Zion Canyoneering Rendezvous, Sept. 17-21

[Spidey]

First off I want to give a huge shout out to Bogley for coming on board very early as a sponsor for this years Rendezvous. Shane for being willing to listen and support it, and Scott for helping get everything rolling as well as supporting it.

Some may know and some may not. Clark and I have taken over the Zion Rendezvous going forward into the future. We do however have huge plans for it most of which are already being implemented.

Our primary goal is first to see it continue, but as an event inclusive to the entire canyoneering community. We are working tirelessly to turn this into something that everyone from every forum, background, creed, bolt philosophy, etc will want to support. Going into the future, this will be the event to attend! Make sure you're there as part of this, the Phoenix year.

If you give us/it a chance you won't be disappointed. If you are when it's over, who doesn't love a good I told you so!

Anyway there are too many details to cover in this post so please follow the link to the Rendezvous website. http://www.zioncanyonrendezvous.com

I don't work at a computer, but I will do my very best to be on here daily to answer questions, P.Ms. and such.
We'll see you in the canyons, and definitely Sept. 17-21

Spidey

[craigskiles]

http://www.zioncanyonrendezvous.com
(http://www.zioncanyonrendezvous.com)
That is the most exciting website I have ever visited. If Spidey can pull off half what is promised then the Zion Rendezvous is going to be worth the time and money.

[Spidey]

http://www.zioncanyonrendezvous.com
(http://www.zioncanyonrendezvous.com)
That is the most exciting website I have ever visited. If Spidey can pull off half what is promised then the Zion Rendezvous is going to be worth the time and money.


I appreciate the compliment, and I am painfully aware of the responsibility. It will drive me/us to make this amazing, and I promise the weight won't be lifted until it's over.

Thankfully we have some great sponsors like Bogley,and Imlay canyon gear lining up to help. We couldn't do it without them. There are still more to come and more activities to come, stay tuned.

[Spidey]

We are happy to report, that late last week Zion Adventure Company came on board as a sponsor. We are working on some exciting things with them. Great things are continuing to fall into place. See you in September.


Spidey

[2065toyota]

:)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Clark]

Those who sign up before the 15th of August will be placed into a drawing for a GoPro Hero 3. The winner will receive it when they check into the event. Someone is going to have a lot of fun during the Rendezvous:bud:

72249



Clark

[moab mark]

Maybe I missed it on the website, still using Ponderosa as base camp?

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[Spidey]

Maybe I missed it on the website, still using Ponderosa as base camp?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Yes, for this year the Ponderosa is still the base camp. There should be info for it on the website.

[gigamosh57]

My friend and I are seriously considering coming to the 2014 ZR but I am trying to understand the culture a bit.

We started canyoneering just over a year ago and we have each done (10) 3-A/B-III canyons. We are getting our pothole escape skills in order and are going to descend Quandary Direct this summer as a test-piece.

It seems like tagging along with a group to descend a canyon during the ZR is a bit of a free-for-all (unless you come with your own group and a plan).

Are groups that descend the big boys (Heaps/Imlay) generally open to intermediate folks like us tagging along?

What advice would you give someone who wants to come and get a chance to do Heaps?

[Spidey]

My friend and I are seriously considering coming to the 2014 ZR but I am trying to understand the culture a bit.

We started canyoneering just over a year ago and we have each done (10) 3-A/B-III canyons. We are getting our pothole escape skills in order and are going to descend Quandary Direct this summer as a test-piece.

It seems like tagging along with a group to descend a canyon during the ZR is a bit of a free-for-all (unless you come with your own group and a plan).

Are groups that descend the big boys (Heaps/Imlay) generally open to intermediate folks like us tagging along?

What advice would you give someone who wants to come and get a chance to do Heaps?

The Zion rendezvous, like others is an opportunity to meet and descend canyons with new, fun, perhaps less, perhaps more experienced people. The opportunity to do canyons with others isn't a problem, even just showing up at the Rendezvous with little to no agenda. The question of tagging along on a Heaps, or Imlay trip becomes much more of a sticky wicket. Finding someone or a group of someones that are ok going into Heaps or Imlay with someone they haven't done any canyons with previously is far from a sure thing.

