tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62453209245799335242024-03-04T21:48:09.354-08:00SPLAT: Snapshots and Postcards from Life At the TopDanielle, Everything You Dreamed Ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428886277330959781noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245320924579933524.post-8813880063414450642010-10-20T22:36:00.001-07:002010-10-20T22:36:49.532-07:00Orderville CanyonReview PendingCoach Rockwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321600897283090786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245320924579933524.post-88320667457757067922010-07-23T19:17:00.001-07:002010-08-04T08:46:07.651-07:00Goblin Valley State Park<b>Grade A-</b><div><b>Equipment: </b>water and good shoes</div><div><b>Time: </b>2 or 3 hours each day, one can take as much time as one wants</div><div><b>Date: </b>7-9-2010 to 7-10-2010</div><div><b>Conditions:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Very hot and very dry except for the evening, which was very pleasant, and for a very brief rain shower (also very pleasant). Bring water!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Experience Level:</b> Beginner<br /></span></b><div><br /><div><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fcoachrockwood%2Falbumid%2F5497292698624004305%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /></div><div>Goblin Valley: What a weird and fun place to visit! We did a family camping trip and a bunch of hiking around and playing with the kids. The terrain looks like an alien planet, maybe Mars. Huge red rock formations that are smooth and balled up on top of each other like mud pies. (In fact it was used in the hilarious movie "Galaxy Quest" to film a scene in an alien planet.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The fee to enter the park is only $7 and you can run around and go everywhere, climbing on, around and through the incredible rocks. April commented that it was like a huge playground for kids and grown-ups! We saw a scout troop playing Kick the Can, and another playing Capture the Flag.</div><div><br /></div><div>We did not do any formal hikes, but instead roamed organically through the landscape, climbing on and over whatever we felt like. We spent a few hours the evening before and then a few more hours the next day. We highly recommend it, especially for a family trip. Both the kids and the parents had a blast!</div><div><br /></div><div>-Dave</div></div></div>Coach Rockwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321600897283090786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245320924579933524.post-77737799898664825672010-06-01T18:51:00.000-07:002010-07-23T19:16:56.819-07:00Lodge UpdateLast fall we wrote you a thrilling tale of Lodge Canyon that no doubt convinced many of you that it is worth a trip. At that time we were awed by the autumn colors, this time we were blown away by the blossoms along the trail and covering the hanging gardens. We have one further update before you head out. Lodge is still wonderful with its steep walls, but this year you'll encounter a few more obstacles as you wander up the wash. As far as we can deduce, an avalanche tore through the canyon this winter and left quite a bit of debris on the canyon floor. Watch your step as you go; plenty of fallen trees and rocks now lie in your path--but don't let them stop you! The hanging gardens at the end of this trip are well worth the effort!<br /><br />PS-The false set of bolts at rap 4 were not removed, remember to cut off early and head to the east. Follow our instructions in our earlier post or consult Tom.<br /><br />-DanielleDanielle, Everything You Dreamed Ofhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00428886277330959781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245320924579933524.post-41581097601073649892010-05-15T21:24:00.000-07:002010-05-15T21:26:47.688-07:00Canyoneering Season Resumes!..and we are thrilled about the prospects. We are starting our summer with a lovely trip down to Zion National Park over Memorial Day. We will be repeating Lodge Canyon because we liked it so much, and trying a new canyon, Telephone Canyon. Stay tuned for our reviews of this latest trip. Since the last canyoneering trip, Dave and April got married! Look at what canyoneering can lead to...Coach Rockwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10321600897283090786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245320924579933524.post-63843218481262158572009-10-18T18:40:00.002-07:002009-10-23T10:55:02.789-07:00Lodge (Employee) Canyon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLq76RmLLUeRS7eAHt4EkX6ZRkBfpSFeWXBivYMwE27-dITFHAtAyVZ7_OAZMog_IaACCQRLwpyWT1JPSiaV4jbF1pY6qLe3tFmhbVi2qv5PsFpnn0eTj3Vl4pDazGHjaijFh-cdvmkW5/s1600-h/DSC03148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLq76RmLLUeRS7eAHt4EkX6ZRkBfpSFeWXBivYMwE27-dITFHAtAyVZ7_OAZMog_IaACCQRLwpyWT1JPSiaV4jbF1pY6qLe3tFmhbVi2qv5PsFpnn0eTj3Vl4pDazGHjaijFh-cdvmkW5/s200/DSC03148.