Saturday 18th February 2023

Mike Kushy, Courtenay James and Monica Bollani. Took in 2 drills and a Daren drum of cement. CJ and MB went to dig at Tooth Dig whilst MK went to the cemented dig. I carried on work enlarging the bottom, a strong acoustic connection with the others in Tooth Dig, estimate about 15m apart and probably at the same depth...but need to survey both digs. Some cement work will be needed at the sharp end to remove larger rocks in the ceiling, which will then allow access into the 'chamber' ahead. With all buckets filled and batteries used and no sign of the others I went to join them. 2 1/2 hours.

The other site is much more spacious since I was last there, a good draught. My feeling is the dig is going to force digging downwards at this point. Courtenay had been working on removing a large boulder at floor level opposite the squeeze into the dig. A good view beyond the Boulder can be seen with a floor strewn with black cobbles, also a very good draught emanating from here. 4 1/2 hours in all. The full tub of cement is in a red bag part way down the bedding and there's 2 and a bit half bags of sand (enough for a cementing session). Mike.

Monica at the sharp end of Tooth Dig

(Photo at a horizontal angle)

Photo of the sharp end, 1ft chisel

Clean washed rock above the sharp end, the sound connection from the cemented dig comes through here.

Sunday 12th February 2023

Mike Kushy, Andy Thompson and Frank Tully. Took in 2 x 1/2 bags of sand and a drill. Andy and Frank went to recent dig at the Boulder Rift dig, now referred to as the 'Tooth Dig'. Mike went to the cemented dig. Some more space made in the small boulder chamber, filled up 7 small buckets of spoil. Was able to squeeze into the horizontal part. A view onto what looks like a chamber with a solid wall, all clean washed and where the strongest draught comes from. Should be able to chip off the boulders either side to get into it, but it may take a few more sessions yet. Andy and Frank joined me about 2ish and the buckets were cleared up cave, one more load of 6 small buckets were filled and lifted up also. Ended the session with some cementing, whilst Frank and Andy opened up the top rope area to make hauling easier. 2 and a bit half bags of sand and no cement at dig site  Not sure how long, est' 4 1/2 hours. Mike.

https://youtu.be/YQ8h5c_rVx4

Frank Tully, Andrew Thompson. We arrived at the dig for 11.30 and Frank took the first shift removing the floor to create some more space in the Boulder Chamber dig. After many buckets had been passed out, and Frank's legs had gone dead from the awkward position, I moved in to start removing the mud going forward. We managed to gain another foot or so. Amongst the spoil that was removed, we found a tooth. It is believed to belong to a Woolly Rhinoceros and will see the dig rechristened "Tooth Dig". Once we had both spent all of our energy and had a little play with the crowbar, we backed off to help Mike remove his spoil and mix him some cement. 3 hours. A Thompson.