FreezeFlop VIII (Update 12/31)

[CarpeyBiggs]

It was going so well. Conditions were brutal, but we were operating. 4-5 feet of snow in canyons, bridges, beautiful stuff. We persevered. After one group went through, it was more viable for the next groups, hopefully setting it up for the next groups this weekend. Did I mention the canyons are extremely beautiful?

Leprechaun took 3 hours, full wetsuits, and came out grinning looking like frosty the snowman. We tried expanding out hard day, went to bed last night full of enthusiasm, only to wake up at 1:30 this morning to hear a funny sound...

So here we are sitting at the Off Shore Marina, with 3-4 inches of fresh snow, eating really bad food, and looking out to a huge blanket of neverending snow... The thing that really matters, this fresh snow completely does it in. We can't get on any slickrock. Complete coverage.

Bottom line, there's nothing to do out here.

As of right now, a handful of us are planning on sticking it out. But if you come, come prepared. We are still praying for a miracle and hoping to do the black hole somehow, someway on January 1st. Someone come keep us company.

Signed - Dan, Ram, Aaron, Chris, Rich, Mike, and company....

[Cirrus2000]

Don't give up! Have fun, damn it, have fun!

Hope you can make the Black Hole thing work. If not, I'm sure the stories are great!

[Scott Card]

Hang on hardy canyoneers... good food is coming. I see a modified surf and turf in your future on Friday night. (How does clam chowder and dutch oven roast sound? Oh and the warm desserts too.) Save some snow for the rest of us. :lol8:

[CarpeyBiggs]

So here's the deal - Many of us are sticking it out. If you want to come down, just know it's pretty nasty. We are going to do some conservative canyons from the bottom the next couple days, and hope to fix ropes on the exit of the black hole, and try and make it happen. At the very least, we are staying until New Years.

So if you're coming down, still come. Just know conditions have changed... And canyons may be out of the question.

[CarpeyBiggs]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4225284049_cdce803054.jpg

[Scott Card]

So here's the deal - Many of us are sticking it out. If you want to come down, just know it's pretty nasty. We are going to do some conservative canyons from the bottom the next couple days, and hope to fix ropes on the exit of the black hole, and try and make it happen. At the very least, we are staying until New Years.

So if you're coming down, still come. Just know conditions have changed... And canyons may be out of the question. So far you have said nothing to change my mind. In fact, I really want to see the winter wonder land in the desert. I still intend to come. I think the Mapleton boys, at least some of us will still come down for Friday and Saturday.

[Iceaxe]

Thanks for the update.... :2thumbs:

[carverbc]

Stick it out!

('Hope someone brought avalanche experience. Tee Hee)

I propose switching the fun...draiser criteria from the # of folks who drop into the depths of The Black Hole to the # of folks who stick out it out until the New Year.

'Still wish I was there.

[Rob L]

Great photo! Stick it out!

If you're not home by June, I'll come & bring you some warm clothes.


:mrgreen:

[Alex]

Great photo! Stick it out!

If you're not home by June, I'll come & bring you some warm clothes.


:mrgreen:

Or we could call the local S&R, they should be plenty experienced by now :lol8:

[James_B_Wads2000]

only to wake up at 1:30 this morning to hear a funny sound...


What was the sound? :ne_nau:




James

[Cirrus2000]

only to wake up at 1:30 this morning to hear a funny sound...


What was the sound? :ne_nau:

Weeping? http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e367/gatsby6306/Smileys/crying.gif

Actually, I'm going to guess snow against the tent.

[DiscGo]

Sorry to hear that friend. I hope you guys have a great time and are rewarded for your dedication and I'm sorry I couldn't make it.

[Sombeech]

Great photo! Stick it out!

If you're not home by June, I'll come & bring you some warm clothes.


:mrgreen:

Or we could call the local S&R, they should be plenty experienced by now :lol8:

Tell them not to bring sandals on this rescue mission. :haha:

[tanya]

Sounds Fun! No Canyons.. lots of men. I should be there instead of sunny, warm LV. :mrgreen:

[Deathcricket]

Or we could call the local S&R, they should be plenty experienced by now :lol8:

OMG!!! Thanks a lot you jerk! You almost made me choke on the food I was eating I laughed so hard! There should be a warning before I read a comment that funny.

:roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol:

They probably don't do rescues when it's snowing though. You would have to wait a bit.

[Alex]

BTW, no disrespect to S&R folks by any means. Those guys rock.

How are you hard core canyoneers doing down there? We need an update!

[Felicia]

BTW, no disrespect to S&R folks by any means. Those guys rock.



