Great Douk 26.02.2012

Matt, Paul, Me and Ian

We met Ian and Matt at Bernies (Matt a fellow Rubber Duckie and Ian a caver friend from work) - Paul and I arrived a little later than planned as it seemed that every road we needed to go on had a diversion in place.After a little bit of Brekkie and a nice sugary tea we headed off to the Cave.

This particular cave was sold to me as one 'a rambler could do' and that we would pretty much be 'walking in and out' of it. As we were walking up to the cave it was joked about that we were over dressed in our PVC oversuits and helmets. No SRT gear this time and I felt a lot lighter with my new helmet which had a double A battery pack on the back instead of the heavy pack that is attached to the waist. I felt a definite improvement when I was stuck in a tight spot.

The entrance to the Cave itself was gushing with water quite slippy underfoot but not overly difficult to tackle. Inside saw a bit of a scramble then lots of walking through calf deep beautifully clear water.A few squeezes then we got to a bit of a diversion and a challenge (the first indication that this cave has been missold as 'one a rambler could do'.) As we headed up a dead end we could see that there was a potential crawl linking where we were to where we needed to be (we could also just go back the way we came and turn right to get there too but that is besides the point). Looking down the slight gab in the rock, Paul called to Ian to go to the other side of it to see if we could see his light. We could. The three of us chests to the ground, shining our lights down the crack watched as Ian crawled up this 'passage' on his chest to meet us. He made it through with no trouble. I decided to check it out too so went to the other side. I got half way up and then the fact that I hadn't completely finished dressing myself took its toll. As I reached forward to crawl flat down on the floor the water that was running through ran up my unvelcroed cuffs and right up my sleeves, very unpleasant and very VERY cold. I backed up to sort myself out and Paul had a go making it with no problems. As I was now facing the way we needed to head and feeling a bit drippy from my unvelcroed (now done up) cuffs I waited for the rest to join me and we carried on back down the cave.
After a bit more sloshing through calf deep water the cave ceiling started to lower and we were now crawling through it - another indication that perhaps this was not a cave we could just 'walk and in and out of'.

We reached an inlet in the stream we thought may have been the way forward but decided not to take it as it seemed at little squeezier than we fancied. I'm sure we could've managed it but we decided to continue the way we were pointed, which turned out to be correct. Paul took the lead  scrambled off to check we could get any further. After a while we followed, reaching another potential left hand tunnel I paused a little to get a second opinion whether to attempt it or not, seeing Paul had still continued straight we followed.
After a bit more of a crawl a tiny hole opened up above my head, enough room to stand up in, I then had the difficult task - for a short person, of pushing myself up to another squeeze using only my feet and whatever I can reach with my little legs. I love these parts :)

The next bit lead out to the top exit of the cave but not before passing through what can only be described as a cross between a Harry Potter scene and something from The Lord of The Rings - Spiders! Lots of mahoosive spiders! *shudder*.

The exit brought us out of a slight split in a rock on the surface.Something you would probably miss even if you were hopping over the rocks themselves. A quick drink and a breath of fresh air we head back down. Ian chose to take the scenic route and headed back over the fields as Paul, Matt and I squeezed back down the slit in the rocks.

Great Douk entrance

During the trip back I found it easier rather than commando crawling through the water to tackle it sideways on and roll down. Sounds silly I know but don't mock it until you've tried it - seriously. This time Matt chose to try the squeeze and managed it successfully with no hassle. I wish I had re-tried at this point - next time!
Back though the tunnels, squeezes and scrambles and back to the entrance. Just as awkward on the way out as the way in, with Paul's instruction to me to (I quote) 'take it all in the groin'. Down the cascading water quite safely and over the fields back to the car. The fog was getting dense over the hills and didn't look to be letting up so we got dried and dressed and headed for a de-brief at Bernies.

