I am proud of you. It’s not easy getting to know your limits as you grow older. Nothing would have enticed me into that hole and if it did I would have got stuck for sure. When I was young nothing could stop me on my adventures, I went on an old tram , hung on for dear life as it thundered down a steep slope into the salt mines ( caverns ) in Bavaria I went on a row boat into the throat of the devil ( Iguazu Falls ) while everyone was screaming I was taking snap shots. Today I would not try that with these old bones. My biggest thrill is waking up alive and putting two feet on the ground while mumbling in pain and hoping my legs still work for the trip to the loo . 😂. I’m glad you’re saving your energy for the garden and the homestead. A lovely visit with you again thank you Sean.
Hello Sean better luck next time, the guides are seasoned experts full of knowledge, great to hear and see photos of the original building work all those miles below the earth surface. It must have taken some guts to sign on for the original work. 🙏🤗
The feeling of wanting to jump off high places is called Cognitive Dissonance’. It’s your mind ensuring you won’t go anywhere near the edge for fear of something happening. Basically it scares you with the worse case scenario so you stay away from the perceived danger. I have heart problems and feel wobbly at times and the cognitive dissonance kicks in to ensure I stay away from anywhere where I might fall because of my wobbles. Hotel balconies are a massive no no!
Hi, as I was watching the first people squeeze through the very narrow hole I began to hold my breath and as he disappeared more into that entrance claustrophobia overcame me and I wasn’t even there, then when you showed him having to lay down and be pulled along to the opening I could hardly breathe, I’m so glad I didn’t have to watch you struggle I was so glad you were out in the fresh air walking along happily even though you were disappointed. Love your show,never miss it! Carol 🇦🇺😊
I just think that we get wiser with life experience, as time goes on. Instinct kicks, in and tells us when we could be.in a potentially dangerous situation.
While watching this video I was cringing - I am actually surprised they allow people down after a 5 minute explanation. I work for the top telecommunications company in Canada and our techs who are extremely flexible 20 years of age and fit do not go down similar holes without weeks of extensive confined space training. Even after doing this for a living for 40 years a lot of the techs can no longer continue this job due to their lowered flexibility and strength that comes with age so they become the trainers. Good for you for still sharing this video. You could have decided not to share your story but it shows your courage and honesty to share it with us. You really do keep it real and I applaud you for at least giving it a try! 😊
very wise decision Sean. I did mountain leadership and the hardest (and best) decisions were when to turn back. Gut feeling is never to be ignored. I wish Mochael Mosley had been as wise re his last journey. Well done you
My lower back goes out, very debilitating, I can understand your disappointment, it’s also a blow to my self esteem, a helpless feeling for an otherwise strong and active man. Good that you stopped when you did, you probably would have stressed out causing more tension and negative anticipation. Humility is the wisest as opposed to pushing yourself . It is caused (for me) when the arch of my back flattens out, causing my thighs to get overwhelmed with the compensation. I can’t imagine a worse scenario than what you were doing to set off a sciatica attack, very painful indeed. Cheers mate.
Very sensible Sean. If your back had given out you’d have needed help to get out. You did the right thing. I feel sorry you were disappointed, but thank goodness you did the right thing. Fascinating stuff about the tunnel though. What a wonderful project!
Once the tension in your back is gone, perhaps you might want to look into strengthening your back and your legs. You don't need a gym or some fancy, expensive equipment. You can already achieve a lot with bodyweight exercises. Do them very slowly (which is immensely effective!) and stop as soon as you can tell it's at your personal maximum. You will easily build up muscles, and they will help you with ... everything, basically. Best of luck!
Even yoga is good for a back but yes the weights is good for the body I'm 57 and in 10 weeks lost an inch on my waist and half a stone . Which I think is amazing lol .
Yes, brave indeed. I was feeling a shiver once you started into the tunnel and then claustrophobia just seeing you descend. It's good to be in touch with your feelings. You live to tell the tale and thats what counts. ❤
Opening the tunnel is a great idea, there are old railway cycle tunnels on the Monsal trail in Derbyshire which is where we lived before moving to Wales three years ago.
