Although there are a number of leads I could be working, I've a feeling there will be an easier option, which the survey(ing) may well reveal. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Black Edge Choke is not a friendly place, likened to the High Level Mud Caverns, and staying warm whilst surveying/working is beginning to cost on progress. Time to invest in an oversuit, to compliment the neoprene, and maybe begin taking a dry set of wetsocks to change in to once down there. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Based on my previous visits to Mossdale, those I know of for sure, before the Sessions began, I've definitely surpassed the 100+ visits mark.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>A descent article may well be on the cards, back end of year, once I've got some definite figures and a bit more time to write, aside from the blog, which is enough of a chore on it's own.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Trip duration: 3 hours</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7_iHbtBZ5eRtmITDtjVI3VFzGLLZkMUSUWhYeanDNFAt0u8JMSRPYNojtz7zjAa3-Asu-s_4_VPvix5bGwfEfATtS-C1ay8Rd8jU7zYcbX3I4eln1OrVGk8kfGCCuzmCU8xLzSnLYGND/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7_iHbtBZ5eRtmITDtjVI3VFzGLLZkMUSUWhYeanDNFAt0u8JMSRPYNojtz7zjAa3-Asu-s_4_VPvix5bGwfEfATtS-C1ay8Rd8jU7zYcbX3I4eln1OrVGk8kfGCCuzmCU8xLzSnLYGND/s640/IMG_0180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author pretending to look longingly at something, that on that day, could only be described as a grim prospect</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWG67vJN-83zoxard3jOCThHgtQjF5BQaMsNDLf1_GzjJJ6Mo6LbtKONYAfTAgv8TQBlTtPlcc5Wj1q_37v0YSMT5jwgwecTGDtPzB1z6K2nqjDq5b_XXtfqKMqLoZjOXsZf8fWhq4s-u/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWG67vJN-83zoxard3jOCThHgtQjF5BQaMsNDLf1_GzjJJ6Mo6LbtKONYAfTAgv8TQBlTtPlcc5Wj1q_37v0YSMT5jwgwecTGDtPzB1z6K2nqjDq5b_XXtfqKMqLoZjOXsZf8fWhq4s-u/s640/IMG_0182.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surveying, Featherstone Chamber</td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Next Installment:</b></span> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Mossdale Session 74 </b><a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/11/mossdale-session-74.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/11/mossdale-session-74.html</a> </i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2018. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span><br />
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Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-29955654053483633082018-10-31T15:42:00.000+00:002018-11-06T02:15:16.757+00:00Mossdale Session 72<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><i><a name='more'></a>Mossdale Session 72</i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Sat 29th Sept 2018</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Every session holds a silver lining'</i></span><br />
<br />
Another long festering wait to return! 3 weeks +. Due to consistently poor weather, but nothing biblical overall. When the weather finally came good I'd other responsibilities, so had to wait till the weekend.<br />
<br />
Visited Screwfix before hand to buy myself promised Laser Measurer. I worked with someone at Eshton the previous year, who knew someone, who believed Screwfix was a dating service.<br />
<br />
Very windy wild walk to Mossdale! Arrived at half eleven, underground for noon. Physically/mentally felt good from the beginning, which still surprises me, after weeks of non caving. Wetsuit felt bloody tight and annoyed the shit outta me throughout the whole visit.<br />
<br />
Lots of fresh deposits at Blackpool Sands. The Blackpool Bar (mostly cobbles & sand) continues to gain in size after every flood. I've a feeling I've briefly mentioned this earlier, but the creation of this feature is probably due to flood waters entering at the top end of Assembly Hall(NW), which then flows across the floor and down the slope - collecting debris in it's wake - to the connection point with Blackpool Sands. Where the debris is deposited in the eddy formed between that and another inlet, which comes direct to Blackpool Sands from the direction of the new entrance series. I have a picture of Blackpool Sands which I took in 2005/6 which shows no indication of this feature. Next session I will take a picture, from the same place, and share the two here.<br />
