Freeze Fest VIII (First Post for Updates)

[DiscGo]

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_4w95F46NIaA/SwuW1TeOxKI/AAAAAAAACiM/-2WEFPjYotQ/FreezeFestVIII720.jpg

THE DETAILS

Who: All are invited. If you like mild suffering and slot canyons, you belong at FF.


What: Best New Year's party around... Multiple days of canyoneering and nights of poker, bocce, chasing foxes and good company around the campfire.


When: Dec. 26th - Jan. 6th
Unorganized chaos will start sometime around the night of Dec. 26th, and end the 5th or 6th of January, with the bulk of the crowds being there the weekend of New Years


Where: Sandthrax campsite. Milepost 28.3 or so on Highway 95, north side of the road. Click here for map. (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Hanksville,+Utah&daddr=UT-95+S+to:38.01564,-110.535507&hl=en&geocode=Fa6GSQIdSaNm-SnPk6_agcRJhzHh7or0Up7tXg%3BFf8VRAIdMWBp-Q%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=12&via=1&sll=37.998327,-110.465469&sspn=0.149343,0.352592&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=38.044576,-110.573273&spn=0.149248,0.352592&z=12)


Why: Why not?


Logistics and Tips
(Will be updated as more questions appear in the thread)

For a quick rundown on all the Freeze Fest tips, take it from RAM, the guy who started it the tradition. Here's a bullet point list of all the things you should bring/know/want. (click) (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/message/54355)


FIREWOOD PLEASE bring firewood. Usually 1 bundle per day per person. Can never have enough firewood, and if the crowds are big this year, we'll definitely need to have more than 1 fire.

Wetsuit or Drysuit? For the black hole on New Years, a drysuit is nice, but not many have them. A layered wetsuit system can work. Anywhere from 5mm-7mm has worked, but be aware of how warm or cold you get. I (carpeybiggs) usually wear two full 4/3mm wetsuits, because I get cold easily. Others can do 4/3 and 2mm shorties. Consider neoprene gloves and thick socks. ZAC is selling nice socks for 40 percent off right now, 18 bucks a pair. (click for link)
(http://www.zionadventures.com/)


Anyway, the big event is the New Year's black hole. For this people will need enough protection to swim in icewater for a couple hours. Generally double wet suits or a dry suit will do. Learning how to function in the cold and wet is an interesting challenge.

Very few raps in the Black Hole, as in zero. couple of downclimbs. Great fun had by all, usually canyon-gang-warfare.

The other big event is the sitting around the fire telling stories into all hours of the night, well, at least until 9 pm, the mandatory stay-up-till hour.


What canyons are on the agenda?
It's completely flexible. But here are some ideas.

North Wash
Shimrock, Shamrock, East Lep
No Kidding
Monkey B
Foolin' Around
Shenanigans
E Blarney, W Blarney
Shillelagh
Hog 1-4
Morocco
Piglet
Hogwarts
Trail
Maidenwaters
Trachyotomy
Upper stair


Poison Springs
Arscenic, Slideanide, Constrychnine - usually dry, half day a piece


Cedar Mesa -
Duckett, Short - two half day canyons, will be wet
Black Hole - many swims, full day, Jan. 1st
Cowboy, Gravel, Cheesebox - weather/road dependent


Burr Road -
Adobe Swale
Monoxide
Burr Slot


Roost -
Chambers - (I plan on doing it on the 26th, a travel day)


Bullfrog
Hard Day Harvey
Good Day Jim

And lots more to choose from...



When I was lunch last month with the Bogleyites in AF we were talking about Freeze Fest. It sounded AWESOME! I have only been repelling a handful of times and really only Canyoneering once. So I realize I should probably stick to the Noob Fests until I get better but my family is going to be out of town for the New Year and without inviting myself... I'm wondering what I would need to do in order to go to Freeze Fest.

Dude, everyone is invited. Anyone stupid enough to show up is more than welcome.

Second, you'll have to learn to rappel, not repel. :lol8:

There will be some easy-ish canyons on the agenda for sure. As long as you can get on rappel on your own, you should be fine. Others will be happy to help you out.

