Several more people arrived at FreezeFest and multiple trips went out this day. Poison Springs south side canyons, have north facing exits. This can be quite problematic, in snowy conditions. Between the snows that covered the ground on the 28th and the fresh snow the night of the 30th, was a very narrow window of enough melting, on the 30th, that with some poking about, safe passage was made up the exit route.
A probe of “who had done what canyons,” led to us going into Constrychnine. This canyon has big drops, less downclimbing, runs more east to west, than its neighbors and is quite deep. Thus it is a bit of a colder canyon experience.
There was still quite enough snow to cause detours and care. The white cover added to the beauty. With eight folks, we often meat anchored the big drops, to move things along. Stuffing rope bags made one warmer, often accompanied by off-coloured jokes. A bit of a breeze chilled at the last big drop, the one into the cave like area. Fortunately there was no water and the steep short cut climb out, was also snow free. It was just a delightful day, whether deep in the canyon bowels or out in the blue bell sunshine.
Obligatory sunrise picture
Our canyon for the day
Dripping walls
The 1st big drop
Jen, in from New Jersey
Jenny on one of the two ropes
Michael
Down goes Basia
The big rap
Having fun yet? YES!…or laughing at a joke?
Million watt smile
Basia again
Jen again
Jerzy behind Jenny, in the cold breeze
Michael. He lives 5 miles from me, so we meet 500 miles away from our homes
Stephen, from Denver
The climb out
Just enough melting to make it work
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