United Cavers Exploration Team

Cave and Mine Exploring => Trips and Events => Topic started by: John Nicholson on Nov 12, 2012, 08:39 PM

Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 12, 2012, 08:39 PM
I will be doing Poachers with Bella and a newbie from her school, and maybe Alison on 18th.  All welcome to join us, but please post on this topic.

Meet at Cilcain Bridge Car Park 11.30.

I have electron for entry.  No SRT.

Normal proceedure, be prepared to get wet and muddy.  
Bring a pack lunch, and a change of clothes.

Takers so far...

John N
Bella N
Bella's friend  (I don't even know his name yet)
Alison W
Rob Sweetie (99% certain)
Dan (Mad-Dan)  maybe  (and do bring camera and stand)
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Danny Sutton on Nov 12, 2012, 08:48 PM
how long is the trip john?
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 12, 2012, 08:53 PM
This is not a long trip in terms of distance, and it is often done on Thursday evenings.  But we will be taking it slowly to introduce a new caver, so we will stop and relish every detail.  There are many routes off the main channel (as you may know) and Bella may take me down some I have not done before.  I expect the whole trip will be about three to four hours, and I hope we finish in the White Horse, Cilcain.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Danny Sutton on Nov 12, 2012, 09:01 PM
i was just thinking of doing nadolig first if we did do poachers, wales is a bit of a mooch for us, so trips have to be worth while for us to make the effort.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 12, 2012, 09:07 PM
Because we will have a young newbie, I suggest we stick to what I offered, and do Poachers first.  However, I don't mind driving all around to Nadolig if the kids are up for it after Poachers.  Personally, I don't like Nadolig but I would like to survey the scene.  Bella loves Nadolig.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 12, 2012, 09:20 PM
after poachers just walk across the river to nadolig no need to walk ALL the way backto the bridge
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Joel Colk on Nov 12, 2012, 09:23 PM
[quote="Mad-Dan" post=11278] wales is a bit of a mooch for us, so trips have to be worth while for us to make the effort.[/quote]

OHA?  ;)
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 12, 2012, 09:31 PM
[quote="Suboffender" post=11283][quote="Mad-Dan" post=11278] wales is a bit of a mooch for us, so trips have to be worth while for us to make the effort.[/quote]

OHA?  ;)[/quote]

much better trip. down the 90ft cliff
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Danny Sutton on Nov 12, 2012, 10:05 PM
i would LOVE to do OHA but would want someone that knows the place with us, i dont want to start doing a sump only to find out it was the wrong one and my head is stuck onder the water till i drown.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Joel Colk on Nov 12, 2012, 10:22 PM
Going to do OHA the morning/afternoon after the UCET party with DCC.

Jump on that if you like. OHA is fantastic for a hangover.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 12, 2012, 10:39 PM
[quote="Mad-Dan" post=11288]i would LOVE to do OHA but would want someone that knows the place with us, i dont want to start doing a sump only to find out it was the wrong one and my head is stuck onder the water till i drown.[/quote]

i might be able to make oha on that day
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Tim Watts on Nov 12, 2012, 11:22 PM
are the ropes back in on the cliff? - not been through for AGES but i know they were taken out a while ago.

Dan don't bank on diving the sump unless someones gonna go and set up the siphon a day or two before - its not free dive-able when the waters up to is 'normal' level.

I'd be well up for a OHA trip on the 2nd but my mrs already had my day earmarked for other stuff :-( :-( :-(
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Joel Colk on Nov 12, 2012, 11:26 PM
The first pitch was still rigged 3 months ago Tim, is that the cliff?
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Tim Watts on Nov 12, 2012, 11:35 PM
yer - ok cool. thats fine just thought i'd mention it in case people turned up ex[pecting it pre-rigged and got dissapointed - i know NWCC took them out several months ago (possibly to replace them with new ones). Not been back in since.

Yes first pitch is actually split by 3 rebelays and forms the route down the cliff - it can actually be (very carefully) descended and ascended without SRT but its risky - once out a was enough for me!!

All the SRT is straight forward - no hanging rebelays and short pitches.

Worst (hardest physical) thing about OHA is the mud as you get further in - which IMO adds to the fun - Mr Adams tends not to enjoy the mud so much :-)
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 14, 2012, 06:15 PM
By the way you load of pirates, this topic is about a nice easy trip to Poachers.  If you want to do a hangover cure in OHA then kindly set up your own topic.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Tim Watts on Nov 15, 2012, 12:53 PM
quite right John, Well said. :-)
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Robin Jones on Nov 16, 2012, 11:10 AM
I did Poachers for the first time last night with Paul and really enjoyed it.  It was only my 2nd time underground with UCET so we stuck to the main passage right to the end then on the way back did the crawl under the boss and did another pretty tight crawl between the boss and the entrance.

I've got a pretty hectic weekend but if I can get out of my usual Sunday activities and buy a helmet from somewhere on Saturday I'd love to join you if you're ok with that?

Cheers,

Rob

ps are you planning on going down to the lower level or staying on the main passage?
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 16, 2012, 11:24 AM
We do have spare helmets, but you are best getting your own as soon as you can manage.

