Irish Jihad 2013 - A Fundraiser For SAR

[penmartens]

This spring strong, creative and fun loving canyoneers have the opportunity to try to complete the 7 Irish Canyons in a day while supporting a good cause-- raising money for Search and Rescue. This event is sponsored by BluuGnome, NorthWash Outfitters, Stan's Burger Shak/Chevron, and Tom Jones' Imlay Canyon Gear.
To learn more about the event:

http://www.bluugnome.com/event/irish-jihad-2013/irish-jihad-2013.aspx

To register:

http://www.northwashoutfitters.com/IrishJihadRegistration.html

Matt (canyondevil), Luke (bluugnome) and I have organized this event and hope you will join us.

Penny

[Aj84737]

Wow what a great idea. Thanks for organizing this. Me and my crew will be singing up for this for sure. Sounds like a blast!!!! And supports a great cause.

[JennyMae]

How might one make a donation to support this fund-raising event without participating in the day?
Thanks to you all for this worthy effort.
Jenny

[PG Rob]

How might one make a donation to support this fund-raising event without participating in the day?
Thanks to you all for this worthy effort.
On The link to North Wash Outfitters there is an option to donate

[PG Rob]

This sounds like a blast! I will definitely be participating. Thank you Penny, Luke and Matt for organizing a great way to support a worthy cause.

A suggestion to the organizers:
I recommend each team takes a GPS that can leave a bread crumb to validate their route and time.

Rob

[ratagonia]

This sounds like a blast! I will definitely be participating. Thank you Penny, Luke and Matt for organizing a great way to support a worthy cause.

A suggestion to the organizers:
I recommend each team takes a GPS that can leave a bread crumb to validate their route and time.

Rob

Pshhhhhaw.

Canyoneering requires trust. Let's consider that sufficient.

Tom

[canyondevil]

This sounds like a blast! I will definitely be participating. Thank you Penny, Luke and Matt for organizing a great way to support a worthy cause.

A suggestion to the organizers:
I recommend each team takes a GPS that can leave a bread crumb to validate their route and time.

Rob

We talked about requiring a gpx track, but those can be manipulated on a computer. The winner doesnt actually win anything but bragging rights anyways. Everyone who completes the route will be put in a drawing for the prizes, and whether they actually complete it is on the honor system.

Matt

[Mountaineer]

...on the honor system.
Matt

Yes, agree.

How about having completed all the canyons over the course of several days, but they still add up to 24 hours? :nono:

Just kidding.

Great idea and event. Thank you Penny, Matt, Luke, and Jared for pulling this all together.

[dweaver2130]

Wife and and I love this idea

[penmartens]

Thanks for the warm and enthusiastic response. We are quite excited by the prospects.
I have no idea who aj in Hurricane is ,but welcome. I was willing to place bets that Rob would jump on for a Jihad.
I am a bit surprised that Steve Jackson hasn't piped up. It could be that he is just out of town right now, or perhaps he is getting too old for that kind of thing anymore. A couple of other gray hairs have decided to participate by donating money or gear for the drawing. Maybe that is what the Mapleton crew is planning.
Mountaineer, thanks for helping to clarify the rules by stating what is NOT allowed. Do I sense a father/son team forming?
Will the dweavers be changing their May UT plans to include a run through the Irish Canyons?
Hmmmm...

Penny

[Kuya]

Really looking forward to this! I have a feeling it might be better for me to go do these canyons at least once before we do the actual event though! Make sure I can get my 210 lb self through those skinny canyons! :lol8:

[gingerproblems]

Dang! It's a bummer it starts on the last day of The U's spring break. At least part of my day will have to be devoted to getting back to SLC safely for class the next day.:cry1:

[2065toyota]

I would like to make a trip there and do some or all of them if any other people/ groups want to join up

[MSchasch]

Our community needs more things like this!

[jman]

7 canyons is going to be very tough for a lot of people. Doing all 3 Leprechauns (especially middle fork) in one day is extremely tiring in itself :/

Outside that, I still think it's a great idea and definitely a tough, but incredible fun adventure.

[Aj84737]

7 canyons is going to be very tough for a lot of people. Doing all 3 Leprechauns (especially middle fork) in one day is extremely tiring in itself :/

Outside that, I still think it's a great idea and definitely a tough, but incredible fun adventure.

I agree I think the order in which the canyons are done will be huge. You wouldn't want to do middle Lep first and wear yourself out but at the same time you don't want to do it last cause you could end up in a lot of trouble too.
Bonus points for anybody that adds the next door neighbor sandthrax to the7 canyon day, or hell even the day after.

[penmartens]

Jman you bring up a very good point. Even though each canyon is fairly easy, stringing several together makes it tough, very tough.
It took me 5 tries and 2 years before I successfully completed all 7 in a day.
I recommend going early and going often. There is nothing in the rules that say you only get one try.
What I see as the most important factors to completing the Jihad:
1. Strategy
2. Endurance
3. Commitment
4. Efficiency
5. Speed

I would also like to point out that for every marathon, there is a half marathon. For every Ironman there is a mini Ironman. I hope people will feel free to do as many or few as they want. No matter how many you do, it will most likely be more than you have done before. Set a personal record that you can be proud of and call it good. Post up and tell about your experience. I know it will be awesome.

Penny

[Mountaineer]

Mountaineer, thanks for helping to clarify the rules by stating what is NOT allowed. Do I sense a father/son team forming?
Penny

We definitely support it! Lots of discussion and consideration ... :stud:

:nod:

[penmartens]

Hi All,
I was down in North Wash this weekend planning my route and thought of a few things you might want to know.
The community page is up and running on bluugnome. Go there to see who has signed up so far and see who signed up as a single and may be looking for partners.

Considering the questions in another thread regarding the new guide service and whether they were legal to operate in the area, I decided that I should say that we have a Letter of Agreement with the BLM. The Hanksville office was terrific in working with us and requiring the minimum from us to have this event. They could have required permits, fees, and insurance but in the end a simple Letter of Agreement was sufficient for both sides.
The parts of the agreement that canyoneers need to know about are these:
*If this event is held in the future, the BLM reserves the right to require an SRP (Special Recreation Permit).
*The BLM assumes no legal liability.
*The restroom is available for use at the Hog Springs Recreation Site. All other human waste must be packed out and properly disposed of.
*Help us clean up public lands by packing out ALL trash generated by your activity.
*No temporary or permanent structures or signs will be installed in the canyons or areas used for camping during the activity.
*Disorderly or otherwise objectionable conduct will not be tolerated and could be the basis for denial of similar agreements in the future.
*Precautions must be made to protect natural resource values, cultural or historic objects, aesthetic values on public lands.