Bring a harness, rap device, couple extra biners, and lots of old clothes for during the day, and lots of really warm clothes for at night. And lots of firewood. 1 bundle for each day you plan to stay.

If you are there for a wet canyon day, you'd probably want a drysuit. Or at the very least, 2 wetsuits layered.

[CarpeyBiggs]

See above....

[oldno7]

Dan
I have a technical canyoneering course scheduled in Moab from Dec. 4-6.
Usual course fee is $395, I would be happy to extend a 20% discount to any bogley "bigshot's". I would need a minimum of 4 student's and class would be capped at 8. We have an incredible training area in Moab. More info here: http://www.redrockcanyoneering.net/index_files/Page341.htm

Weather could definetely be iffy, but if your planning on freezefest :ne_nau:

This is in no way shape or form related to the ACA.

The course is designed to take beginner or near beginner canyoneers and make them self sufficient in a canyon.(ie. capable of doing basic canyon's on your own)

[Iceaxe]

I would be happy to extend a 20% discount to any bogley "bigshot's".

:2thumbs:

[forum8fox]

There is a decent chance I'm wrong but Moab isn't the exact best training grounds for north wash slots IMO (I'm assuming that's where freeze fest is usually held). Then again I've only been through the midevil chamber which I thought was pretty lame. Walk and rap style.

So I know the dates are the 26th of december through the 3rd of january, what's on the agenda? Personally I'd like to be challanged. Anyone want to run eqypt 4 or something else similar to sandthrax? I know ram offered to run psycho damage with me, but I'm not sure it will be challanging enough. a tough pothole canyon would be fun too but I only have a shortie wet suit which probly won't suffice if there is much water.

The dates I will most likely be able to attend will be the 26-27th and the 2-3rd. Since I have some time to plan I might be able to score 3 day weekends instead of just 2 days.

[CarpeyBiggs]

So I know the dates are the 26th of december through the 3rd of january, what's on the agenda? Personally I'd like to be challanged. Anyone want to run eqypt 4 or something else similar to sandthrax? I know ram offered to run psycho damage with me, but I'm not sure it will be challanging enough. a tough pothole canyon would be fun too but I only have a shortie wet suit which probly won't suffice if there is much water.

The dates I will most likely be able to attend will be the 26-27th and the 2-3rd. Since I have some time to plan I might be able to score 3 day weekends instead of just 2 days.

26-28th will most likely be small gathering, won't be a large crowd yet. This year will probably be most crowded the 30th-3rd.

E4 is nowhere near where any of us will be camping. Psycho D is probably the most difficult canyon anyone will run at FF. There is talk of a Sandthrax group. Pandoras will probably be on the agenda.

I guess it depends on what you mean by being challenged. If you just mean you want to do tough stemming canyons, you aren't going to find many more difficult than Sandthrax that are landbased and reachable from north wash. There are some super tough ones in escalante, but at that point, you will be nowhere near "freezefest."

But challenging could be a variety of things. Difficult anchors, cold water exposure, long days, etc... But, maybe this canyoneering stuff is just too easy for you... :lol8:

[Scott P]

There is a decent chance I'm wrong but Moab isn't the exact best training grounds for north wash slots IMO (I'm assuming that's where freeze fest is usually held).

It depends on which North Wash slots you do. There are both easy and hard slots in the North Was area. I don't know what they are doing this year (ask Tom or Ram), but when I've gone before they did a mix of easy and more challenging slots.

[Sombeech]

I have only been repelling a handful of times

I repel Mosquitoes almost every time I'm camping. How do you get so lucky?

[forum8fox]

You know I've been thinking that canyoneering is pretty easy myself lately. But then again I'm pretty new at this stuff with less then 3 years under my belt. I'm sure I've not seen the hardest stuff yet, but probly just about the hardest of what's published on climb utah and on tom's site. (minus canyons that require wet suits mostly). I sure hope I've not seen the outer edge of what's possible around me, I hope that there are canyons still that people think aren't possible to be quite honest. Gotta have something to work toward.