Good recovery! :five:

I'd hate to have them be disheartened by this group.

I've been consumed with disappointment in having to cancel my trip to ff, but I'm over it now. I can't wait to see pictures of all the snow! :popcorn:

[hank moon]

How are you hard core canyoneers doing down there? We need an update!

The latest ('tis no flop!)

Just heard from the FreezeFolk...

Conditions continue to be tough, but rewarding ("sublime," even). Snow-covered slickrock has forced the devout to make overland approaches from above to canyons such as blarney and shillelagh. And they are loving it!

Other news:

15 new arrivals last night - total of 36 so far.

- a group of 10 did maidenwater today. 6ft snow in places with heavy spindrift - "sublime" said Ramoo
- 2 groups did blarney, one all female
- another group in shamrock
- and another slid a hog

This aft is a black hole recon for the New Year's Day descent to see if fixed ropes are necessary. Wish I was there!

[Scott Card]

Sweet. Thanks Hank for the update. I am still slated to feed on Friday night weather permitting. My one and only concern is an early morning departure from Mapleton through Spanish Fork canyon with another storm looming. If I am a no show, that is the reason - Highway 6 in the snow.

[Cirrus2000]

Cool update! But it's amazing how much this:
- and another slid a hog
sounds like a euphemism. :nono:

[Sombeech]

Cool update! But it's amazing how much this:
- and another slid a hog
sounds like a euphemism. :nono:

Was this the strange sound that Dan awoke to at 1:30 am?

[hank moon]

Sweet. Thanks Hank for the update. I am still slated to feed on Friday night weather permitting. My one and only concern is an early morning departure from Mapleton through Spanish Fork canyon with another storm looming. If I am a no show, that is the reason - Highway 6 in the snow.

You're welcome, Scott. I hope you can make it down (safely) but for Mapleton's sake - be careful!

[hank moon]

Cool update! But it's amazing how much this:
- and another slid a hog
sounds like a euphemism. :nono:

argh! cryptoknight has defeated me!

[hank moon]

Cool update! But it's amazing how much this:
- and another slid a hog
sounds like a euphemism. :nono:

Was this the strange sound that Dan awoke to at 1:30 am?

argh again!

[CarpeyBiggs]

quick note from the freezefolk...

bad weather is finally gone! blue skies this morning, cold at night, tons of folks here, like 30 something, and it's a party.

traditionally easy canyons are suddenly very different, and all are very fun. worried about the black hole tomorrow because of the snow. (got more last night...)

someone went to set ropes on the exit, so hopefully we are still a go.

mapleton better show!

happy new years!

[CarpeyBiggs]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4232492784_fe2875e1e9.jpg
Fire and Ice

[CarpeyBiggs]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4231723527_0989647804.jpg
RAM and a little snow...

[CarpeyBiggs]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4232492334_262dab1b9c.jpg
Bushwhacker

[CarpeyBiggs]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/4232492052_961357af28.jpg
Thank god for neoprene

[CarpeyBiggs]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4232491940_3ffb3fcd6e.jpg

Vancouver Chris

[DaveOU812]

I am DAMN proud of you! Much more brave than I. The picture of the pothole with ICEBURGS floating on it is priceless. :2thumbs:

[Cirrus2000]

Any updates on the Black Hole today? How much do I owe the Great Old Broads? :popcorn:

[Cirrus2000]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4232491940_3ffb3fcd6e.jpg

Vancouver Chris
What I want to know is: 1. How many big trees Chris spotted, and 2. How much bushwhacking he did. Cuz that's what he's famous for up here! Seriously, the guy does some pretty cool, unusual trips, and has a penchant for finding the big big big old growth trees.

</jealous>

[lisa]

Having a blast at Freezefest! The "mapleton boys" fed us incredible food last night. THANK YOU! And thank you, Don, for the very first streak of 2010. :naughty:

Black hole went ok for those who did it (I didn't).

Some of the canyons are dusted with a soft coating of snow on the red rock which makes them lots of fun to slide through and very photogenic. Some canyons have huge, crumbly snow pockets that we've had to "swim" through using our whole bodies, and we come out the other side looking like abominable snowmen! All in all, an awesome time and I'll be showing up at many future freezefests.

I attached a photo of Bruce in Blarney, although it doesn't hold a candle to Dan's photos!

[Sombeech]

:roflol: OK, too many of these phrases had different meaning after Don went streaking....


And thank you, Don, for the very first streak of 2010. :naughty:
...
Black hole went ok for those who did it (I didn't).
...
Some of the canyons are dusted with a soft coating
...
and very photogenic. Some canyons have huge, crumbly snow pockets

[Don]

Just walked in. I really need a shower and Bogley comes first; there's something not right about that.