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394537113049250226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grade</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> A</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Equipment:</span> two 60 meter ropes, helmets for everyone, extra webbing, ascenders (just in case)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Time:</span> 5 hours (for a group of 4 experienced canyoneerers)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</span> 10-17-09<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conditions:</span> Dry and warm<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Experience Level:</span> Experienced<br /><a href="http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/lodge.htm">Tom's Canyoneering Advice</a><br /><br />Our latest adventure sounded a bit risky at the beginning. We consulted our trusty reconnaissance man, Tom, and learned that this canyon has a reputation for getting the rope stuck, deaths from falling rocks, and a tricky spot on rappel 4 where a wrong turn could lead to being suspended 100' in the air with no more rope from which to rappel. In addition, Tom gave this a low ranking and suggested doing other canyons in lieu of this canyon for "experienced" canyoneerers. Now, I'm no Tom, but I consider myself an experienced canyoneerer. The true selling point for our motley crew? It is October. Most of the canyons in Zion involve water. Water in October, even in southern Utah, can be exceptionally chilly. The wet Pinecreek Canyon or the dry Lodge Canyon? We went with Lodge, but we were extra careful in our preparations to prevent the possible tragedies Tom warned us of...<br /><br /><a href="http://splatzion.blogspot.com/2009/10/lodge-employee-canyon_18.html">Read full review with photos</a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="width: 480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w616.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w616.photobucket.com/albums/tt247/ahallam4/Lodge%20Canyon/6a505f70.pbw" width="480" height="360"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="border-width: 0pt; float: left;" /></a><a href="http://s616.photobucket.com/albums/tt247/ahallam4/Lodge%20Canyon/?action=view&current=6a505f70.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="border-width: 0pt; float: left;" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />With extra webbing in tow, our trusty helmet, 2 60 meter ropes, and travel-size Tom we started our ascent up the slick rock to the upper bowl of Spry Canyon where Spry and Lodge diverge. Nothing new so far. We've done Spry Canyon before and our familiarity with the beginning mile made this part of the hike much faster than our first attempt at navigating the unmarked slick rock. When we reached the upper bowl, we consulted Tom's topo and turned north (even checking Dave's compass) into Lodge Canyon. We walked in the sandy wash (I almost stepped on a tarantula) and then started the steep descent through one of the most beautiful places I've seen in Zion. The fall colors were incredible, and the sheer cliffs breathtaking. It was a pleasant surprise given Tom's rating. Now, this isn't your typical slot canyon, more like Spry Canyon, but it was breathtaking none the less and definitely a must do in Zion.<br /><br />After hiking another 2 miles we came to the rappel section of the canyon--6 rappels right after each other:<br /><br />Rap 1: Tom warned us about the scary tree. We took his advice. I "evaluated carefully" and then we found another anchor. We didn't even have to look to far. Some nice soul has left a rope around a much bigger, sturdier tree from which to rappel. Just go up on the east side of the slot, rather than down on the west to the small, "scary" tree. This is over 100'. We tied our 2 ropes together.<br /><br />Rap 2: Another breathtaking rappel over 100 feet. Pretty straight forward, though somebody else took Tom's advice and extended the anchor about 6 feet. As long as you are comfortable with that, it's not a problem. Again, we used both ropes.<br /><br />Rap 3: Short rappel from bolts. Easy. One rope.<br /><br />Rap 4: This is the one Tom warned us about. As we were setting this rappel up, a rock fell (undisturbed as far as we can tell) and smashed to pieces exactly where we had been rappelling from #3. Tom didn't lie about the falling rocks. We religiously wore the one helmet we brought from this point forward. My advice--have a helmet for everyone. We will next time. Back to 4, travel Tom told us to rap 40 feet and get off at the buttress on the right where we would find more bolts for rap 5. If we continued straight down the water course we would instead meet a 300 foot drop and run out of rope. Sounded simple, but as we examined this upcoming rappel, we noticed that there were 2 bolts with webbing about 40 feet straight down. The distance was right, but not the direction. Slightly unnerved, with a promise that Dave and Monte would pull me up if I went the wrong way, I headed down to check out the situation. I took Tom's advice, went right at the buttress and found the next anchors. WARNING: don't fall for the bolts that are straight down. Unless you have an incredibly long rope, you will get stuck. It's very vexing that somebody put these bolts here. In fact, as we picked up our permit, the ranger told us that somebody had gotten stuck in Lodge Canyon earlier in the summer because they ran out of rope. My bet--they didn't follow Tom's advice and tried to use those bolts. We actually went back to the ranger and told her about the misleading bolts, suggesting they be removed.