Yea I figured E4 was a bit of a drive, although I have no idea as I've never actually been over in that area.

That's too bad that there aren't many hard stemming canyons left for me in the area. I guess psycho D will have to suffice then. That's cool that there is a talk of a sand thrax group, but I might not want to get burnt out on it seeing as I don't have many other hard options left it sounds like. So it seems I'll be confined to this one for a while. 3 times in a years period could make the canyon a bit boring. Anyone ever thought about going up sand thrax? Now that could be a new twist....

As far as being challanged goes....
Yea tough stemming canyons are the easiest way to achieve this.

I do however like being challanged in the anchor department obviously, but isn't just about everything in the north wash fixed? BTW care to fill me in on just kidding if you know about it? are there many canyons that you know of in the wash that present actual tough anchor sittuations?

Cold water exposure I could handle if I had a real wet suit, as of now it's asking for hypothermia.

And I've done long days, they have to be good to be worth the death march attitude. The second day of canyoneering I had ever lead with a group of beginers was the high spur followed by alcatraz in the same day.
The squeeze was kinda a long day. I did old woman wash in the swell on my first canyoneering trip ever a few years ago which was like a 13 mile day or something like that. That's an example of a long day that wasn't worth it as we did mind bender the day prior(I had higher expectations for the canyon).

I could think of some long days in the wash that could be worth it, like one of the butler forks to one of the leprechaun forks, or multiple leprechaun forks (down one up another and down the last) never been through blarney or shelillegh so maybe both of them in a day. The days are shorter that time of year though so it'd be a matter of speed and most likely some time spent in the dark.

[Scott P]

That's too bad that there aren't many hard stemming canyons left for me in the area.

There are probably at least 100 stemming canyons within an hour radius of there. You've already completed all these and more in short span of three years? :ne_nau: And at the same time you don't know where E4 is even located? :ne_nau:

[CarpeyBiggs]

not much of anything in north wash is "fixed." you can ghost all sorts of canyons.

more challenging options -
pandoras - long and good
all 4 hogs in a day
up sandthrax
psycho d
just kidding - (has cold water exposure, long hike out though, could loop it with any of the leps, all of the butler forks get looped regularly)
hard day harvey
burr slot - (don't know anyone who has done it)
loop all 3 of the poison springs, ghost 'em.
up one maidenwater, down the other.


but, it's all a matter of why you want to do canyons. if you just want balls to the wall crazy high stemming shit, we can send you into it. but if that's all you're after, and it seems too easy, just stay home. go climbing, mountaineering, ski avalanche prone bowls, whatever. most people don't get into canyons because they find canyoneering really difficult, though there are a few canyons that i imagine you will find plenty challenging.

canyons appeal to me for a variety of reasons. good company, beautiful places, and moderate physical and mental challenge that forces a person to think in a variety of situations, and solve problems. if none of those are satisfying enough, this probably isn't your sport.

that said, escalante is probably the only other place that will get your blood pumping, if that's all you are after. long branch, big tony, bishop, e4, and at least 4 other ones that have probably only been done by a select few. at least a few of those are a step up from sandthrax. go do 'em. just don't die.

[CarpeyBiggs]

That's too bad that there aren't many hard stemming canyons left for me in the area.

There are probably at least 100 stemming canyons within an hour radius of there. You've already completed all these and more in short span of three years? :ne_nau: And at the same time you don't know where E4 is even located? :ne_nau:

Scott, he wants HARD stemming canyons. He wants stuff harder than Psycho D. Not many more in North Wash harder than 'thrax and psycho.

[jb]

Don't go to FF just to tick something off your list. It's a fun social event. Depending on when you go, you might do something new, or you might not . . . you might split into a few groups or just lay siege to a single canyon. You'll probably be exposed to some nifty little partner assist maneuvers that maybe you haven't seen. If you get lucky the Mapletonians might show up with their cast iron wizardry. And usually some interesting campfire fare. I wish I could go this year.