A great trip, really enjoyed it. Was a nice a short one that got the muscles moving and a nice confidence boost as we were able to execute is as a fairly novice team.
I still am definitely of the firm belief that this is not a ramblers cave - that is unless they don't mind getting a 'tad' wet :-D.

CarnEVIL of Horrors – Family Scare Attraction is Big Hit at Showzam 2012

Independent Reviewer Luci Teal visited AtmosFEAR! Entertainment Group’s CarnEVIL of Horrors family scare attraction in Blackpool for Scareworld Magazine.  Words by Luci Teal.

Taking a look around the hall I couldn’t help but be drawn to the severed heads that were hanging from a near by stair case. As I approached eerie music became more apparent, it was twisted Circus music with creepy undertones that tweaked your curiosity. I followed the music up the desolate staircase, quite cautious of what I may find around the next corner.
I was right to be cautious as waiting in the room at the top of the stairs was a clown….but not a ‘ha ha’ type of clown but a character that gave me a window of what was to come. He looked like a lost soul and was there to herd the willing victims – sorry, I mean visitors through what was once a Circus of Dreams.

I lined up with 5 other people, all of us arguing which one wanted to not to go first. I love how chivalry or order of age rank dies at the point you line up to enter a Horror Maze. It’s every man for themselves and no one wants to lead.
The group before us burst out the door next to us with a mixture of laughter and screams.
We entered and as soon as the door slams behind us the story unfurled. The master of the show was upon us to start the tale of woe. His make-up disturbing, hard to describe, almost like a car crash. You know you shouldn’t, but you can’t help but stare.
I met many a strange and curious character on my journey through, I always love the scripts when I take a trip through an AtmosFEAR! Entertainment Group maze and the effects never cease to amaze me. They pay the tiniest attention to detail and it really does make a difference to the observant visitor and chill those that don’t see it coming.
Inside the maze itself was a brilliant use of space and they did a fantastic job of putting so many encounters in such a small room. The ratio of actors to dummies was perfect, I found I was tip toeing by every character I passed ‘just in case’ and was fooled a few times, I would have definitely quickened my pace if the smallest of the clowns would have moved though.

A snake lady provided a creepy illusion to set us on our way. We are offered advice and some of our fortunes are told by a tarot reader, her costume told a tale of a once bright future that was taken away but I have a sneaky suspicion that on further inspection she would have offered us a bit more of a surprise.

Clowns help to lead us further to our fate and we meet another faded member of the Carnival who’s reputation may have been lost but power has not. We are introduced to her ‘son’ and invited to join in their act, a very creepy concept – we swiftly exit. I loved the dotty room, they had a hard job to over come the high ceiling but did well to center your focus using the random clown in the middle.
I think it was great how they used us the audience to interact with, it is so easy to make a script and get your actors to talk at people but AEG always breaks down that fourth wall which I think places an extra discomfort to the mix.

Nearing the end of the journey I was the ‘lucky’ one selected to participate in the Great Mystereos illusion, even though I knew it was just an illusion I have to say it didn’t stop me being apprehensive to take my place or stop me letting out a little whimper at the pinnacle moment.
The last scene did make me scarper a little, I have seen this character before – although not in full form, and I was still careful to creep by. It still caught me by surprise. It was hideous and the fact that it now moved did not make matters any better.

Sights, sounds and story was enough to entertain, amuse and of course scare. A great trip to the CarnEVIL of Horrors which I have to say I was happy to escape from.

For more information on AtmosFEAR! Entertainment Group visit www.atmosfearuk.com

For : Scarewold Magazine

Blackpool Dungeon

Being given the back story of the Pendle Witches I was quite excited about going to the Blackpool Dungeons, that and also the fact that I can tick this one off my list along with Edinburgh and York.
Outside was a person in costume outside freely talking to an employee of another shop, this made me a little sad as I always love to see the characters surprise their unsuspecting victims.
We paid and were let into a dark room and told not to go on the stage. At this point there were about 6 of us in the room. We waited a long time until there was any action, the first form was from the people outside pushing more punters into the room.