So while I can promise you a ton of fun, and canyons to get into, and groups to meet, mingle, and do canyons with. I can't promise you a shot at Heaps and/or Imlay. Doesn't mean it won't happen but... The Rendezvous will be well worth the time and $ without Heaps or Imlay, although they would be pretty good icing on an already incredible cake.

I hope this helps.

Spidey

[Iceaxe]

Are groups that descend the big boys (Heaps/Imlay) generally open to intermediate folks like us tagging along?

What advice would you give someone who wants to come and get a chance to do Heaps?

Since you asked for advice I can give you a bunch.... Understand I have attended and/or host at least a dozen of these things, but I have no official standing in this particular one.

If you attend with the idea of having a great time, meeting a bunch of interesting people, doing some fun canyons, learning some new skills and networking with potential future partners you will not be disappointed.

If you show up with a specific hit list of canyons, especially if they are Heaps and Imlay you will probably leave disillusioned. It has been my experience that rendezvous are not the place to try and find someone to unofficially guide you through a canyon beyond your skill level. Rendezvous are where you develop the skills and meet potential partners with whom you can plan a future assault on bigger and better canyons.

Your mileage may vary :cool2:

[Spidey]

Since you asked for advice I can give you a bunch.... Understand I have attended and/or host at least a dozen of these things, but I have no official standing in this particular one.

If you attend with the idea of having a great time, meeting a bunch of interesting people, doing some fun canyons, learning some new skills and networking with potential future partners you will not be disappointed.

If you show up with a specific hit list of canyons, especially if they are Heaps and Imlay you will probably leave disillusioned. It has been my experience that rendezvous are not the place to try and find someone to unofficially guide you through a canyon beyond your skill level. Rendezvous are where you develop the skills and meet potential partners with whom you can plan a future assault on bigger and better canyons.

Your mileage may vary :cool2:

Thanks Shane, great advice. We still hope to have you there as an official part of it if your schedule works.:nod:

[gigamosh57]

Since you asked for advice I can give you a bunch.... Understand I have attended and/or host at least a dozen of these things, but I have no official standing in this particular one.

If you attend with the idea of having a great time, meeting a bunch of interesting people, doing some fun canyons, learning some new skills and networking with potential future partners you will not be disappointed.

If you show up with a specific hit list of canyons, especially if they are Heaps and Imlay you will probably leave disillusioned. It has been my experience that rendezvous are not the place to try and find someone to unofficially guide you through a canyon beyond your skill level. Rendezvous are where you develop the skills and meet potential partners with whom you can plan a future assault on bigger and better canyons.

Your mileage may vary :cool2:

Thanks for the replies; this is good perspective. I am definitely not looking to force myself on a group and piss people off just to tick a canyon. My friend and I are trying to build our skills and experience to where we are an asset to a group of similarly skilled people doing something as daunting as Heaps.

On the other side of this, what kinds of workshops are usually offered at the ZR?

[Spidey]

Thanks for the replies; this is good perspective. I am definitely not looking to force myself on a group and piss people off just to tick a canyon. My friend and I are trying to build our skills and experience to where we are an asset to a group of similarly skilled people doing something as daunting as Heaps.

On the other side of this, what kinds of workshops are usually offered at the ZR?

We are going to have workshops ranging from an introduction to canyoneering, up to canyon rescue. Some will be taught by Clark and I at DarkHorse, some will be taught by others. Specific workshop itinerary will be posted closer to the Rendezvous. There will be plenty to do if you can't get in a canyon, and plenty to learn.

Hope this helps.

Spidey

[Spidey]

We are excited to report The North Face just came on board as a sponsor. We are working with several others still, and will give an update each time we add one. This is going to be the best Rendezvous ever. See you in September.

Spidey

[Felicia]

Congrats! Looks like a great event.