[Cirrus2000]

Interesting, it looks like FF is going to really hit a critical mass this year. Last year was big - I think this year will be huge!

And I'm not going. Again. :frustrated:

[forum8fox]

Man, I didn't mean to work you all up. I enjoy canyoneering, I'm not trying to say it's too wussy for me you know. I'm just saying, I like to do things to extremes as much as I can. On my snowboard I have made a few descents that are firsts on a snowboard and just a hand full of skiers most likely. Most people would consider them ice climbs, but not me after 17+ years on the thing. I wish I was that bad ass at climbing but I'm just a spec compared to the pros. Best out of most of my firends, and I made it up artist tears with just 1 day of desert climbing experience prior (5.8 A4 and I got the aid cruxes). I had only climbed 2 C3 routes prior to it.
I got into caving this summer and have already seen most of the best caves in colorado. I love all types of outdoor adventure and I'm always just trying to strive for my best and the best in others.

I can enjoy easy canyons, I liked the high spur, I liked mind bender, I liked shenanigans. If they are easy they better be super pretty for me to enjoy them though or I have to be with some friends that I'm intorducing to the sport. I mean I have to drive atleast 6+ hours to get to these things, it costs money and time to make it happen. Comming from my technical back ground I just like to be challanged or awed for what I put in to make the trip happen. The comroddarie is great, the team work is also a wonderful part of the game. I like building a solid bond with my partners and often the best way to do this is to be challanged so you have to rely on one and other to make it through.

To be honest mind bender was my first trip which wasn't too technical but I fell in love with the sport for the beauty mostly. When I started doing harder canyons I really started to enjoy the challange and wanted to strive for more of it. I want to know what I'm capable of and get better.

Having never been to freeze fest and being a noob I had no idea what to expect. I want to go to meet Tom and Ram mostly. I think I will be happy no matter what I end up doing if I get to hang with them.

Yea the north wash isn't fixed exactly with bolts per say, but untill no kidding the only anchor I was ever forced to build was a single drop in boss hog. kinda takes the fun out of it, even more reason to go do them and ghost them so they are better for everyone else I guess.

so what's the deal with the "burr slot"???
For me going places no one or very few people have been is a huge factor of why I like to do the things I do. That's what real adventure is all about.

could be a good project maybe...

Sorry for my lack of social skills, I didn't intend to upset or put down anyone if that's how it's taken. Sorry for the flaring ego I guess it would seem. The canyoneering being too easy thing was just mostly joking, I don't really think there's nothing left for me.

[Iceaxe]

You know I've been thinking that canyoneering is pretty easy myself lately.

The problem with canyoneering is its all pretty easy right up until it's not.... and than you are in deep shit..... just the nature of the beast.

While Sandthrax might not be the most difficult or dangerous canyon on the CP when considering the route as a whole, many canyoneers agree that it might have the most difficult crux.

But one thing I can promise you.... the canyons get more difficult when you get old.... dragging an extra 25 or 30 years through the slots is a real challenge, so at least you have that to always look forward to. :haha:

:popcorn:

[Cirrus2000]

But one thing I can promise you.... the canyons get more difficult when you get old.... dragging an extra 25 or 30 years through the slots is a real challenge, so at least you have that to always look forward to. :haha:

:popcorn:
Kind of sucks to start when you're carrying an extra 25 or 30 years! :haha: Wish I'd started this stuff decades earlier!

[Scott P]

He wants stuff harder than Psycho D. Not many more in North Wash harder than 'thrax and psycho.

Actually, I said within an hour of North Wash rather than in North Wash. Isn

[James_B_Wads2000]

Don't go to FF just to tick something off your list. It's a fun social event.

I would love to come and socialize if it wasn

[bruce from bryce]

I've got agree with you Ice that carrying around that extra 30-40 years is getting to be pretty lame.

But I'll be back at FF for the first time in three years doing a couple of canyons then taking a day off. Repeat that scenario. Then do the Black Hole on New Year's Day. Then home.

