Clueless Canyon - A first Descent (Maui)

[Renatomic808]

So JJ, Anthony, Anthony's wife; Jessica, Kitt, Tim, and my girlfriend Melissa set out on an adventure Sunday May 5 2013. Melissa, myself, and Tim were contemplating which canyon to take our "visitors" this weekend. We had 4 of them visiting from Utah, and our neighbor island Oahu. They were all here to run a canyon or 2 for the weekend. They put all their trust in us, to take them on a fun route. So why not take them on a first descent? We also were told that Jessica didn't want to do anything too "difficult". If we told her it was a first descent, she might not have wanted to come along.

Kitt arrived on Thursday, and we informed him on the plans. The original itinerary to do 2 canyons. However due to a change of plans, we only could run one. Upon further discussion with Tim and Melissa, we decided the first descent would be a lot more of a story to go home and tell your friends about. But of course, he was also told to make sure not to say anything of our devious plan.

We called the canyon "clueless" as an inside joke between us. Since our guests were absolutely clueless on what we were planning. During the whole day during the approach, we were "pretending" the trail was overgrown. Also, because it's been so long since we ran the route, we have forgotten how many drops were in the canyon, and large they were.. though we had an "idea" of what we were gonna run into. That was the "fake story" of how it became the "clueless" canyon.

Our first rap was about 90ft. Tons of water, and a hidden cave/overhang in the middle of the waterfall. It seemed to have caught everyone off guard. Myself included.


Stream led us here


Forces you to rappel, or jump here

Then brings you to some bolts this guy drilled


To rap and see this


Which looks like this from afar. Which is also where the stream merges with Pandora



In the end, I asked JJ "What would you call this canyon, if you were to be the first to descend it?" He had no idea, as he wasn't thinking of any names. This is where we broke the news to him, and said "well you need to name it". In the end, we stuck with clueless canyon, since it was the whole theme of the day. Route took us about 5.5hrs car to car. That included a crew of 7, and building of anchors. Canyon turned out to be a ton of fun. More pics coming soon!

[Dakine]

Nice one Ren!

[ilipichicuma]

Best picture of JJ EVERRRR!

[Kuya]

So... what canyons are you gonna take me through when I come visit in September?????

[jbick]

That's absolutely fantastic! (Both the story and the pics)

[Byron]

Nice! I presume this is down by Hana? Looks like there's a lot more to that area than just Wiamoku Falls, eh? Looking at the map, there's a buttload of gorges between Huelo and Kaeleku...it appears that you have plenty to explore.

I traveled to Hawaii every January for a 4-6 week vacation for the last 6 years...this last Jan. excluded because of overwhelming work. I prefer the Big Island, mainly because of all the great backpacking. If you run out of stuff to do on Maui, I'm sure you know there are plenty of gorges north of Hilo, too.

I thinking maybe it's time to visit Maui again!

[jdamin]

Best picture of JJ EVERRRR!

I teach pretty inexpensive classes on bolting Maui canyons. If you can't tell, I'm a pretty serious and experienced bolter. If I like you, I'll even let you in on the benefits of manly/awkward facial expressions while operating a drill.

[Renatomic808]

I teach pretty inexpensive classes on bolting Maui canyons. If you can't tell, I'm a pretty serious and experienced bolter. If I like you, I'll even let you in on the benefits of manly/awkward facial expressions while operating a drill.

The expression is kind of like a cross between Rambo shooting from the hip; JJ in disbelief that he is in another Maui canyon; and trouble holding in his canyon poop, as the drill vibrates.

[Renatomic808]

So... what canyons are you gonna take me through when I come visit in September?????

NONE! BWAHAHAH!

Depends how much time you got, and how much weight you wanna carry. The more you wanna carry, and make my load lighter.. the more fun/higher tier routes you'll see. Bribing me with tons of food helps as well.

Nice! I presume this is down by Hana? Looks like there's a lot more to that area than just Wiamoku Falls, eh? Looking at the map, there's a buttload of gorges between Huelo and Kaeleku...it appears that you have plenty to explore.

I traveled to Hawaii every January for a 4-6 week vacation for the last 6 years...this last Jan. excluded because of overwhelming work. I prefer the Big Island, mainly because of all the great backpacking. If you run out of stuff to do on Maui, I'm sure you know there are plenty of gorges north of Hilo, too.

I thinking maybe it's time to visit Maui again!

You are correct.. mostly East Maui. More after Kailua, and Nahiku. Doing routes closer to Hana are a little more risky. Access, and possible angry locals.

We're picking off "first descents" in that area almost once every 2 weeks or so.

[GingerGirl]

Best picture of JJ EVERRRR!

I agree with Cliff on that one, it even beats the ice cream box.
This looks like an amazing descent you guys!!! Well done.

Also, I giggled at Renatomic's "canyon poop" comment, like one of my students' giggles, gross.... haha

[Kuya]

Depends how much time you got, and how much weight you wanna carry. The more you wanna carry, and make my load lighter.. the more fun/higher tier routes you'll see. Bribing me with tons of food helps as well.

LOL :) I will gladly feed you with tons of food! Pick a place and I will take you. I will gladly carry my share of the load too

[ghawk]

Way to get your first descent JJ, Anthony and Jessica! One day I'll get out there and try some of these, hopefully before you move on JJ. Nice work and great way to do it Ren

[jdamin]

The expression is kind of like a cross between Rambo shooting from the hip; JJ in disbelief that he is in another Maui canyon; and trouble holding in his canyon poop, as the drill vibrates.

I'd say you're spot on there buddy. Even so, having my canyon roots in the southwest, I will NEVER be able to poop in a canyon. I've seen enough shitty water in my early canyon days. It would be nearly sac religious to desecrate such a clean place.

[Renatomic808]

LOL :) I will gladly feed you with tons of food! Pick a place and I will take you. I will gladly carry my share of the load too

I'm not sure you realize how much food I REALLY eat, and how lazy I am with carrying stuff uphill. Just ask JJ

I'd say you're spot on there buddy. Even so, having my canyon roots in the southwest, I will NEVER be able to poop in a canyon. I've seen enough shitty water in my early canyon days. It would be nearly sac religious to desecrate such a clean place.

Its my job to make sure there's enough nutrients in the soil, to keep our Maui canyons green.

[oahu_canyoneer]

Thought I'd add my three fav pics from the trip. Keep on keeping on Ren!

[Renatomic808]

badass pics, Kitt!