A tribute to Lloyd Robinson

by Bob Kershaw (WRITTEN IN September 1997)

Question: What do you do when your team has run out of cave to survey and you are all depressed at the thought of nowhere to go?

Answer: Give Lloyd the aerial photographs to examine of course!

This was the scenario recently when Veronica Schumann, Andrew Wall and myself ran out of surveyable cave when we were told that there was plenty to do.

We returned to camp dejected and even faked an injury for Dorothy. Later that evening we told Lloyd of our heartache and within a few minutes of examining the photographs his experience, enthusiasm and excitement pulled us into his realm.

Tomorrow, he said, we go walking down through here.

So off we went for a hike into the unknown. A hot day walking through the grasses, between the karst and over through a narrow path that enabled us to view the surrounding area. Several openings were given a cursory examination but he said "Look here and here and here, these will go!" Lloyd's excitement grew and it became infectious!

Later traversing the edge of the karst Lloyd and Veronica stumbled into an area but alas it didn't go. Further up, and over and leaving flagging tape in case we became geographically disoriented we found a possible entrance. No you can't go down there Bob, in case the dead tree breaks and we can't get you out, said the group. Oh well! (This entrance was used the next day by Neil Anderson answering a call of nature during a survey of this upper area!).

Around the corner, another climb down was allowed and despite some reservations I got down and did a quick reccy. Behold it went! All down and a survey ensued, bringing us out an easier entrance.

The next day this cave gave up many a dark and hot secret. During the ensuing day while the "men" were bonding in this cave, the "women" found another of Lloyd's suggestions and it will eventually link to the main system.

During the initial examination of some the cave's secrets Lloyd's over enthusiasm earned my wrath despite his many years of caving experience. I was concerned with his welfare had he fallen and the rest of the party's inability to get to him quickly and to arrange a rescue. Fortunately nothing happened but it took me a considerable time - a long quick walk back, a long swim and several beers and good company - to calm down.

Lloyd might also receive the armchair caver of the year award if we had one, because he seldom caves with us in NSW. However, he saves himself for the big ones thousands of kilometres away! Walking from 9am every day and caving until late in the afternoon with the rest of us! A duration of 12 days straight with no rest days! Crawling, climbing ladders, stepping over karst, surveying and generally giving Lisa a hard time, Lloyd at almost 70 years young put many of us youngsters to shame.

If I am still caving at 60 like Lloyd is at 70 I will be extremely happy, a bonus if I am doing it at 70!

Thank you Lloyd for your enthusiasm, experience, sense of humour, caving knowledge, research and scientific studies and photographic assistance over the years in ISS. Thank you to Lloyd's family for allowing us to share him now and again.

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY Lloyd - May you have many Safe Caving trips ahead.

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