<br /><br />Rap 5: Now I'm a climber and love canyoneering, but I have to admit the sheer height of this rappel made me a little apprehensive. This is a 200' rappel and used the full length of our two ropes tied together. Again, Tom's advice has been followed and the anchor is extended to prevent the rope getting stuck. Once my stomach settled down, it was a fun, long rappel. Be careful of the loose rock, especially once you are at the bottom, waiting for your comrades. We sat up against the wall for extra protection.<br /><br />Rap 6: This is by far the highlight of the canyon. Another big rappel requiring both ropes, this rappel was breathtaking. When you drop over the edge, the free rappel reveals a small waterfall spouting from the rock wall itself and beautiful green hanging gardens that provide a nice juxtaposition to the rugged red cliffs.<br /><br />From here, you make your way down to the road behind the Lodge and take the shuttle back to the Visitor's Center. This last little jaunt is also fun, following the small creek with a few quaint waterfalls providing some Kodak moments for the explorers. Overall, we had a great time. This is a more technical canyon than Spry or Keyhole, with some added risks, but we never had a problem with the rope getting stuck and easily navigated the tricky rap 4. Do be weary of falling rocks. They can be deadly.<br /><br />AprilUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245320924579933524.post-47868740381330007012009-10-18T18:40:00.001-07:002009-10-23T08:58:07.780-07:00Keyhole Canyon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMppUOZoMB-1NDL1oqLn_CP7_Rmm-MCz4WT3KlSzdhKhZVJnSILpUEKPkwNg6VoPkDcDXWvvDZ56PWQLA9TJtGULxswmkwqUkjpY83bLhyiv8ZIO_oS9lKVrtfw43fLwTGhS_IiPW7aoj/s1600-h/IMG_7707.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMppUOZoMB-1NDL1oqLn_CP7_Rmm-MCz4WT3KlSzdhKhZVJnSILpUEKPkwNg6VoPkDcDXWvvDZ56PWQLA9TJtGULxswmkwqUkjpY83bLhyiv8ZIO_oS9lKVrtfw43fLwTGhS_IiPW7aoj/s200/IMG_7707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394212187795689602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grade B</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Equipment:</span> one 60 meter rope, harnesses for everyone, wetsuits, and drinking water<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Time:</span> 2 hours for 5 people<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</span> 9-19-09<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conditions</span>: Wet, cold standing water at the base of most rappels<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Experience Level:</span> great for beginners, fun for all<br /><a href="http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/key.htm">Tom's Description</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vzZPRyjN_t_mOIGv9NHwtyDRzNbYuzqjw6PQX7VXfqedoG4oQa7IG5haixRXPmYSRBRbiPsz9L1osmzMPkelYWTS9XGNlbqPGXcezwmB8H4rkFPVWhGUJJJln34_Mncg8fWcpCPhvZDU/s1600-h/IMG_7701.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vzZPRyjN_t_mOIGv9NHwtyDRzNbYuzqjw6PQX7VXfqedoG4oQa7IG5haixRXPmYSRBRbiPsz9L1osmzMPkelYWTS9XGNlbqPGXcezwmB8H4rkFPVWhGUJJJln34_Mncg8fWcpCPhvZDU/s200/IMG_7701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394212174297023682" border="0" /></a>This was a great little canyon to explore. It took us about 2 hours to complete, including the hike to the first rappel. The canyon was narrow and tall (a slot canyon). The red rock walls beautifully reflected the light of the sun. There was a lot of standing water that was very cold, so we were very glad to be wearing our wetsuits, but the rappels were short and easy. It was a great little canyon to take along a first timer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdQrS4rWdGyKCjdFmFXK30Tsys5LqT3awR28eSACCurf0NMVKaLElAisIym5aOcIR11MW4xZkHGG2zX7qI0AR6FpzZOBgQxaTI5Cl8zfFJzAxCB39Rm2bkl1RwcjbC7XJAb1mq02iBl4r/s1600-h/IMG_7769.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdQrS4rWdGyKCjdFmFXK30Tsys5LqT3awR28eSACCurf0NMVKaLElAisIym5aOcIR11MW4xZkHGG2zX7qI0AR6FpzZOBgQxaTI5Cl8zfFJzAxCB39Rm2bkl1RwcjbC7XJAb1mq02iBl4r/s200/IMG_7769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394212193839978306" border="0" /></a><br />Some of the drop-downs did not require a rappel, but instead some kindly souls had previously left lengths of webbing or rope to grab a hold of in order to let yourself down. (See my picture above.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zg_jTfSFCSwqaQrb4dKMVlj7cZeG_9cG5w5B5GQdfoH30WdIfy-Tfuue5JlbgHT1InWScPcYhK8sETABFOqOVXLPMuuA0M0UJ0KiAmvTB47qMHcnfWG4_zlrt-bbVkYqH7Em7Rfhjzee/s1600-h/IMG_7771.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3zg_jTfSFCSwqaQrb4dKMVlj7cZeG_9cG5w5B5GQdfoH30WdIfy-Tfuue5JlbgHT1InWScPcYhK8sETABFOqOVXLPMuuA0M0UJ0KiAmvTB47qMHcnfWG4_zlrt-bbVkYqH7Em7Rfhjzee/s200/IMG_7771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394212331700187314" border="0" /></a><br />It is short enough to complete it and still have time for some others in the same day. We hiked Angel's landing in the morning and did this canyon later in the day. Another nice feature is that it is a loop, beginning and ending at the same place, so you finish right at your parked vehicle. I'd definitely do it again.