To continue our ascent we need to climb a 30 metre vertical ladder that disappears into the black upper level of the cave. I wasn't told about this bit which looks far more frightening than the 100 metre abseil. Our guide goes first. He gives me the task of attaching the others to the safety line as they ascend one by one. I agree not thinking about the responsibility or consequences (doesn't he know I can't remember more than one instruction at a time?)
As the last person disappears from view up the ladder I'm left alone in the cold, dripping cave with only my headlamp for light. It's quiet apart from the sound of running water. I wonder what would happen if my headlamp failed.
I can't understand why it takes so long for each person to reach the top until it's my turn. I tug on the line to signal I'm coming up and begin to climb. The ladder rungs are icy cold, wet and painful to grip. It's hard work pulling myself up. Half way up I'm exhausted and need to rest. I look down but can't see anything as it's pitch black. The rope tugs on my harness. I need to climb again. As I continue I wonder why I've paid a lot of money to be cold and wet and to terrify myself. The ladder is infinitely scarier that the abseiling.
Three ladders later I've surfaced through another shaft. It's dark and there's moonlight. A little eerie but beautiful.
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