Felicia

[chadsaun]

I'm guessing that if we would like to do any canyons in Zion's park, we won't just be able to tag along with another group unless they've got an extra spot on their permit? Or we'll need to apply for our own permits, right?

[2065toyota]

I'm guessing that if we would like to do any canyons in Zion's park, we won't just be able to tag along with another group unless they've got an extra spot on their permit? Or we'll need to apply for our own permits, right?

I would assume so. Or do any of the numerous canyons on the East side that are not in the park and don't need permits or group size limitations

[Spidey]

Have you ever wanted to try a piece of Canyoneering equipment before you buy it? Well the Rendezvous is your chance, we are going to have lot's of demo gear there for people to try out.

Specifically for today I will tell you we are going to have a Demo fleet, of the Adidas Hydro Pro. We would like to thank Adidas for sponsoring this event.

We'll see you in September. Come try a pair of these amazing shoes.

Spidey

[Mac]

Specifically for today I will tell you we are going to have a Demo fleet, of the Adidas Hydro Pro. We would like to thank Adidas for sponsoring this event.

Spidey

Isn't Adidas going to discontinue this they Hydro Pro? Have they all ready discontinued it?

Mac

[ratagonia]

If you show up with a specific hit list of canyons, especially if they are Heaps and Imlay you will probably leave disillusioned.

The ZR is a social event. While there may be people who leave the social event to go to a LONG canyon, a full-day canyon, this would be the exception.

Some people may do this, almost exclusively by prior arrangement with their friends. Or perhaps the day after or day before the ZR. Not sure why one would pay money for an event, and then take a day off from the event. Adding an unknown to an Imlay or Heaps trip is not such a good idea - has certainly gotten me very close to trouble in the past.

Yes, you might want to reserve a permit or two if you plan to attend. But also, there will be the opportunity to do obscure canyons, that don't require a reservation (but some of which require a permit).

Tom

[ratagonia]

On the other side of this, what kinds of workshops are usually offered at the ZR?

What workshops would you like to see?

Tom

[gigamosh57]

What workshops would you like to see?

Tom

Good question. I don't know what I don't know, so it would be good to see what kinds of stuff people want to teach. Here's a couple:


Efficient obstacle sequencing with large groups (2 leaders and lots of beginners, what is the fastest way to get past a big obstacle/pothole)
Rescue techniques
Gear demos (clothing and technical)



Not sure why one would pay money for an event, and then take a day off from the event.



Maybe I am missing something, but I thought one of the main points of the ZR was to meet new people and descend canyons with them? This doesn't seem like taking a day off to me (unless you are talking about doing a 2-day canyon).

[Brian in SLC]

Maybe I am missing something, but I thought one of the main points of the ZR was to meet new people and descend canyons with them? This doesn't seem like taking a day off to me (unless you are talking about doing a 2-day canyon).

I think if you opt to do a long canyon, ala any of the big, longer days, then you'll most likely miss any and maybe all events at the Rendezvous. Just a risk, is all.

For example, if you manage to get a permit for Imlay, and, do the short cut...you take 10 or 12 hours to complete the route, toss in a couple of hours for getting there and back from the Pondy, then, even with a fairly early start, you'll miss most anything at the Rendezvous. Mystery? If you're reasonably bit and efficient, maybe a shorter day, etc.

Having attended maybe the first canyon Rondy in the US (Globe AZ?) and the first in Zion(s)...its interesting to watch this activity. Rendezvous are fun. And, they're always on my radar.

Comparing the international rendezvous to the US ones is also interesting. The international gigs are a blast.

If you're not familiar with Zion, and/or a newer canyon person, this seems like a great deal.

If you are familiar with Zion, and done canyons for awhile, only around for Friday/Saturday nights, I'm wondering if some of the events, ala the evening presentations, will be available to walk ins? Might be fun to mingle.

[2065toyota]

Just putting it out there.
I have been denied a planned Checkerboard 3 times because of rain and will probably try to put one together for one of the days during the event

[ratagonia]

Just putting it out there.
I have been denied a planned Checkerboard 3 times because of rain and will probably try to put one together for one of the days during the event

That would be a "longer day" event. You could avoid the car spot issue by finishing UP Orderville and walking over to the Ponderosa!

