I had accepted an offer of some caving work in Goatchurch Cavern, but as it was so long since I had last been underground, I thought it would be a good idea to undertake some preparatory trips.
The first trip, on Sunday 22nd May, was slow and gentle, more to get used to the cave environment than anything else. I had the cave to myself, so I spend a long time just sitting or lying quietly in various little chambers and tubes, getting the feel of being in tightish spaces again.
The second trip, on Thursday 26th May, was more adventurous, including spending time in tighter tubes than before (Effing Tight and the oblique exit form the Maze), and having a good pong round the various ways into the Boulder Chamber.
On the third trip, on Saturday 4th June, I had two companions: Tricia Denning-Kendall, and Paula Sewell. Tricia has been a caving companion for many years and was on the memorable trip to Eastwater Swallet on 15th November 2014, when I got proper stuck; it was my first trip with Paula. We had a good time of it, ranging where ever we wanted, including slipping through the Drainpipe and exploring the hidden waterfall in the Water Chamber.
By the end of the third trip, I felt ready.