<br />
All previous signs of passage were completely erased as I made my way towards the canals. Definitely the first visitor to pass this way since I was here last.<br />
The first canal before Razor Rocks was again in very grim form, heavily laced with scum and froth. A good solid flow pounded it's way via Razor Rocks. The rest of Swims were murky and deep but far friendlier in appearance than the start.<br />
<br />
Checked 1st high water marker at the Speak Easy, which held some water, but only a little. I'm certain this slope is an inlet during floods, and the source of the water markers result. This was confirmed when I checked the lowest marker at the Serpent (similar height), which showed no positive results. I will be moving the 1st marker to another location once something suitable is found. A high ledge spotted at the downstream end of Confusion Passage is one possibility.<br />
When visits to Mossdale are as frequent as my own, signs of where the water has been are usually pretty obvious. The use of high water markers along a section I stand most chance of sitting out a flood are mainly just a way to confirm my suspicions. The results so far have been fairly remarkable considering the cave and reputation for terminal flooding. Obviously the results downstream of Rough Chamber would be very different, but irrelevant to my cause or of concern.<br />
<br />
There were no doubts the passage's of Ouroborous had received a large flow as well. Fresh sand & silt, moorland foliage and mud stained walls were the obvious signs. Especially where the water had backed up before the choke. Piston Chamber it appeared had received non of this though. The rock barrier formed at the beginning of the choke, just prior to PS, acts like a dam, holds the water back, and directs the flow elsewhere (down to the right, probably towards the chamber beyond the 1st pitch (2.5m)). A bag full of scaffold tube protection foam, positioned at the U/S end of Piston Chamber 2 would have floated away, or at least moved if the above wasn't true.<br />
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Grabbed some tools from Depot Rift, then headed for the Notch, to begin work.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><i>Rough drawing at base of article with reference to landmarks and work area's</i></span><br />
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Got to work straight away, excavating the Notch, but quickly realised I'd made a mistake. The area I'd viewed beyond the notch was in fact part of the Rift, set at a slightly different angle, but not a section I'd fully explored. Inspect twice, predict once! This was confirmed when I approached from the other side, via the Rift, and got within a few metres of the Notch. The floor in this section of the rift appears false, so one possibility is to dig the floor. The picture I took during session 71, looking beyond the notch, is a good example of the possible false floor there. It's via one of these features that I feel I stand the best chance, if nothing else jumps out at me.<br />
<br />
Today's visit is only the fourth time I've visited this section - the area beyond the 2nd pitch - and really I've barely scratched the surface, so feel there's still every possibility of finding an easy way on yet.<br />
<br />
After the disappointment of my findings, beyond the notch, I gave myself a slap and headed to the chamber at the lowest point - first entered Session 71 - for a poke at the route onwards. Working conditions were far from pleasant down there, especially without the foam matting I could have provided for this job, from Depot Rift above. I managed a good 20 minutes of excavation work, removing small boulders and horribly cold mud, but drew few conclusions whether this section was really worth the investment. 'Last Resort' seems an apt name for the chamber and it's prospects..<br />
Once a return had been made of the slot, I noticed there was a slight draught coming through the floor of the chamber next door. A little digging revealed a hole and a cavity below the false floor there. It was at that point I knew there was still so much to learn about this new section. Digging randomly here and there could well waste time better spent giving the whole thing a really good once over. The survey it was decided would now take priority until all the new sections, and many of those above - first entered months ago! - were mapped. <br />
<br />