We have no prescriptive plans for the route, but will go to the Boss Chamber and then to the far end first.  Bella may then lead us back through a different route, and we may well do the helterskelter and the lower water passage (which I love).

I saw your web site last night (Ian told me about it), and am impressed by your ability to find suppliers of old fashioned sweets.  I can remember many sweets from my childhood days that are not available now, including a sort of broken or sliced rock that was translucent but the section was segmented like a cut through orange or lemon or lime. They taste fruity. I could not see them on your web site but notice you have many more choices in your shop.  Are Victory Vs still made?

People not wishing to lose weight should look at this web site...

http://www.conwycandies.co.uk/

Actually there is a non sugar range as well.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Robin Jones on Nov 16, 2012, 12:00 PM
Hi John,

Many thanks for your kind words and shameless plug of my website  B) I will try and get a helmet sorted tomorrow.  I'd thought of going to Rock Bottom in Betws Y Coed unless you can recommend anywhere else near by?

I also need to get one of the girls to open the shop for me so I'm not a definite as yet but will let you know by 12 o'clock lunch time tomorrow.

Victory Vs are still made, however they are not as nice as they used to be (I'd never make a salesman) they sell well though so can't be too bad.  The sweets you describe sound like Maxon's fruit rock which we only stock during the tourist season.  The website needs a lot of work but our "Speciality & Gourmet Liquorice" section of the site ranks really well in google due to the fact we're the only UK supplier for a lot of the products.

I'll be in touch tomorrow to let you know whether I can make the trip or not.

Cheers,

Rob
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 16, 2012, 12:52 PM
We got lots of helmets through Ebay, several came from a guy in Mold. I never paid more than £6.00 for them.  

We will be away on Saturday, and may get back late if we get to Tim's evening rave at the Crown on our way home from Liverpool.

Maybe we will see you at Cilcain Bridge car park.  If you arrive late and see the yellow truck there then go to Poachers and follow us in.  Seems that you already know the route.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Robin Jones on Nov 16, 2012, 12:58 PM
Brilliant, that sounds like a plan.  If for any reason you don't end up going perhaps you could give me a quick call / text 07729444248.

Many thanks

R
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 16, 2012, 06:45 PM
[quote="Sweetie" post=11362]Hi John,

Many thanks for your kind words and shameless plug of my website  B) I will try and get a helmet sorted tomorrow.  I'd thought of going to Rock Bottom in Betws Y Coed unless you can recommend anywhere else near by?

I also need to get one of the girls to open the shop for me so I'm not a definite as yet but will let you know by 12 o'clock lunch time tomorrow.

Victory Vs are still made, however they are not as nice as they used to be (I'd never make a salesman) they sell well though so can't be too bad.  The sweets you describe sound like Maxon's fruit rock which we only stock during the tourist season.  The website needs a lot of work but our "Speciality & Gourmet Liquorice" section of the site ranks really well in google due to the fact we're the only UK supplier for a lot of the products.

I'll be in touch tomorrow to let you know whether I can make the trip or not.

Cheers,

Rob[/quote]

 rob you can lend a club helmet until you get one , don't feel pressured to fork out on one asap. just ask around to find the right one as the right fit is important
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Robin Jones on Nov 16, 2012, 07:41 PM
Cheers Mike. Are you available for me to meet you at your convenience tomorrow to borrow a helmet for the Sunday trip?

Thanks,

R
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 16, 2012, 09:44 PM
[quote="Sweetie" post=11376]Cheers Mike. Are you available for me to meet you at your convenience tomorrow to borrow a helmet for the Sunday trip?

Thanks,

R[/quote]

hi rob my mobile is 07785766260. im working most of tomorrow but no probs about the lid just give me a ring
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Robin Jones on Nov 16, 2012, 09:47 PM
Cheers Mike, I'll ring you tomorrow.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 16, 2012, 09:52 PM
I carry a range of spare helmets in my truck, with lights.
For Poachers you may want to find some knee pads from B&Q or even some old socks with the toes cut through folded over several times helps to protect your knee caps a bit.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Robin Jones on Nov 16, 2012, 10:13 PM
Brilliant, thanks John, that would save me troubling Mike for a lid tomorrow. I've invested in some cheap knee pads, so I'll bring them along with me.  I've bribed my Saturday girl with time and a half overtime to cover me on Sunday so I'm a 99.9% yes for Sunday now  :cheer:
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 16, 2012, 10:23 PM
Excellent!  See you there.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 16, 2012, 10:24 PM
[quote="Sweetie" post=11383]Brilliant, thanks John, that would save me troubling Mike for a lid tomorrow. I've invested in some cheap knee pads, so I'll bring them along with me.  I've bribed my Saturday girl with time and a half overtime to cover me on Sunday so I'm a 99.9% yes for Sunday now  :cheer:[/quote]Item picture
   
Petzl Ecrin Rock Climbing Helmet
have a look at this he's got two for sale
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 16, 2012, 10:26 PM
[quote="Sweetie" post=11383]Brilliant, thanks John, that would save me troubling Mike for a lid tomorrow. I've invested in some cheap knee pads, so I'll bring them along with me.  I've bribed my Saturday girl with time and a half overtime to cover me on Sunday so I'm a 99.9% yes for Sunday now  :cheer:[/quote]
Item picture
   
