Thank you Ram for providing the comprehensive details regarding this first rap.
I had not had the chance to meet what certainly appears to be a wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with those nearest and dearest to Louis. RIP.
I can only speculate, but when one does as many canyons as these fellows, it is easy to forget details of specific raps. Perhaps the details were fuzzy, and hence the printing and utilization of the only “beta” available. It still does not explain the choice to rap double without contingency for me. Louis was my friend. I do not want to disrespect his memory and/or critique the decision, but if there is any other reason to make such a choice, I would like to be filled in. Perhaps it was just a mistake. I make them too. Hopefully never with a life on the line. If so, we need to recognize it though. Not blame but at least acknowledge. I hope my inquiry carries the right tone and no one needs to reply now, but perhaps in time. Thanks.
Crazy, as on my previous trip there with Louis and Everett, we rappelled that same line, obviously with the 300 foot rope.
The highest ledge there, with the tree, I would put as 120 feet down, depending on how long the sling at the top is rigged. Maybe even less. It SEEMS further down, as it is the first feature on the rappel. The tree would make a sound anchor. Elsewhere on the series of ledges, there is very little anchor-making material / possibilities.
I am responsible for the name Not-Imlay, but not for the two Not-Mystery’s which as far as I know evolved organically.
Most of the canyons in Zion already have a name, so when doing new canyons without names, there is no established naming convention. I saw this canyon from across the way, quite some time ago, and when walking the Narrows not quite so long ago found a party rapping out of there. They said “long rappels, loose rock”, and the canyon ended in the Narrows in a place where Narrows-walkers linger, so while I noted the sparse beta and put the canyon on the list, I did not consider it a prospect for a good canyon. At that point it became labelled Not-Imlay, in that a not-paying-attention person trying to get to Imlay via the Right Sneak COULD presumably end up there.
Roll forward a few years, and a few people went ahead and did it, including Luke of Bluugnome fame. I got there a little later, and found it to be a fine tour, very scenic, with long rappels, fun downclimbs and no water. The rappel into the Narrows is in a safe place for those below (ie, it lands in a place where people do not walk) AND there is close to zero loose rock on the last rappel.
Very sad, can’t believe it. Julie and I always loved seeing Louis, he was a great positive man, always smiling. Rest in peace my friend. Everett, our thoughts are with you.
Thank you so much for sharing this Jeremy and Shannon. Somehow the details do help. Please forgive my ignorance, as I am far from the most experienced guy in the canyons, but what are the advantages of setting a double line rap in a situation like this , besides the obvious increase in friction and the speed, simplicity of not blocking? I’m also trying to think of what my options would be if I found myself short in a double strand. This is a skill I need to learn.
You can ascend two ropes just like you can one, although I confess I don’t think I’ve ever actually done it. It’s definitely a skill worth learning and practicing, if for nothing else pothole escapes where you might have to ascend 4 or 5 ropes attached to potshots. Mechanical ascenders obviously don’t work, but I see no reason a Prussik wouldn’t. Bootboy uses a sling when attaching an etrier to multiple ropes. I think he uses a Kleimheist, but I’m sure he’ll clarify what type of sling he uses and what knot he uses as he’s following this thread.
You would need to attach your anchor to the rope in the same way while hauling up a stranded rappeller like Louis. Your Progress Capturing Device and your Rope Grab would both need the capability to grip multiple ropes.
I think I’m going to add some gear to what I normally haul through a canyon.
One other option to ascend two ropes, although probably a lot more work, if you only have one sling is you can use your tied off rappell device for one of your two rope attachment points and the Kleimheist for the other. The belay device would have to be on the bottom, of course. And tie back-up knots below you (i.e. a figure eight into your harness) for additional safety.
Louis had a more truer love for Utah, the canyons, the peaks and Zion than someone I have ever seen. It was pure and it was beautiful. He was the most positive person. If you brought up anything remotely negative or sad, he would say its all part of the journey or its just making a better adventure.
The seeds of love for Utah had been planted in my heart years prior. They grew in my every day. Upon a trip back, I did my first canyon with Jeremy and Shannon and Bo…and that was enough to make life unbearable not living in Utah.
I quit my job, packed my things and my partner and I moved to Saint George, not knowing anyone. Bo introduced us to many people including another dearest Jenny. She put us in contact with Louis and Everett.
I remember meeting with them at a restaurant in Saint George. They told us stories and ideas of all the adventures that they wanted to take us on. I thought they were crazy! A 300 foot rappel I DO NOT THINK SO. I got into the car and laughed at all the things they wanted us to do.
Over the months, we did them all together. When I would get scared, Louis would hug me and tell me it was all part of the adventure. I wasn’t working and L&E worked part time. We spent a great deal of time together doing several adventures a week. Being out with L&E was a true joy.
