Anyone canyoneering this Sat in SW Utah?

[trackrunner]

Old college roommate and I want to get out again. The Zion Backcountry page seems to be down for me. I was wondering if anyone wanted to form a group for this Saturday for something in the area.

:rockon:

[Bo_Beck]

Old college roommate and I want to get out again. The Zion Backcountry page seems to be down for me. I was wondering if anyone wanted to form a group for this Saturday for something in the area.

:rockon:

What did you have in mind? Still waiting for some shoulder healing action, but maybe up for something simple?

[tanya]

I am game for a Saturday Canyon.

[Bo_Beck]

I am game for a Saturday Canyon.

I'm afraid I'm out. I just got a call for my services in the Grand Canyon. Hope you all find a fun canyon or something?

[Bo_Beck]

I am game for a Saturday Canyon.

I'm afraid I'm out. I just got a call for my services in the Grand Canyon. Hope you all find a fun canyon or something?

I guess I shouldn't be so quick to react?! If we get our goal accomplished tomorrow and I get home by thursday, and I'm still in one piece, I would still love to get together on saturday for some fun! :2thumbs:

[trackrunner]

Well we wanted to do mystery now that the narrows are open, but for the life of me I can't get the zion backcountry calander to load. So I have no idea what canyons have enough space and what don't. If not Mystery then maybe Spry or some other canyon we hardly ever do. He didn't want to do Misery this time, or Behunin again. I'll save Pine Keyhole & Echo for noobfest. If we can't get a permit then maybe a hike, a non permit canyon, or Water Canyon? Open to ideas to.

[tanya]

I am game for a Saturday Canyon.

I'm afraid I'm out. I just got a call for my services in the Grand Canyon. Hope you all find a fun canyon or something?

I guess I shouldn't be so quick to react?! If we get our goal accomplished tomorrow and I get home by thursday, and I'm still in one piece, I would still love to get together on saturday for some fun! :2thumbs:

Let me know. I am guessing with your kayaking injuries that you will not be in any shape for canyoneering when you get home.

[Bo_Beck]

Well we wanted to do mystery now that the narrows are open, but for the life of me I can't get the zion backcountry calander to load. So I have no idea what canyons have enough space and what don't. If not Mystery then maybe Spry or some other canyon we hardly ever do. He didn't want to do Misery this time, or Behunin again. I'll save Pine Keyhole & Echo for noobfest. If we can't get a permit then maybe a hike, a non permit canyon, or Water Canyon? Open to ideas to.

I fly out from Zion tomorrow morning early, and If I get back by friday and am in one piece, I'll do my best to get a permit for Mystery.

[tanya]

Well we wanted to do mystery now that the narrows are open, but for the life of me I can't get the zion backcountry calander to load. So I have no idea what canyons have enough space and what don't. If not Mystery then maybe Spry or some other canyon we hardly ever do. He didn't want to do Misery this time, or Behunin again. I'll save Pine Keyhole & Echo for noobfest. If we can't get a permit then maybe a hike, a non permit canyon, or Water Canyon? Open to ideas to.

I fly out from Zion tomorrow morning early, and If I get back by friday and am in one piece, I'll do my best to get a permit for Mystery.

Be careful and good luck. Can you tell us anything about the SAR?

[Bo_Beck]

I am game for a Saturday Canyon.

I'm afraid I'm out. I just got a call for my services in the Grand Canyon. Hope you all find a fun canyon or something?

I guess I shouldn't be so quick to react?! If we get our goal accomplished tomorrow and I get home by thursday, and I'm still in one piece, I would still love to get together on saturday for some fun! :2thumbs:

Let me know. I am guessing with your kayaking injuries that you will not be in any shape for canyoneering when you get home.

Certainly depends on what has to be done tomorrow? Hopefully I can remain intact tomorrow. I just know that I'll be hiking to the river (the unknown) and then flown out from the river. Might have to bivy tomorrow night? We''l just see? I'll let you know.

[Bo_Beck]

Well we wanted to do mystery now that the narrows are open, but for the life of me I can't get the zion backcountry calander to load. So I have no idea what canyons have enough space and what don't. If not Mystery then maybe Spry or some other canyon we hardly ever do. He didn't want to do Misery this time, or Behunin again. I'll save Pine Keyhole & Echo for noobfest. If we can't get a permit then maybe a hike, a non permit canyon, or Water Canyon? Open to ideas to.

