Zion Day 1: Keyhole - Pine Creek

[Absolute Gravity]

In February I started a new job with a small company (40 people). The company is very social, and upon learning of my canyoneering adventures many were curious. I began sending out the trip reports Bob (@Slot Machine ) was typing up to the company and soon had multiple coworkers asking about getting in on some canyon action.


We recently were placed into teams and so I sent out an invite to my team first, and then planned on sending to others in the company to fill out the Zion team. To my surprise everyone on my work team of five was in! This was now a team excursion and felt kind of special, and may have made the other teams a little jealous . I wanted another experienced canyoneer to come along so I invited my buddy Tyler to help me keep everyone moving.


Sat. May 11, 2013 - Shaline, Marianne, Jordan, Steve, Tyler, Tony


This would be Shaline, Marianne, and Jordan's first technical canyons so the first day would be the standard introduction, Keyhole, followed by Pine Creek. I think everyone was a little surprised at how much fun they were having. Plenty of water in Keyhole to break them into the cold water and get comfortable swimming around in stinky water.


Pine Creek was of course full of people. There were a few groups in front of us going quite slow so we had plenty of time to take pictures and goof off while waiting our turn to get on the next rappel. At the last rappel it looked like there were six groups bunched up, three in front of us, with @iflycr500 's group behind us and @2065toyota 's behind them. We weren't in any hurry and it gave us some time to dry off, relax, and have a few laughs.

Steve and Shaline enjoying the water


Shaline, Jordan, and Marianne checking out whats coming up next






Is this the prince that Shaline's been looking for?







Steve and Jordan cuddling while waiting at the last rappel



Shaline and Marianne loved the view



Me and Tyler showing how it's done



and now sexy(?) Steve







Everyone was excited for the next day which would be Birch Hollow exiting out Wild Wind Hollow ...

-Tony

[Slot Machine]

The company is very social, and upon learning of my canyoneering adventures many were curious. I began sending out the trip reports Bob (@Slot Machine ) was typing up to the company and soon had multiple coworkers asking about getting in on some canyon action.

We got the canyon fever... and its contagious!!

Nice trip report Tony!

[Eric Holden]

Looks like a beautiful day in the canyon!

[2065toyota]

It was a slow day. We were at the end of all the groups. We had 10 people in our group and had brought 4 ropes to make a quick trip. We only used 1 rope and were still waiting at every rap. No big deal though, we got to talk to and meet a bunch of people and had a great time. When we got to the last rap there were 8 people in line to go, so we threw a sling around a rock on far north side and rapped into the upper pool rather than waiting.

[D.O.N.E.]

I was in Ifly's group - imagine my surprise finding so many Bogley members all bunched up at the start of Pine Creek! Beautiful canyon, I definitely would like to make a second trip when it's a bit warmer though and I can better enjoy the scenery. Of course for now, I just tag along with more experienced folks and practice knot-tying at home :)

[2065toyota]

A bit warmer. That was pretty typical for Pine Creek. Actually pretty low on water to what it has been the last few times went. Pine Creek is fun when it's full. The coldness you felt was from not being able to keep moving, not from the canyon itself

[mzamp]

What time are groups starting? I am taking a group through this Friday, but don't plan on starting until high-noon. Hoping that most groups start earlier. Wishfull thinking?

[2065toyota]

Noon is the worst, at least it was that day. We usually start early and don't have any issues. We were lazy and left St. George about 10:30 and that's when we hit everybody. But running into groups isn't all that bad of thing. It's fun to hang out and chat with new people. Canyons don't always have to be about speed

[ilipichicuma]

What time are groups starting? I am taking a group through this Friday, but don't plan on starting until high-noon. Hoping that most groups start earlier. Wishfull thinking?

Wishful thinking. If you want Pine Creek to yourself, you start ridiculously early.

[Taylor]

Or go late and finish at dusk...

[mzamp]

oh well, we are spending Thursday night outside of mesquite so it would be hard to start early. plus i will be guiding 3 rookie friends, so our pace will be slow anyway.

[nelsonccc]

Or go late and finish at dusk...

BINGO. That's what we always do. Just plan on starting in the late afternoon. I've been thru in the morning and it was a parking lot in there. Very frustrating. The few times since we always go around 3-4 and can breeze right thru, only occasionally catching super slow groups at the last rap.