[penmartens]

Hi All,
I was down in North Wash this weekend planning my route and thought of a few things you might want to know.
The community page is up and running on bluugnome. Go there to see who has signed up so far and see who signed up as a single and may be looking for partners.

Considering the questions in another thread regarding the new guide service and whether they were legal to operate in the area, I decided that I should say that we have a Letter of Agreement with the BLM. The Hanksville office was terrific in working with us and requiring the minimum from us to have this event. They could have required permits, fees, and insurance but in the end a simple Letter of Agreement was sufficient for both sides.
The parts of the agreement that canyoneers need to know about are these:
*If this event is held in the future, the BLM reserves the right to require an SRP (Special Recreation Permit).
*The BLM assumes no legal liability.
*The restroom is available for use at the Hog Springs Recreation Site. All other human waste must be packed out and properly disposed of.
*Help us clean up public lands by packing out ALL trash generated by your activity.
*No temporary or permanent structures or signs will be installed in the canyons or areas used for camping during the activity.
*Disorderly or otherwise objectionable conduct will not be tolerated and could be the basis for denial of similar agreements in the future.
*Precautions must be made to protect natural resource values, cultural or historic objects, aesthetic values on public lands.

Penny

[jman]

Cool, thanks for the info Penny. Definitely shaping up nocely

[2065toyota]

Do these canyons generally hold very much snow or ice in the winter?

I want to make a trip over and do some if not all the canyons prior to the full go at the 'Jihad'

[ratagonia]

Do these canyons generally hold very much snow or ice in the winter?

I want to make a trip over and do some if not all the canyons prior to the full go at the 'Jihad'

They are in the snow-shadow of the Henries, and are down fairly low, so they tend to be pretty close to snow-free, except after a major storm. I think they are mostly dry now.

Tom

[levifackrell]

Any one from salt lake area going on a weekend? I would love to come if someone has room for me

[penmartens]

Hey Toyota, I was going to suggest that if the Moab fest is on hold and you are going to be in that part of the state any way; you ought to swing by the North Wash this weekend and check it out.
The last storm hit fairly hard but it was melting very fast last weekend. I agree with Tom. It is going to be mostly dry this weekend. With just a 30% chance of precipitation, NW might get missed entirely.
Penny

[2065toyota]

Not a bad idea

[penmartens]

As I plotted my route in North Wash last weekend, I thought of 50 ways to cheat on this thing. It occurred to me that someone might try to use Rosen math.

What is Rosen math? A few years ago Tom Jones and Steve Brezovek did Heaps and Imlay in a day. Their time was 23 hours. Some time after that, Mark Rosen decided to give it a try and took a team including Jason ? and Drue?. Their time was almost 28 hours. According to Rosen math, Doc beat Tom. His reasoning goes something like this:

...We did get three people down in 28 hours or 9 hours 20 minutes
a person while they took 23 hours for two people or 11 hours 30
minutes a person. So they need to cut about 4 hours and 20 minutes
off their time. Yeah right...

Rosen math will not be allowed. :nono:

The full story can be read on yahoo canyons if you have a membership there. Just search under Once in a Blue Moon for the whole story.

Penny

[n00basaurus_rex]

Originally posted by Mark Rosen @ yahoo canyon
June 15, 2007

Once in a Blue Moon

After hearing about Tom Jones' and Steve Brezovec's just Imlay and Heaps in a day (Jihad) last September I got the bug to try it. I turned 50 in February and wanted to do something that required a bit of a stretch. I communicated with Tom and got the details of their event and I asked some friends if they would like to join me. I spent a lot of time reading Tom's reports over and over and planning. We planned for nutrition, fluid, and gear. Tom served at a technical advisor and helped us a lot.
I began to work out in the winter in the gym and by climbing Mt Olympus. People climb it all year long. On Jeff Dredge's recommendation I bought some stableicers at REI which along with trekking poles make climbing it in winter and in icy conditions quite pleasant. I worked out in the gym on the elliptical and climbed.

Drue worked out with his personal trainer extensively. Jason worked with a dietitian and trainer. Drue and I hiked together at times and Jason joined me for some canyons but mostly we worked out on our own.

We discussed equipment and thought of routes. At first I was going to start from the bottom and climb the hill twice but after I followed Tom's suggestion and started to carry a 30+ pound pack up Olympus I thought we should do as Tom and Steve did and start at the West Rim trailhead by Lava Point, drop gear at Imlay, proceed on to Heaps and then back to Imlay.

We got the gear assembled and things were ready to go and then I got sick a week before we were to do the event. Saturday, Sunday and Monday my throat hurt so bad I it was difficult to swallow. I wasn't sleeping well and my energy was gone. Luckily it was a Holiday weekend and I could rest a lot and self medicate. I considered dropping out but when would I get the chance to do it again? You only turn 50 once. I have a busy job, a wife and 5 kids, if I dropped now I wouldn't have another chance for at least another year. By Thursday 31 May 07 the cough was getting better and I felt better. I was all packed. My partners were ready it was to be a full moon and a Blue Moon at that. We had a support crew of Joe Mills (Drue's future son-in-law) and his friend Ryan Vanderwerf. I had taken off work, the weather was hot but clear, no thunderstorms. I wish that I had my usual energy but the stars were aligned. It was now or never.

The trip begins
On 31 May 07 we went down to St. George and dinner at the Olive Garden and then went and checked into a cabin at the Zion River Resort in Virgin. We did our final prep. I took a cough suppressant, an Ambien, and an aspirin and went to bed. At about 12:30 I woke up, ate and by 1 we had left. We drove up the Kolob Terrace road and to the west rim trailhead.

Off the Rim into Phantom Valley
We put on our packs, got our pictures taken, and were on the trail by 2 AM Friday 1 June 2007. Drue set the pace. At 3:30 we dropped gear near the first rap at Potato Hollow. The GPS unit came in handy to locate the first drop in the dark and at 5 AM I slid down the rope followed by Jason and then Drue. We pulled the line and headed down to the next rap.