I fly out from Zion tomorrow morning early, and If I get back by friday and am in one piece, I'll do my best to get a permit for Mystery.

Be careful and good luck. Can you tell us anything about the SAR?

I really don't know much other than we'll fly from Zion and be dropped off somewhere below the rim (south rim), and then be hiking a slot canyon to the river in search of missing canyoneers. It's possible they may walk out sometime tonight or even tomorrow morning, but I need to be ready to fly at 5AM from Zion.

[trackrunner]

Bo thanks for your help, myster does sound cool, 6 1/2 years since my last time. It would be cool if we (you, tanya, my old roomate karl, me, or others) could do a canyon. Don't push yourself that you have to come or get the permit. I believe tanya when she says your a nice guy. If we can't this time we'll be able to knock a canyon off together sometime in the future.

stay safe.

[trackrunner]

Well we wanted to do mystery now that the narrows are open, but for the life of me I can't get the zion backcountry calander to load. So I have no idea what canyons have enough space and what don't. If not Mystery then maybe Spry or some other canyon we hardly ever do. He didn't want to do Misery this time, or Behunin again. I'll save Pine Keyhole & Echo for noobfest. If we can't get a permit then maybe a hike, a non permit canyon, or Water Canyon? Open to ideas to.

I fly out from Zion tomorrow morning early, and If I get back by friday and am in one piece, I'll do my best to get a permit for Mystery.

Be careful and good luck. Can you tell us anything about the SAR?

Tanya I wonder if this is it. Printed in the Salt Lake Trib today. Though with a park that big multiple SAR is possible.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_9398964

[Jaxx]

crazy stuff. They need a SPOT beacon. I just recently purchased one and it is worth it's weight in gold. The wife didn't like the checkin message at 1AM and 8 AM though, it woke her up. :haha:

[trackrunner]

Well we wanted to do mystery now that the narrows are open, but for the life of me I can't get the zion backcountry calander to load. So I have no idea what canyons have enough space and what don't. If not Mystery then maybe Spry or some other canyon we hardly ever do. He didn't want to do Misery this time, or Behunin again. I'll save Pine Keyhole & Echo for noobfest. If we can't get a permit then maybe a hike, a non permit canyon, or Water Canyon? Open to ideas to.

I fly out from Zion tomorrow morning early, and If I get back by friday and am in one piece, I'll do my best to get a permit for Mystery.

Be careful and good luck. Can you tell us anything about the SAR?

Tanya I wonder if this is it. Printed in the Salt Lake Trib today. Though with a park that big multiple SAR is possible.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_9398964

I bet it is saw this on the news.
http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=63c74978-6545-4e20-a942-cb5e8af5bd2b

"Park service officials said that the area that they are in is difficult to hike, and that the Royal Arch route is steep, rugged, and rappelling from rock is common."

edit: I better get back on topic before I get moderated on my own thread. Canyoneering, Mystery, cool.

[tanya]

I bet it is!
There is still no sign of a Salt Lake City couple missing at the Grand Canyon. Alan Humphrey and Iris Faraklas never returned from a week-long hike.

On Wednesday, search and rescue rangers flew over the southern portion of the Royal Arch route where the couple planned to hike. Rangers focused their search efforts along the rim and on areas known to be more technically challenging.

Hikers along the trail were contacted and interviewed to determine if hikers in the area had seen or made contact with the pair. So far, there has been no sign of the couple.

The search also took to the air and a rescue unit is now searching the Royal Arch route on foot.

[trackrunner]

Update it looks like lost couple in the Grand Canyon were found.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_9411517

"A third rescue team and a technical-rope-climbing team were searching Wednesday when the couple was found."

I wonder how Bo feels after that, nice job to him.

[tanya]

Update it looks like lost couple in the Grand Canyon were found.
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_9411517

"A third rescue team and a technical-rope-climbing team were searching Wednesday when the couple was found."

I wonder how Bo feels after that, nice job to him.

That technical rope climbing team would be the one Bo is on! :popcorn:

:2thumbs:

[trackrunner]

Hey you two, still want to get out for this weekend.

