Cover: Andy King in Torca del Regalom, Picas de Europa
Photograph by Tim Guilford

Features

Images from the Past
The controversial character of Eli Simpson features in this month's Images from the Past.

The Last Bolt
Ting! ting! ting! ting! ting! It's so close now, the bolt half done. The last bolt, I think. I hope. I can hardly hear myself hammering against the thunder of the water. It's three in the morning, hanging in triers high on a water-flooded pitch.

Breaking the Black Keld Barrier
It is fifty years since the first dives were made into Black Keld, an enormous resurgence in the Yorkshire Dales. Nearly thirty years have passed since the last major breakthrough - but now Brian Judd is through the barrier and heading into the unknown.

The Descent Caption Competition
There are three winners in the caption competition; Dark Life is their prize.

With Sun and Enthusiasm
The Forest of Dean's caving symposium has justly gained a reputation for an excellent weekend's blend of caving and lectures. Jules Carter reports on the 2000 event.

Caving and the Media: The Plot
We've all heard it: 'Cavers, are you? Mad!' The problem is, attitudes such as these spill over into the media - newspapers, magazines, television, radio, films ... We and our sport are frequently portrayed as the lunatic fringe; where there is no sun, there can be no understanding. But how much of this is our own fault, brought on by our attitudes - and what can we do to bring about change?

Gear Review: LED Lights
Light Emitting Diodes are heralding the next generation of caving lamps. Two options are tested: a ready-made headlight and replacement LED bulbs to adapt your own rig.

Jade Green Water
Sixty-five years ago the first dives were made in Wookey Hole. Using cumbersome hard hats, a base-fed hose and hand-pumped air, three divers took turns to walk into the unknown. On 14 July cavers gathered in the Third Chamber to commemorate the event; to look into the jade-green water and think what it must have been like, all those years ago.

Descent