Basecamp - Setup
Sat 30 Jul 2022
Luke Stangroom
Luke Stangroom
Blog Author: Luke
In our 2 year absence, some wasps had conveniently weaved a hat for the expedition Mascot but everything else seemed to be in order.
Photo Credit: Julia Day
With a well-manned first week, many hands made light work and base camp was rigged before the expedition had officially started.
Photo Credit: Julia Day
This meant by Monday we were already on our way up to the top camp looking to set up the all-important water collection tarp to catch the forecasted rain. The lack of snow was noted in comparison to 2019 when the bivy site and one of the caves we were meant to be pushing were completely snowed over. Once again with a strong team, we managed to set up top camp in a day despite the temperature soaring into the 30's. Now, all we had to do was wait for the promised rain and the place would be habitable.
The Bivy Site disguised as a snow drift and inside Photo Credit: Jonty Pine
With the water buts full we could finally make a start at rigging the caves to the pushing front. This involved carrying a load of gear up the hill and over some treacherous limestone plateau. This has been fondly named the plateau monster, fortunately, it hasn't caused any serious injuries this year but it has been known to break and twist legs in previous years.
The Plateau Monster with its toothy grin....... Photo Credit: Jonty
Although we don't have helicopters or even donkeys we do have a very atmospheric walk up.
Photo credit: Jonty Pine and Luke Stangroom
All the hard work carrying and rigging means we are now ready to explore some new passage. With two trips planned for tomorrow to the pushing front, we are finally ready to explore some caves.....
Photo Credit: Julia Day
With a well-manned first week, many hands made light work and base camp was rigged before the expedition had officially started.
Photo Credit: Julia Day
This meant by Monday we were already on our way up to the top camp looking to set up the all-important water collection tarp to catch the forecasted rain. The lack of snow was noted in comparison to 2019 when the bivy site and one of the caves we were meant to be pushing were completely snowed over. Once again with a strong team, we managed to set up top camp in a day despite the temperature soaring into the 30's. Now, all we had to do was wait for the promised rain and the place would be habitable.
The Bivy Site disguised as a snow drift and inside Photo Credit: Jonty Pine
With the water buts full we could finally make a start at rigging the caves to the pushing front. This involved carrying a load of gear up the hill and over some treacherous limestone plateau. This has been fondly named the plateau monster, fortunately, it hasn't caused any serious injuries this year but it has been known to break and twist legs in previous years.
The Plateau Monster with its toothy grin....... Photo Credit: Jonty
Although we don't have helicopters or even donkeys we do have a very atmospheric walk up.
Photo credit: Jonty Pine and Luke Stangroom
All the hard work carrying and rigging means we are now ready to explore some new passage. With two trips planned for tomorrow to the pushing front, we are finally ready to explore some caves.....