[Bo_Beck]

Awesome...they were found alive! I didn't realize they had been found until we got back to EOC on the South Rim. Our team from Zion was given the Royal Arch route to the river sector (technical canyon rarely done). Kevin, Craig and myself were dropped off on the Tonto and followed the trail back to the head of Royal Arch/Elf Chasm route. The rout past Royal Arch is very rarely done as evidenced by no anchors and no evidence of humans at all. There were 2 rappels that we did. One was 170' and the other 140'. We did many downclimbs, some of which were quite exposed and kept our attention. Beyond these rappels and downcanyon a ways there were tracks and very rudimentary "trails" that scaled near vertical cliffs. The canyon was absolutely stunning, but we knew after the first rappel that it would be unlikely we would find Alan and Iris. Folks from the river partake on shorter hikes upstream from the river, but if one were to fall it would mean certain injury or even death. i.e. Harvey Butchart in 1959 being picked off from the top of Royal Arch after breaking his ankle further up said canyon. Here are a few pictures taken from the SAR. I'm glad that they were found on the South Bass Trail after 10 days out (6 Days overdue)!

[tanya]

Pretty Canyon! How was it?


Are you stiill up for doing Mystery with Shaun on Saturday?

[Bo_Beck]

Pretty Canyon! How was it?


Are you stiill up for doing Mystery with Shaun on Saturday?

It was absolutely amazing. You and I hiked up to the last photo in the set that I displayed when we did the river trip in March of 2007. Further up the canyon is equally as beautiful, but very unexplored for the most part.

My left deltoid is acting up, but I think a day might give it a chance to calm down. Mystery would be a user friendly canyon for my shoulder if I can get a permit?

[oldno7]

Wow Bo--that country looks amazing.
Thank you to you and your team for what you do. :five:

[Iceaxe]

:hail2thechief: SAR

[Bo_Beck]

Wow Bo--that country looks amazing.
Thank you to you and your team for what you do. :five:

Thank you Kurt! I love what I do and always have. I was so fearful that as I rappelled down just after Royal Arch that I was going to find their bodies...Don't ask why. I was so relieved you can't imagine when I got down and they were nowhere to be found. I knew then and there that we wouldn't find them in that canyon.thisgave me a lot of hope. My hope paid off and they were found alive! Damn there isn't a better feeling than hearing what we heard as we got back to EOC!

[tanya]

Pretty Canyon! How was it?


Are you stiill up for doing Mystery with Shaun on Saturday?

It was absolutely amazing. You and I hiked up to the last photo in the set that I displayed when we did the river trip in March of 2007. Further up the canyon is equally as beautiful, but very unexplored for the most part.

My left deltoid is acting up, but I think a day might give it a chance to calm down. Mystery would be a user friendly canyon for my shoulder if I can get a permit?

Shaun might have them? I don't know. You can take it easy Saturday and let the youngsters carry the rope and do all the rope stuff.

That canyon the SAR team did must have been around Deer Creek?

[trackrunner]

Pretty Canyon! How was it?


Are you stiill up for doing Mystery with Shaun on Saturday?

It was absolutely amazing. You and I hiked up to the last photo in the set that I displayed when we did the river trip in March of 2007. Further up the canyon is equally as beautiful, but very unexplored for the most part.

My left deltoid is acting up, but I think a day might give it a chance to calm down. Mystery would be a user friendly canyon for my shoulder if I can get a permit?

Shaun might have them? I don't know. You can take it easy Saturday and let the youngsters carry the rope and do all the rope stuff.

That canyon the SAR team did must have been around Deer Creek?

I don't have the permit. The online reservation system has been down most of the week. Now that it is on line there are 6 walk in permits available. We can (and Karl prefers it) do Mystery from the east mesa trail instead of weeping rock, and set up the shuttle. We'll be nice and cary the ropes.

But Bo I respect what you do and understand if you have to take a rest.

:rockon:

[Bo_Beck]

:hail2thechief: SAR

Just "anther day" Shane. I did get "nakid" at a lower pool though for old time sake.
:hail2thechief:

[tanya]

:hail2thechief: SAR

Just "anther day" Shane. I did get "nakid" at a lower pool though for old time sake.
:hail2thechief:

:eek2: :popcorn:

[savanna3313]

:hail2thechief: SAR

Just "anther day" Shane. I did get "nakid" at a lower pool though for old time sake.
:hail2thechief:

:eek2: :popcorn:

Darlin'!! Where are those photos?? :bootyshake:

:popcorn:

[Bo_Beck]

Nope. 20 miles upriver from deer creek.