I used to live in little long stone Simon so know he tunnel very well love cycling through here .I even went through on horse back back in the day when it was boarded up yes me bad I know
As soon as I saw the hole one had to go down I was like, NO WAY! Not me being both common sense and claustrophobia. I also have a bad back, it is a disability for me and anytime I get that twinge I stop doing what I am doing at that very moment. People that do not have a bad back don't understand it can leave you unable to move or even walk. You made the right choice. Wow, the tunnel sure is a very cool piece of history and I admire the men that film and take care of it. The cycle track would be fantastic.
So sorry you couldn’t finish your adventure as you were looking so forward to it. You did the right thing and listened to your body. Yes the older I get I listen to my body saying, be careful you take longer to heal. lol Proud of you for at least trying new things. Thank you for sharing. 🌺🌸🌺
My goodness, how fascinating, but being claustrophobic, you would not catch me going down there, but what an amazing experience to have, just hearing about it all from the very knowledgeable man. You were so wise not to carry on going down there, with the pain in your back, it would have been terrible if it had happened when you were in the underground bit, trying to get you back out (it does not bear thinking about) thank goodness you are ok, and are here to live another day! Thank you for taking us with you. Love and Blessings to you from Jilly & Madge. xxx
I Always follow my gut instinct nowadays,it's never let me down.You did right to listen to yours and saved yourself from being headline news! Thank you for the links to other channels that have made videos of the experience so we can look from the safety of our armchairs.
I have never felt I couldn't do what I wanted to until my knee surgery. I'm recovering and unsure of my steps. I hate it because it limits me and I'm very active. This to shall pass, just when is the question. Lol
Oh dear I couldn't have gone down the first pipe would have felt very claustrophobic, you did the right thing but what a shame you can't see the tunnel any other way xx
Well done for having a go, it would have been a right drama if your back had given out further inside the tunnel. Maybe try again in a few months when your core stability & back are stronger from building homestead, & stuff. You are dedicated & committed to the positive progress you are making in your lifestyle changes. You'll get there ...
You made right decision. Having back locking up wouldn't have been good. You can be one of the first to ride through tunnel on bike when they reopen it 👍
I felt like I couldn’t breathe watching😮, I’ve done so many silly risky things… however going down a narrow tunnel opening then on a skateboard, oh noooooooo
Good evening Sean, Rather you than me is my opinion to that!😳 you are right about when we are younger we have no fear of anything.but as we age i think its called the "fight or flight" response sets in.Heard the burp at the end 😂 I'm not surprised your back is twinging,in the past couple of months you have moved, A fridge and freezer,a chest of drawers a book case,a shelf,built a shed and situated your desk and done planting just as a cherry on top! I think it was a wise move that you didn't do it in the end, but brave of you to try it! Take care Sean 💜
When the primal hind brain goes "Wait a minute you ain't taking me in there" your back fairs up, then when you are back home enjoying a cuppa, it settles done and goes back to sleep> First off 50 ain't old, heights used o not bother me nor did tight places but once I hit my late 50s I have found myself questioning myself "Do you really have to do this?"
Oh Sean,i am so glad to see you listened to your Gut instincts, i was holding my breath an starting to panicing a bit an I wasn't even there, i was oh my goodness Sean please come out.i was so glad to see you out in fresh air. Sorry you didn't get to do it, but with back issues think you very wise to give it a miss. An get home for cuppa. Take care stay safe! Sonja
Thats common sense, I didn't listen to my body when I lifted a heavy rubbish bin, my back twinged, but I had to put it back later on and when I lifted it again, a vertebrae in my lower back collapsed and I was in agony, for months while the fracture became stable. I have osteopenia, which I didn't know at the time. I still have trouble now over a year later, so best to listen Sean and you tried, but glad you listened to your body, you may have tensed up and caused you back muscles to seize but you did the right thing. Martin Roberts also has a video on his channel when he went down the tunnel. There's always another time to try again. Take care!!
