I suppose I'd better pop a few things down here, introduce myself.
I'm Ali (Usually NewStuff on a Forum). I'm pretty much into Mines, though I do venture into the odd abandoned Asylum too. I've yet to get into a cave, purely because no-one has managed to muster the required powers of persuasion to get me into something even tighter, wetter and crawlier than a Lead mine!
I have a few issues with heights (As some of you may have seen at Belgrave), but am slowly getting better. Strangely, once I'm on a rope, I'm pretty good, but it's *getting* on the rope that is the problem so far. I do some SRT, though I should be on another training session soon, just to smooth out a few kinks in my technique. At some point, I want to drop Titan,
I work pretty much permanent weekends, and have a small offspring to look after on my days off, so my trips out are usually limited to Weekdays unless I have Holiday time booked.
I met some of you on last weeks trip to Belgrave, but apart from a few, I'll struggle to put Names to Faces for a bit, but I'll get there.
Hi and welcome! Are you going to be able to Join us at Bog Mine this Thursday? Same meeting point (layby) - full details in the Trips and Events!
Titans not a problem - let us know when you think you're ready and we'll get another trip sorted. Although 'big' its a simple 2 pitches with a hanging rebelay. Rest of the trips a walk in the park although I fancy doing some alternative routes next time :-)
Hello again mate,
Can relate to your fear of heights, I was the same when I first started out. All I can say is that with every SRT pitch that you do, the easier it gets. Just takes time.
Look forward to seeing you again on Thursday :)
The heights issue is actually damn frustrating. I used to be absolutely fine with them, I climbed Cliff faces for a laugh as a kid (The Little and Great Ormes further up the coast, nothing considered proper free climbing as I now know). Trouble is, after getting stuck on one in a Quarry for several hours, I developed what I have now. I *know* I can do it (And have done it in the past), it's just a matter of convincing myself to get on the rope, and the legs to not turn to jelly while I get on it. Once on the rope, I'm not bad unless I get krab jump. When that happens, watch out below, and I'll need to change pants at the bottom of the pitch.
As for Titan, since I first clapped eyes on it (Well, just after I realised what I was looking at, and that the little orange blob was indeed a person on a rope), has been my Goal. If I can do that, the fear is, if not conquered, then at least well managed.
That said, a picture of Rumbling Falls "Rumble Chamber" has possibly set a new, albeit very long term, Goal. I assume you all know what that one is. Most cave pictures leave me thinking "why?" but those ones preclude the asking of the question in the first place.
you should pop down north henblas a few times at least before you even consider a pitch like titan.
Looking forward to meeting you on Thurs :)
Ian
[quote="NewStuff" post=5101]The heights issue is actually damn frustrating. I used to be absolutely fine with them, I climbed Cliff faces for a laugh as a kid (The Little and Great Ormes further up the coast, nothing considered proper free climbing as I now know). [/quote]
I developed my fear of heights in a similar way. About five years ago, I managed to get myself stuck on a rope on a big pitch and fall into a waterfall. By the time that I managed to get myself off the rope I had gone into shock from the cold and it took my friends a long time to get me out of the mine. I couldn't go underground for a month. Before that experience I had no problem with heights. It's difficult, but keep perceiving and it can be overcome. That said, I still have some problems today, but I trust the ropes and myself totally.
[quote="mike leahy" post=5104]you should pop down north henblas a few times at least before you even consider a pitch like titan.[/quote]
That's Firmly on my To-do list in a high position.
[quote="Ian" post=5106]Looking forward to meeting you on Thurs :)
Ian[/quote]
The man behind the Goblin Videos I suspect.
It will be nice to meet everyone.
QuoteBefore that experience I had no problem with heights. It's difficult, but keep perceiving and it can be overcome. That said, I still have some problems today, but I
trust the ropes and myself totally.
I'm hoping not to do any falling off!
In a weird way, it's sort of nice to know that I'm not the only one out there to get a fear this way, as everyone I do know with this (Very few to the degree I used to be), has always had it. That said, I wouldn't wish it on anyone that does Exploring, it so limiting.
Anyone who doesn't approach the head of a pitch with a feeling of apprehension is f'ing stupid in my opinion!
[quote="mike leahy" post=5104]you should pop down north henblas a few times at least before you even consider a pitch like titan.[/quote]
Listen to Uncle, wise words.....................