[Bo_Beck]

:hail2thechief: SAR

Just "anther day" Shane. I did get "nakid" at a lower pool though for old time sake.
:hail2thechief:

:eek2: :popcorn:

Darlin'!! Where are those photos?? :bootyshake:

:popcorn:

:naughty: I just knew you might be waitin' for the good stuff, but the river company "all girl trip" that we met swore us to secrecy :nono:

Those dang commercial trips! Had it been a private trip...oooh-la-la!

:roflol: :2thumbs:

[trackrunner]

Tanya & Bo. Just talked to Karl and we are still on for this. Let us know. Time what is good for everyone. Don't want to be doing this at night with flash lights in our teath. :haha: Any other equipment we need to bring. Karl and I can carry the weith to help Bo out.

I'm so pumped my first trip with Bo & Tanya :nod:

[tanya]

Tanya & Bo. Just talked to Karl and we are still on for this. Let us know. Time what is good for everyone. Don't want to be doing this at night with flash lights in our teath. :haha: Any other equipment we need to bring. Karl and I can carry the weith to help Bo out.

I'm so pumped my first trip with Bo & Tanya :nod:


:lol8: I hope you say that after the trip too. :haha:

Should we meet at the North Fork Road turnoff? Maybe 8am? Bo?

[abirken]

Wow! The pictures of the canyon you were in are gorgeous! Like a little slice of heaven that not everyone gets to see everyday. That's incredible what you all do for a rescue. Amazing, really!!! :2thumbs:

[Bo_Beck]

Wow! The pictures of the canyon you were in are gorgeous! Like a little slice of heaven that not everyone gets to see everyday. That's incredible what you all do for a rescue. Amazing, really!!! :2thumbs:

It was a pretty short canyon, but had a LOT of drop. I figure the reason not many people do or have done the canyon is that it is pretty remote and would require at least 170' of rope and a 170' pullcord, rappeling gear along with camping gear. Some of the downclimbing would be pretty tricky with a heavy pack (and it was!). I believe that few people that are on river trips that have rock climbing skills make their way up the canyon a ways, and I believe that even a few might have made it up as far as the bottom of the 170' rappel below the arch, but certainly not a lot of folks. It always amazes me as to how beautiful these places are when you consider they are in a desert! It was almost tropical.

A hasty search was made the day before we got there. Our teams search was part of operational period one, and was just one section of the overall search area. There were other teams that were deployed in other areas concurrent to our assignment. Bill Vandergraff and Ken Phillips run a very organized SAR program at Grand Canyon as you might imagine. Sometimes they may have several incidents occuring at the same time (as was the case). There was a med-evac. that occured from the river concurrent to this search as well. It was a very hectic week for GC and their staff, and thats why they called us from Zion to lend a hand. We were set to bivy by the river at the end of our assignment as the day was getting late, but a call on the sat-phone had the SAR Ship "MD900" landing on a rock perch at the mouth of Elves Chasm within minutes. Those pilots are totally the best there are. You wouldn;t have believed where they landed that ship! We loaded up and flew out that evening, debriefed, and were invited to Kens house for a home made dinner,a beer, and great conversation with an awesome host. We all could sleep well knowing that Alan and Iris were safe and sound. My hat is off to all of the staff at Grand Canyon. They are the best!

[Bo_Beck]

Hey you two, still want to get out for this weekend.

I've got it squared away for the 4 of us. Lets meet at 8am at Route 9 and North Fork Road. Shaun. We should consider getting together for a carpool? Where do you live? Here in St. George? No sense in taking 2 vehicles? What do you say?
Bo

[tanya]

That works for me. A trip report in canyons says Mystery is dry so no need for a wet/dry suit Saturday.... yah!

See you guys at 8am at the turn off to the North Fork Road on Saturday.

[trackrunner]

That works for me. A trip report in canyons says Mystery is dry so no need for a wet/dry suit Saturday.... yah!

See you guys at 8am at the turn off to the North Fork Road on Saturday.

Will I need neoprean socks for the short section of narrows this time of year.

