Winnats Head Cave - Ann Soulsby

Present: Ann Soulsby, Jess Stirrups, Alex Crow, Alastair Gott, Grace Chu, Phil Wolstenholme, Clive Westlake, Luke Brock, Louise McMahon

'Unfortunately I now have even more ghosts to put to bed so I will have to go in again at some point - MAYBE'

This was the last line of my trip report from Saturday 3 January 2009 after meeting with an unfortunate accident at the bottom of Winnats Head. Most of you, who cave with me, know that I have politely declined any further trips into this system. On Sunday however i was swayed as I really needed a trip following the lack of current trips due to inclement weather conditions.

I reasoned that as Clive wanted to take photos in Fox Chamber I could have a good trip but keep away from the bottom. I did not however anticipate Jess encouraging me futher and further into the system. She was detemined that I was going to as last lay the ghosts to rest. I whimpered going down the slot knowing how difficult it was to climb back up. After this I reasoned I may as well go all the way.

Sitting at the bottom near the sump I looked up the slope and boulders that I had bounced down and realised just how lucky I had been not to break any bones. Jess was brilliant supporting me on the way back up and it does seem a lot roomier than it used to be but I cannot work out where it has been modified (if it has). I was a bit whimpish on the slot but after a couple of half hearted attempts I managed to get my head together and used my legs instead of hanging on and trying to pull myself up :roll: .

By now I was elated sat at the top of the awkward pitches watching Jess struggle. Whilst Jess took off her SRT kit to enable her to climb we encountered a traffic jam with the photo group making there way down to the bottom. We managed to exchange and I carried on out with Jess, Lizzie & Luke. I was quite happily leading the way and taking in the sights finally managing to appreciate this beautifal cave. Many thanks to Jess for bullying me into this.