Swildon's

Many thanks to Mick for organising the trip and to the other water babies present. It was around twenty years ago that I was last down there (I know I don't look that old!) so it was great to go back. Doug once again determined to show us his heroic status by wearing a furry for the short round trip . I think the club should start saving up scraps of neoprene so we can make him a wetsuit. Luckily we were able to enjoy the wet way down . I managed to dob around needing assistance to identify Tratman's temple (thanks for the help) and the way on. Eventually we were sorted and proceeded to enjoy the delights of a series of ducks (not the feathery ones! ). What can I say, the water was warm and inviting and it was very relaxing to drift slowly from one section of passage to another. The bread pudding I had taken in my helmet in a plastic bag survived well and was only a little bit soggy. There was one squeeze that suggested an increase in my girth but I don't wish to brag. After a little more dobbing at the end we finally arrived at the streamway. I felt slightly cheated as the round trip wasn't muddy at all! Where had all the mud gone! We ambled back to the sump which was as pleasant as I remembered it and clambered back out. Two of our members did not feel like getting acquainted with the water any further and decided to exit via a dry way. After a bit of a wait and a lager party of young adventurers exiting they finally made their appearance. They probably went the long dry way . It was then with much joy in our hearts and a little water in my wellies that we returned to the wonderful Wessex facilities.