John Cooper, Nigel Graham, Pete Hann, Mike Kushy, Kate Lawrence, Adrian Vanderplank and Jude Vanderplank. Cool again today at 6°C, overcast with occasional sunny gaps in the clouds. John descended and hung the floodlight on the bottom, still to installed, ladder before returning to the surface. He noticed the ladder rungs were clean-washed from rain earlier in the week. Kate then descended to the bottom of the slot, Jude to the top of the slot and Adrian was stationed at John’s new wall so that gravel could be deposited behind it. Hauling started and 10 loads of gravel were stashed behind the wall before Adrian decided that was sufficient. He then descended to join Kate and more gravel and rocks hauled up. When Jude had had enough she came to the surface and Adrian station himself at the slot. More hauling until enough was declared and hauling for the day ceased. A total of 30 loads of gravel to the surface and 6 loads of rocks removed from the bottom. John then descended to collect his light but was persuaded to descend through the slot. Having done so he continued on down the hole in the West wall, along and down the passage heading West for a couple of metres before a cross rift was met. Left was blocked but right continued narrow for a couple of metres before pinching down to only 50mm wide. However through this could be seen another drop of a couple of metres and wider passage. Will need banging to pass and hope the roof further back doesn’t come down with the shock wave. John out, Kate out and finally Adrian. 3½ hours. John.