Tom

[2065toyota]

That would be a "longer day" event. You could avoid the car spot issue by finishing UP Orderville and walking over to the Ponderosa!

Tom Longer for sure, but prob a good Thursday canyon to do. I may just camp over on the East side somewhere for the whole event so it may not be too big of a deal. Maybe even just go up the Narrows since that was your recommendation :nono:. We will figure it out once the group gets put together. There is never a shortage of people wanting to do stuff. Checkerboard is on a lot of people's to do list including mine and this seems like a good time for it.

[Spidey]

I am pleased to announce Sterling as our newest sponsor for the Rendezvous. So if you have ever wanted to try the C IV or another canyon rope from Sterling the Rendezvous is your chance. So get over to the website and get signed up. More exciting things to come.

Spidey

[Spidey]

..

[Spidey]

Hi everyone this is Steven. Early registration ends on Aug 1st, which is also when your chance at the Go Pro hero 3 ends. We are going to have workshops, guided canyons, outdoor movies, dinner each night, Pool party, drawings, etc. You don't want to miss this event so hurry and register at the website, just follow the link.
We look forward to seeing all of you, and making this year incredible!!
I have confirmations from several attendees of permits for many of the favorite in the park canyons. I will update you with which ones ASAP.

Link,http://www.zioncanyonrendezvous.com/

[Spidey]

I am very pleased to announce Rich Rudow will be attending the Rendezvous, and giving a presentation/ Q & A with a showing of Last of the great unknown. We look forward to seeing all of you at the Rendezvous.

[iflycr500]

I would like to donate these 2 cart golf bags for the raffle. A ladies bag that is a very nice looking pink, and the men's is red and black. I am coming to Zion this Thursday and staying until atleast Sat Aug 2nd. I would like to drop these off to someone in the area. I am unsure yet if we can make the event. So if someone could help me out with the pickup it would be very much appreciated.

Mark.

75435

[Spidey]

I have confirmations from several attendees with permits to most of the canyons in the Park for Thurs. Fri. and Sat. We will also be helping to organize, and guide outside the park canyons.

There are only 4 days left for early registration, and your shot at the Go Pro.

We look forward to seeing everyone down there.

Spidey

[Byron]

Hello Spidey,

I'm interested in attending this event, but It'll be a month before I could/could not commit. How many people can you accommodate? In other words...is it likely to "fill up"?

[Spidey]

Hello Spidey,

I'm interested in attending this event, but It'll be a month before I could/could not commit. How many people can you accommodate? In other words...is it likely to "fill up"?

Shouldn't be a problem. Other than depending on how late in the game you decide, I might not be able to guarantee you a swag bag.

[D.O.N.E.]

I would like to donate these 2 cart golf bags for the raffle. A ladies bag that is a very nice looking pink, and the men's is red and black. I am coming to Zion this Thursday and staying until atleast Sat Aug 2nd. I would like to drop these off to someone in the area. I am unsure yet if we can make the event. So if someone could help me out with the pickup it would be very much appreciated.

Mark.



Mark ran into difficulty coordinating getting these donated. He ended up handing them off to me as I'm local to St George. I camp up around Mammoth Creek occasionally, I'll be there the weekend of Aug 23rd. I'm happy to help get these in the right hands, send me a message and hopefully something gets worked out. :)

[iflycr500]

I am still trying to get these golf bags picked up from St George. Can anyone help out with getting these to the event and to the right people?

Mark.

[EvergreenDean]

I am still trying to get these golf bags picked up from St George. Can anyone help out with getting these to the event and to the right people?

Mark.

Trying to give golf bags away to canyoneers...that's funny. Apparently difficult too. How much rope will one of those things hold?

[Spidey]

I am still trying to get these golf bags picked up from St George. Can anyone help out with getting these to the event and to the right people?

Mark.

I sent a private message, feel free to call me.