The Jester finally arrived in a fantastic burst of energy and gained screams from the people at the front. He started his piece which was intermittently interrupted by the people on the outside trying to get more punters to squeeze into the room. He did a good job keeping the momentum going considering the mood was continually being broken.
A good effect was used to change the scenery for the group and we were lead to another room where the story beings. I took a cautious look around whilst the programmed character at the front spun us a tale but as I was right at the back of a large group I missed the only surprise that was waiting for us in that room.

The more dungeons I visit the more I think ‘seen one, seen them all’, the scenes are the same and the story progresses in the same way. I did however, like the added quirk in the surgery room but that was about the only thing that took me by surprise.
The ending of the smugglers scene showed a wonderful use of sound and light (or lack there of). I was just a little confused about the lead up to it and was quite unsure why the actress was asking us to repeat random words.

There was a point where we were queued to enter a room and characters kept passing us every now and again faining a quick noise to make us jump. Noticing the light coming from the door they going in and out of and a glimpse of what I think was vending machine I suspect we were in the path of their break room which kind of landed me in reality a little.

Picture from Tower Times

Towards the end of the route we finally got to a place which started to tell the tale of the Pendle Witches, a short scene and a good use of video - but to be fair I can’t think of any other option there. The scene (background) itself was a little empty, it could’ve used a little more sound or movement to keep people on their toes a bit. Again the end scene was ruined by the entrance and exit (several times) of the same member of staff who was pushing people more people in to the first scene.
I enjoyed the drop ride and liked the scene that played out at the top, a good lead up for you to meet your doom!

Overall a nice experience and glad to have ‘ticked’ Blackpool off my list but was expecting so much more from something with such a built up reputation.

Tatham Wife 29/01/2012

I am sporting Paul's purple chest strap (it's not actually pink)

Well, where to start? I guess the best place would be at the beginning............ a nice early start on a brisk Sunday morning. Paul and I head over to Derbyshire to meet up with Mark, Pete and Reynard to start a little adventure. We warm up in the way the greatest Cavers possibly can, we are joined by a group of Cave rescue folk so I know this must be the choice of champions. We are, of course at Bernies. A lovely welcome with some great things to peak at to pass the time whilst waiting for the Breakfast. Apparently Bernies Big Breakfast is no mean feat - playing it safe I chose to go for a good old fashioned fry up. Looking back now I really wish I'd put real sugar in my tea, and lots of it.
After clearing our plates and supping up we head back to the cars and off in to the hills. After parking up I am loaded with equipment kindly lent to me by Pete, Mark and the Rubber Ducks. I have been given a head torch with a belt battery pack, this is the first time I have used one of these having originally stuck to the lighter options but with these I have found I lose out on the actual time to light ratio.

Now carrying an extra half of my body weight and dressed in yellow PVC I follow the rest up the hill. Hill hahahaha!

That's the 'hill' up to the Cave (but not us) **

Now this hill was a little like the Murderhorn in that episode of the Simpson's, every time you thought you were at the top you turned your head to see it go on even further.
The ground is covered with snow and I can hardly move with my gaskets on my knees and my all in one PVC on. I was embarrassingly dragging behind with everyone striding ahead, I thought I was relatively fit with the Roller Derby and Running that I do - WRONG!
We finally make it to the cave, the entrance is a slight waterfall and is beautiful with the recent snow fall, icicles decorate the outside and I could see water droplets running underneath the sheets of ice that covered the rocks.
Mark and Reynard go ahead to rig the first bit, we (I) have a quick breather and follow suit. A nice cave, a bit of everything - depending how far you want to go.

