Anastomosis – Word of the day!
A small group assembled at the Olive Tree Cafe to discuss plan for the day. I invited Trevor and Simon to be my ‘customers’ for the trip. Steve agreed to be my ‘assessor’ for the trip.
We were soon trudging across the fields to the ‘hole in the ground’ and were encouraged to see that there wasn’t ‘tons’ of water disappearing into the hole. We assembled again at the first junction where Steve explained all about Anastomosis (easily remembered by Nasty Samosas – really!!). After this it was full pelt quickly passing Idiots Leap (rigged for return trip) followed by 1st pitch. A bit wet!.
From the bottom we climbed up to the ‘High Level’ passage. The idea was to rig the whole length of this but I had misjudged the length of rope required! Ah well we managed to fudge it and navigated to a small climb down mid way along. We then followed the high level passage to Mud Hall. We did a quick trip down the Gour passage and then returned to 1st pitch via high level route.
I rigged the pitch with a ladder. Did I say it was wet? Steve had shot off by now, sensibly using the traverse and staying well away from the water. The three remaining cavers just got wet! It was then a quick dash to the surface. My ‘customers’ decided to tackle idiots leap without assistance so I nervously watched as they climbed the short pitch hand over hand up the knotted rope.
Another trip to this Derbyshire Classic.
