CUCC Expeditions to Austria: 1976 - 2023

Eislufthöhle

Due to Julian's late arrival to tell us that there was no tackle at 106, we aborted the evening walk up and chopped the 110m rope in two. 5 am start saw us underground by 8.30 (ugh !). Fairly quick even with 3 tackle bags down to HotGK, then slower as the traversing progressed. Traversing seemed easier than last year to Fiesta Run (very horrible). Then N & J's 3m pitch - obvious that new bolt needed - Ben feeling cool after a few minutes so him to bolt.

Andy W set off to look for more protectors, bolts etc. on yesterday's route. Down the 5/10 to a large chamber, free climb down to ante-chamber, interesting hole up in left wall. Descending traverse to another pitch - still no tackle in sight so down 5m - aha ! a can and a tackle bag - quick nip down the next 15m for a brief look - uninspiring and then out - very much more strenuous and horrific ascender slip of the top 5m pitch back to Ben - bolt finished - just waiting for hanger. Replaced Marlow by 45m Interalp - rebelay and Ben abseils into the unknown. One small rub, then thrutchy - then - FREE !

30m in an expanding shaft to a ledge, a few more metres to a second ledge with a cross rift descending for a further 30m ? Rift getting wider to left under a rock bridge and remarkable pinnacle of limestone, Obvious rebelay needed - less obvious best place to put it: far wall to the left best - and most difficult ! Ben ascends, Andy W descends for a look ferrying tackle bag / bolting gear down. A couple of stones lobbed suggest a landing in a pool with rift continuing to left - possibly a further drop. A belayed gear and then Tempus Fugit forced exit. Long slog out with lots of ascender slippage including a certain amount of free fall by Andy W despite very frequent toothbrush stops. Up to HotGK OK and not too long to get out -