Trip Leader: James Henry
On Trip: James Henry, Dannielle Harden, Tamie Jensen, Jason Baxter, Ralph Powers, (special guest: Rob Cranney)
This report is a tad late due to waiting for pictures... grins
It took a bit but James managed to get his planned Candlelight trip on the road after negotiating a deal with Richard Downey for the combination/key.
Off report commentary: It is prudent that a representative of the Salt Lake Grotto be given the same forms and kept up to date on the changes of the combination so that it'd be easier for the "Northern Utah Cavers" to get access to the cave(s) that require them.
Since James' 4X4 has limited seating they decided to try and use Dannielle's van to get us up to the cave. Turns out Tamie decided to go ahead and drive her Bravada with Jason riding shotgun.
Using the van wasn't the best of ideas as we bottomed out hard enough to punch a hole in the oil pan. Ah well, lesson learned, but we got to the cave.
To my surprise the A-frame was no longer hanging down inside the gate. Seems the chain broke or was going to break and it's now propped up against a tree well hidden.
The opening of the gate went smoothly enough and James broke out his brand new 200' 1/2 inch rope to be rigged up. It wouldn't be enough to allow us to bounce the bottom of the shaft as we initally planned but it's enough to get into the cave.
After everything was rigged and gear sorted out. I became trip photographer and took pictures as each person went down. James of course was first, followed by Danni, Tamie, Jason and then myself. I was using a Petzl Simple bobbin... honestly I don't like the bobbin device but at least know how to use it well enough to get me where I want to go.
Once down we shed our vert gear and headed on in. Basically the others wanted to explore parts of the cave they've only caught fleeting glimpses of their first time around. For Danni and Jason it would be their first trip.
We got to Ooh Aah passage and photo-ops were taken, then "played" around the Candy Cane maze after having a look-see at Post Nasal.
Everyone was satisfied being there long enough and we made our way out. At the drift we got our gear on and I chose to use my double bungee to see if there were any kinks in it because I hadn't use it in quite a while.
Jason went first followed by Tamie and Danni. I got on rope and on the first step up after getting out of the drift something went POP!
Turns out that a temporary connection I made on my foot loop couldn't stand the strain. Heck, I thought those cable ties would've been strong enough. Guess not. Have to get a larger version next time. I down climbed a couple of steps and James pulled me back in so I can commence repairs. This time a screw-link directly to the foot-loop. Back on rope; ah, much better.
I offered James to go ahead and get on rope tandem but he didn't take me up on it. It was brand new 1/2 inch rope... definitely strong enough for the two of us. Guess he's not used to the idea yet. No biggie.
Arriving at the surface, lo there be Rob Cranney relaxing in a camping chair and eating pumpkin seeds. He initally was planning to go with us but wasn't feeling up to it.
James came up soon after and Jason and I got to working on pulling up the rope... hmm, a tad heavy... oh, no wonder...James tied his pack to the end of it to provide bottom tension for his rope-walker, I do that myself when the situation calls for it.
Rope coiled up, gate closed shut and combination lock scrambled again... Now to do something about that nasty oil leak with the van. Luckily Rob had some sealant/silicone which managed to plug up the hole nicely enough for the two to make it outta there. We headed out to the Family Tree Resturant (sans Jason and Tamie who needed to get going) and I rode home with Rob.
As usual, a good trip, a good time with good friends.
| Photography | ||||
 A kiss before caving Ralph Powers |  Tamie on rope. Ralph Powers |  Danni on her way down Ralph Powers | ||
 Peek-a-boo, Tamie sees you Dannielle Harding |  Jason photographing the Pink Popcorn Ralph Powers |  Danni and James enjoying a brief rest Ralph Powers | ||