A new event has been added to the Events page.
Event name: Big Bash 2008 2nd - 9th August - Lake DistrictDate & time: 01/08/2008 at 10:00Details: Following on from Big Bash 2007, what was a great success. We now have Big Bash 2008 Lake District 2nd to the 9th August.
What is the Big Bash?
For those who didn’t come in 2007 then you don’t understand what you missed. There be many a tale from that week and I’m sure some will become legend!
The idea of the Big Bash was to bring together the members of DarkPlaces & others. Whether you are new or old, novice or a pro then you are welcome. Spending the week in good company exploring dark places. Its as simple as that
Why the lakes?
The lakes have to be in the top 3 best locations in the country for underground exploring. It also offers a massive diversity of explores.
What we doing different this year
• As many will know already, we are not camping this year. We are instead going to use a huge Bunk barn. This has bunk space for 32 people. (Info below)
• No petrol fueled camp fires (There is a wood burner! Don’t get any ideas Rubber duck!)
• It was said by many that they will think about bringing the other half next year. I’m hoping you do, be good to see more of the other half contingent
Accommodation
Rydal Hall Bunk House
(Flash Earth)
Description of Barn
Set in the grounds of Rydal Hall, in a historic Westmorland bank barn, the bunkhouse has two dormitories with bunk beds which can sleep a total of 32 (one 18, one 14)
Facilities
Users need to bring their own sleeping bags. There is a large common room with a splendid wood-burning stove to keep you warm, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and a games room with pool and table-tennis. The toilet and shower facilities are simple and efficient (included in the cost of rental). The whole comprises a simple and functional facility, with the atmosphere of a traditional mountain hut or Alpine refuge.
What’s it going to cost?
This will depend very much on how many of you come! The Barn sleeps 32. if we fill all 32 places (bearing in mind we had twenty odd members at 2007 BB) then the price will be low. If we don’t fill all spaces then we will have to make up the short fall. Places in the barn will come on a first come first serve basis to be fair.
Price based on all 32 places being taken
£64 per person for 8 nights That £8 a night!
The Bunk barn worked out to be the cheapest option by far. Camping would have worked out more if you do all the sums and add electric gas fire wood/charcoal. The Bunk barn price includes electric, gas, shower, fire wood. And if you don't own a tent then you don't have to buy one.
Please can all attendees that wish to stay at the Bunk Barn please give me a minimum deposit of £10 to confirm you place. (PM me for details)
If you want to pay me more or even the full amount then please do if you wish.
Please be assured that I will not retire early to the Bahamas's on your deposit money, and that your money is safe with me. Plus too many of you know where I live icon_wink.gif
Please check back to this first post for all current and upto date information and events
Attendees
1. SimplyExploring - ***Paid in full***
2. Smurfette - ***Paid in full***
3. Going Under
4. Clunk - Deposit Paid
5. Gizz
6. Orinoco
7. LilBro - ***Paid in full***
8. Walrus - Deposit Paid
9. Cosmic Angel - Deposit Paid
10. J
11. Jimbo - Deposit Paid
12.
13. Wormster - Deposit Paid
14. Lab Rat - Deposit Paid
15. Fuzz - Deposit Paid
16. Silent Dave
17. Root
18. Bert- G.U
19. Dan- G.U
20. Darkstar - Deposit Paid
21. Frigbob - Deposit Paid
22. Miles - Deposit Paid
23. mines a pint - Deposit Paid
24. andyb
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Itinerary & Trip List information
1. Saturday - Poke around somewhere local dependant on who has arrived!
2. Sunday - Coniston Copper mine (SRT and non SRT)
The Coniston copper mines represent some of the best and largest copper mines we have in this country! and from my experience I would have to say the best I have ever seen. With a hole in every direction there is something for everyone. If there is enough interest form SRT types then we will do the Coniston through trip! and for non srt types then there is still plenty to look at and see.
3. Monday - Smallcleugh to ramp gill through trip (SRT and non SRT)
Some of you have done parts of this trip at varying times. 1st part of the trip will be into the far reaches of Smallcleugh to the Ballroom (via the 10 crawls for the racing snakes or the Misery for those who dont fancy belly crawls). Possibly further on to Barrons Sump depending how adventurous everybody feels.
From there back through the Misery and Wheel Flats (with the odd diversion) and back to Prouds Sump
Prouds Sump is bolted and a descent of two pitches (1st around 80 feet, 2nd about 40 feet) spectacularly emerging through the ceiling of flats above Rampgill Mine. From the flats through a short laddered hopper to emerge in Rampgill. From there down to the famous Whisky Bottle Junction. And a wander through the quite damp Rampgill Mine ith various veins shooting off in other direction,
There is the scope to spend as much time in this mine(s) as you wish. It can be a 6 to 8 hour trip extended as much as you like by wandering off in various direction. As you leave you will pass Brewery Shaft (300 feet).
There are the two abseils down through Prouds Sump but no ascending involved.
4. Tuesday – BorrowDale Wad Mine (SRT and non SRT)
This is a mine that does not feature much, and for those who love a bit of SRT then this should be a cracker. First taking in the upper level (Known as the labyrinth) suitable for non srt types. Then making 4 descents through the mine into the old workings and finally making the final decent down Dixon's pipe to the lower level where we will exit. So this makes a easy srt trip with no going back up!!!
5. Wednesday – Threlkeld Museum – Long Churn Cave & More – (Special Trip for a lucky eight!)
This traditionally is our day of rest! but last year there was still some very keen people to get out there and doing something. Threlkland museum is worth a look if you like mining and quarry history. www.threlkeldminingmuseum.co.uk
But for those who want to get underground then there is Long Churn Cave, this will also take in Alum Pot and Diccan Pot. (PM DarkStar for more details)
Also I have arranged a special trip for a lucky 8 people, where you will embark on one of the best mining trips ever! to Boulby Potash Mine. The lucky 8 will be decided from names in a hat lucky draw. Trips to Boulby are hard to get and a waiting list of a year is very normal. So don't miss out!
6. Thursday - GreenSide Mine - To be confirmed!!!
7. Friday – Carock Wolfram Mine - Then in evening Honister Slate Mine (PM for Details)
Carrock was the only mine outside of Cornwall to produce Wolfram so on its own is a very unique mine to see. This will be a easy explore of the lower levels with the option for the more hardcore lot to go higher on the old wooden ladders.
8. Saturday - Brownley hill - Lead Mine
Brownley Hill is a vast lead/zinc mine on the outskirts of Nenthead, worked well into the 20th century.
Very large workings that geologically are still a commercially viable for Zinc production, you could again litterally wander for days in this mine.
There are areas of poor air quality but they are easily avoided, this mine is pretty 3 dimmensional with lots of clambering around and a fair bit of water (mostly below thiigh depth)
A full days wander is feasable in Browley Hill with lots to see
Event added by: SimplyExploring
Full event:
http://www.aditnow.co.uk/events/?uid=28