Hey Wads: what more could you want but dark and cold. Here's a photo back in February 2006. Lean forward and snow is getting on the seat behind you. Sit back and you are too far from the fire. The vertical streaks are snow. Yee Ha!

[nat]

Man, I didn't mean to work you all up. I enjoy canyoneering, I'm not trying to say it's too wussy for me you know. I'm just saying, I like to do things to extremes as much as I can. On my snowboard I have made a few descents that are firsts on a snowboard and just a hand full of skiers most likely. Most people would consider them ice climbs, but not me after 17+ years on the thing. I wish I was that bad ass at climbing but I'm just a spec compared to the pros. Best out of most of my firends, and I made it up artist tears with just 1 day of desert climbing experience prior (5.8 A4 and I got the aid cruxes). I had only climbed 2 C3 routes prior to it.
I got into caving this summer and have already seen most of the best caves in colorado. I love all types of outdoor adventure and I'm always just trying to strive for my best and the best in others.



There's nothing wrong with wanting to do canyons for the challenge or difficulty of them. I do canyons for all different kinds of reasons, and it depends on the canyon. I do some for the beauty, some to show friends, some just because I haven't done them yet, and some because others have said they are good . Others I've done because I've been invited by friends. On the other hand, some, especially the high stemming canyons, I search out and do precisely because of the challenge, and because few have done them. It's always a great adventure, and especially satisfying to complete such a canyon, kind of like doing a hard climb. That said, I don't think even the hardest high stemming slots will not compare with the difficulties of serious hard climbs.

If you are looking for greater challenges in high stemming slots, there is public beta on some. Long Branch and Pintac are pretty challenging, much harder in most respects than Sandthrax or E4. Kelsey describes these in his tech guide (2nd edition); in the Escalante. There are also TR's of descents of these in Stefan's Canyon Tales www.canyontales.com.

Nat

[rockgremlin]

When are the dates for the fest this year? I'd like to make a run at PsychoD and a few others...

[CarpeyBiggs]

When are the dates for the fest this year? I'd like to make a run at PsychoD and a few others...

26th - 4th, though I imagine most people will be there around the weekend, 30th-3rd.

[Iceaxe]

[quote=Scott P]Isn

[jb56chevy]

i am pretty new canyoneering and brand new to this board. But, I would like to meet some of you all and find some people to ride, climb, hike with.

[CarpeyBiggs]

i am pretty new canyoneering and brand new to this board. But, I would like to meet some of you all and find some people to ride, climb, hike with.

freeze fest is a great place to meet new folks. there will probably be 30-40 people on the weekend.

[trackrunner]

So I need ideas for a kitchen pass to tell Jen, my wife. The weekend of the 26th is right after Christmas and we always have to visit the in-laws. She would kill me. My son's birthday is Dec 31, again she will kill me. Invite her? Anything below 78 degrees F is too cold for her. Looks like I will never attend a freeze fest.
:sad: :gloom: :cry:

[CarpeyBiggs]

shaun, just a couple of days somewhere in there? most people only stay a couple nights. only a few stay long.

[DiscGo]

I plan on being there from New Years Eve until the 3rd. I'm way excited.

[Don]

Cody and I will be there Dec 28 through Jan 3. We might leave early, the evening of the 2nd, to visit Mystic Mike's hot springs in Monroe before driving home on the 3rd. Hope to get Josh, Gonzo and maybe one or two others down there with us but it's unlikely they will make it until the 30th or 31st. Cody and I have been considering something like Buckskin Gulch for early that week, then hit Sandthrax campground by midweek to (again, hopefully) meet others. No firm plan except that Cody and I will be down south that week.
We met some cool people last year and hope to hit some canyons with some of you this year too! :2thumbs:

[ratagonia]

You know I've been thinking that canyoneering is pretty easy myself lately. But then again I'm pretty new at this stuff with less then 3 years under my belt. I'm sure I've not seen the hardest stuff yet, but probly just about the hardest of what's published on climb utah and on tom's site. (minus canyons that require wet suits mostly). I sure hope I've not seen the outer edge of what's possible around me, I hope that there are canyons still that people think aren't possible to be quite honest. Gotta have something to work toward.


