Trip Report
I arrived 10 minutes early (as I always do) and, having waited more than 20 mins, I made my way to the usual parking spot.
The local farm (opposite) had 1000 sheep in the pen and since the gate was partly open, they were jumping over each other trying to get out of my way.
Alighting from my vehicle I trod in several mountains of sheep shit and, to be frank, my leather work shoes are now fooked.
Realising I was going to be alone, I got changed under the eyes of 999 sheep (I think one was crushed and unable to watch) and then I made my way up to the mine.
It was cold, wet and windy and the sheer blast of cold air nearly caused me to turn back but I was determined to brave it out even if no one else was.
I arrived at the upper mine and found a river of sludge to crawl through to get in - being a trooper, this was no problem and I entered the mine covered head to foot in sheep shit and gloop.
The mine was fairly warm and some of the cack dried and cracked emitting a somewhat less than pleasant aroma.
I explored most of the mine and remembered, the whole time, that I had already seen every particle therein. Nevertheless, this was a caving night and I was caving.
I made it past the rough marble plate and down along to the old drop, coming back up the winze where I belly crawled through water almost to the ceiling, only surviving drowning by keeping my head twisted to the side. The water was icy cold but that doesn't matter to me.
I left the top section and entered the middle adit and made my way to the rear damn (which is now broken) and recalled previously scooting over with Crazy John underneath in the water grabbing everyone's goolies as they carefully traversed the water below (which everyone fell into). I was relieved the water was gone.
I came out frozen solid from the ice water, sheep shit and cack and made it back to my car and the waiting 998 sheep (another one had been crushed).
I changed back into my sheep shitted leather shoes and went home having had a ball of a time.
You all missed an awesome trip.
Ian