I did streak for new years. I assume there are photos floating around out there... :ne_nau:

I've got unpacking and laundry and dishes to do, doubt I'll put up photo's tonight. Maybe tomorrow...

Overall it was great; I was cold at times, drunk at times, nekked at times, but I was never without good food and great company! Already looking forward to next year!!!


:five:

[Scott Card]

Having a blast at Freezefest! The "mapleton boys" fed us incredible food last night. THANK YOU!You are welcome! I will say that for John - our dutch oven guru. I was out having fun in the Black Hole - quite an adventure for sure - while John was working his magic with the dutch oven. Nice to have met you and again, I am glad you enjoyed the freeze fest modified surf and turf. :haha:

And thank the heavens above I missed Don in the Red Light district. :haha:

[CarpeyBiggs]

FYI - 22 people through the black hole. It was EPIC.

Awesome trip. More later...

[Randi]

FYI - 22 people through the black hole. It was EPIC.

Awesome trip. More later...

22 people of the male variety! No woman had the balls for the insanity this year! Happy that everyone had an EPIC time and made it out OK!

I talked to Ryan Hull along our respective drives home yesterday, and I'm not regretting backing out at all this year!
BRRRRRRRRRRRR! Sounds like it was the coldest most treacherous BH since the log jams!
Can't wait to see photos!
And to hear more stories!

Sticking to mild mannered non-swimming canyons was the right thing for Sarah and I this year, but we're looking forward to the Black Hole next year for sure!

We had an AWESOME time at FF! :2thumbs:

[carverbc]

22 brave and committed souls through The Black Hole! Congratulations! Puttin

[MSchasch]

My pics:

Blarney: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623007829837/detail/

Maidenwater: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623007849871/detail/

Trail: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623132465982/detail/

Black Hole: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623132472818/detail/

Morocco: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623007889529/detail/

Thanks to Dave BIG TIME!

[ratagonia]

WOW! was it cold. By far, the coldest Black Hole. The snow prevented walking ledges around several obstacles. Leading to "The Coldest Swim EVER!!" near the end. Wow. Me personal thanks to Clark for meat anchoring a rope so the Emperor did not have to downclimb and splash - it was hard enough without getting the head wet!

Special kudos to Dave Black for setting the exit rope, without which we would still be wandering around near Hite. Extra special thanks to Tim Hoover for materializing a wetsuit WITH HOOD, the perfect size for the kid who was falling over the hypothermic edge. You not only saved his life, Tim, (quite possibly literally true), but you also saved Ram and mine's reputation for running trips just back from the edge of insanity.

Tom :moses:

[Don]

Put my photos up at Picasa:
http://picasaweb.google.com/don.ferguson1/FF20092010#

[jman]

My pics:

Blarney: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623007829837/detail/

Maidenwater: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623007849871/detail/

Trail: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623132465982/detail/

Black Hole: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623132472818/detail/

Morocco: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mschasch/sets/72157623007889529/detail/

Thanks to Dave BIG TIME!

Wow, great pics! I especially love the pic of the snow-blasted Waterpocket Fold at the end of Morocco! and great stories from everyone too!

I learned something new - not ever seeing you guys outside of Bogley, for some weird reason - I thought CarpeyBiggs was the pictures of Ram. And I thought the pictures of Ram was of Carpey/Dan. Strange. /silly me

I'm planning on joining the fest next year.

[River]

Rib shot gets a little punchy-punchy around the New Year's fire.

[forum8fox]

Just a few for now, I'm tired as I just got back a couple hours ago, and haven't sorted pics yet. What a blast!
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/forum8fox/IMG_4250.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/forum8fox/IMG_4245.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/forum8fox/IMG_4244.jpg

[mrbrejcha]

Rib shot gets a little punchy-punchy around the New Year's fire.



:roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :five: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol:

Great first Bogley post.

[blueeyes]

Rib shot gets a little punchy-punchy around the New Year's fire.

THANK YOU!!!!! :roflol: :lol8:

Don you crack me up! The best campfire antics ever.

[lisa]

:roflol: OK, too many of these phrases had different meaning after Don went streaking....


And thank you, Don, for the very first streak of 2010. :naughty:
...
Black hole went ok for those who did it (I didn't).
...
Some of the canyons are dusted with a soft coating
...
and very photogenic. Some canyons have huge, crumbly snow pockets


:roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: :roflol:

And did anyone notice the name of the streak photo? BLUE MOON! :roflol: :roflol: :roflol: