United Cavers Exploration Team

Cave and Mine Exploring => Trips and Events => Topic started by: Ian A on Apr 19, 2012, 03:22 PM

Title: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on Apr 19, 2012, 03:22 PM
Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip


Meet Place : The café at Tranygrisiau (Blaenau Ffestiniog)

Here; http://maps.google.co.uk/?hl=en&ll=52.98547,-3.965512&spn=0.002787,0.006968&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=52.98546,-3.96519&panoid=6QiR3XZe0P9wOd38WPrXSg&cbp=12,343.71,,0,6.65

Meet Date : Saturday 26th May 2012

Meet Time : 10:00am at the café, 10:15am at the upper car park

Trip Requirements : Wellies, food, drink, sufficient battery life and warm clothing (gloves are a good idea too).

Expected time underground : 4 hours

Trip Details
The trip is to explore the back vein of Cwmorthin and to experience the new, underwater walkway recently installed by Miles and the Friends of Cwmorthin â€" this means that you should not get your feet wet ;)

The trip will be a round trip and you will be able to see and experience large chambers, a railed incline, a least one bridge of death, a number of cabals, various workings and, time permitting, a bonus section of the mine.

The trip is suitable for novice cavers/explorers and no SRT equipment is needed.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities.

:)

Ian
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on Apr 19, 2012, 03:47 PM
I've asked for a day off for this... I love Cwmorthin.

If someone can give me a lift, yell, and I'll make arrangements to meet You somewhere convinient for you.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: John Nicholson on Apr 19, 2012, 04:53 PM
I hope Bella and I can come along.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on Apr 19, 2012, 04:58 PM
[quote="JohnNicholson" post=6125]I hope Bella and I can come along.[/quote]

Of course you can :)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on Apr 19, 2012, 05:01 PM
If you haven't been to a decent sized slate mine, then this place is *well* worth the effort. Slate is vast compared to most metal workings. Looking at pictures online, however well shot, You just can't get a sense of the sheer scale of these places.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Alison Webster on Apr 20, 2012, 08:37 PM
I'll be there Ian.

Thanks. :)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Joel Colk on Apr 20, 2012, 09:05 PM
Maybe :).

can't promise that I won't wander off and play on the new rigging though ;)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on Apr 20, 2012, 10:15 PM
Assuming I can get the day off, can I bring my (not so) little brother along? He's pestered me for ages to go underground, but lives near Prestatyn, so we haven't had chance to go anywhere yet, now that he hasn't got a missus naysaying any plans to go underground.

He was well up for a wander into the mine at Dyserth falls, and was a fair way in having pinched my torch off me, so he's game for it.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on Apr 20, 2012, 10:51 PM
Yep ... no problem at all ;)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on Apr 22, 2012, 06:19 PM
Day off booked, and I'll try to get a decent light built in time so I can light the chambers up properly.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Corin Hardcastle on Apr 22, 2012, 11:27 PM
I  wandered down the BVI with Dylan on Saturday. The Dry feet idea does not work. The water level has risen (Miles put in a new dam :cheer: s ).

I had to step off the pipe as the roof is a little too low. Sorry to report the water is still chilly.

Joel lots of shiny new hangers in there :evil:
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Richard Timms on Apr 25, 2012, 02:10 PM
I'll be there,see you in the cafe.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 09, 2012, 08:59 PM
Update

Coming so far;

Ian
Tony
Newstuff + 1
John
Bella
Richard T
Alison
Marcelle + 3
Richard S
Joel ?  + 2 Socks  ?


:)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on May 09, 2012, 09:43 PM
NewStuff *may* be +2... If that's OK. I probably won't know until the day before though.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 09, 2012, 09:46 PM
Sure, no worries :)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Dean Wood on May 09, 2012, 11:09 PM
Dont forget about lil old me ian :(
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 09, 2012, 11:11 PM
[quote="Deano" post=6430]Dont forget about lil old me ian :([/quote]

.... Added !!

Update
 
Coming so far;
 
 Ian
 Tony
 Newstuff + 1
 John
 Bella
 Richard T
 Alison
 Marcelle + 3
 Richard S
 Joel ? + 2 Socks ?
 Deano


:) :)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: mike leahy on May 09, 2012, 11:14 PM
big group then.it might be your last trip before YOU get barred. :whistle: :whistle: :whistle:
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 09, 2012, 11:15 PM
[quote="mike leahy" post=6432]big group then.it might be your last trip before YOU get barred. :whistle: :whistle: :whistle:[/quote]

Quiet you :S
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: mike leahy on May 09, 2012, 11:21 PM
[quote="Ian" post=6433][quote="mike leahy" post=6432]big group then.it might be your last trip before YOU get barred. :whistle: :whistle: :whistle:[/quote]

Quiet you :S[/quote]
sorry sec.:unsure: :unsure: :unsure:
funny though :P :P :P
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 09, 2012, 11:25 PM
[quote="mike leahy" post=6434]
sorry sec.:unsure: :unsure: :unsure:
funny though :P :P :P[/quote]

.... as funny (and as invisible) as a fly in marmite :P
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: mike leahy on May 09, 2012, 11:28 PM
[quote="Ian" post=6435][quote="mike leahy" post=6434]
sorry sec.:unsure: :unsure: :unsure:
funny though :P :P :P[/quote]

.... as funny (and as invisible) as a fly in marmite :P[/quote]

 you either love it or hate it:blush: :oops: :blush: :oops:
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 09, 2012, 11:29 PM
The fly or the marmite ?

Get off my thread !!!!!!!!!!!

:blink: :blink: :blink:
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Corin Hardcastle on May 10, 2012, 12:46 PM
nice footwork Mike :)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Vikki Sestan on May 10, 2012, 07:54 PM
Count me in : )

Aircast can be taken off next week, yay!
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 11, 2012, 04:24 PM
.... Added !!
 
Update

 Coming so far;

 Ian
 Tony
 Newstuff + 1
 John
 Bella
 Richard T
 Alison
 Marcelle + 3
 Richard S
 Joel ? + 2 Socks ?
 Deano
 Vikki
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: John Nicholson on May 11, 2012, 05:07 PM
Unfortunately, Bella can't come.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 11, 2012, 05:22 PM
.... Removed !!


Update
 
Coming so far;
 
 Ian
 Tony
 Newstuff + 1
 John
 Richard T
 Alison
 Marcelle + 3
 Richard S
 Joel ? + 2 Socks ?
 Deano
 Vikki

:) :)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Joel Colk on May 13, 2012, 09:41 PM
Just found out that I'm organising another hog roast for the 26th. I doubt that i will be able to get away on the 26th. Sorry Ian! :(
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 13, 2012, 10:33 PM
.... Removed !!
 

Update

 Coming so far;

 Ian
 Tony
 Newstuff + 1
 John
 Richard T
 Alison
 Marcelle + 3
 Richard S
 Deano
 Vikki

:)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: John Oh on May 17, 2012, 09:06 PM
Ian

(Yes I am still living - Just :pinch: )

Can I add my name to your list please, Do you want to share a lift?

Cheers

JohnO :silly:
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 17, 2012, 10:15 PM
..... added !!


 Update
 
Coming so far;
 
Ian
 Tony
 Newstuff + 1
 John
 Richard T
 Alison
 Marcelle + 3
 Richard S
 Deano
 Vikki
 JohnO

:)

I have a full car John (not hard since it only has one spare seat) otherwise I would defo had said yes ;)

Ian
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Corin Hardcastle on May 22, 2012, 01:15 PM
10 o'clock at the Riverside Cafe in Sunny Tan-y-Grisiau.

