Tuesday night rolled around and Grace suggested Winnats Head Cave. I haven't done this cave for a few years so I was game with one provision. We need someone taller to accompany as you might have noticed that Grace and I are a bit vertically challenged. Of course in caving that doesn't raise too many problems but the dreaded postbox slot in Winnats can be challenging. That being said Grace assured me Jenny was coming so we planned to meet up.
Parking up I met Jenny, Jess and Pete from the Bonsall crew. Another tall caver for the trip. Welcome! It was Pete's first time visiting winnats head cave. I had heard the report that some really inconsiderate person left a large deposit at the mouth of the cave. Yep it was still there. I enjoy being the DCA conservation officer and pick up more than my share of rubbish but I draw the line here. We carefully moved around it and started the wriggle through. We took our time as we were looking for formations and conditions for the Conservation Survey. We took some photos to support what we found. I was keen to take a photo of the wooden support beam that has been reported as cracked. We came across some nice cave mud art left behind from SUSS that pointed the way to the pub. Cheers. Once we made our way down we saw the beam. It seems to still be supporting but the crack is very clear and needs someone with some expertise to assess. We finally made it to the slot and with gravity slid through. Once at the sump we all remarked how clear and green the water appeared. There is new dive line in since I've been.
We had a chat and decided to make a move. Jess led followed by myself, Grace, Pete and Jenny. It was quick enough until we reached the bottom of the slot. I think I've done it once on my own but usually require a knee just to get started. Jess started to give it a go, then used my leg for a boost and started up. Once she reached the top after a good wriggle Jess informed me that she was certain she heard a pop in her knee and could feel that something was wrong. I waited until Pete came through and he gave me a boost and I made it through. Jess being a veterinarian could tell she had done some damage but insisted that she would just continue as she didn't want to wait. Off she went but could not put direct weight on the knee. Tough as nails that gal and she made some quick progress. I could hear Grace behind me groaning away as she pulled herself through, but I set off shouting some words of encouragement. I spotted Jess on a few of the trickier ledges just to block any gravitational errors. The crawl out appeared Jess pulled her way through dodged the faecal like and set down to rest. Jess said she needed the A and E. I assured her my van was waiting . We didn't wait for the others knowing they were a good team. Jess made a very strange meander down to my car . Once we got our oversuits off the others appeared at the gate. We let them know our plan, checked with the farmer about leaving a car and said goodbye. Off to Chesterfield A and E and a very long night for Jess. We wish her a quick recovery.