Phantom Valley Narrows One and Two
We were suited up and ready to start the first narrows at 7 AM. Jason led and we finished it at 7:37. We started the second narrows which was fine except for dropping a rope bag in a pothole we could bridge. I went in after it and started to get cold before I could get out. That and I expended more energy getting out than I would have liked. We finished the second narrows, walked through the crossroads, and started the third narrows.

Narrows of Heaps
I took a picture in the long sandy corridor at 8:32 AM. We were on time and doing well. In the final narrows Jason got cold and I got really cold. By the time we finished I was shivering uncontrollably and stumbling. Jason wasn't as cold but he was still suffering. Drue was doing well with his heavier wet suit. Drue and Jason changed on the sandy ledge before starting the two in canyon rappels while I set and did the first and changed out of the wet suit between rappels. Jason was down at the bottom of the second rap (last in canyon rap) when I rapped that, grabbed a rope and went down the corridor and made the climb up. I did the down climb, set the short rap and stood by the tree looking down at Upper Emerald Pool. I took a picture looking down on the pool, it was 11:29. I remember being disappointed that we had lost so much time in the final narrows. Jason pointed out that we had gone through faster with four of us last year. I had chosen to wear a lighter wetsuit feeling that I could move faster in it and figuring that it was early and we were fresh. I sat there hugging the tree and warming up.

The final Heaps Raps
Drue and Jason arrived with more rope and we rapped to the final perch. It seemed that at the final perch I finally warmed up. Because two of us had gotten hypothermic we were slower and more methodical than normal. Jason rapped to the bottom, then Drue. I rigged the lines to pull, had them pull the two 150s to the side and do a test pull and then came down, very slowly but in control.

Heaps is done
Joe and Ryan were waiting for us at the bottom with subway sandwiches and gator aid. Yum. We recovered, pulled, stuffed, and coiled rope and discussed what to do next. I was unnerved and ready to call it a day. We could get up the next and take our support crew down a canyon. We were hopelessly behind on our schedule that we had thought up so many times before. I felt tired and really bad. I was sick and coughing. I was ready to throw in the towel. Drue felt good and wanted to get on with it. Jason said he had told too many people what we were doing to quit now. We gathered things and headed to the car. It was 1 PM. We used three 8 mm ropes, two 150s and a 300. The only thing we used one of the 150s for was to pull the last two raps or maybe we double roped the penultimate rap.

Imlay
It was hot that day and getting to Imlay was not much fun. The next picture is of Drue and Jason at the top of Imlay. It is 5:30 and we are about to set the first rap. We have three 8 mm ropes, a 180, 124 and 100. We used the 180 for the headwall series and then put it in the dry bag. We used the 124 and the 100 a lot.

Upper Imlay
I have a picture of us stuffing rope at the bottom of the headwall at 7:21 PM. I don't have another picture until we were at the car at 5:59 AM the next day so most of this is from memory. Once the headwall was done the going is pretty easy and pretty fast. We suited up just before it got dark after working our way down canyon an hour or so. I wanted to skip the rap series by the crossroads by going up to the left and down-climb by the slanted wall but it was dark by then and I didn't recognize that we were there until I felt the warm water and then I knew I had missed the bypass. I found in the dark with headlamp illumination it was difficult to tell just how steep the exit was to some of the potholes. I remember peering into a pothole and up the other side and thinking that the exit looks like it could be tough. I called up Jason who had a look and said he didn't think it was so bad. The age and night vision thing can be frustrating. Down the canyon we went. Through the easy stuff and the swim before the extreme narrows.

Extreme Narrows
We reached the extreme narrows at midnight. Drue thought it would take us 4 more hours but I thought six. I explained that we could bypass the extreme narrows and save 70 minutes and for that matter we could bypass the terminal narrows but I didn't think it would save us any time. Jason and Drue both felt like they were 85% and I felt like I was 35% but we agreed that we need to do the whole canyon. I set the rope and we started with Jason in the lead. We passed the heart room and I had to tell the guys how we were in the very soul of Zion. There were a couple difficult exits even for Jason. I didn't know that Jason had never hooked out of a pothole. We arrived at some holes that Jason couldn't climb out of and Jason quickly gained proficiency with the hooks with me, being a load, called instructions from a dry perch above the pothole. We finished the extreme narrows at 1:45 AM and headed down to the terminal narrows.

Terminal Narrows
Jason hooked out of two holes in the terminal narrows. We were amazed that the storms had moved a huge log from the third to last pothole down to the second to last pothole. This made the exit from the third to last hole more challenging but Drue and Jason were up to the task. Once they were through I just hooked up a guided rappel and slid down. It was good to come out on the final perch. The three of us along with Jason's father had spent the night there once. Not this time. I set the line and we were at the Virgin with our ropes bagged at 4 AM.

The Narrows
Now we just had to walk out in the dark without breaking an ankle. Drue led. An hour into it I asked for a rest stop and then it was off again. Seeing water from Mystery Springs come down on the left has never felt so good. When we hit the paved river walk I knew we could make it in without incident. When we arrived the support crew was sleeping in the suburban. We took a couple pictures as they woke up, took off our wet stuff and piled into the suburban. On the way out we passed the first bus of the day coming up canyon.

Epilogue
Jason is strong and a very capable canyoneer. There were many pools where I would have had to use hooks, a happy hooker, or a pack toss that Jason just jumped in swam across and climbed out of. I was impressed and proud just to watch him. I took him down his first canyon when he was one of my scouts at 14. Now at 27 his skills far surpass mine. While I know how to hook, rig and some slick rope tricks he catches on to those pretty quickly but I'll never be the climber he is

Drue was strong and steady. He carried the most weight like the 300 foot rope through Heaps. He was always energetic and never complained about pulling more than his share. When we needed power we called on Drue. He set the pace for the hiking sections.

I helped out on rope work, rigging, and mostly pulling and bagging rope. Hey, don't underestimate the value of an efficient rope puller and bagger. You get a rope hung up and it can slow everyone down a lot. Drue and Jason pulled me through and I know it.