Unlike climbing, canyoneering has little to no emphasis on mastering difficulty. At least not, all the time, every canyon. If this is really your main focus, this will not be a good sport for you. Partly because there are very few 'difficult' canyons, and partly because you are soloing, all the time. One little error and...

Perhaps the challenge of having a good time despite doing canyons that are just fun (but not challenging) could keep you engaged. Not trying to cop an attitude on your attitude cop, but I don't think you will find the sport engaging if your sole focus is on difficulty. And especially at Freezefest, when pushing limits is so much more dangerous than during more benign times of the year.

Tom :moses:

[ratagonia]

Tom :moses:

Oops, late the party, again!!!

Tom :moses:

[ratagonia]

Anyway, the big event is the New Year's black hole. For this people will need enough protection to swim in icewater for a couple hours. Generally double wet suits or a dry suit will do. Learning how to function in the cold and wet is an interesting challenge.

Very few raps in the Black Hole, as in zero. couple of downclimbs. Great fun had by all, usually canyon-gang-warfare.

The other big event is the sitting around the fire telling stories into all hours of the night, well, at least until 9 pm, the mandatory stay-up-till hour.

Tom

[trackrunner]

I might actually be able to make a kitchen pass for a couple days. Now have to find out which days to fit this in.

[ScoutColorado]

Anyway, the big event is the New Year's black hole. For this people will need enough protection to swim in icewater for a couple hours. Generally double wet suits or a dry suit will do. Learning how to function in the cold and wet is an interesting challenge.

Tom
Hey Tom,
You said double wetsuits? I have a 3mm full and a 7mm full. Will the 7mm be enough? I can put them both on (just tried it), but I look like the Michelin Man, and if I fall over I'm not sure I can get up.
Thanks, Randy

[CarpeyBiggs]

Anyway, the big event is the New Year's black hole. For this people will need enough protection to swim in icewater for a couple hours. Generally double wet suits or a dry suit will do. Learning how to function in the cold and wet is an interesting challenge.

Tom
Hey Tom,
You said double wetsuits? I have a 3mm full and a 7mm full. Will the 7mm be enough? I can put them both on (just tried it), but I look like the Michelin Man, and if I fall over I'm not sure I can get up.
Thanks, Randy

7mm is probably good. i wore a 4/3 and 2/2 last time. i get coldest on my hands and feet, so i think 7mm socks and some neo gloves would be helpful too. but i get cold easy.

[ScoutColorado]

Thanks Carpey,
I'll try to get some thicker socks and gloves.
BTW, loved your Cricket B&W photo. Excellent!
Randy

[stefan]

Anyway, the big event is the New Year's black hole. For this people will need enough protection to swim in icewater for a couple hours. Generally double wet suits or a dry suit will do. Learning how to function in the cold and wet is an interesting challenge.

Tom
Hey Tom,
You said double wetsuits? I have a 3mm full and a 7mm full. Will the 7mm be enough? I can put them both on (just tried it), but I look like the Michelin Man, and if I fall over I'm not sure I can get up.
Thanks, Randy

7mm is probably good. i wore a 4/3 and 2/2 last time. i get coldest on my hands and feet, so i think 7mm socks and some neo gloves would be helpful too. but i get cold easy.

indeed, the gloves make the difference between fully enjoying it and enduring the cold.

[cookiecutter]

Thanks Tom for giving me a heads up about Freeze Fest, it looks as though there is a strong chance of 3 or 4 of us coming down. we have lots of fire wood available to us...not too many wet suits. We'll figure it out though

[CarpeyBiggs]

cc - i just got a smokin' good deal on a wetsuit at recreation outlet for $60. it's a real nice 4/3 salomon suit. deeps told me about it. might be worth checking into. they are "at the warehouse," so you have to ask specifically for them. i'm on my way to alaska, so i don't remember the exact model. something like endo 4/3 or something?

that said, if you can't find rubber for the black hole, there will certainly be people who will do other canyons that day. so it's still worth being around for the party.

i will have 2 extra wetsuits i'll bring down. both fit about 6 foot, 175-190ish. if it comes down to that, you're welcome to borrow one. one is 4/3, one is 2/2, both fulls.

