Eldon Hole - 8th May 2010

Saturday May 8th 2010

Members present: Alastair Gott,  Jonathan Booth,  Karim Shokraee,  Luke Gardiner,  Marcus Roby,  Matt Gosling,  Matthew Chubb,  Mike Rippon,  Sam Briscoe

An excellent trip, hardcore 3 due to not being in very good condition in the morning, Matt G caused merriment when he woke up and declared 'Oh no Iv'e overdone it again!'

East route is an excellent exposed but simple descent although I nearly had a heart attack when I disturbed some birds while rigging. The bottom of the shaft is scummy and in the firing line of any rockfall, best to get straight on to the main chamber or shelter under the alcove beneath north route.

We did an ecahange between the exposed east route (rigged by myself de-rigged by Sam) and the fine technical North route (rigged by Mike de-rigged by Marcus). After initially struggling to rig the way to Millers aven the Gott Zone had a brainwave and we had it sorted, then we took turns to enter the cramped Millers chamber which contains the most beautiful sparkley flowstone Iv'e ever seen. While waiting to ascend the upside down Y hang w took some photos and Karim made some sculptures from clay. After a while we headed out and re-grouped in the TSG hut for a brew after a good day.

Thanks to everyone for not minding the detour to Holmfirth to drop me off and to Mike and Karim for driving and for Mat for his entertaining way of assulting the castle!