My days of being in the gym three times a week and swimming 50 laps of an Olympic size swimming pool have long gone Im afraid. The trouble is with myself and my veteran husband is we both think we are 21 at times not 61. But, the old body does remind us. Last Summer I was determined to plant my trees and plants as a novice gardener. Then the old back went. Now I’ve got a herniated disc that needs an operation, but I’d rather nurse it having a nice cup of tea and watch your videos Sean. I’m a bit of a clean freak which doesn’t help the old back… but, Oh well. We are pleased you chose the safer option it’s not a competition there’s always safer adventure anyway 😂😂😂😂. Rest up. Love the two old farts over here in Lincolnshire ❤
You made the right decision, it's best to trust your gut instinct. You couldn't pay me a million dollars to be pulled through a tunnel on a skateboard like that though!! I went down an old mine at Broken Hill once and could not wait to get out. Never again, it was way too claustrophobic. I would go through the tunnel once the development plans are complete though, that sounds very nice and I think it's a great idea.
Hi Sean I used to go spelunking in wild caves in my 40 s. Wouldn't do that now. Always surprised by lack of strength even though I exercise some daily. Listening to our gut is best now. Enjoyed the video today...Sue from Arizona
Think you certainly done the right thing by aborting the tunnel, I have back problems so know exactly where your coming from, you got to listen to your body/ intuition, yes its stops a lot of things you would really wish to do but as everyone knows your health and well being always has to come first, ( I learned this the hard way unfortunately. ) It was still interesting telling us all about this, thanks again for yet another lovely video. 🐈⬛🐈⬛💐
Blimey Sean you definitely made the right decision i was feeling tense and anxious just looking down that hole.I think it's an age thing definitely the things i used to do on horseback scares the crap out of me now .I certainly feel more vulnerable as i have got older things take much longer to repair and recover.you did the right thing x
When you're young you seem to control your body but when were older our bodies control us! You did right listening to your body Sean even though you were disappointed. Take Care 🙂
When one gets older we get to know our limitations, and begin to. Sense what could be detrimental to ones wel being , it is a pain being sensible , but safety is paramount you were brave to attempt it though sean, can't keep a good man down! Sounds a great project I hope it comes to fruition
😂 the burp at the end. Aww nice one. Would be lovely to see more railways used as amenities, two miles V that car journey, especially lovely for people without a car. Where I live all the old railway lines have been turned into leisure routes and I'm seeing so many delivery cyclists using it now too which is great.
Hi Sean, you did well and sensibly knew right thing to do. I wouldn't even have attempted it. Yes older I get the more feart I get lol. Very interesting video thanks 😊
Sean you may want to lose a few more Stone before attempting climbing into narrow pipes. I have two herniated disks and a compression fracture at the base of my spine so I understand how something as simple as a wrong step can cause problems. A cup of tea and a bit of rest and you will be fit as a fiddle.........................>
Yep. Having hip problems that have put my next foreign travel plans on hold... hopefully they can be sorted out soon. But in spite of the fact you weren't able to go the whole way down, I did enjoy the info and background on the tunnel. Definitely seems like a worthwhile project!
Hi Sean, no way even if you gave me a million pounds you'd get me down that tunnel, no way! OMG! I would have an asthma attack or heart attack. Very good choice not doing it Sean, just not worth it. I'm 65 now and you have to be careful, plus I don't want to injure myself 😅 Much prefer to watch from afar with a nice cup of tea 😅
Good on you for trying Sean. You made the right decisions not the place to be in pain. Not a place I would ever go. Do not like tight places like that. However, it is really an amazing Victorian underground structure. Was just thinking of those amazing men who originally built it. Talk about labour intensive.