<br /><br />-DaveUnknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245320924579933524.post-71478472610227361732009-10-18T18:39:00.000-07:002009-10-26T08:36:52.201-07:00Angel's Landing<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grade: A</span><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNgAshx_m6cqEzcI7ySsHN2x6x30Css1jUQqtMf44FX7VSCLuAUCUG5iOuGLmPzeQYUV2injhhwu98XyxCkDCspAHkhQiskPqkU78hj_xYWpODCfj3uwS_xUz8wdweKpE0xxj7y8o6eY/s320/IMG_7675.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396724724130441682" border="0" /><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Equipment:</span> Water and Lunch for the top</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Time: </span>3-5 hours</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</span> 9-19-09</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conditions: </span>Beautiful Fall day - mid 70's</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Experience:</span> Beginner</div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Distance:</span> 5 miles round trip<br /><div><br /><div>This was the first of three diverse hikes on Saturday. Combining this hike with a slot canyon allows for two unique perspectives on Zion, my favorite place on earth. . .<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://splatzion.blogspot.com/search/label/Angel%27s%20Landing"><br /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://splatzion.blogspot.com/2009/10/angels-landing.html">See full review and more photos</a><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div>Angels Landing is an all-time favorite of mine. I've done it more times than I can count, and the only time I regretted it was when I took a group of 12 year old scouts - the top of Angels Landing is not a good place to play tag. A scout fell off the thousand foot cliff the week after my scouts were up there running around. </div><div><br /></div><div>Someone falls every year. As long as you aren't running around, you will be fine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The 2.5 mile trail to the top starts at the Grotto shuttlestop, on the West side of the street. It gets steep rapidly and doesn't level out until you reach the saddle at 2 miles. Although this is a very steep hike with dangerous cliffs, the trail is smooth and mostly cemented to the point, making it fairly easy in comparison with other steep terrain. Bathrooms have been conveniently placed at the saddle. Catch your breath and get ready for a rugged final stretch that will take your breath away. </div><div><br /></div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eCaqBC0OMyRxpuAD4bDKHZgMHbQzSFWxMPN40OsaToZ3BULkhOj0L1C2P8gkX_zfsbDv4qsLfBNmJWuuKCzVnjdZ6anVnhKh4l2KRaQS1HC0fNiXLOnw5wNXBJLq2QmShDbsU3I_QCs/s320/IMG_7663.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396736160939938994" border="0" /><div>Holding on to chains, you will be able to climb the narrow and steep back of the ridge looking down at the canyon floor 1000 feet below on both sides. The top widens out and is a great place to enjoy a light lunch and take pictures. Don't drop your camera. Angels landing is the perfect name for this spot. What a view!</div><div><br /></div><div>The 2.5 miles back goes fast. Danielle particularly liked holding out her arms like an airplane as she ran down the switch backs called "Walt's Wiggles". The rest of us caught on and followed close behind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Water and bathrooms are available at the trailhead by the shuttle pick-up. Refer to Tom's Utah Canyoneering Guide for all the specifics.<br /><br />Monte<br /></div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAwmR23jKH1q4STMr0meqq9FcDgU7W1htiacbSuuCM-TgdKP2Aa5C3wDy8_RCDYsRSxRbrqixrCXFF71U0HzW29QdIld24kC1ye3UIoeHeM19pDlOYibonGxLOe1GW1XlhXbtItSPT_c/s320/IMG_7669.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396737332038857010" border="0" /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div><br /><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1NjUzMDA3NTYxMiZwdD*xMjU2NTMwMjUzOTU*JnA9Mzg2MzYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz**NDM3OGQwMjg2MDI*YTNiYjMwM2Y*ODYyNmVjMDYwYyZvZj*w.gif" width="0" border="0" height="0" /><div style="width: 480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w276.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w276.photobucket.com/albums/kk4/jillybeansf/Angels%20Landing/c851401b.pbw" width="480" height="360"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="border-width: 0pt; float: left;" /></a><a href="http://s276.photobucket.com/albums/kk4/jillybeansf/Angels%20Landing/?action=view&current=c851401b.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="border-width: 0pt; float: left;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6245320924579933524.post-71426649660284228992009-10-18T18:37:00.000-07:002009-10-24T23:20:20.422-07:00Spry Canyon<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Grade B</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >+</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Equipment: </span><span style="font-family:arial;">two 60 meter ropes, harnesses & belay devices for everyone, drinking water, snacks and/or lunch, consider wetsuits</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Time:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 10 hours for 6 people (mix of experienced, intermediate, and beginner)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Date:</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> 4/18/09</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Conditions<span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Mostly dry and warm except for a few rappels at the end that were wet with a cold wind</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Experience Level</span><span style="font-family:arial;">: Intermediate</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/spry.