For the trip Drue purchased two new full 5mm suits from Sierra Trading Post

Heaps:
I wore a well used 4/3 full suit
Jason wore a 3/2 with a shorty over the top
Drue wore a brand new 5 full suit

I am thinner than Jason and Drue--skinner needs more warmth. I don't usually get cold so I don't know how much being sick entered in

Imlay: nobody was cold in Imlay
Drue wore a second 5 mm identical to the first one he wore through Heaps Jason wore a 4 with a shorty over the top I wore a Camero canyon Farmer John which is 6 mm and lined to be warm, a 1mm body glove shirt long sleeve (may be 1.5 mm) and a 3.2 mm ski warm jacket over the top. I didn't always zip up the jacket. Nice front zippers. I wasn't cold at all but that neoprene can inhibit the climbing moves a bit.

Water level
It is down from what it was and it isn't in easy mode but it isn't in super hard mode either. We didn't have to hook out of anything in Heaps. What you do is very skill dependent. While Jason can climb out of some very difficult situations I hook and pack toss, etc. We had a hooker, a potshot, and the packs but all Jason used were the bat hooks in Imlay.

Canyon Studs, Posers and delusions of Grandeur I think that we pretty much proved that Tom and Stevee are the Canyon Studs. While I kept repeating that it isn't a race, the group size and conditions are different, it isn't a secret we would have liked to beat their time. Well we exceeded it by almost 5 hours. So I'm a poser. We did get three people down in 28 hours or 9 hours 20 minutes a person while they took 23 hours for two people or 11 hours 30 minutes a person. So they need to cut about 4 hours and 20 minutes off their time. Yeah right.

The whole thing was a process that I'm glad I went through. The months of preparation. The hours of contemplating the challenges. The camaraderie with not only Drue and Jason but also Tom who was our technical advisor. At 50 I should know myself and my limits. I know that I'm not the best climber around and try to compensate with slick rope tricks, rigging, potshots, pack tosses, hookers, and bat hooks. Maybe keeping the skills up is one reason I like hanging out with others such as Rich Carlson, Charlie Oliver, and Tom who have vast knowledge of how to be safe. If you are reading this and have a desire to try it, go for it, but also take the courses, be safe. It is better to be slow and sound than make a mistake and get hurt or worse. I did Heaps and Imlay in a day—ok maybe a day and two nights.I won't be doing it again. My specialty is get up early, do Imlay through the shortcut route with a large group of friends and get back early enough to soak in the hot tub before dinner at the Pizza and Noodle and sleeping in a nice bed in an air-conditioned room.

[penmartens]

Duke and Jessica Alvey, owners of Stan's Burger Shak/Chevron and Whispering Sands Hotel in Hanksville, are also members of the Wayne County High Angle SAR Team. They are embracing the canyoneering community in a variety of ways. They have a small selection of canyon gear for sale in their store; harnesses, helmets, carabiners, gloves, etc. If you forgot something, they may be able to salvage your weekend.
They have also started a community board located outside on the front of their building. Canyoneers are welcome to leave messages regarding your whereabouts, canyon/road conditions, etc.
Stan's Burger Shak/Chevron station has signed on as a sponsor of the Irish Jihad. They will donate matching funds up to $500 for the fundraiser. They will also provide a free shake to those who complete the Jihad. On your way home from the canyons, stop in and claim a tasty frozen mound of deliciousness.

Penny

[penmartens]

Thanks to Tom Jones' generosity we now have a longer (and more impresssive) list of prizes for the drawing of the Irish Jihad. All those who complete the route will be entered into the drawing for a sandtrap, Lep pack, rope bags, fiddlesticks (from Bluugnome), or a rest stop bucket toilet.
Thanks Tom. I appreciate your donation and support of the Irish Jihad.

Penny

[penmartens]

My peeps let me know it was looking bad that I hadn't registered for the Jihad, so I have thrown my hat into the ring. Now, I'm looking for partners.
I've lost count of how many times I have done the Irish canyons, but it has been many. For those who don't know me, I have been canyoneering for over a dozen years. I have done hundreds of canyons from the easiest to some of the hardest. I tend to solo but can play well with others.
I'd be interested in an all woman team, or an all grey hair team, or any kind of mixed team; gender, generation, experience level, etc.
I'm looking for partners with commitment, and creativity. I want a cool team name.
Anyone interested in teaming up with an over-the-hill grandmother of 3?

Penny

[stoysluttie1]

sounds like great fun! ultra running and canyoneering, who'd a thunk it?

Question, which SAR do the proceeds go to?

[penmartens]

It was only a few short years ago that Wayne County had a $10,000 budget for SAR. The year that 127 Hours came out their budget was cut to $3000 and their calls for assistance were magnified. It was clear that SAR needed help and that Wayne County's wasn't the only one.

It was a tough decision as to which SAR to support. The Irish Canyons are in Garfield County, but Wayne County quite often responds to that area. In talking to ground team members for Wayne County, it became plain that the protocol is very strict. I talked to Sheriff Taylor, Wayne County Sheriff, he said the money is rightfully Garfield County's. I called Sheriff Peters(on), Garfield County Sheriff, he jumped at the opportunity for support, but said he would gladly share with Wayne County. I told him we probably wouldn't raise enough to split between two counties. What he said next almost made me cry. I was so glad I was speaking to him by phone. I do not posses a poker face. He said he would be thrilled to have a hundred bucks for gas money to get his teams to a training at Fish Lake in June. I was overwhelmed by such a humble request.

We made our decision. As we moved forward with the planning of the Jihad, we asked Jared at NorthWash to process our donations. He asked where our funds were going because he belongs to SAR in that area of the state. I was rather chagrined to tell him the monies were already spoken for. He has an idea for a fundraiser and I have volunteered to help with that when the Jihad is done.

There is much need out there for SAR funding. These are people with their own lives, jobs, and families who give of their time, energies and money to help us. They pay when we play too close to the edge.

The Irish Jihad will be splitting its proceeds between Garfield County and Wayne County. A fundraiser for the southeastern part of the state will be held in the future.


Penny

[penmartens]

Next Sunday, March 17, is the opening day of the Irish Jihad. I don't suspect that many will try it then. Days are still quite short. People might find this link helpful in planning.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunrise.html

We have 8 teams so far. Five of those teams are 2 person teams. Of those, 3 are teams of married couples, 1 is a team of brothers, and 1 is a team of friends.
Two teams are teams of 3. One is a team of friends and one is a father/son team with an extra thrown in.
One 'team' is a soloist.

The Alvey's have bought the closed Redrock Restaurant. After much work and remodeling they plan to open by Easter with the new name Duke's Slickrock Grill and Campground. They will offer a steakhouse menu and will be open for breakfast also. The campground should be reopened this next weekend. Showers are $5.