Once back in Featherstone Chamber I got to work surveying but after ten minutes I'd really had enough. I was cold, wet and suffering a pounding headache. Part of me was relieved again, that I can have a breather and hopefully complete the loose ends (survey) long overdue for completion.<br />
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Unpleasant trip out, felt rough as a dog! Temperature of the Swims was still warm but visually they were hideous!<br />
Chilly, windy and wild topside. I did consider coming back the following day once home but that would have been foolish. Pat on the back deserved, was grim and intimidating in there.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Trip duration:</b></span> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3 hours 20 mins</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Next installment:</b></span> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Mossdale Session 73 </b><a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/11/mossdale-session-73.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/11/mossdale-session-73.html</a></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2018. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span><br />
<br />Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7256312049393974802.post-91636832292366765722018-10-28T22:15:00.000+00:002018-11-12T22:21:13.904+00:00Mossdale Session 71<h2>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: normal;"><a name='more'></a>Mossdale Session 71</span></h2>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Wed 5th Sept 2018</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>(Simon Beck)</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Inspect twice, predict once'</i></span><br />
<br />
Session 71 should have occurred on Sunday the 2nd, the day after the previous session (70), but Yarnbury was the closest I got. A twitchy back and very sore limbs were wisely obeyed that morning.<br />
Staying warm down there is very important if this type of short term damage is to be avoided. Allowing myself to get very cold is still something I can handle, but the consequences are felt far more than they used to be. Things would be far improved if I could only lead a more measured existence above I reckon, but that won't be happening anytime soon, so pointless to dwell on it, as I so often do.<br />
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Another late night and equally late start. Arrived at the scar for noon. A group out walking were coming the other way as I approached, which included a few members of the Craven. Steven Wood came over for a chat, followed by John Batty. The latter I'd met at Howgill Nick several years earlier. Steven was aware of my activities and spoke about his own Mossdale experiences.<br />
So far this year I've been approached, while at the scar, by at least a dozen folk, some of them non cavers, who were well aware of who I was and what I was doing. The cave and the blog are two very separate things to me, even though one is just an extension of the other. It still surprises me greatly the interactions I've had as a result of my online activity. Receiving messages via email or via the blog is one thing, but it feels very odd when it takes place in such a desolate location, where human contact is a fairly rare commodity. What next? Autographs and Groupies!! A Redbull contract maybe... Not when it would ensure saying bye bye to Mr Beck in exchange for the corporate whore we all have hiding within.<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'There is a lot to be said for the isolation that ensues during any given lonesome Mossdale approach'</i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Less so now than in days past'</i></span><br />
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Underground for 1:15pm, with what my diary states as an uneventful descent, I'm not sure what I was expecting though with that statement. Considering I moved to Bradford about the same time I began the Mossdale Sessions, I've still visited Mossdale more than I have the local papershop, which should guarantee a Mossdale descent is less eventful than going for the Milk. At the right time of day the latter is probably more dangerous than the former as well.<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I can just imagine my epitaph..</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>'Here lies Simon Beck, who survived more than a hundred visits to Mossdale Caverns only to die caught in the crossfire of a drive by shooting, while going for the milk'</i></span><br />
