Duncan Jones wrote:
An early start was needed to allow enough time for the half hour drive to Penwyllt and to be able to
obtain a key to OFD.
Once obtained we had a relaxed change and pleasant stroll to Top Entrance, once in it didn't take
Graham long to decide his FX2 was on it's last legs so a brief light fettle and we were on the way
again.
We followed the usual route through to Gnome and Chasm and were soon clambering down the
slope to Salubrious (we chose to go down and up rather than up and down as it's easier, well at least
we think it is!) Our plan was to take a passage that cuts across to Chasm Passage, however we
missed the junction and carried on past Arete Chamber to where a passage on the right connects
with top end of Chasm. More easy going to Poached Egg Climb, where we exercised some caution
at first due to a note next to the SWCC key cupboard about a loose hold – it didn't seem too bad so
we all used it to get across as normal.
As ever with OFD the going was easy and we soon arrived at The Crevasse, I was volunteered to rig
the traverse across. We had packed a 40m rope which turns out to be plenty to rig the short handline
climb down and to continue it across the traverse, over the boulders and then down the 8m pitch. At
the bottom most of us disposed of our SRT kit to make the going lighter.
From here the going becomes a little more involved, up and down, a few climbs thrown in,
including one where you can opt to traverse – some traverse with very little to hold or stand on! We
opted for the climb, which wasn't as bad as first thought. From here we quickly reached The
Shambles, a loose looking pile of rock. The easiest route is not quite the left side where some
obvious steps lead up, of course I went far left in the corner which proved a little trickier. Dropping
down at the far side, round a corner, up another climb and you are faced with a void.
The Traverses. I could see as I approached the look on some peoples faces, it's clear
some people were not in the slightest bit happy about what lay ahead (a 25m drop,
with a narrow ledge and broad gap). Dom had a look and retreated, Dan took up the
challenge and got across, Dom then had a second go and made it to the boulder bridge.
Daz had a look but wasn't happy, Alex took a turn and Dom piped up that he was feeling
nervous just watching Alex!! Graham and Pete didn't seem keen either (Pete it has to be
said had cracked? Ribs from a fall in Hardrawkin entrance a week or so back) so it
was becoming clear that either we were splitting up or heading back. Dan followed
the traverses to the end and back where he reported another awkward obstacle at the far end.
Reluctantly we backtracked to the Crevasse, whilst waiting for everyone to get up the pitch we
studied the survey and came up with options for side passages and possible alternative ways back
(looks easy on paper!) When Graham had derigged the pitch we were ready to go and soon took in
detours to Creek Alley, Straw Chamber and a passage heading off from near Straw Chamber. That
was followed for a fair length as it went one way, back on itself and bent right and eventually ended
at two holes that seemed to go down a fair distance – probably dropping in to Chasm Passage, not
wishing to 'drop' in to there and not knowing what (if any) climb was like we backtracked again and
picked up the usual route to Poached Egg.
Once back in Chasm a quick visit was made to the big hole before we headed down a small side
passage (the one we intended to come out of on the way in!) This leads easily back to Salubrious
where upon and exit was started. The white mud formations we saw last time in this passage have
been removed, by the cave police we assume.
Out in about 6 hours, not bad for a bit of sight-seeing! Aberdare and Asda was calling as we still
needed food for tea. Chilli with rice and naans was decided upon and garlic bread for starter and
cheesecake for after. The food was prepared and cooked by Pete with a little assistance from me,
Alex however was ordered out of the kitchen owing to his failure to observe something critical last
time.
Beer was drunk, music listened to, the horse collar was utilised for a spot of gurning – only three
took up the challenge with Dan being crowned winner.
Finally we started to succumb to the mixture of late night Friday, fresh air, exercise, food, warmth
and drink, so sleep called, a quieter night was had, probably a combination of the above.