Ready...Set...



Penny

[hesse15]

Just a suggestion:
if you really want to RAISE MONEY, setting up an: elite -egodriven event I do not think is the way to go!!!

you guys included Middle that shed out any guys with little claustrofobic and big chest size, + there is no interaction between teams!!!

and the name?
who come out with such a negative association name?
that is usually associated with poor innocent people got killed by fanatics!!!
if you really care for the SAR of Wayne county and not your xxxxxxx just lets Shane organized next time or Tom, and you will have tons of people that will be willing to contribute to it!!!
including a big potluck european style


plus not everybody has the time to do the same exact canyon over and over gazillion time just to beat a time.



Next Sunday, March 17, is the opening day of the Irish Jihad. I don't suspect that many will try it then. Days are still quite short. People might find this link helpful in planning.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/sunrise.html

We have 8 teams so far. Five of those teams are 2 person teams. Of those, 3 are teams of married couples, 1 is a team of brothers, and 1 is a team of friends.
Two teams are teams of 3. One is a team of friends and one is a father/son team with an extra thrown in.
One 'team' is a soloist.

The Alvey's have bought the closed Redrock Restaurant. After much work and remodeling they plan to open by Easter with the new name Duke's Slickrock Grill and Campground. They will offer a steakhouse menu and will be open for breakfast also. The campground should be reopened this next weekend. Showers are $5.

Ready...Set...



Penny

[peakbaggers]

Just a suggestion:
if you really want to RAISE MONEY, setting up an: elite -egodriven event I do not think is the way to go!!!

you guys included Middle that shed out any guys with little claustrofobic and big chest size, + there is no interaction between teams!!!

and the name?
who come out with such a negative association name?
that is usually associated with poor innocent people got killed by fanatics!!!
if you really care for the SAR of Wayne county and not your xxxxxxx just lets Shane organized next time or Tom, and you will have tons of people that will be willing to contribute to it!!!

plus not everybody has the time to do the same exact canyon over and over gazillion time just to beat a time.



No belittleling intended to the above, but....
Whether or not you like the whole idea, don't have the time, ability, interest, don't like name or don' t want to keep doing the same canyons, I think something to support SAR is a good idea. It's easy to follow the links from Bluugnome or North Wash and simply make a donation/contribution. The way I look at it, I may be contributing to my own rescue some day or someone I know &/or care about. I hope others will be broad-minded enough to at least consider the donation option. A lot of canyoneering takes place in those two counties.

[hesse15]

Hi Peak,
if you knew the actors you will understand what I am talking about it
but apparently you do not really know why instead of making a fest and raise tons of money they decided to do this way!!!!
If I will have all the free time to do those reapeat sequencially 24 hr is not an impossible time

i used to run canyons with time clocks on ( that is why now i do not either remember if i did already a canyon or not, sometime i just remember the exit of them and have to look at pictures to make sure I was there),
the only stopping time was posing for pictures in the most awkard spots and smile like with 30feet of ground under me in the silo i was holding on!

but that was long ago, and unless there is a new version of the book coming out not really good reasons to do that anymore.

[Kuya]

Hi Peak,
if you knew the actors you will understand what I am talking about it
but apparently you do not really know why instead of making a fest and raise tons of money they decided to do this way!!!!
If I will have all the free time to do those reapeat sequencially 24 hr is not an impossible time

i used to run canyons with time clocks on ( that is why now i do not either remember if i did already a canyon or not, sometime i just remember the exit of them and have to look at pictures to make sure I was there),
the only stopping time was posing for pictures in the most awkard spots and smile like with 30feet of ground under me in the silo i was holding on!

but that was long ago, and unless there is a new version of the book coming out not really good reasons to do that anymore.

im not sure what is really ment by the statement "if you knew the actors you will understand what I am talking about", but this much I am sure of. THIS FUNDRAISER IS AWESOME! If one would have told me to come to a fest on a certian day, I probably wouldn't have participated (Maybe I would have, IDK) But this idea of doing all these canyon for a cause is very appealing to me :)

Also, last i checked Tom is helping out with the Jihad ;) Isn't he donating gear for the drawing? I guess he can speak for himself if he wants.

Anyway, This fundraiser is giving me an awesome challenge and opportunity to see some new canyons, and to donate to an awesome cause! And I get to to it on my own time, which is working out very well. Im not sure it is my Ego that is driving me to do this either. I just sounds like A TON OF FUN to be had! (granted it will be neat to say I did 7 canyons in a day if we are to accomplish the task ;) It is probably similar to the feeling marathon runners have after finishing their race)

all in all, I say lets do this Jihad AND the Fest ;) the more the better! right?

one thing is for certian, this Irish Jihad sure peaked my interest and is getting me and 4 other friends out for a weekend that we normally wouldn't be getting out on :)

[hesse15]

the idea is nice,
but is also a better Idea there are people out there that after search and rescue was deployed they find out that they do not know were the canyons were or how to get to the victim safely!!!
So now they are to teaching search and rescue how to get to the canyons and how to deal with ropes rappelling DC etc etc.

those people that are not doing to be in the spotlight but just to help.

the canyons are not that difficult, they are all beginner friendly the main work is on the approaches: 3x for lep and 3 to 4 for the other ones (mountaineers\hikers had advantage in doing this ) and if you cannot be a big chested guy for middle lep.

the canyons itself are only couple of hours each. just middle is a little more work but the others are runnable.

Just be careful and check always your safety first!!!





im not sure what is really ment by the statement "if you knew the actors you will understand what I am talking about", but this much I am sure of. THIS FUNDRAISER IS AWESOME! If one would have told me to come to a fest on a certian day, I probably wouldn't have participated (Maybe I would have, IDK) But this idea of doing all these canyon for a cause is very appealing to me :)

Also, last i checked Tom is helping out with the Jihad ;) Isn't he donating gear for the drawing? I guess he can speak for himself if he wants.