The first pitch was straight down no messing, not too far and the the rope continued on to the next descent. This one was a little more tricky and I am not ashamed to stay I struggled a little.The first bit was easy enough but as the rope pretty much dropped straight down with the water so a divination was hooked up to the left with the rope going through a sling. The idea being that you abseiled down and unhooked the sling from the bottom of you and re hooked it above you. At this point all sense of co-ordination left me - this not being helped by Paul yelling "swing over and hook it in". I knew what I was MEANT to do but the body just wasn't communicating with the brain. After a few failed attempts of pulling myself over whilst clinging desperately onto the sling Pete offered that I should just continue down with the sling off the line and Paul could pick it up behind me. Grateful for the suggestion I continued down the rope with Paul quite easily picking up the job I couldn't do (Show off!).

We continued on, some decent clambers and scrambles, this rounded off with a wonderful crawl. It was one of the annoying ones where you have to keep you head pointed down so you don't actually know that the place has opened up and you are now scrambling along a wide cavern. I, being a little smaller than the blokes with me could manage to straighten every once in a while for a bit of welcomed relief on my knees.
The last descent was another deviation but this one was easier than the last, not sure if I had realised my mistake by this point or if it was just that my body was working in harmony with my brain. Either way I made it down with no trouble.

At the bottom of the rope the cave continues to a rift then on to wonders including a duck and sump. Feeling a little at my limit I was incredibly relieved when Pete said he was heading back. Paul needed no persuasion at all to continue and clipped himself to the next rope to abseil down and join Mark and Raynard. Pete hooked back on to the rope and prussiked up and when I got the all clear for the roped I followed suit. I distinctly remember prussiking being a lot easier than I was making it. I guess the weight of the water and my equipment didn't help matters at this point. We continued on, back through the crawl then climbing back up the rocks. I can't thank Mark enough for the loan of the neoprene gloves and socks, they made the trip so much nicer. Even when soaked wet through they were still warm - made a mental note to add some to my shopping list.

Back to the next ascent and the deviation, a lot easier to tackle it on the way up that it had been on the way down. Just prussik up as far as it will go then unclip the sash and clip it underneath you. At this point though I am very shattered and thinking of that loooong drudge ahead, I resorted to using both feet in my foot loop to push myself up the rope - I am not sure if this helped or not.
Managed easily to swing over to the side and unhook myself from the rope then continued the journey. Nearly to the opening now and I have completely lost Pete. There is an opening where you could possibly take two routes, I chose what looked to be the easiest way round (which may I add is not always the case) and ran as fast as I could to try and catch up with Pete, no sign of him - how quickly does that guy move?? - seriously?? I definitely need more practise at caving me thinks. He is that far ahead I am beginning to think I chose the wrong passage but then I catch glimpses of wet scuff marks on tighter bits of the cave walls so realise I am on the right track and he can't be too far away - either that or I am following something completely different.

Tatham Wife Hole

Finally day light and another mad scramble, this is one of those annoying difficult shelves for short people like me. I wasn't tall enough to climb up using my feet so I had to try and push myself up with my arms and use my knees to scramble to the top. Made it!
Fresh air and snow falling slightly, it was getting dark and quite chilly. Pete offered me a Yorkie biscuit which I gladly took and wolfed down.
The trip back down the hill (*cough* mountain) wasn't as bad as the tip up as I could hear the car calling me as soon as I took to my feet.
Back at the car it was a mad rush to get in to warm dry clothes. Thank god for big purple hoodies, so glad I packed it. Pete offered me a little mug of coffee and it was the best I have EVER tasted (I don't like coffee but this didn't even touch the sides, just what the Doctor ordered *not to self - bring flask of hot drink next time*).
Overall a great trip, very enjoyable. A little annoyed with myself that I seem so much unfitter than last time I went caving. Still there is no other way to get fit to go down a cave apart from going down a cave - so bring on the next one!
On a personal note, I think for me this one was harder than the Swildons Round Trip (maybe due to lack of fitness, not sure) - so definitely one for jack Osbourne to steer clear of.

**Picture from geograph.org.uk