Don't wait for me B)

Prefer to be flexible, thanks

Any enthusiasm for extending the trip with a little SRT? Add 2 hours?
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on May 22, 2012, 08:16 PM
[quote="Corin" post=6580]10 o'clock at the Riverside Cafe in Sunny Tan-y-Grisiau.

Don't wait for me B)

Prefer to be flexible, thanks

Any enthusiasm for extending the trip with a little SRT? Add 2 hours?[/quote]

If I wasn't going to be sheparding my Little brother around, I would be. I'll see what he says, but as he's driving (and this is his first trip underground), it's his call.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 22, 2012, 09:56 PM
Corin,

It will be great to see you there (not least as you can lead people around whilst I do a smidge of filming) ;)

The trip wasn't put on as a SRT trip and most do not have the skills yet. However, if anyone wants to "peel off" mid-trip with your goodself then that is coolies B)

Ian
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on May 22, 2012, 11:13 PM
I'll chuck the harness in the bag, and play it by ear.

I am looking to memorise the route though, about all I can do at the moment is find the bottom of the BVI and the Compressor chamber.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Dean Wood on May 26, 2012, 08:20 AM
I wont be there today so dont wait for me
Have fun
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 26, 2012, 05:09 PM
Thanks to everyone who came on trip (14 of us in total) and thanks to everyone for making it a fantastic day.

And ... a big thanks to Corin & Vikki for helping to keep everyone together and ensuring we all had a great day and a fun time.

.... Finally, thanks to Vikki for offering to polish my helmet (maybe next time ;)  )

:) :) :)

Ian
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Tim Watts on May 26, 2012, 05:20 PM
[quote="Ian" post=6657]

.... Finally, thanks to Vikki for offering to polish my helmet (maybe next time ;)  )

:) :) :)

Ian[/quote]

Which brings me very nicely to my first ever Youtube Video. Filmed on my very early video capable mobile phone, its shows my Work Colleague ,good mate and professional cock polisher (PCP) Stevie James polishing his helmet like the pro he is during a few days fire and rescue training up in Montrose.

[video size=100 width=425 height=344 type=youtube]ksykkbKUwYw[/video]
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 26, 2012, 05:23 PM
Ooooh ..... I may have mis-understood Miss Vikki's intentions :whistle:
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Tony Adams on May 26, 2012, 05:45 PM
Some pics of the day :)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Tony Adams on May 26, 2012, 05:47 PM
having a play about with lights :)

Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on May 26, 2012, 11:30 PM
Some cracking shots there :)

I'll get a group picture up (Nothing that fancy), and edit some footage (not that much), and see if I can get a short video out of it.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: John Oh on May 27, 2012, 12:24 PM
Great pic's Tony, I like the shot of Ian in a cage :evil:

and the group picture should be on our home page - What do you think Tim?
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: John Nicholson on May 27, 2012, 12:30 PM
Brilliant pictures Tony! And thats the expert saying so above ^
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: mike leahy on May 27, 2012, 05:56 PM
[quote="JohnO" post=6665]Great pic's Tony, I like the shot of Ian in a cage :evil:

quote]there isnt a cage BIG enough for tha man (as little as he is )
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on May 28, 2012, 10:50 PM
I'm editing footage at the moment, but I've learned I need my light on full for the Camera to focus. I avoided doing this too much, as it's kind of bright, so some of the footage I took isn't usable. I should still be able to get a short clip together though.

In the meantime, here's the only still I took inside the mine.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ian A on May 28, 2012, 11:20 PM
Very "moody" ;)
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: John Nicholson on May 29, 2012, 07:12 AM
Atmospheric. The border makes a great difference.
Title: Re: Cwmorthin Back Vein Trip 26th May 2012
Post by: Ali Wiseman on May 29, 2012, 09:30 AM
The Video is as done as I can get it. Lessons learned for next time. I've put it in the Video's section, but here's the link anyway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgo0fzyIRGQ&lc