[BKNorby]

Is anyone driving from Vegas to the Zion Ponderosa Ranch around 4 PM on Wednesday? I'm flying in and will need a ride one-way...

[Byron]

I'll be there on Wednesday evening. I haven't registered cuz I try to keep my CC # as exclusive as possible.

Just lettin' ya know so you bring enough food! :eat:

EDIT: After having now attended the event, food is the last thing I had to worry about.

[rick t]

check out the "Zion Weather" thread currently on bogley before heading down to the Rondy.more specifically-
[CENTER][COLOR=#000000][FONT=Arial]WEDNESDAY


http://forecast.weather.gov/images/wtf/medium/scttsra30.png
Chance
Thunderstorms

[COLOR=#EF3725][B]High: 82

[rick t]

Bringing a book, or two, some Mexican Dominoes, and planning for some practice on a rope inside the barn, ascending, passing a knot etc. And maybe some ping pong and pool. Doesn't look like a whole lot of canyoneering going to go on through at least Friday, and even saturday is iffy. Wonder if the hot tub is even open in a thunderstorm? Ten years or so ago when we had a couple days solid of biblically epic rains, we amused ourselves wondering how many days the groups that were foolish enough to have dropped into canyons were going to be benighted, and hoping that they had found high ground and were safe. They all eventually made it out, but it was not a given. Come prepared.

rick

[Byron]

Yeah...last night I was all jacked up for fun. Then today they start talking about a friggin' hurricane.
Sucks, man. I wonder if they'll still have it goin' on?

You can't even mt. bike in that crap.

[Spidey]

Yeah...last night I was all jacked up for fun. Then today they start talking about a friggin' hurricane.
Sucks, man. I wonder if they'll still have it goin' on?

You can't even mt. bike in that crap.

Too Late to be undone now. I'm headed to the gulf of Mexico tomorrow to try to reason with him. I'll keep you posted on my progress. It has a name it must be sentient. Right? At least I hope. :ne_nau::roflol:

[Spidey]

We're going to have a ton of fun anyway.

[Scott Card]

I'm really looking forward to it. As I said in Don's thread, I actually welcome some Biblical rains. It is a spectacular event in Zion when that happens. You will find me wandering aimlessly with my gortex rain gear on and a smile cemented on my face. No one is going to tell me I can't have fun in the rain. I may not be in a slot but I will be out and about. Any short window of opportunity could mean a small peak bag or even 9 holes of golf in Mt. Carmel. It will be a lot of fun. BRING ON THE RENDEZVOUS rain or no rain!

And Spidey is persuasive. He may just blow that hurricane over to New Mexico.

[BKNorby]

I don't get to go up to Zion due to a sick cat. I had permit reservations for every day. I've given them to my friend, Douglas. If you have ropes, you can find him and have some fun!

[rockgremlin]

I don't get to go up to Zion due to a sick cat.


http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/The-Late-Sprinkles-the-Cat-the-office-287043_364_306.jpg

[Scott Card]

A huge thank you to Spidey, Clark and all the crew for an absolutely awesome rendezvous. They put in a ton of thought, planning and work to give us a great time. I believe 70 to 80 people attended. I had a blast meeting so many new canyoneering friends, seeing and experiencing the excitement of a bunch of new canyoneers in their first canyon, and mingling with a bunch of good people. I had to leave before the final drawing/giveaway Saturday night but I understand that there was a ton of swag, much of it expensive gear, given to just about everyone. In addition to the great time meeting new friends, canyoneering with wonderful people I had never met, having some crazy experiences in some familiar canyons, I have to give a shout out about the food that was provided. Prime rib dinner on Saturday night -- for everyone? Are you kidding? The food was just terrific!

A couple of fun times, I was able to do Pine Creek on Thursday and again on Saturday. Mystery was sandwiched in on Friday. As for Pine Creek, it is tippy-top full. On Saturday, while waiting for some incredibly slow canyoneers at the top of the second to last rap, it started to rain and rain hard. Water falls were starting to form and come into the canyon. There was no risk where we were waiting as we had plenty of high ground options but wow, were they slow. Two groups of four took well over an hour to descend that last rap. When we finally got to the last rap, Spidey and Clark set up two rap lines at each station (4 independent lines) and we were down in less than 15 minutes from set up to rope pull.