[tanya]

Hmmm... I like warm feet! However I have not taken them in the past but we played spiderman and never got wet. I am not sure where the water is exactly, but I always say yes!!! Bring them! I don't know what it is about feet but they can take so long to warm up!

[tanya]

Randi forgot there was a swimmer in Mystery last week...

So back to needing suits!!!!!.

[oldno7]

I would guess the swim would be at Mystery springs(short) or possibly the downclimb below it.

[tanya]

I was thinking the springs which Bo can get around.. but he is wounded. Would swimming be so bad this time of year in Mystery? We swam in Spry a couple of weeks ago with no suit and it was fine.

[oldno7]

Hard to say--everyone has different tolerances.
Supposed to be mid 90's Saturday, that would help.
I think if I was to do it tomorow I'd bring my jacket top is all.(ymwv)

[Iceaxe]

I never use a wetsuit in Mystery, even when it's cold. The water is near the end and very short..... I just pack a fleece jacket to warm up after the last swim.

You can also bundle your cloths and toss them over the water to keep them dry.... unless you throw like a girl. :haha:

Note: If you guys are smart you will take this idea and run with it, since you will have Tanya along.... hehehe

YMMV...

[tanya]

Ha ha... :twisted: ...

You should not give the mischievous one in the group ideas. :lol8:


I think I will go without a suit. I don't know what swim Randi is talking about but you can miss the spring.. or as Ice says it's a quick one at the end anyway.... oh is the Zion Narrows warm yet. That would not be a quickie. :mrgreen:

[abirken]

Wow! The pictures of the canyon you were in are gorgeous! Like a little slice of heaven that not everyone gets to see everyday. That's incredible what you all do for a rescue. Amazing, really!!! :2thumbs:


It always amazes me as to how beautiful these places are when you consider they are in a desert! It was almost tropical.





That's what I am most suprised by! In your photos, you would almost mistake the surrounding to be a tropical area. The fact that the water runs an almost emerald green against the red rock is gorgeous. Like I said, a little slice of heaven is almost an understatment. And reading first hand of your part of the rescue effort is like reading a part of an adventure novel. :2thumbs: Amazing you are a part of this!! AND IT REALLY HAPPENS!

:nod:

[Bo_Beck]

Wow! The pictures of the canyon you were in are gorgeous! Like a little slice of heaven that not everyone gets to see everyday. That's incredible what you all do for a rescue. Amazing, really!!! :2thumbs:


It always amazes me as to how beautiful these places are when you consider they are in a desert! It was almost tropical.





That's what I am most suprised by! In your photos, you would almost mistake the surrounding to be a tropical area. The fact that the water runs an almost emerald green against the red rock is gorgeous. Like I said, a little slice of heaven is almost an understatment. And reading first hand of your part of the rescue effort is like reading a part of an adventure novel. :2thumbs: Amazing you are a part of this!! AND IT REALLY HAPPENS!

:nod:

You know? There are many places like this in the Grand Canyon! It is such an expansive area. I had never taken a flight over the canyon before, but I spent maybe 50 minutes at very low elevation just absorbing the terrain below (in between some turbulence). I have hiked a few places in GC before, but after flying it a bit and talking with some of the rangers that have been there for 20-30 years (and helped authors with books) I have a great desire to return to some of these magical places. I had always thought that the North Rim was the "Cats Meow" but am learning that the South Rim has some places that are unmatched. Don't get me wrong, I still love the North Rim, but I have heard of some "Mystical" places that few ever go and that is what I have recently decided to focus on. I look forward to getting together with some new found friends and sharing some great experiences with them.

On the other hand; Yes you are right and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to do some of the things I've done. Maybe it is because of my passion for adventure? Maybe it's because I'm persistent? Maybe it's because I've been in the right palce at the right time? Maybe it's because I'm a PITA and just won't take no for an answer? Or maybe it's just Karma? I have no clue really, but I do know that it's been a rewarding and fun ride. Ok here we go.....sentimental and caringly....I do care for people and my goal has always been to help or lend a helping hand... period.

[tanya]

This was a really fun trip with Shaun, Bo and Shaun's friend. I took a lot of shots --- but it will be a few days before I get them up.

Thanks for keeping me dry guys! :bath:

I love macho men! :Ahnuld:

To top it off we ran into the Bushwhacker and his crew.... He is such a character!