Petzl Ecrin Rock Climbing Helmet
Member ID arcano652
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Danny Sutton on Nov 16, 2012, 10:26 PM
i am also a maybe for sunday
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 16, 2012, 10:29 PM
[quote="Sweetie" post=11383]Brilliant, thanks John, that would save me troubling Mike for a lid tomorrow. I've invested in some cheap knee pads, so I'll bring them along with me.  I've bribed my Saturday girl with time and a half overtime to cover me on Sunday so I'm a 99.9% yes for Sunday now  :cheer:[/quote]

http://my.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MyEbay&gbh=1
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 16, 2012, 10:30 PM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300817119480?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
rob
have a look at this link he has two for sale
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Robin Jones on Nov 16, 2012, 10:58 PM
Thanks for that, I put a bid in on one of them earlier today and he's also selling a Petzl head torch  :)
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Danny Sutton on Nov 16, 2012, 11:10 PM
Andy Is flogging some helmets £10 each, there the same as mine as thats where i got mine from.

none of them look to of had much use andneither of the ones i had off him had been drilled for lamps.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Ali Wiseman on Nov 16, 2012, 11:50 PM
[quote="Mad-Dan" post=11391]Andy Is flogging some helmets £10 each, there the same as mine as thats where i got mine from.

none of them look to of had much use and neither of the ones I had off him had been drilled for lamps.[/quote]

Decent lids, I had a couple off him.

Lids are more for holding your lamp, and keeping you from leaving bits of scalp on a low ceiling. If anything sizeable falls on your head, it doesn't really matter what Lid you have, other than to identify you afterwards...  :evil:  ;)
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 17, 2012, 07:21 AM
I agree with above, but am sure there is an organised conspiracy to pollute my nice topic inviting people to join a lazy easy Poacher trip on Sunday with notions of a hangover therapy in OHA and corpses in crushed helmets.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 17, 2012, 09:06 AM
[quote="JohnNicholson" post=11393]I agree with above, but am sure there is an organised conspiracy to pollute my nice topic inviting people to join a lazy easy Poacher trip on Sunday with notions of a hangover therapy in OHA and corpses in crushed helmets.[/quote] :lol:  :lol:  :lol: your so right there all just a bunch of pirates. except me ofcoarse
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: mike leahy on Nov 17, 2012, 09:08 AM
oh also
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170940282489?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 there is this as well  :lol:  :lol:
happy days john
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Danny Sutton on Nov 18, 2012, 07:30 AM
Just so you know John, i wont be comming so dont wait for me.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: stuart tyrer on Nov 18, 2012, 07:55 PM
nice to meet you guys in poachers today
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: John Nicholson on Nov 18, 2012, 08:11 PM
Sorry you could not manage Dan.  We all had a great time, and met a lot of other cavers during the afternoon.  

We walked into the Boss Cavern to find it lit up with candles like a cathedral.  An amazing experience!  I hope Rob will post some pictures.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Robin Jones on Nov 19, 2012, 10:00 AM
[quote="marine boy" post=11426]nice to meet you guys in poachers today[/quote]

Really good to meet you too.  I assume you are one of the group we met in the boss chamber?  Thanks for creating such an awesome atmosphere with the candles and help with the lighting for the photos.  Perhaps we will bump into you underground again some time :)
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: stuart tyrer on Nov 19, 2012, 03:17 PM
yes i was the one with the big lights
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Joel Colk on Nov 19, 2012, 04:56 PM
[quote="marine boy" post=11454]yes i was the one with the big lights[/quote]

Long time no see mate and good to see you on here.

You are one of the few that managed to get on an "exclusive" trip to Parys  mountain. We haven't been able to get in touch with PUG for another trip since. :angry:
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Ali Wiseman on Nov 19, 2012, 06:29 PM
Long time no see too..

Someone want's to pinch Your glory in that dive, and have asked me about it. You coming back up for another go at it?
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: stuart tyrer on Nov 20, 2012, 07:49 AM
what dive is that

here is one you might like


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqlBkOAzIPI&list=UUkaF35L2dBGGUfl2qOLk8-Q&index=4&feature=plcp
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: Ali Wiseman on Nov 20, 2012, 08:01 AM
The one Turbo and Myself showed You, 70M to water, very close to the road, no Mountains to lug bottles up.
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: stuart tyrer on Nov 20, 2012, 07:59 PM
yes will have to come back and do it again
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: stuart tyrer on Nov 21, 2012, 07:22 PM
and soon
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: stuart tyrer on Nov 24, 2012, 07:48 PM
we are getting a team together to do it as soon as poss.
just got myself a rebreather  so no bubels to disturb the roof
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: steven cross on Nov 24, 2012, 07:53 PM
the scenery has changed in the martins quarry of cambrian now its a lot less messing about with all trees in there to get to the crawl adit .. and its looking good ..
Title: Sunday 18th November - Poachers
Post by: stuart tyrer on Nov 24, 2012, 08:58 PM
will have to get a date to come over to do it  soon