100% listening to your gut feeling is wise. We know our bodies limitations and what it's trying to tell us, so you undoubtedly did the right thing. Common sense won out👍
It’s good to listen to your body. Building up your core muscles supports the lower back. Pilates works wonders. Avoid hyperextension, always forward bending exercises. Ask me how I know. Lol
Having a bad back isn’t good,because it can just go at any time. Like you I know the warning signs. I was off work for 5 weeks and being a hospital cleaner with all the lifting and twisting it was impossible to work. What helped me was seeing a sports therapist who was recommended to me by a chiropractor, she worked a miracle because medication from the doctors isn’t good long term. I also do Pilates one hour a week and it has worked miracles if I’m honest. Controlled stretching is brilliant for the back
You did the right thing Sean, listen to your body... it's not your time this time, but there's always next time. We have a similar project where I live, it's a pity Beeching didn't have the foresight to see the problems shutting down these lines would cause...
Getting old sucks yeah. Mid 50s and every day somewhere on the body a little pain pops up. I guess its the price for knowledge and experience. Good call to listen to the warning.
Glad common sense prevailed Sean. I'd expect nothing less from you. I wouldn't have gone down for golddust! At least you tried. Have a relaxing day and keep that dry sense of humour well honed. Love it! ❤
Sean, When I saw how narrow that access opening was, it gave me claustrophobia just thinking about going through it. Never mind, better to listen to that niggling in your gut! better that then truly compromising the experience for everyone and hurting yourself too. You made an honest effort. Open spaces more my style.
You must have been looking forward to the subterranean adventure Sean but you made the right call. I'm sure you'll get an opportunity to try again some time.
The spirit of your homestead dragged you back from the jaws of anything which would distract you from setting it up! I have a whole symphony orchestra of aches and pains going on with my joints many a morning ...It kind of crept up on me over the years! In my head I am still that 18 year old bopping the night away and still able to get up first thing for work the next day sharp as a pin...only in my head mind you - my body would go on strike if I tried any of that shenanigans now!😂 Relax and enjoy yourself there will be other adventures coming your way.
7:02 and claustrophobia kicked in full force for me, there's tight spaces and there's TIGHT spaces! Can't even watch Die Hard without feeling uncomfortable when Bruce is in the vent! lol
Sorry you didn't get to go all the way in. Getting older sure isn't any fun. I was hiking a few years ago with my high school exchange student below Natural Bridge here in Kentucky, in the U.S. It was pretty rough and was in my late 50s at the time. I told him about halfway down that this would probably be the last time I made this hike. It was kind of sad. There had been storms a few years before that and there was still a huge downed tree over the trail at one point. My daughter and I had climbed over it a couple years before. This time I couldn't do that and people had been tunneling under. Wasn't fun trying to wiggle under that tree and then get up on the other side. Luckily, I had help. Went to Scotland in April for a short trip and managed to fall on my very first day. It nearly ruined the trip and still have pain from it. Found out weeks later that I had a small fracture that wasn't seen by the N.P. but was spotted by the radiologist a few days later.
As clint Eastwood said when playing dirty Harry ...a man's got to know his limitations....well done for giving it a go..none of us are getting any younger
Lucky you got an invite but when I saw the pipe crawling part I thought it looked a little too much. Could really see the gnats on the camera too! You might have to buy some spray to keep them away from you.
Don't be disappointed Sean be glad you are not stuck down there with a back problem, that was scary. What a feat of engineering that all is and so interesting to see part of it. Thank you for taking us with you and explaining what is going on. Those three iconic trees on top of the mountain are fascinating. Hope your back eases off. Great video.
You made the right decision Sean, not worth putting yourself or others at risk definitely. I could never have gone down myself tbh, not in that that tight space, reminds me of watching a horror movie, no thanks 😅😅
was in wales aday ago Shaun camped for afew days went to the top of snowden but needed help from my sons as I got dizzy and breathless but enjoyed it but felt like turning back as went dizzy with the height
Wish I was a bit more like you, I still think I can do things I could do in my 20s and then regret it, my kids are always telling me not to do things, but do listen? I think your way is best, I need to start acting my age ha ha , wow the tunnel would be a great idea, and definitely bring tourists in, there is a cycle track under the river Tyne in Newcastle, they are a great idea :)
