Caving Men
Having recently returned to caving, I’ve been observing characteristics of cavers and the caving community.
One of the most striking I’ve noticed is the way caving seems to bring out the best in men - let me give you three examples: the Horticulturist, the Hobbit and the Hero*.
The Horticulturist is an older man, perhaps my father’s age. Above ground he is quiet and mild, joining in with jokes, and rather unassuming, not expressing his negative opinions of others or situations. Underground he becomes a leader and is often the key decision maker on ‘wherwegoin’to?’ He inspires confidence and enabled me to do Sump1 when I felt so fearful I was physically unable to attempt it.
The Hobbit, above ground, I didn’t think I’d like - far too full of innuendo and jokes (most of which I don’t understand, and the ones I do I wish I didn’t.) But underground, he’s a fantastic cave leader: he’s thoughtful, observant, considerate of the novices, up for a challenge. If he pointed me at a small hole, I’d go through it, trusting his judgement (and his ability to get me out if I ever really did get stuck).
And talking of getting me out of holes, there’s the Hero. He’s the founding member of the CRO (Clarie Rescue Organisation) and has pulled me out, or patiently waited for me to squeeze out, of most of the stupid holes I’ve been in. He’s towed me down Green Canal, and been a foothold countless time when my short legs just don’t reach. He’s incredibly strong and fit, yet never complains about going slow. Again above ground, you’d never know this about him.
And that’s not to mention the myriad of other men I’ve caved with - one of whom, the best cave leader I’ve ever known, I went out with more or less on that basis.
So it leaves me with the question: Do all men have this potential for being good leaders, strong and considerate men? (and caving, like any other risky activity, brings it out?)
Or is there something intrinsic about caving itself, that it develops this sort of bloke?
Or have I just been lucky and gone caving with some good‘uns?
Discuss…
*names changed to protect their identities ;-)
cross posted to the ukcaving.com forum
One of the most striking I’ve noticed is the way caving seems to bring out the best in men - let me give you three examples: the Horticulturist, the Hobbit and the Hero*.
The Horticulturist is an older man, perhaps my father’s age. Above ground he is quiet and mild, joining in with jokes, and rather unassuming, not expressing his negative opinions of others or situations. Underground he becomes a leader and is often the key decision maker on ‘wherwegoin’to?’ He inspires confidence and enabled me to do Sump1 when I felt so fearful I was physically unable to attempt it.
The Hobbit, above ground, I didn’t think I’d like - far too full of innuendo and jokes (most of which I don’t understand, and the ones I do I wish I didn’t.) But underground, he’s a fantastic cave leader: he’s thoughtful, observant, considerate of the novices, up for a challenge. If he pointed me at a small hole, I’d go through it, trusting his judgement (and his ability to get me out if I ever really did get stuck).
And talking of getting me out of holes, there’s the Hero. He’s the founding member of the CRO (Clarie Rescue Organisation) and has pulled me out, or patiently waited for me to squeeze out, of most of the stupid holes I’ve been in. He’s towed me down Green Canal, and been a foothold countless time when my short legs just don’t reach. He’s incredibly strong and fit, yet never complains about going slow. Again above ground, you’d never know this about him.
And that’s not to mention the myriad of other men I’ve caved with - one of whom, the best cave leader I’ve ever known, I went out with more or less on that basis.
So it leaves me with the question: Do all men have this potential for being good leaders, strong and considerate men? (and caving, like any other risky activity, brings it out?)
Or is there something intrinsic about caving itself, that it develops this sort of bloke?
Or have I just been lucky and gone caving with some good‘uns?
Discuss…
*names changed to protect their identities ;-)
cross posted to the ukcaving.com forum