[cookiecutter]

cc - i just got a smokin' good deal on a wetsuit at recreation outlet for $60. it's a real nice 4/3 salomon suit. deeps told me about it. might be worth checking into. they are "at the warehouse," so you have to ask specifically for them. i'm on my way to alaska, so i don't remember the exact model. something like endo 4/3 or something?

that said, if you can't find rubber for the black hole, there will certainly be people who will do other canyons that day. so it's still worth being around for the party.

i will have 2 extra wetsuits i'll bring down. both fit about 6 foot, 175-190ish. if it comes down to that, you're welcome to borrow one. one is 4/3, one is 2/2, both fulls.

Cool, thanks for the heads up. We'll check it out.
I appreciate the borrowing offer as well, we'll try and get things figured out and I'll let ya know.

about 95% sure we can make it, can't wait!

[cookiecutter]

Well I attempted to post in the Yahoo group but can't seem to find the message I posted (I can't figure that dang site out!)

So...Looks like my group of 3-4 are, at this time (depending on work, so far we're clear) planning on being there Jan 2 to the 6th. Just to make sure, the things we will need are: all the gear we have, old clothes, warm clothes, lots of firewood, any thing else? And, are the canyon groups organized once we are there or are they done in advance?

Big Thanks!

[CarpeyBiggs]

Well I attempted to post in the Yahoo group but can't seem to find the message I posted (I can't figure that dang site out!)

So...Looks like my group of 3-4 are, at this time (depending on work, so far we're clear) planning on being there Jan 2 to the 6th. Just to make sure, the things we will need are: all the gear we have, old clothes, warm clothes, lots of firewood, any thing else? And, are the canyon groups organized once we are there or are they done in advance?

Big Thanks!

it all gets worked out on the fly, once there. there will probably a much smaller crowd after the weekend. probably less than 10 or so. we'll see.

[CarpeyBiggs]

there are some answers to your question on the yahoo group as well, by the way.

[ratagonia]

Someone coming to Freezefest have a paintball gun? Would be good to tag those foxes a couple times, keep them from becoming camp marauders on a permanent basis!!!

T :moses:

[cookiecutter]

there are some answers to your question on the yahoo group as well, by the way.

thanks. I'm finally getting used to it over there

[CarpeyBiggs]

I've updated and consolidated the first posts with all the information from the thread. If anyone else has questions/suggestions/ideas, post 'em here and we'll get it all organized.

Also, RAM has posted his bulletlist of all the lessons learned over the years. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/message/54355)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/message/54355

[CarpeyBiggs]

oh yes, and PLEASE bring firewood. usually 1 bundle per day per person. can never have enough firewood, and if the crowds are big this year, we'll definitely need to have more than 1 fire.

[cookiecutter]

I've updated and consolidated the first posts with all the information from the thread. If anyone else has questions/suggestions/ideas, post 'em here and we'll get it all organized.

Also, RAM has posted his bulletlist of all the lessons learned over the years. (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/message/54355)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/message/54355

Perfect, thats a big help!

[Stick]

oh yes, and PLEASE bring firewood. usually 1 cord per day per person. can never have enough firewood, and if the crowds are big this year, we'll definitely need to have more than 1 fire.

That's a lot of firewood!

I know you mean 1 bundle of firewood per person per day.

word nazi hat on
A cord of of firewood is 128 cubic feet of wood. That is 4'x4'x8'.
word nazi hat off

P.S. I don't intend to be disparaging of your use of words. I am just bored right now. Most everyone calls those bundles of firewood you can buy at the grocery store cords.

[CarpeyBiggs]

hahaha, yes, i meant bundle.

funny, we've been talking firewood up here in alaska alot the last couple days to heat the cabin, and my mind is stuck in "cord" talk. thanks!

[Cirrus2000]

I know you mean 1 bundle of firewood per person per day.

I love that someone named "Stick" is talking about firewood!!!

