A few weeks ago, I was told about a cave “underneath” one of the elm trees that I’ve been photographing in the current “Wych Elm in Assynt” project.

Talking to Richard (the caver), he suggested that we could go and have an adventure sometime. Too tempting!

Since my first information, I’ve been back again and discovered that I wasn’t quite concentrating (not like me?), and the cave isn’t actually underneath the elm tree, but very close by.

Still; not to worry or be too pedantic.

Saturday morning: tea and chocolate at the car park about a mile away, and off we go!

And I’m wearing the oddest array of old tatty clothes that I could find, knowing what’s about to happen.

Half way across the heather, a hail storm slams down: fortunately on our backs.

At the elm tree; base camp: Richard puts on his caving gear, and I just add yellow Marigold gloves to what I’ve already got on.

He says it’s a good idea; I think he just wants me to look a twit. Mission accomplished!

A panoramic photo sets the scene. It’s a bit distorted as a panorama, but you get the idea.

The red box was added later to show the entrance; it doesn’t exist really.

“So did you Photoshop it?”

Might have; can’t say.

I soon discover that I’m not as flexible as I was in 1978 when I went caving on an Outward Bound course.

Can’t imagine why.

Anyway, I’m soon sitting in cold water and my underpants are wet.

Some of the water coming down the waterfall on the outside is now flowing into the cave via the other “wet entrance”, and it’s direction of travel seems to be back into the hillside.

We follow this little stream on hands and knees until it disappears: it’s not very far really, but great fun none the less.

I took my proper camera with me, in a dry-bag, but with the low ceiling, don’t feel inspired to get it out.

Plus; today’s revelation of the photographic equipment: the iPhone 14 actually takes really good pictures down here.

I’m amazed.

Angular stones plus old knees, and low ceiling plus a back that’s complaining make me realise that I’ll be glad to stand up outside.

But, on the way, I want some photos of the water flowing into the “wet entrance”.

And then a bonus….. an elm leaf, brown and wrinkled on the floor.

My connection to the tree nearby is re-established!

No, I didn’t take it in with me!

Anyhow, it was easy to find, as it had a red ring around it!!!

By the time I hauled myself out of the hole, Richard was already changed into something more comfortable.

I had about half an hour’s walk into driving rain with wet pants.

At least I still had my Marigolds on.