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tom's Description</span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Our first trip through Spry Canyon was in early November 2008. We had beautiful weather, fabulous autumn scenery and a dandy adventure. However, on take two we encountered a few extra hurdles that proved to be valuable learning experiences. I'll give you the experience from our second trip to offer the best advice.</span><div style="margin: 1ex;"><div> <p style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://splatzion.blogspot.com/2009/10/spry-canyon.html">So here is the scoop on Spry... (and pictures)</a><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="width: 480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w616.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w616.photobucket.com/albums/tt247/ahallam4/c7690bfb.pbw" height="360" width="480"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="border-width: 0pt; float: left;" /></a><a href="http://s616.photobucket.com/albums/tt247/ahallam4/?action=view&current=c7690bfb.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="border-width: 0pt; float: left;" /></a></div></span></p><p face="times new roman"><br /></p><div class="Section1" style="font-family:Arial;"><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We parked about 1/3 mile east of the main tunnel and headed north up the sandy wash. Bags loaded with plenty of trail mix and fruit snacks</span><span style="font-size:100%;">,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> we walked the half mile up the wash and turned left up the slick rock. You’ll know to head up once you’ve gone the appropriate distance and the slick rock to the left is actually accessible. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The hike up the slick rock is not a light task and it can be easy to get lost. Luckily, as trusty scout, I navigated our group in the right direction to where the slick rock ascends up the bowl. Tom provides detailed instructions of this part of the hike and pocket Tom is always a good guide for the directionally challenged. I therefore refer you to his page so that I don’t have to list the dry details. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/spry.htm</span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After hiking up the slick rock and a bit north, turn west up the slick rock bowl. Important note: do be sure to hike up the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">center,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> or to the right if you must, but avoid the precarious left. A few of the more adventurous of our group thought they might try their luck on the left of the bowl and one actually ended up stranded. That's what they get for not following the scout. The good news--we got to break out the rope early. We used a tree as an anchor to rescue our wayward hiker and then headed on our way. (This is why we don't recommend this for beginners.)<br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">(</span><span style="font-size:100%;">As you ascend up the bowl at one point you will follow a large flat face. Please admire the lovely petroglyphs and see if you can spot the one that seems to resemble a jellyfish. Then spend a minute pondering why in the middle of the desert there is a petroglyph of a jellyfish.</span><span style="font-size:100%;">)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After we followed all of Tom’s directions to the top it was time to descend into Spry Canyon.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> This can be a difficult descent so navigate carefully. My advice, tend more the right and follow the rock down. The left looks tempting but you’ll just have to turn around. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Once we made it down we followed the wash to the first rappel. It was here that we noticed things were a little different in April than in November. In November you follow a sandy wash to the rappels. In April you follow the water and pass the occasional remnant of a glacier. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This first rappel is the perfect way to start out</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, 165 ft.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> It’s a fairly gentle slope at the beginning, getting steeper at the end. We tied two ropes together for this rappel to avoid having to </span><span style="font-size:100%;">down climb</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> from the last ledge (a little stop with a quaint little tree). Since it was spring, this rappel had flowing water that had pooled at the bottom. As scout, I worked my magic and found a way around it. Almost to the bottom you will find a small lip that runs along the rock. Descend to that point and edge your way to the sand. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We encountered a half dozen or so easy rappels as we continued to follow the wash. We were able to avoid getting wet with some adroit maneuvering. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Suggestions</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> for some of the rappel obstacles: </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Early on in the rappel section of the canyon you can avoid dropping into the first little slot by hiking around to the right and using the anchor on a small tree to descend, dry, back in. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A little further we encountered a fun little rappel with a difficult set up. Here we rappelled down a gap between the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">rocks. The difficulty is that </span><span style="font-size:100%;">the bolts to anchor the rappel are on the other side of the narrow slot. Find a stick assist in pulling in the rope and chains rather than leaning over the slot without any protection. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After </span><span style="font-size:100%;">the</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> half dozen </span><span style="font-size:100%;">or so </span><span style="font-size:100%;">rappels</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> (they are amazing, but if I spend time going over each one you will be reading for weeks)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> we could avoid the water no longer and had to get wet. Even my amazing scouting couldn’t find a dry detour. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Just suck it up and dive in. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">After the first truly wet rappel we descended one </span><span style="font-size:100%;">more dry</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> rappel before we made it to one of the more iconic slot rappels. Chains are located on the right of a narrow flute. Note: this is a double descent. We had to drop into the first pool, wade through, and descend into the next. The slot then drops away to the next rappel. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">When the slot empties it is a beautiful sight, but it was also a bitter shock for us. We had lost a lot of time earlier in the canyon and on the slick rock ascent and the sun was nearly down. Just as we came out of the frigid water the winds started whipping through the slot. As I set up the next rappel my fingers were freezing. I hurried down the rappel to find shelter at the bottom but froze as I waited for my dry clothes to come with the rest of our group.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is when we ran into another slight hold up. The two tiered rappel in the slot provides plenty of places to get the rope stuck. Normally, it would be easy to climb up a bit and unhook any snags, but with the freezing water and bitter wind this became a difficult situation. My advice: start as early as you can if you go in the spring to avoid this cold situation, and get out of this slot in good time.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, we all did make it out eventually and luckily, were able to change into dry clothing. From here there was another rappel and then some navigating down the boulder field to the final </span><span style="font-size:100%;">rap.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> The final rap is called the lambs tongue. It is possible to avoid this, but you will regret it. From the anchor on the tree this is one of the best rappels of the canyon, a free hang with a wonderful view. </span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">From the last rappel the boulder field co</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ntinues down to Pine Creek. The easiest way out is the follow the creek west once you reach the bottom. It takes you straight to the road. Unfortunately, we did not take this route. Instead, with the sun down, we tried to climb back up the other side of the canyon, hoping to run into the road. </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Bad decision.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> We actually ended up above a cliff with nowhere to go. So, April, out fearless leader, found a sturdy boulder for an anchor and we tied together all of our extra webbing for </span><span style="font-size:100%;">one last rappel. (If you make similar bad choices, just look for our webbing and if seems safe feel free to try our new rappel</span>.<span style="font-size:100%;">)</span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luckily from here we were very close to the road and thus ended our adventure (and at times, misadventure, with Spry).</span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So, final words of advice. Follow directions. Start early and give yourselves plenty of daylight to get through the canyon. Bring dry </span><span style="font-size:100%;">clothes,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> you will want them after the two wet rappels. Follow the creek bed to the road, and bring extra webbing if you plan to ignore this advice, and a head lamp.<br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;">Danielle<br /></p></div><p></p></div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1