MMI TR October 16, 2010

[french_de]

For all that was happening this weekend, students and families off for UEA , a runners half marathon race and the usual tourist flow in and around Moab and Arches NP, we had this place mostly to ourselves. It seemed almost remote given Delicate Arch is only a couple of miles south. There was one group camping and another group canyoneering .
The Crypto biotic soil is extensive in the area. At times it was a challenge finding a way thru it.
The first thing that I noticed as we peered over the edge into MMI was that it had another big entrance just like Repeat Jr. and Winter Camp, the canyons we had done the day before. Another 200 foot rappel was in order and like the others we took an extra twenty minutes to retrieve our rope and webbing from the top after finishing the canyon. The last rappel drops into a nice alcove and the walk down from there is scenic. We took the climbers exit and for most canyoneers this is a little exposed, provides a good adrenaline rush for a great grand finale, and has some fantastic views. The “sidewalk” exit ramp below the top ledge is a cool geologic feature winding around to the right. One member of our party went to the left on the sidewalk ramp and scrambled up the crumbling weakness. It is another easy way up and over the final ledge for those who don’t want to walk the ramp.

Doug French

[Cirrus2000]

Another ! Yup - definitely gotta go do these.