Slideanide!!! Finally!!!! I've wanted to do this canyon FOR-EV-ER and finally had my chance. And I got to do it with such a great group! It started out with me, Debra, Katie, and Ashley coming up with a plan. Then we found out Brian and his friend Darin would be joining us from Grand Junction. And finally, Angela and Dreamy-Eyed Dan would be coming from Cortez.
Surprisingly, after all that build up, I don't have much to say about the canyon except that I loved it. I did have a brief scary moment at the very beginning. It's an 80 foot rappel. I was second to last, and after I lowered myself over the edge, I saw that my rappel device had gotten twisted in a really weird way. This has never happened before! The rope was over the locking part of the carabiner. If this was just like, a 20 foot rappel, I would have gone quickly and trusted it. But being that high up... it seemed wise to get back up there and fix the situation. Luckily, Angela was up there and was able to help me up. But I'm not gonna lie, it was a slightly scary moment! That was definitely a new situation for me and now it's something I'll be on the lookout for.
(This is a rappel where I needed to be able to trust my equipment!)
This canyon had a ton of downclimbs, many of which were fun, a few of which required at least one scary move that made me want a handline or even just to be on rappel. I feel like I didn't challenge myself enough in this canyon; I know I could have done better. But whatever, I'll do that canyon again and use the rope a little less. The best part of the canyon was an 80 foot downclimb. I clipped in for this one, and I immediately regretted it. I didn't even use the rope; I used my hands to downclimb. Next time, Slideanide! I'm coming back for you!
(I think this is Dan coming down the 80 foot climb)
(Super excited to start that big downclimb!)
(Angela working her way down)
(Debra's tongue is ALWAYS OUT)
(Downclimbs for days)
We took our time through the canyon and just enjoyed each other's company. Angela was really excited that we made a rainbow.
Just a note for myself to remember-the last sequence would be difficult for a group of beginners. I had to rappel the downclimb to get to the last rappel, so it will take a competent downclimber to go last on that. And Brian and Dan were concerned about the rope pull on the last rap, but I didn't pay much attention because I was too busy singing songs from Beauty and the Beast. (It was this really echo-y spot!)
The boys wanted to take the climber's exit, which I was not excited about because I am not a climber. Brian and Darin did a two-man haul to get me up the crux of it. I am slightly embarrassed by this, but mostly just grateful for their assistance. They knew they'd have to help me! I don't choose canyons with those types of exits unless I'm with climbers because I know my limits and I don't want anyone to have to be responsible for me.
(Working our way up)
(Almost out)
When we got to the top of the ridge, everyone stopped for water and requested that I sing Colors of the Wind. (It was getting windy that afternoon.) I had to close my eyes because I was nervous to sing in front of my friends, and I sang it in the wrong key so it was in a bad part of my range, but no one seemed to mind. Just another fun and silly canyoneering moment.
(Finished and ready for a beer... or a Dr. Pepper)
*Photos are all by Brian and Angela
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