<br />
Surveyed both chambers at the base of the 2nd pitch until I started to get cold. Really the two chambers are one split by a rock curtain. I've since named them 'Featherstone Chamber' (upper/lower) which I thought was rather apt considering there's a mud castle in the lower one. The name relates to my once yearly weekend rave in said castle.<br />
<br />
I then headed for the lowest point of the choke, with pinch bar in tow, to the slot I'd briefly investigated previously. The feature in question appeared far smaller than I'd remembered, requiring far more excavation work than I'd anticipated. After further inspection I realised the slot extended behind the pile of rubble, which constitutes the floor of the Rift above. A boulder weighing 50kg +, and beyond my abilities to lift, with so little space to correctly position myself, required shifting to perform the operation. The only solution was to dig a trench beside the boulder, allowing me to easily roll it out of the way. Ten minutes of work and I was through to the squalid chamber beyond, and now lowest point. Where I trod very carefully. The floor of the chamber held the characteristics of a stream bed, and appeared to be the destination of the water, during times when this part of the cave was receiving. A whisper of air could be felt and there did appear to be a continuation, which would require a good few sessions worth of excavation and scaffolding to safely pass what little I could see of the feature. I won't dismiss the possibility of a continuation here, but will definitely be exhausting every available option before I consider major work at this spot. Took some photos of the slot and chamber beyond before entering. <span style="color: orange;">Survey + Photos at base of article for reference to features.</span><br />
<br />
The day of discovery was not complete, and once I'd climbed back up the rift, I investigated the other wide open option. A dismal looking passage extending North East from the three way junction between the Rift and Featherstone Chamber. A muddy hole downwards looked absolutely desperate, but an alternative, just beyond, via a squeeze and climb down was eventually performed, after many failed attempts. Headfirst didn't appear feasible, after a few goes, but I eventually worked out a still very awkward feet first bending manoeuvre to the head of the short drop. I was holding my breath throughout the whole attempt and put sheer faith in the boulder bridge and blocks around me staying put. A short muddy section of passage was followed to a dead end, with seepage from above in abundance. By that point cold was setting in and I was ready for off, so really only gave the feature a quick once over. A more thorough investigation, especially the floor where the water is sinking, will be done when I come to survey this section later.<br />
<br />
Back in Featherstone Chamber a notch in the south wall, a feature I'd dismissed earlier due to the abundant other leads, was given a better look. The notch appeared blind previously, but I hadn't properly entered the thing. To the right at the end of the notch was a tight bend and opening beyond, and what looked like the head of another pitch. Because of the angle of where I was looking, or thought I was looking, I never considered the possibility it was part of the Rift I'd already entered. This feature appeared to extend towards the base of the previous pitch.<br />
<br />
Spent a little time digging out the notch but knew by that point I wouldn't be passing it that day so packed up. Took some photos of the notch and what lay beyond. The borrowed camera decided to pack up on me part way through the process due to sand causing the lens shutter to stick.<br />
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Headed out feeling surprisingly buggered after only 2 1/2 hours at the choke.<br />