Friday was Mystery Canyon. I have done Mystery a hand full of times but the group I was with was awesome and we had an absolute blast. We also had the unique pleasure of about a 100 foot full swimmer. A lake has formed at the rock fall from the rains of a week ago. Crazy experience. Until Friday, I had only heard of this vanishing lake. The high water line was 10 feet higher than what we swam (thankfully it had gone down) or our swim would have been double what we had. A shout out to Byron, a fellow Bogleyite who I met and with whom I went through Mystery. Great guy and a lot of fun. (I can't believe he called me a showoff on the final rap into the narrows! hahaha)

A shout out to all the sponsors and there were a bunch. I got to meet TJ Cottam of Adventure Plus from this site. He was great and had a great selection of canyoneering equipment/clothing for us to see and buy at the event. Adidas had a bunch of their shoes for us to demo - for free from Zion Outfitters (I believe). I loved the fit of those shoes. I will hopefully post my review of my three days in the Adidas Hydro pro soon. And ZAC (Zion Adventure Company) taught great classes for two days. I heard nothing but good reviews of those classes from everyone I was with in the canyons. There were a ton more sponsors that I should mention but I can't remember them all. I know Imlay donated a bunch of swag for the drawings (thanks Tom and thank surrogate Tom - Hank Moon - for delivering it - good to see you again).

I hope others will post about their experiences at the Rendezvous. I am curious what everyone thought. Best thing for me was getting to know some really great people.

[jman]

Thanks Scott for the update!

I'm sure a lot of us are anxious to hear how it went.

Darn, sounded like a really good time held by all. I think we all are looking forward to their stories too. Next year...I gotta do this.

Oh - Its great that you experienced Mystery lake. It makes for a different experience in that canyon.

[ScottM]

A huge thank you to Spidey, Clark and all the crew for an absolutely awesome rendezvous. They put in a ton of thought, planning and work to give us a great time. I believe 70 to 80 people attended. I had a blast meeting so many new canyoneering friends, seeing and experiencing the excitement of a bunch of new canyoneers in their first canyon, and mingling with a bunch of good people. I had to leave before the final drawing/giveaway Saturday night but I understand that there was a ton of swag, much of it expensive gear, given to just about everyone. In addition to the great time meeting new friends, canyoneering with wonderful people I had never met, having some crazy experiences in some familiar canyons, I have to give a shout out about the food that was provided. Prime rib dinner on Saturday night -- for everyone? Are you kidding? The food was just terrific!

A couple of fun times, I was able to do Pine Creek on Thursday and again on Saturday. Mystery was sandwiched in on Friday. As for Pine Creek, it is tippy-top full. On Saturday, while waiting for some incredibly slow canyoneers at the top of the second to last rap, it started to rain and rain hard. Water falls were starting to form and come into the canyon. There was no risk where we were waiting as we had plenty of high ground options but wow, were they slow. Two groups of four took well over an hour to descend that last rap. When we finally got to the last rap, Spidey and Clark set up two rap lines at each station (4 independent lines) and we were down in less than 15 minutes from set up to rope pull.

Friday was Mystery Canyon. I have done Mystery a hand full of times but the group I was with was awesome and we had an absolute blast. We also had the unique pleasure of about a 100 foot full swimmer. A lake has formed at the rock fall from the rains of a week ago. Crazy experience. Until Friday, I had only heard of this vanishing lake. The high water line was 10 feet higher than what we swam (thankfully it had gone down) or our swim would have been double what we had. A shout out to Byron, a fellow Bogleyite who I met and with whom I went through Mystery. Great guy and a lot of fun. (I can't believe he called me a showoff on the final rap into the narrows! hahaha)

A shout out to all the sponsors and there were a bunch. I got to meet TJ Cottam of Adventure Plus from this site. He was great and had a great selection of canyoneering equipment/clothing for us to see and buy at the event. Adidas had a bunch of their shoes for us to demo - for free from Zion Outfitters (I believe). I loved the fit of those shoes. I will hopefully post my review of my three days in the Adidas Hydro pro soon. And ZAC (Zion Adventure Company) taught great classes for two days. I heard nothing but good reviews of those classes from everyone I was with in the canyons. There were a ton more sponsors that I should mention but I can't remember them all. I know Imlay donated a bunch of swag for the drawings (thanks Tom and thank surrogate Tom - Hank Moon - for delivering it - good to see you again).