Anyway, This fundraiser is giving me an awesome challenge and opportunity to see some new canyons, and to donate to an awesome cause! And I get to to it on my own time, which is working out very well. Im not sure it is my Ego that is driving me to do this either. I just sounds like A TON OF FUN to be had! (granted it will be neat to say I did 7 canyons in a day if we are to accomplish the task ;) It is probably similar to the feeling marathon runners have after finishing their race)

all in all, I say lets do this Jihad AND the Fest ;) the more the better! right?

one thing is for certian, this Irish Jihad sure peaked my interest and is getting me and 4 other friends out for a weekend that we normally wouldn't be getting out on :)

[penmartens]

I don't intend to provide a weekly update, but thought I would post a few thoughts.
Of the 35 people who have registered with the Irish Jihad, as either a donor or participant, 5 heard about the event through Bogley. The other 9 who responded to the question were from varied sources.
Most people haven't chosen a team name but of those who have there are some cool ones:The Sabre Toe Tigers, The Dark Pookas of Endeavor, Fiona McSweat, and, my favorite, The ABUSEment Brothers.
Of the ten teams competing, almost half are giving it a go this weekend. I don't know if it is because of the long weekend or the almost full moon or something else entirely.
Good luck to everyone.

Penny

[Kuya]

The ABUSEment Brothers successfully completed the Irish Jihad on Friday! Hiking many of the canyons by the light of a full moon will be something I will remember forever! (I will also never forget the 7 approach hikes I had to do!) I will be the first to tell you how it truly was a "emotional" and "physical" battle! It was a wonderful experience (the first of its kind for many of my team). For 4 members of the team, it was their very first time visiting these canyons. For the other two of us, only 2 of them had been done previously. We were all very excited to see them all, but I was especially happy to be visiting 5 "new" canyons on this trip!

Huge shout out to the people that put this together! We had an experience of a lifetime! AND... We LOVED our "free" milkshake from the Burger Shak! For some of our team that was their main motivation for doing the canyons! haha


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DJjTlE3Fw8

[penmartens]

This past weekend four teams put their feet to sand and completed the Irish jihad. All teams that attempted, completed. Congrats to all!
I'm itching to go but really want to hedge my bet with a full moon.
Good luck to the remaining teams.

Penny

[penmartens]

65016

[Aj84737]

If you look closely the tattoo on the leg of the person on the right. It gets squeezed from one leg to the other. Must be a total work out and squeeze fest to move a tattoo like that.

[Kuya]

This video highlights our descent through West Fork of Blarney Canyon. One of my new favorite canyons!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6B6aYFkgyE

[jman]

If you look closely the tattoo on the leg of the person on the right. It gets squeezed from one leg to the other. Must be a total work out and squeeze fest to move a tattoo like that.

Hahahaha

[Kuya]

The Forks of the Shillelagh Canyons :) They were wonderful canyons to end the Jihad with :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT92Zfrhz9Y


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68EX4E3h_hs

[Kuya]

sorry. duplicate post

[penmartens]

Ten good reasons to join the Irish Jihad:
1) Support Garfield and Wayne counties' SAR through donations
2) Challenge yourself in a new and different way
3) Have a really good reason to eat Stan's burgers and shakes
4) Win cool gear. Right now the chances are about 1:5 that you will win something
5) Have bragging rights
6) Sport the Jihad patch or sticker (if you dare)
7) Post funny pics of your teammates
8) Have fun and a few laughs with your friends
9) Make exciting videos
10)Have your tattoos moved or removed (ouch)

All this goes away Monday, April 15, at midnight. Don't miss your chance.

Once registered as a participant you have until May 30 to complete the route.
Penny

[penmartens]

The Irish Jihad has come to a successful close. Thank you to all who supported the event from donors, to sponsors, to participants, to those who helped from far behind the scenes. Also, thanks to the BLM and the Garfield and Wayne County SAR units for their support and encouragement. Over 40 people were involved in some way or another.
We raised $1145 that was split between the two counties. The costs of running the event; prizes, shipping, mailings, advertising and handling of monies were all donated so that 100% of the actual donations went to SAR.
List of donors:

Christy Pfost, Mike Schasch, Abby Wines, Tim & Carrie Cooney, Leanne & Brian Toler,
Kent Beverly, Bruce Dissel, Kevin Swanson, Jenny West, Dave Pimental



Twenty-five people donated and signed up to participate in trying to do the 7 Irish Canyons in a day:


Blake Merrell
Jacob Groom
Joel Graham
Josh Davis
Garrett Jensen
Rob Bay
Scott Bishop
Weston Lunsford
Rebekah & Robin Reed
Tyler & Mark Fallentine
Penny Martens
Cari & Travis Rohe
Diana & Matt Williams
Helen & Seth Andersen
Thomas Collins
John Wood
Rick Ianniello
Luke Galyan
Abby Wines


A special thank you to:
Jared Hillhouse at NorthWash Outfitters for running the registration through his company.
Tom Jones at Imlay Canyon Gear for donating and shipping prizes.
Jessica and Duke Alvey at Stan's Burger Shak for matching our donations and for advertising.
Luke Galyan at BluuGnome for lending his website, managing the event page there, and donating Gnome Gear prizes.


Below are the official event results:
3/28/13 —The ABUSEment Brothers--18.5 hours
3/29/13 —The Saber Toe Tigers--13 hours 29 min
3/30/13 —Irish Crackwhores--13 hours 10 minutes
4/20/13 —Irish Gnomes--11 hours 5 minutes
4/27/13 —Fiona McSweat--16 hours 16 minutes
5/11/13 —The Dark Pookas of Endeavor--15 hours 45 minutes
5/17/13 —Tom Collins & John Wood--11 hours 36 minutes 49 seconds
Congratulations to all who participated. Thanks for doing so safely. There are many amazing and amusing stories out there surrounding the Irish Jihad. If you know any of these people, encourage them to share their stories.


The winners of the drawing are:
Imlay Canyon Gear Sandtrap— Joel Graham
Imlay Canyon Gear 120' Canyon Fire— Jacob Groom
Imlay Canyon Gear Rope Bag— Diana Williams
Imlay Canyon Gear Rope Bag— Rebekah Reed
Rest Stop Bucket Toilet— Robin Reed
GnomeGear Fiddlestick— Travis Rohe
GnomeGear Fiddlestick— Helen Andersen

[Kuya]

ugh! I knew we were the slowest group! ;) ah well, we were also the largest group so it was to be expected :D What a great event! Thanks again for putting this all together! It is neat seeing all the money going to the SAR!

[penmartens]

Your group was one of a kind-- biggest group, most newbies, most 'new to you' canyons, in the dark. I don't think anyone went at night. You also provided the most enthusiasm. If we do it again, we may need to ask you to provide advertising videos for us.

