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We'd been looking forward to this since winning the SRT rope... Excellent trip down Robin's Shaft Mine near Ilam by Ed, Ian, Martin and Pete today.  Getting ready to rig the entrance shaft Martin hadn't been down since 1984 (before it was p-bolted) and couldn't remember much about the rigging necessary for the entrance shaft since on that occasion someone else had done it. However, as he had read the topo in the Peak Rigging Guide before the trip he knew he needed at least 7 maillons and several spare crabs were also taken just in case.  Nice photo showing the bottom pitch It was also the other three's first proper SRT trip, so a couple of ladders were also taken in just in case of any tricky bits.  Ian descending the bottom pitch In the end, the rigging was pretty straightforward and all got to the bottom with no problems.  Martin showing Ian how to add extra friction to his Fig-8 After food and photos in Lord's Chamber they had a look around the natural stuff, (including the SUSS dig.)  In Lord's Chamber  A phreatic dome in the roof of Lord's Chamber  Flapjack thieves  Flapjack time Afterwards, they started the ascent of the shaft with Ian being 'volunteered' to do the derigging. Taking photos on the way out proved futile with an integral flash as there was so much water vapour.  Ed approaching the top of the second pitch Won't bother with any ladders next time we go down (still some stuff at the bottom to see) and the 100m rope should rig the whole shaft.  Ian resurfaces after derigging They surfaced after about 4 hours to a lovely sunset and some more photos were taken before retiring the the Royal Oak for beer.  Back on the surface and ready for beer!
 Contemplating the sunset |
