The Gouffre Berger 2013

[Ali Wiseman]

That's not as bad as I was thinking, and do-able. As you say though, I'll need a couple of other goodies for a night underground. Oh, and I still need that Stamina... plenty of time to get that though.

[Marc Vanderbruggen]

Hi Tim,

I'm new here. I live in Belgium. I'm very interested joining the UCET to the Berger.
After attemted several long and deep caves, the Berger is one standing my list to do.

Maybe this can interest you:
http://www.scavalon.be/webalbums/Big%20Cave%20Trips/Gouffre%20Berger/index.html
This is a photo report from the aproach to the bottom, done by Caving Club Avalon from Antwerp Belgium.

Cheers Marc

[Vikki Sestan]

Hi Marc, nice photo journal - some great pics

So excited about this trip :-)

[mike leahy]

THIS IS A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING AND SHOULD'NT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY
    you should be able to srt with boxing gloves on whilst blind folded ect ect ect :S :S :S

[Marc Vanderbruggen]

Find some great pic's of Robert Shone
Cave photographer Robert Shone explores the Gouffre Berger Cave in France

The cave presents no major difficulties under normal conditions, especially in the upper half. See this:
Gouffre Berger

[Tim Watts]

Marc, hi.

Yes, I know robbie quite well - he's an old school freind of mine.

Yes, the technicalities of the trip aren't difficult from what i understand. In terms of people following down the rigged ropes. What is much more of a headache is the organisations and planning involved. A hell of a lot of rope and gear to shift in and out - expedition style. Having had a chat to a few who have done the Berger, the entrance series can start to get a little repetitive after sever times in and out lugging gear.

Most people say to prepare in terms out a mountaineering trip, i.e. training for long walks and scrambles carrying heavyish packs. Of the 1200ish meters much of it its walking up and down 'slopes' - although obviously theres lots of SRT too.

I expect that i'll find people with rigging experience of the Berger which is obviously a big issue - can save lots of time through experience in this area. I'm getting the feeling that there is probably more than enough interest in the trip to make it viable - permits to be submitted in October so theres some time yet to reach a decision.

I'll need help organising things obviously.

Tim

[Marc Vanderbruggen]

Hi Tim,

I'm caving now 22 years. I've teaching speleology (SRT) for 8 years at the Flemish association for caving, called VVS.

I have undertaken some great classic caves like the Pierre Saint Martin, Traversée du Verneau, Dent des Crolles, Reseau de l'Alpe, Jean Bernard, Aven Autran (= 800m ropes with 3 persons in 5 days) etc. Now I'm preparing a trip to South Wales for Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, Ogof Dreanen and Ogof Daren Cilau. We are staying at the SWCC cottage, Swansea Valley, from may 13th to 20th.

I also know a lot of people who has make this trip. For ropes and hangers I can take a lot with me.

When I'm back from Wales, I can start to prepare some.
In July I'm going caving a week to the Vercors. Maybe I can contact some in the region.

[Tim Watts]

I know a few of you are intersted but i've been considering, new baby in october - which will come just as aplications for permit goes in and then a frantic time to organise it over the next few months, rally a big enough group to make it viable. etc.

With one or two other changes in circumstances i don't want to commit to organising it for next year at least.

I'm hoping however to get myself on someone elses trip next year - i have a contact/lead -  and if i do get an opening i'll let those of you who were interested know in case there is a slot for you too.

[Edward Coghlan]

I would defo be interested dates depending

[Joel Colk]

Just had this e-mail through from the combined services caving association. I'm no longer in the TA, so I'm no longer a member, but I seem to be one the mailing list anyway. I get the impression that they are also quite open to non service members

Thought this might be of Interest;

FAO all cavers.
 
Early discussions around the potential to get WWTW servicemen to the bottom of the Berger in 2014 are underway.  Should the idea be adopted by WWTW, the CSCA would like to investigate the possibility of forming a team in partnership with another club/ clubs and other service cavers in order to attract sufficient capable cavers.  The project offers a real opportunity to get some positive advertisement for UK caving.  Anybody that would like to register an interest should contact the CSCA via: cscaberger2014@militarycaving.co.uk

[Edward Coghlan]

Oooo now that could make things easier

[Joel Colk]

They certainly have the kit for it. Might be worth seeing if anyone from DCC fancies it and getting in touch?

That way, members from UCET could jump on too, should the need arise.  :kiss: