Ogof Ffynnon Ddu 2, Sunday 10th January 2016 by Huw Jones

Andrew Zerbino, Michael Bergerac Young, Tom Williams, Vicky Blumel and Huw Jones

Photos – Huw Jones

Outside SWCCAfter a false start where there were no SWCC members around to sort us out with a key, we had a pleasant introductory trip into OFD 2. The passages and sights included Gnome, Salubrious, Trident, Judge, Swamp Creek, Selenite, Shatter Pillar, Cross Rift etc. Headed upto entrance with a group from Cambridge Uni and bumped into two different groups from Morgannwg CC, underground.

(2) Group in Gnome 2(5) Formations Vicky 2

Afterwards, we called into the Ancient Britton for a pint and to celebrate Vicky’s birthday with the cupcakes she brought along. One of the landlords (at least I think he was!) kindly lent us a candle! A short while later, we were joined by the Morgannwg lot.

BCC&MCC Ancient BritCupcakes

Bridge Cave, Sunday 17th January 2016 by Vicky Blumel

Vickey Blumel, Barry Burn, Huw Durban, Helen John, Tom Williams and Andrew Zerbino

Photos – Barry Burn and Huw Durban

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On Sunday 17th January 2016, Ground covered in snow and the Thermometer reading 1 degree – We decided to take a little trip into Bridge Cave, Ystradfellte.

As expected it was cold… very cold and we were thoroughly looking forward to getting changed in temperature that would make penguins jealous.

Bridge Cave starts as a low but short crawl until you reach a small boulder choke which opens up into the impressive streamway beyond. With two relatively tight squeezes before and after the choke – It is ideal for first timers and children.

Barry’s photos:-

Although a small cave – it has impressive formations, a waterfall and some climbs that are easily accessible even for myself (I am short) We thoroughly enjoyed the belly crawl to the sump in possibly the coldest water I have experienced!

Helen led us up the rocky walls above the waterfall, across a shelf which overlooks the streamway and onto a pretty little grotto. The grotto entrance is just wide enough to fit your helmet through and snake your way in. Inside it is beautifully decorated from waterbed to roof – definitely a must see if you’re visiting.

Huw’s photos :-

Our exit from the cave wasn’t as simple as the entry – Tom was adamant that we had taken a wrong route up the choke and that we were going the wrong way. A woman is always right and once again my sense of direction kicked in to prove we were actually right on track.

Huw and Barry captured some amazing photographs of our little trip – Zeb was happy to pose for them.

The day was rounded off with a small snowball fight, a brush with death thanks to black ice and a Pint (Hot coffee for us drivers).
Note to self for next visit – Invest in some wetsocks!