[Scott Card]

I know you mean 1 bundle of firewood per person per day.

I love that someone named "Stick" is talking about firewood!!!

:lol8:

[Iceaxe]

I just stickied this thread and moved all the important info into the first post..... as per our usual method...

The first post is the one the one to keep an eye on for news and info.

:rockon:

[Randi]

Interesting, it looks like FF is going to really hit a critical mass this year. Last year was big - I think this year will be huge!

And I'm not going. Again. :frustrated:

I'm wondering how we're all going to fit into Tom's party tent! :eek2:
I'm sad that you're not coming Kev ~ hopefully me & the girls can work it out to see you in May when you're out with the family!

[trackrunner]

I'm wondering how we're all going to fit into Tom's party tent!

Well I could bring my large party tent if needed.

:banana: :cheers: :friday: :banana: :clap: :pitcher: :a: :bud: :wavey:

[ratagonia]

I'm wondering how we're all going to fit into Tom's party tent!

Well I could bring my large party tent if needed.

:banana: :cheers: :friday: :banana: :clap: :pitcher: :a: :bud: :wavey:

I have a new Festive Party Tent - not sure how big it actually is. Given the likely massive crowds, another large tent would be a good idea. Bring it!!

Tom :moses:

[Rob L]

I'll be thinking of you all...the social side of Canyoneering is just as important as the technical Canyoneering...perhaps some kind soul can get some pictures uploaded during the Fest, please. :rockon:

I'd love to come, but there'll be too much month left at the end of the money (and so soon after MoabFest as well), but I'll be jealous.

All the best, have a great time, and Merry Christmas to you all.

Rob

[CarpeyBiggs]

have no fear rob... the events will be well documented.

[tanya]

DANG!!! There is cold and there is cold. Look how they are bundled and in front of a roaring fire!!!

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!


http://www.bogley.com/forum/files/a_snoaring_fire.jpg

[bruce from bryce]

Actually that photo was in February which is colder than December. We needed some :popcorn:

bruce from bryce

[forum8fox]

I spoke with Ram earlier this week and we tried to make plans for the trip, I'll be there the 31st through the 3rd then driving home that evening.

The slots and dates we came up with:
dec. 31: Psycho damage, as well as pothoez for those with cold water gear, for those of us like Me that don't we will either go back up psycho, or we'll go bag what I think is the second descent of the wormhole.

Jan. 1: the black hole of course for most of you, We'll be climbing choss around hanksville most likely. unless some more appealing option comes along, but I kinda doubt it.

Jan. 2: Glaucoma down and then hopefully back up

Jan. 3: Up sandthrax for some of us as others may do it in the normal direction and we'll fix ropes for each other (just incase but I'll be trying not to use them while going up), the interesting part will be passing.

[mrbrejcha]

GET STOKED FOR FF!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgXObaM9i2Q

[CarpeyBiggs]

:roflol: :roflol: :roflol:

WHERE MY F#@$ING HOMIES AT????

[Don]

:roflol: :roflol: Love that video! Don't usually pass along that kind of stuff outside of what I post on Bogley but this I'm going to share a lot!

[trackrunner]

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

I knew it would be hard to get a pass to go. Now I'm getting pressure to see the inlaws during the holiday's. Don't know if I can make this work now.

:frustrated:

[CarpeyBiggs]

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

I knew it would be hard to get a pass to go. Now I'm getting pressure to see the inlaws during the holiday's. Don't know if I can make this work now.

:frustrated:

make it happen shaun. make it happen.

i'm out early tomorrow morning. first wave of folks will be in around noon tomorrow. hope to see a bunch of you there.

stoked!

:snowguy:

[CarpeyBiggs]

Conditions as of Tuesday morning, 12/29 - Snowy. Cold. Conditions are bad. Very few canyons operable. Snowed 3 inches last night. All the slick rock is covered. Lots of interesting hikes, canyons are probably out for a couple days.

Come at your own peril. Come prepared. Sandthrax camp is covered in snow. Bring tons of firewood and booze.