Rob E, Joe B
After the “Dream Team’s” escapades a few weeks ago, I was keen to get the new aven in the master cave fully rigged and get eyes again on the choke/dig at the top.
First we ran around the system replacing all the dye detectors, this time engaging proper efficient mode by splitting up and each doing the Glebe and Doom detectors alone. Back at the Wet West we wandered West and through to the master cave.
First we went upstream, to change that detector and also to inject a new load of Rhodamine as part of a secondary dye testing project to try to better what happened directly downstream of SMMC. Neither of us had injected Rhodamine and were suitably awestruck with the beauty and wide variance of the hues emitting from the stream.
Then we headed down to the aven with a simple plan; reclimb the aven and clip another ladder on the bottom of the currently hanging one, hoping that they will then reach the floor. I gear up to redo the freeclimb, trying to warm up my body and mind beforehand, then start climbing the etrier hanging off the ceiling. One foot in, pull up, try get the other one in, and boom, I’m on the floor. Flat out, head ringing, Joe looking very concerned. I lay there, trying to work out what had happened. Turns out the bolt holding the etrier had not failed, but the planet it attached to had, allowing a big enough boulder to eject itself from the planet and even strike my head during my accelerating flight towards the floor.
I was very lucky, not only did it hit my helmet instead of my precious face, but i was only a few feet up off the floor. Slightly dazed and shocked by the event, I turned upon my rare spiritualistic persona and willing took this as a warning to not attempt this climb this evening. That, plus the pub was certainly calling for some of our money. Stumbly back along the master cave, quick dive through to RAT, bumble out Cussey, all to be welcomely greeted by summer warmth and light. Certainly a lovely exit after the cold uncomfort of the world below.