John Thomas Cave

Friday 19th December

Cavers: Ray & Nathaniel

Cave: John Thomas Cave, Co. Fermanagh, NI, UK

After Ray’s less-than-successful diving attempt on the North Coast on Thursday — involving bad wash, swell, being knocked over, and ending up sprawled on the sand like a beached whale — we were already questioning our life choices. Thankfully, the sea had won it for me, while Nat continued the dive, but the caves were still calling, and I still learnt a lot so it was ok.

On the drive back to the Hub (Caving Hut), we discussed plans for the next day. Options included Monastir Sink, John Thomas, checking the sump at Monastir, or draining the water-filled passage at the top of the pitch in John Thomas. After much deep discussion (and probably some wishful thinking), we decided that John Thomas Cave.

Nathaniel headed off to get some tanks filled while I got tubing ready for the following day. I did some work on Friday morning, while Nathaniel — having not got back until the early hours — sensibly grabbed some much-needed sleep. At around 3 pm, I placed the call-out for John Thomas Cave, shortly followed by Nathaniel confirming he was also on his way.

We met at the parking area, then headed down the track towards the cave, looking at the valleys and dolines along the way. At the entrance, we pushed the pipe through the first squeeze (always fun), down the climbs, across the traverse, down the slope, and into the main chamber. From there it was a careful, slip-and-slide journey over to the small pitch. SRT kits on, and up we went.

Once the pipe was set up, it took a few attempts, but eventually we managed to get a strong flow going. Water poured over the pitch like a small underground river, which felt like a win. With drainage underway, we headed deeper into the cave for a bit of exploration.

Along the way, we found what looked like a horse or cow tooth. I showed Nathaniel a few passages, including the route up through the hole towards the breakthrough bedding-plane squeeze. I even pointed out a snail and warned Nathaniel to watch it — only for him to accidentally crush the poor thing on the way back. RIP snail.

We continued past the puddle-skimming section into the Grand Chamber, then into the gour pool area, and down the dry rift to a truly beautiful chamber that would impress anyone. Nathaniel carried on through the ducks and canal towards near the end of the cave, while I headed back to the gour pools to investigate a rift that, disappointingly, went absolutely nowhere.

After regrouping, we returned to the pitch area where we’d been draining water. The level had dropped by about 10–12 inches, allowing us to explore that previously flooded passage —cold it was!, mind you. It was blocked with mud at the end, but it looks like a possible dig for the future. Nathaniel also found an air bell area, so with a bit more water removal, there may be more to see here yet.

We surveyed the drained section and took notes, estimating the passage to be around 17–20 metres long.

Eventually, we headed back out under a clear night sky, returned to the Hub, washed the kit, and grabbed some food. Nathaniel then headed into the barn to make dive reels for future adventures, burning the midnight oil, while I sat down to type this up.

Raymond Bell