Blast
from the Past - Excerpts from Jim Newton's Diary
Bull Pot (Kingsdale) 10th. January 1965
Team: J.Newton,
I.Carruthers, W.Holden, M.Wilkinson, R.Kirkham, D. Baldwin, D.Hodgson, E.Rogerson, J.Kirkham.
It had been
raining most of the week and was still raining on the Sunday. Water was flowing
down the usually dry river bed and Yordas Cave was full of water to within
three feet of the entrance roof. There was a large amount of water going down
Bull Pot, which was met on the second pitch (20 feet). Both of the usual third
pitches were impossible to descend so we descended between the two. This was
dry but the fourth pitch was not (60 feet). We were unable to avoid it or
divert it. Ian and Bill went down, followed by Duncan, who returned after
reaching the ledge and deciding that it was too wet for him. I went down next
and was follow by Jim Kirkham, who had not got a suit on.
We went to the
head of the last pitch, which seemed to be half full of water. Jim was now
feeling cold so we made haste and rushed him back out while the others
de-laddered. A normally easy trip made very interesting by the water.
Rowten Pot
(Kingsdale) 7th. February 1965
Team: J Newton,
I Carruthers, W. Holden, D. Baldwin, D. Hodgson, E. Rogerson, B. Kelly.
A cool spring day with a fairish amount of water
going down Rowten from the melting snow. We descended down the gully to the
ledge and I went down the 110 foot pitch to the top of the 50 foot pitch with a
ladder tied on my belt to avoid hanging about under the water, which we met at
the top of the pitch. Ian came down next and life-lined me down the 50 foot. He
was followed by Brian, Eric, Hodge and Duncan with Bill last on a double line,
which did not run very well. Brian and Eric, who were not wearing suits were
now very wet and cold so we bombed down the last two small pitches, 30 and 20
feet, to the sump.
We were held up on the outward journey as we were
unable to comprehend shouts and signals on the long pitch but eventually
reached the surface at about 4:30. A fine evening and a good night in The
Marton Arms.
Sandra Wilkinson in her new
wet suit . - 1967