[summitseeker]

It was a great time. Excited for next year. My team will go for 8 hours car to car :cool2:. thanks to everyone for organizing this treat.

[peakbaggers]

So Penny - would like to hear your story?? It must have been fairly wet. We went whizzing by you that morning on our way to do Woody with Jared. He said he stopped briefly when he saw you and that you had reported wet conditions, which is very much what we found in Woody.

[Kuya]

Your group was one of a kind-- biggest group, most newbies, most 'new to you' canyons, in the dark. I don't think anyone went at night. You also provided the most enthusiasm. If we do it again, we may need to ask you to provide advertising videos for us.

Thank you Penny :) I will be happy to help in anyway I can :D

[penmartens]

We had an interesting beginning long before we hit the trail. We had never met. I had read much of what Mountaineer had written on the 'nets. He seemed like he would be a thoughtful and careful canyoneer. When he wrote in answer to my request for partners, it seemed like a good idea. Mrs. Mountaineer had considered going with us, but in the end didn't make it. It would have been wonderful to have her along even for part of the trip.
We politely worked out a name for our team. Pookas are shape shifting, crafty and sometimes ornery creatures in Irish lore. If he and his son were big guys, there was definitely going to be some shape shifting going on in a few places.
We needed to find a day in that 11 week period that we could go. I really wanted to go near a full moon so we could take advantage of the moonlight. It turned out we went on a new moon. The day before Mother's Day.
Emails went back and forth trying to come up with a plan. Tyler, Mark's son (also the youngest to have competed), was to be our climber. He remained silent during the planning stage, still an unknown. We decided to do the Leps first, then the Blarneys, and the Shillelaghs last. We would go down some and up others.
It took FOREVER for our weekend to come. I was assuaged by the reports of others while we waited. As an organizer I was privy to the other teams' reports. Things were going well. People were having fun. I just needed to wait my turn.
On the Friday before our trip, I skipped lunch so I could leave work early. I was concerned that my favorite camping place would be taken. North Wash had been crowded all spring. The other Pookas knew where I usually camp but I was unable to explain adequately where the alternative camp was. The other Pookas live far from North Wash and I felt it was my job to get that camp site or at least be in the area to direct them to the alternative.
I dashed to Hanksville and was on the phone with Dave one last time giving the updated plan when I received a text from Mark. They were just pulling into Hanksville. They had left home that morning and leisurely drove down. We met, appropriately, at Stan's Burger Shak. I was pleased to see two fit, strong, young men step from the vehicle.
We arrived at the campsite to find it empty and 'ours' for the weekend. It had rained a few days before. Water had flowed across the road and filled the potholes in camp. The potholes usually dry up pretty fast but they still had water in them. The canyons were going to be wet. How wet we wouldn't know until we actually got there.
It would have been nice to hang out and get to know each other but we needed to consolidate our plan, figure out gear, and hit the sack. Four-thirty was going to come much too quickly especially if any of us stayed awake fighting the dark pookas of doubt.

Now then, in a true team effort, I am going to leave off here for one of my teammates to carry on. Who will pick up the baton and lead?

Penny

[peakbaggers]

Oh No! Is this going to be a season ending cliffhanger?

[Mountaineer]

We had an interesting beginning long before we hit the trail. We had never met.

Now then, in a true team effort, I am going to leave off here for one of my teammates to carry on. Who will pick up the baton and lead?

Penny

Lead? I think we led each other. Truly a team effort, especially as it started with a mutual risk. When you meet "virtually" over the forums, you don't know how well the team dynamic will fit. In this case, it worked out perfect. Penny is truly a remarkable canyoneer, and we were lucky to be invited. The best memory of the trip was beyond just sharing the experience, but learning about the history and near epics in the same places and same time we were struggling to get through. We also learned about other canyons, and each of their characteristics and challenges.

Alas, all the water from the day before gave us pause. In fact, we even considered in only doing a couple of canyons or just abandoning the trip altogether. Glad we didn't. However, we switched our "order" plan in the morning, and ended up doing middle Lep at the end of the sequence. This proved to be as much mentally exhausting as well as physically.

At one point, we started up the nose to do another fork and continued to second guess the decision. This forced a retreat, a resupply as we were short on water, and additional time all the way to the Kiosk then walking back again. Whew.

The Shillelagh forks came first, then the Blarneys, then the long hike up and around to the East fork, then West. We had the canyons to ourselves.

A few climbing moves, a few snacks, a few rest breaks, some scrapes and wet clothes. By dusk, we were out and feeling a great sense of accomplishment.

[penmartens]

The feelings are entirely mutual. I hope we can do more together next season. You introduced several topics to discuss and I was concentrating and/or too tired to hold up my end of the conversation. You, also, need to teach me a couple techniques that we never got around to that day.
So to continue with the long drawn out version (my apologies but for some reason Bogley or my computer isn't letting me make paragraphs)...
We were up and out of camp 20 minutes earlier than planned. We left my truck at the mouth of the Blarneys and drove Mark's to the kiosk where we started our watches. Because of the strong suspicion there would be water we decided to do the shortest, driest canyons first and save the wetter ones for the warmer part of the day. We headed for E Shillelagh. The pool at the bottom of the second rap can be mighty deep but we were going to avoid the pool with a meat anchor for the first person at the far side of the flat area(RLDC) and then give a modified guided rap to the rest of the team.
Mark decided to rap first using the usual rap anchor. He was just going to go and do whatever was necessary to get out. Way to take one for the team! It turned out the water was ankle deep and avoidable. That doesn't negate the fact that Mark was willing. :smile: We took a 'shortcut' between the Shills to get to W Shillelagh. It is a sweet little route that Tyler was able to follow nicely. Our deepest water in the Shills was thigh deep, not bad. After both of those were done, we headed back to my truck for resupply: some breakfast, dry socks, more fluids.
That was when we had one of our best surprises of the day. Three vehicles went speeding by us heading up the highway. (Kuya, are you aware of the speed limit in that section?) One of the vehicles abruptly stopped, did a U-turn and came back. It was our great pleasure to see Jared (Canyonbug) step out of his vehicle. We had invited him to join us but he had a prior engagement in the way of a class he was teaching. It was great to unexpectedly see him. We quickly exchanged niceties, water conditions, wished each other well, then Jared was off to catch the rest of his class (Kuya, Peakbaggers, and others).
We prepared for the Blarneys. With any luck, and our rope gun willing, we wouldn't hike over the domes again. We headed up E Blarney hoping that Tyler (the youngest competitor of the Irish Jihad, and our climber) could make the moves up the rap in the middle of E Blarney. Mark (Dad) had veto power if he didn't like the looks of it. Tyler looked at the rap and in an instant said, 'Yeah, I can make that.' Dad and son made a plan and made it happen. Mark and I did a modified 'jug up' and we were on our way again--up climbing E Blarney and using a lot of energy. Had we made the right decision? Shortly, we were through the narrows and climbing out the side (Thanks to the captain of the Sabre Toe Tigers for sharing this shortcut in trade for the shortcut in the Shills). We finished out E Blarney and headed cross country for the west fork. If I remember correctly the water was knee deep or less in W Blarney. We made quick time of that and were back at the truck for more food, dry socks, water. We were really cruising. Although, Mark kept reminding us that this wasn't a race; Tyler and I were really pushing to finish with a respectable time, if not the fastest.