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It was during, or after this visit that the picture began to get clearer regarding what is happening down there. I concluded that rooting about at the edges is possibly not the solution. I don't appear to have hit rock bottom yet and the continuation may well exist, via another pitch, in the centre of the zone I'm presently exploring. Fragments of what was once a clean master joint appear to be jumbled about as a direct result of the faulting that occurred here. My discovery via the Notch that day convinced me the way on was via one of these now displaced relic joint features. My geological prowess is fairly limited so my conclusions above could be well off. When all is said and done, I'm mostly following my nose, but have no wish to waste time where time will be wasted.<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Trip Duration: 3 hours 30 mins</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuzY8em6EV3nX-oM_Fk96XLEcEhpAhULdyvfmrzpSytdfmGAGl7tDQybdKNu2KuYM5IFdCbmMSHugzpA1Mdmc23KO2ZUzIKY_oovibubvzvQTMO7c1tPLQNabKTIF-SPhjzmdenXQHwk5/s1600/DSCF5126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuzY8em6EV3nX-oM_Fk96XLEcEhpAhULdyvfmrzpSytdfmGAGl7tDQybdKNu2KuYM5IFdCbmMSHugzpA1Mdmc23KO2ZUzIKY_oovibubvzvQTMO7c1tPLQNabKTIF-SPhjzmdenXQHwk5/s640/DSCF5126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamber, at what was then the lowest point of choke, looking away from the Slot towards mud banks</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNXrwYx5aNp9_X4BH5zTmI5XlXXaxApoUWFgEHSrPfDMDe2kS6GagnjBpEcktIj6yFLygDU9BzhkuYOwM4QMUPHVej9vA1WzwTxnh17EX5M1FZ7IKq3zBE1abanyZffUoURChGSNnhUW_/s1600/DSCF5117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNXrwYx5aNp9_X4BH5zTmI5XlXXaxApoUWFgEHSrPfDMDe2kS6GagnjBpEcktIj6yFLygDU9BzhkuYOwM4QMUPHVej9vA1WzwTxnh17EX5M1FZ7IKq3zBE1abanyZffUoURChGSNnhUW_/s640/DSCF5117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The slot, post excavation, prior to entry</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpH7Ik4RM7v6Z_n944cqz18AwooOE2dShdJ-kubip1zXG6TI4hbLBgMxDt7Bm90OpvmDIjnkrCT2zGJaUmcyWGr1wuzhbJDtV3UlAnOurIK8Vne2Cku5qw5KjOIJcoPsq5Vu_OpxityUj/s1600/DSCF5124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpH7Ik4RM7v6Z_n944cqz18AwooOE2dShdJ-kubip1zXG6TI4hbLBgMxDt7Bm90OpvmDIjnkrCT2zGJaUmcyWGr1wuzhbJDtV3UlAnOurIK8Vne2Cku5qw5KjOIJcoPsq5Vu_OpxityUj/s640/DSCF5124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamber beyond the slot and the now lowest point of choke at that time</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjgG81a2a4_PGRM8JP61mzzGVqisWJf5djhbIdpJEwVSIZfRYVdcUq_HJRMXvABYF1DTrYR2Njt9nNDVs_1nTxIdM1JXe06BaXsgxJ6Ue5U3jhuf-KaJwzbZVx0trUAaBwrmMFR17Rg8u/s1600/DSCF5128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjgG81a2a4_PGRM8JP61mzzGVqisWJf5djhbIdpJEwVSIZfRYVdcUq_HJRMXvABYF1DTrYR2Njt9nNDVs_1nTxIdM1JXe06BaXsgxJ6Ue5U3jhuf-KaJwzbZVx0trUAaBwrmMFR17Rg8u/s640/DSCF5128.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Notch in Featherstone Chamber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSaSaGIRwXAqseL2X7QT6XcgP8Szd1SfBeaWfxYHtZhNme-Ya1ftpzxfaij7nNELAFymCAOoOmoI2qB6nd9wslImeNeL1HaB7-p8DUUXyXl4Yi4E96XaakbRUH6IE-CfBwNXzWe-CA02E/s1600/DSCF5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSaSaGIRwXAqseL2X7QT6XcgP8Szd1SfBeaWfxYHtZhNme-Ya1ftpzxfaij7nNELAFymCAOoOmoI2qB6nd9wslImeNeL1HaB7-p8DUUXyXl4Yi4E96XaakbRUH6IE-CfBwNXzWe-CA02E/s640/DSCF5132.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking past the notch to the continuation beyond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPCpBLfxYYqnxazY2NaMtLFylAYZhOgNhS6sYihV8hO4KZfhimdf3HElpTy7XzvU9jnj2RSCJRoebIaHCBWzooIXBaa8yjaWptVp1Vq6OVqSlo4KEN3bwFBTu48jRS_uIVxL59lTmyskq/s1600/DSCF5145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPCpBLfxYYqnxazY2NaMtLFylAYZhOgNhS6sYihV8hO4KZfhimdf3HElpTy7XzvU9jnj2RSCJRoebIaHCBWzooIXBaa8yjaWptVp1Vq6OVqSlo4KEN3bwFBTu48jRS_uIVxL59lTmyskq/s640/DSCF5145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The author and the notch</td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Next installment:</i></b></span> <span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Mossdale Session 72 <a href="https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/10/mossdale-session-72.html" target="_blank">https://simonbeck.blogspot.com/2018/10/mossdale-session-72.html</a> </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Copyright</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">© Simon Beck, 2018. The copyright for this article and photographs, remains with the author. It should not be r</span><span style="background-color: #333333; color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.0079px; text-align: justify;">eproduced without permission.</span> <br />
<br />Simon Beckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00341967060555926785noreply@blogger.com1