I hope others will post about their experiences at the Rendezvous. I am curious what everyone thought. Best thing for me was getting to know some really great people.


The ZCR exceeded my expectations! The fellas at Dark Horse went out of their way to ensure everyone was taken care of. We also need to recognize Katie and the rest of the crew for all their hard work to prepare the meals.

The workshops were exactly what Elisha and I were looking for. Big thank you to BJ and Dave from ZAC, as well as Steve and Clark for hosting the workshops. The time spent in the workshops on Thursday provided enough training (combined with the expert leadership with folks like Scott Card) to feel confident enough to join a group on Friday and Saturday.

The trip down Mystery (Fri.) was awesome!!! I was initially reticent to apply for that last minute permit, but so glad we did and more so that we pulled the group together that we did. Big thanks to Scott Card, Ken, Byron and Greg for coming along on our first technical canyon experience - what an amazing canyon to start on!

Also, for the Friday Mystery group, let's all be glad that Byron didn't decide to go "in the "buff" on Friday like he purportedly did on Saturday. Now that really would have been a Mystery, at least to me anyway. Byron, your energy is great, I wish I could bottle it!

Thanks again to everyone for an epic weekend, it was so nice to meet so many great people who share a passion for exploring what is a stunning National Park!

We will definitely be back next year!!!

[Scott Card]

The workshops were exactly what Elisha and I were looking for. Big thank you to BJ and Dave from ZAC, as well as Steve and Clark for hosting the workshops. The time spent in the workshops on Thursday provided enough training (combined with the expert leadership with folks like Scott Card) to feel confident enough to join a group on Friday and Saturday.

The trip down Mystery (Fri.) was awesome!!! I was initially reticent to apply for that last minute permit, but so glad we did and more so that we pulled the group together that we did. Big thanks to Scott Card, Ken, Byron and Greg for coming along on our first technical canyon experience - what an amazing canyon to start on!

Also, for the Friday Mystery group, let's all be glad that Byron didn't decide to go "in the "buff" on Friday like he purportedly did on Saturday. Now that really would have been a Mystery, at least to me anyway. Byron, your energy is great, I wish I could bottle it!


Scott, you and Elisha were awesome and great canyoneering partners. One of my favorite moments was while we were getting rained on in Pine Creek waiting for the very slow group below us at the final rappel. Everyone is muttering and getting a bit nervous as the rain intensified and then your beautiful and sweet wife, Elisha, yells out to those below, "WHY ARE YOU SO SLOW!" :roflol:That made my day. She said what we were all thinking. My second favorite memory was when we were walking in the lake and it was getting deeper and deeper and you and Ken started talking about worms that hibernate in dry times and then come alive in the water. All of a sudden Elisha turns into an Olympic swimmer and powers past everyone to dry ground. That was awesome. So many other wonderful memories.

As for Byron, thank the heavens above that he did not go in the buff in Mystery. That would have been a sight from below for the tourists to watch on the last rappel. If you remember, send me the link to the photos. scard at fslaw.com or contact me here.

[Scott Card]

And Spidey is persuasive. He may just blow that hurricane over to New Mexico.

Did any one notice that we had great weather every day until Saturday afternoon. It worked out perfectly!

[Byron]

Here ya go, Scott...the lake in Mystery. I'll post a few more pics with a trip report in a day or two.

[Scott Card]

Here ya go, Scott...the lake in Mystery. I'll post a few more pics with a trip report in a day or two. Haha, nice. I look forward to it.