[Kuya]

That was when we had one of our best surprises of the day. Three vehicles went speeding by us heading up the highway. (Kuya, are you aware of the speed limit in that section?) One of the vehicles abruptly stopped, did a U-turn and came back. It was our great pleasure to see Jared (Canyonbug) step out of his vehicle. We had invited him to join us but he had a prior engagement in the way of a class he was teaching. It was great to unexpectedly see him. We quickly exchanged niceties, water conditions, wished each other well, then Jared was off to catch the rest of his class (Kuya, Peakbaggers, and others)

Wha??? phew , good thing it wasn't me driving hehehehe, else that accusation about me speeding would probably be true! *how did you know?* LOL

It would have been great to meet you all. Hopefully some day soon I will get that chance! :)

[penmartens]

It was probably the blast from your slipstream that raised devils of sand and toppled a pack that gave the 'illusion' of speed. My apologies. :wink:

Seriously, it would be great to get together. My season runs Labor Day to Memorial Day. Maybe we can put something together for next fall.

Penny

p.s. I figured out what setting to use to make paragraphs.

[penmartens]

We had one more leg of our journey to complete--the 3 Leprechauns. We had wanted to get these out of the way early in the morning, but waited until the heat of the day when it would be warmest and we would be wettest. Hot it was! We sweated, broiled, and wilted our way to E Lep. Once we stopped to hide in a little shade and cool down. It seemed to take forever to get to the drop in and real shade.

Most of East was dry but there were a couple places with pools. Tyler lead the way in going around them on ledges. One pool I didn't want to fight with and just went in. It was hip deep and felt refreshing. On we went, racing for the deeper parts of the canyon and more shade. There was that usual pool that is deep. Tyler went over it. Mark and I went in. It went to my armpits. It felt good to be cool and wet. Then we came to the confluence, the end was feeling close.

It had been our intent to go up inside the canyon from the lower confluence to the upper confluence, but with the water I was hesitant. If there were pools in there it was going to use a lot of energy to go up with muddy wet feet. Tyler really wanted to go up. He and I went in as far as the boulders. It was dry, but I didn't feel good about the time and energy consuming risk if it was what I imagined.We headed down canyon and out to the standard route for West and Middle Forks.

Go up at the Cottonwood. Who doesn't know that? We started up. Our conversation was about the soccer team who had crashed in the Andes and survived by resorting to cannibalism. Suddenly, I realized I had no idea where we were. Try as I might, I couldn't recognize anything about the route we were on and couldn't conjure up any memory of the route we were supposed to be on. Dang, I have done that route dozens of times. My doubt put doubts in my teammates. They couldn't remember, either. Frustrated and terribly disappointed we headed to the kiosk and a map and GPS that were in Mark's vehicle. We had been confident in our skills, experience, and memories and had brought neither for our trip.

We estimate it cost us about an hour and a half of time, and immeasurable amounts of energy, to find ourselves back on exactly the same route in the same place but with the map and gps in hand. Our mistake had cost us. We would be almost done if we hadn't turned back. Now, we were weighing carefully which canyon to do first, West or Middle. Each had their good points. I didn't want to do either in the dark.

We dropped into West. It took about 20 minutes longer than usual. We were tired puppies. The guys seemed to have a little steam left that they could access when needed but I had nothing. We left two of our packs at the confluence of the west and middle forks. We carried a little water, snacks, a short rope and headlamps.

I showed Mark and Tyler the awesome shortcut up the nose. We played it extra safe and pulled out the rope. We were tired and we didn't need anyone careening down the rock to splat in the middle fork. The heat of the day was past. We hiked up in the lengthening shadows and dropped into our last canyon before dark. As long as nothing went awry, we would be out before dark. We slithered and slid through the upper part of the canyon where it isn't very narrow. Gravity was our friend as we leaned out into empty space and let her do the work. The middle section, the tightest section, doesn't lose much elevation. That is where the work is. You use your own energy to push and pull and squiggle and squeak your way through. I was bringing up the rear. I would come around corners to find my partners with their arms on the wall, heads on their arms, resting. Their faces were fairly blank. Tyler was uncomplaining and determined; Mark, determined and cheerful. "Way to go, Penny," he would often say. None of us cared about our time. We just wanted to get out, to stop, to be done. We got back to the upper confluence, resorted out packs and headed into the deepest darkest section of the Leps. There was water in there--not as much as I had expected, but it wouldn't have been fun to go up. We probably made the right decision, but we wouldn't have been disoriented on the route earlier in the day if we had stayed in. Oh well.

As we walked out of the subway section the sun was still shining. We had done it! All we had left was the little hike to the highway and then the walk back to the kiosk. We found energy hiding in the depths and walked with purpose. It was slowly sinking in what we had accomplished. We stopped to talk to some people camped at the bottom of the Leprechauns. They hadn't ever heard of the Irish Jihad but were pretty sure they had missed out on some fun. I looked at my partners trying to figure out what these people saw in our wet, muddy, tired, end-of-the-day appearances. I saw accomplished canyoneers who went out to push themselves to the limits; to see what they were made of; to strive; to do.

As we walked down the highway, three abreast, taking up more of the road than we had the right to, I found myself grinning. What a great day! What great partners! What a great adventure. What a great experience. I looked at my teammates to see if they were wearing the same stupid grin I was. It was too dark to see their faces. The light was gone. Our day was done.

Penny,
The Dark Pookas of Endeavor