Monthly Archives: December 2009

Meall Cumhann

Today we had planned to go up to the Ben and do Tower ridge but with with the Avalanche risk high with high winds forecast a change of plan was made, it included more whiskey the night before and a slightly shorter day up Glen Nevis.

We scrambled up a lovely little gully followed by small icy steps to the summit and enjoyed a lark about on the return to the chip shop.

Thanks for a fun day Biddy and Simon.

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Lochan

An early start this morning from Kendal saw Sally, Liz, Anthony, Simon and myself heading up the M6 on our way to Glencoe.

We headed up the Zig Zags enjoying a couple of icy steps before arriving on the ridge.

With the late start due to the drive we did not have enough time to summit so chose to refresh winter skills in the Coire and then head back for a slap up meal and an evenings preparation for tower ridge the next day.

Caving Skills Module for Kendal College Day 2

With a revision of water level history, present, and forecast using the College over head projector and various website (site’s we use are under the resources page/weather forecasts on the Real Adventure website) we where soon on our way over to the dales for Day 2.

Very little rain, frozen ground and only a touch of snow behind the walls with a forecast of snow flurries and low temperature gave way to a an explore deep into the Ease Ghyll system using County Pot as our way in and out.

The team explored their own way through the system after further tuition on cave navigation, guide book interpretation and survey reading.

A top day was had with a cold retreat back to the van in snow that made driving out form bull pot a challenge.

Cave Leader Level 2 Refresher Day

A day in Bull Pot Kingsdale looking at efficient rigging, rope management, and simple rescues with 2 instructors from Outward Bound Ulswater.

This day was through Ingleborough Hall

Check out their website more adventures.

Ill be back at Ingleborough in January.

Advanced Caving for a Secondary School

All of the team have been to caving with Real Adventure before so it was time to step the adventure level up a notch and head to a more commiting cave with a vertical aspect to it.

The day was one of those that as a leader you have to be careful on where you go with regards to the water levels.

Mike took a team of 8 with one of the teachers who is a keen caver to County Pot on I headed over to Bull Pot of the Witches with the other 7 + Steve who is working toward his level 1 cave leader + an AALA Inspector.

A great day was had by all with Mike’s team experiencing a powerful Spout Hall and my team enjoying the mud in Burnets Passage. Finishing the day with a refreshing walk back to the van for donuts and a swift change before heading home.

X Mass Paddle – Lune

Every Year Real adventure runs a Christmas Paddle down the River Lune in Open Canoe.

Mulled Pies, Minced Wine and a spot of Port are the order of the day with a couple of brussel sprouts to launch at each other

This easy section of the river takes  about 2 – 4 hours to paddle depending on water levels and pick-nick stops.

If you fancy this as a day out for the family or works trip get in touch.

Some paddling experience useful but not necessary.

A thanks to Mark, Ali, J, Tom, H, Simon, Pam, Liz, Lou, Toby and Kirsty for joining in on the fun.

Apologies for the lack of photo’s If anyone has any of the day please send them over and I’ll add then to the post.

Caving Skills Module for Kendal College Day 1

The first day of this 2 day module started off at Kendal College in the class room with a look into water conditions for caving. History of rain fall, present conditions and forecast were looked at. The conditions where looking like high water levels at present that would drop throughout the day.

Off to the Dales with plan A Long Churns.

The team of 8 students learnt the beginnings of how to make a safe judgement on water levels when caving, cave navigation, the spirit of caving through self exploration and the dangers with case example of cave flooding and how people have got it wrong in the past.

The churns where heaving that day and was a real eye opener for the students who saw just how powerful water can be in a safe and controlled way.

A brief look at calcite formations where looked at and research topics given for the next session.

Back with the team on the 17th Dec for day 2 (vertical + detailed cave navigation + guide book interpretation) . Plan A – County Pot Plan B – Bull Pot of the Witches.