Erik B
05-04-2015, 07:28 PM
Got together with the usual characters plus some newcomers this weekend on the Columbia. We stayed in Cascade Locks, a fantastic little town right on the river near Bridge of the Gods. Dry Creek is almost immediately behind town. Canyoneering in the PNW is no joke. Our approach involved significant scrambling up poison oak infested slopes with alternating loose scree and thick underbrush. Dry Creek had obviously not been descended for some time as we replaced every single anchor at the 5 drops.
Waterflow conditions were noteworthy. Comparative photos from the exit rappel gave us guidance but flow rate was certainly higher than on previously photographed descents. We gave it a go and weren't dissapointed.
Only at one drop was the team seriously challenged by the waterflow. At this particular location there was very poor communication and unfortunately cost us a fair amount of time leading to a couple chilly people. ~8hrs car to car.
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Waterflow conditions were noteworthy. Comparative photos from the exit rappel gave us guidance but flow rate was certainly higher than on previously photographed descents. We gave it a go and weren't dissapointed.
Only at one drop was the team seriously challenged by the waterflow. At this particular location there was very poor communication and unfortunately cost us a fair amount of time leading to a couple chilly people. ~8hrs car to car.
79846798477984879849798507985179852798537985479855 79856798577985879859798607986179862