Pine Creek Canyon

[WorkBad]

29 Sept 2013 Natalie, myself and my father, took a trip through Pinecreek Canyon.

This trip was very special to me because I got a chance to take my father through his first technical canyon. Why so special some might ask? Well, I give him full credit for introducing me to canyoneering, decades before that word existed for either of us. You see, back in 1993-94 he read an article in the news paper about a few level 2 slot canyons located in Escalante. Dad, as far as I'm concerned has always loved Escalante due in part to a bike ride he did in 1969. He rode his steel Schwinn from SLC to the small town and back with his little brother. Later in life he also made frequent trips to Calf Creek when time away from work permitted. So, when this news paper article showed the black and white, grainy pictures of Spooky and Peek-a-Boo he just had to drive down with the family. We all had a blast, and my first canyons were crossed off the list .

Since my introduction to technical canyoneering, Spring 2011, I've wanted to do a level 3 canyon with him. It wasn't until his recent retirement that this became a possibility. I also had to wait for my parents to vacation back to the mainland because of their recent relocation to Kauai. Due to his age and ability, I had to select something short, memorable, preferably wet, that doesn't have a lot of up-climb, Pine Creek fit the bill! We set the date and went for it! The whole family came down for the week. My sister and her husband, their two young kids and my mom. The sweet deal that Nat and I got, the bed at the Cliffrose Lodge. For once Nat and I got to stay in a bed down in Zion! Wow, drinking beers by the hot tub staring at the vista, not crapping into a bucket, damn it felt good.

I've had many great times in Zion through these years but this trip for some reason felt like it topped them all. Dad, as you will see from the pictures, absolutely had a blast. He smiled and commented on the beauty from the beginning to the end, mom said later that "It took ten years off him". He was sooo enthralled by the natural, awesome beauty. He would stop to inspect or comment on the smallest of rocks, to the most gigantic shapes of the shear or fluted walls. I could tell that he was hooked! He says he can't wait to do more. In the canyon his US Military background made the raps a non-issue and he took to it like a pro, it made me very proud to see him go. In my head I was saying "That's my Dad!".

As a small payback for his gift, the gift of the spirit of adventure. I dedicate this trip report to him. Thanks Dad.

Overview



Suiting up at the bridge


Howard on Rap 1


Natalie on fireman bottom of Rap 1


Two of us waiting for Rap 2


Split shot of different lighting conditions at Rap 3


Howard, alive in Zion


Wet, cold, wet




Rap 4




Rap 5 (final)




Bottom of Rap 5


Hike out

[ratagonia]

Swee-eeeee-eet!

Tom

[Taylor]

Awesome!

[Sandstone Addiction]

That is so cool! I'm a big fan of family canyoneering.

Loved the big smiles, a memorable experience for sure.

[Iceaxe]

I'm a huge fan of family canyoneering.... and I'm a huge fan of not crapping in buckets and staying in a nice motel and drinking margaritas at the pool when the day is done. Nice job....

Tap'n on my Galaxy G3

[iflycr500]

Well done. I hope the pic of your dad on Rap 5 is hanging on a wall in your house.