Our Boxing day trip....

[Tom Howard]

I'm not sure, is it? What's access into the main Llyn ddu cave?  Just out of interest. And where doesthe climb at the downstream sump go?

[Vikki Sestan]

Also does anyone have a spare lid? Don't really fancy trekking back to the depths of Wales for mine.

[Danny Sutton]

i dont know about access into the main system, i think the way your looking at getting in is through a metal hatch in a stone built wall held on with 4 bolts, one in each corner.

if your talking about a climb up, it suspect it will be the way back into minera mine (ragman vein)

[John Nicholson]

I am sorry I have been away for most of to-day (Ymas Day).  Ive had lots of visitors eating and drinking, but all gone now. Just the tidying up to do, and I'm ready for tomorrow's trip.

Vikki.....
I have several spare helmets and lights.  I can also bring Bella's (clean) cave suit, and boots.

Tom.....
My electron may be a bit too short for cabin shaft, can you confirm that your's is long enough, and also that the gate at the top is open?  Do you know you way around the Minera Maze?  

I have been to Cabin once before (Ian filmed it - Tim is in yellow Tele-tubby cave suit, Deano does a near naked show at the end).  But I did not like the squeezes or getting lost and most of all I really never went caving again after climbing that wet shaft.  That feat was well beyond my confort zone!.  But I am told there are other routes within the Minera system. Am I right that this is your home ground Tom?

If there is a problem with Cabin shaft access then are there any other systems within near reach?  Is the blue oil drum access route to the chamber near the shaft that leads to the Grand Turk also permanently open?

Can you suggest a meeting place Tom?  Can you also post a Google Earth link to it on this topic?  Can everyone else then confirm they can get there by 11.00 am tomorrow - Boxing Day.

[Tom Howard]

That's the one, yes. But regarding the climb, ill pop up midweek sometime and check it out - been bugging me for a while.

Vikki, unfortunately I havent a spare.

What's everybody else's thoughts on trip then; John? Dylan? Dan?

[Danny Sutton]

i'm ok with cabin shaft as long as someone has a rope and ladder, i currently have neither.

i've spent well over 100 hours in here, i kind of know my way around, theres lots of routes that can be taken, not too sure which one would be best.

[Iestyn Rhys Pritchard]

i have 40m of 9mm rope if that's any use to you...

[Danny Sutton]

if its static

[Iestyn Rhys Pritchard]

yep!

[Vikki Sestan]

Helmet would be great thanks John.

I've got some wellies and clothes I can wear.

Dan if you want a lift drop me a text and let me know where and when

[Tom Howard]

Hi John,
My electron is about 3foot short for Cabin but should be adequate - We could tie our two together if we hit a struggle?

Also, the lid is always open as it relies on gravity to hold it closed rather than padlocks (Thank god). The other end (blue tube) we're not supposed to use but sources tell me it was accessible 2 weeks ago so can't see that to be a problem.

There are many other routes within the system, however, I tend to do these routes by pure error and still don't know my way around. I mean, I know the through trip and recognise everywhere else but struggle to go direct to a certain point in the maze.

Regarding other systems etc. there are but perhaps not quite as extensive that are accessible.
ODB - Locked
Llyn ddu - Unsure
Llyn ddu (ragman passage) - accessible but short trip unless we were to attempt a thru trip which I haven't done meaning haven't a clue in sense of route finding.
Ragman mine passage - accessible via low and crawly passages leading to natural cave (haven't been to end so not sure how much there is and if it links)
Grand Turk passage - accessible, you go past the shaft on exit from the minera maze trip. tight crawl for 20foot and then into nice phreatic passage leading to sump (well, technically resurgance).
There are more but they're the main ones I can think of not needing SRT.

Meeting place could be the Quarry which is on;
Nearest Postcode: LL11 3DE
Or http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=326005&Y=352105&A=Y&Z=120

I think that's everything you asked for....


EDIT:
Didn't see everybody elses posts. Dan, would you do the honour of leading for us

[Danny Sutton]

ATTENTION.

Right, Meet at the Five Crosses Inn at 10.30 - 10.45am

Ruthin Road
Minera, Wrexham
Clwyd
LL11 3UT


The plan is to meet here, then head up to cabin shaft.

Can someone please bring electrons / rope / life line.

If both tom and john bring electrons we will have enough ladder to reach the bottom.

Lestyn, the rope would be very helpfull.

everyone will need a belt or a harness (I will have spare with me)

knee pads are recomended (I will have a spare pair with me)

the trip should be dry, most of it will be done on hands and knees, there wont be a lot of squeezing through stuff.

travell light, a bag in this place is a nightmare

any probs, speak up now

[John Nicholson]

Thanks Tom for your excellent answer to all my questions.

We can join our ladder resources and do Cabin Shaft.  I have lots of spreadders - some quite long.  You can get us all out if we get lost.  Dan also seems to know the place well. Although comparatively dry, this really is a shit hole and perfect for a Boxing Day trip!

Iestyn...
Your rope may be very helpful if we have to climb the horrific internal wet shaft, as the rope in it is so thin it hurts my hands to use it.

Can everyone confirm they have found and can get to the car park at the end of Maes-y-Ffynnon Lane?  This is the entrance...

http://goo.gl/maps/5RMtT

I will come from A5 Betws-y-Coed.

[Danny Sutton]

there will be no shaft to climb john, and if we meet in the pub carpark, it should be easier for people to find.

[Iestyn Rhys Pritchard]

no problem. the only thing is, the rope is brand new. you have to promise not to get it dirty...