I might be newer to this community but my skills rapidly grew without having a job and going out several times a week. I remember in Death Valley, Louis and Everett did a canyon and came back and said they wanted me to do it because they loved it…and they did it again just to take my partner and I through THE NEXT DAY.
That was Louis folks….and Everett folks. It was about sharing the adventure and love they built for each other, the canyons and Utah.
My heart aches deeply for the loss we experience but so full with the love he shared with me.
I had to return to Texas to take care of my sick mother, Louis and Everett were the first I had to say goodbye too. It was a lovely August day…..we woke up early to do a little peak to beat the heat. The day they spent telling us how proud they are of us and how far we have come. It made my heart swell.
I had such a tender goodbye with them. I let tears fall down my cheeks and I saw Louis’ eyes water. He told me that I inspired him, my love for Utah, the adventures and the canyons inspired HIM. I couldn’t believe it.
I fly back to Utah next week, my plans revolved around L&E, we were going big…West Temple, East Temple…Bridge if there was time…and Cedar Mesa.
The community has experienced such a profound loss. A beacon of light, love and true goodness.
Louis, thank you for being a mentor to me as you are to so many. Thank you for living life the the fullest and sharing it with me.
I won’t let myself remember the final moments of your life but I will remember all the moments we shared and treasure them….and hope to pass them to some other girl or boy that their love for Utah and the canyons grew so much they couldn’t take it…..and I will take them under and share with them….just as you have done with me.
RIP Louis…..as you fly through and protect the canyons and peaks of Zion.
@JeremyAndShannon – thank you so much for posting your account. We cannot begin to imagine how difficult it must have been to write. Much hugs and love to you two.
Kevin
.
ScottM
Thank you Ram for providing the comprehensive details regarding this first rap.
I had not had the chance to meet what certainly appears to be a wonderful human being. My thoughts and prayers are with those nearest and dearest to Louis. RIP.
ratagonia
Beta also available here: http://www.canyoneeringusa.com/utah/zion/technical/not-imlay/
EvergreenDean
I can only speculate, but when one does as many canyons as these fellows, it is easy to forget details of specific raps. Perhaps the details were fuzzy, and hence the printing and utilization of the only “beta” available. It still does not explain the choice to rap double without contingency for me. Louis was my friend. I do not want to disrespect his memory and/or critique the decision, but if there is any other reason to make such a choice, I would like to be filled in. Perhaps it was just a mistake. I make them too. Hopefully never with a life on the line. If so, we need to recognize it though. Not blame but at least acknowledge. I hope my inquiry carries the right tone and no one needs to reply now, but perhaps in time. Thanks.
ratagonia
May I suggest that specific technical discussions related to this accident should take place via a separate thread.
Thanks.
Tom
Canyonero
Let’s take it here: http://canyoncollective.com/threads/rope-too-short-what-can-you-do.21612/
Canyonero
Very well.
ratagonia
Crazy, as on my previous trip there with Louis and Everett, we rappelled that same line, obviously with the 300 foot rope.
The highest ledge there, with the tree, I would put as 120 feet down, depending on how long the sling at the top is rigged. Maybe even less. It SEEMS further down, as it is the first feature on the rappel. The tree would make a sound anchor. Elsewhere on the series of ledges, there is very little anchor-making material / possibilities.
Deep sadness.
Tom
ratagonia
I am responsible for the name Not-Imlay, but not for the two Not-Mystery’s which as far as I know evolved organically.
Most of the canyons in Zion already have a name, so when doing new canyons without names, there is no established naming convention. I saw this canyon from across the way, quite some time ago, and when walking the Narrows not quite so long ago found a party rapping out of there. They said “long rappels, loose rock”, and the canyon ended in the Narrows in a place where Narrows-walkers linger, so while I noted the sparse beta and put the canyon on the list, I did not consider it a prospect for a good canyon. At that point it became labelled Not-Imlay, in that a not-paying-attention person trying to get to Imlay via the Right Sneak COULD presumably end up there.
Roll forward a few years, and a few people went ahead and did it, including Luke of Bluugnome fame. I got there a little later, and found it to be a fine tour, very scenic, with long rappels, fun downclimbs and no water. The rappel into the Narrows is in a safe place for those below (ie, it lands in a place where people do not walk) AND there is close to zero loose rock on the last rappel.
Tom
Lisa
Jeremy and Shannon,
Thank you for sharing the details, as difficult as it is. I want to know as much as I can about what happened.
I was invited by Everett and Louis to join your team that day in Not Imlay canyon. I almost said yes but something held me back. I’m glad I didn’t go.
I’m very sorry about what you experienced. Please keep the details coming; it’s important to us.
Kevin
Very sad, can’t believe it. Julie and I always loved seeing Louis, he was a great positive man, always smiling. Rest in peace my friend. Everett, our thoughts are with you.
Kevin
EvergreenDean
Thank you so much for sharing this Jeremy and Shannon. Somehow the details do help. Please forgive my ignorance, as I am far from the most experienced guy in the canyons, but what are the advantages of setting a double line rap in a situation like this , besides the obvious increase in friction and the speed, simplicity of not blocking? I’m also trying to think of what my options would be if I found myself short in a double strand. This is a skill I need to learn.
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Canyonero
You can ascend two ropes just like you can one, although I confess I don’t think I’ve ever actually done it. It’s definitely a skill worth learning and practicing, if for nothing else pothole escapes where you might have to ascend 4 or 5 ropes attached to potshots. Mechanical ascenders obviously don’t work, but I see no reason a Prussik wouldn’t. Bootboy uses a sling when attaching an etrier to multiple ropes. I think he uses a Kleimheist, but I’m sure he’ll clarify what type of sling he uses and what knot he uses as he’s following this thread.
You would need to attach your anchor to the rope in the same way while hauling up a stranded rappeller like Louis. Your Progress Capturing Device and your Rope Grab would both need the capability to grip multiple ropes.
I think I’m going to add some gear to what I normally haul through a canyon.
One other option to ascend two ropes, although probably a lot more work, if you only have one sling is you can use your tied off rappell device for one of your two rope attachment points and the Kleimheist for the other. The belay device would have to be on the bottom, of course. And tie back-up knots below you (i.e. a figure eight into your harness) for additional safety.
Cameron
Louis had a more truer love for Utah, the canyons, the peaks and Zion than someone I have ever seen. It was pure and it was beautiful. He was the most positive person. If you brought up anything remotely negative or sad, he would say its all part of the journey or its just making a better adventure.
The seeds of love for Utah had been planted in my heart years prior. They grew in my every day. Upon a trip back, I did my first canyon with Jeremy and Shannon and Bo…and that was enough to make life unbearable not living in Utah.
I quit my job, packed my things and my partner and I moved to Saint George, not knowing anyone. Bo introduced us to many people including another dearest Jenny. She put us in contact with Louis and Everett.
I remember meeting with them at a restaurant in Saint George. They told us stories and ideas of all the adventures that they wanted to take us on. I thought they were crazy! A 300 foot rappel I DO NOT THINK SO. I got into the car and laughed at all the things they wanted us to do.
Over the months, we did them all together. When I would get scared, Louis would hug me and tell me it was all part of the adventure. I wasn’t working and L&E worked part time. We spent a great deal of time together doing several adventures a week. Being out with L&E was a true joy.
I might be newer to this community but my skills rapidly grew without having a job and going out several times a week. I remember in Death Valley, Louis and Everett did a canyon and came back and said they wanted me to do it because they loved it…and they did it again just to take my partner and I through THE NEXT DAY.
That was Louis folks….and Everett folks. It was about sharing the adventure and love they built for each other, the canyons and Utah.
My heart aches deeply for the loss we experience but so full with the love he shared with me.
I had to return to Texas to take care of my sick mother, Louis and Everett were the first I had to say goodbye too. It was a lovely August day…..we woke up early to do a little peak to beat the heat. The day they spent telling us how proud they are of us and how far we have come. It made my heart swell.
I had such a tender goodbye with them. I let tears fall down my cheeks and I saw Louis’ eyes water. He told me that I inspired him, my love for Utah, the adventures and the canyons inspired HIM. I couldn’t believe it.
I fly back to Utah next week, my plans revolved around L&E, we were going big…West Temple, East Temple…Bridge if there was time…and Cedar Mesa.
The community has experienced such a profound loss. A beacon of light, love and true goodness.
Louis, thank you for being a mentor to me as you are to so many. Thank you for living life the the fullest and sharing it with me.
I won’t let myself remember the final moments of your life but I will remember all the moments we shared and treasure them….and hope to pass them to some other girl or boy that their love for Utah and the canyons grew so much they couldn’t take it…..and I will take them under and share with them….just as you have done with me.
RIP Louis…..as you fly through and protect the canyons and peaks of Zion.
Ram
I edited my comments to reflect the 100 foot rap capacity. Apologies for the error.
This from a Tom post on anchors in there
And the thread
http://canyoncollective.com/threads/anchor-selection-example-not-imlay-aug-1-2015.21464/
skiclimb3287
@JeremyAndShannon – thank you so much for posting your account. We cannot begin to imagine how difficult it must have been to write. Much hugs and love to you two.
Ryan and Carrie
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