UT: North Wash – No Kidding 12-29-17

These are a few of my favorite things….
Canyoning with folks I just met….
Problem solving in canyons………
Taking only pictures and leaving only footprints….
Watching people see their anchors following them down the canyon….

Folks are interested in learning new techniques, so they join us with enthusiasm. Captures are so much fun and engaging, but nothing quite matches seeing folks, new to ghosting, seeing their anchors follow them. There is magic there, not to mention instant converts. So with this in mind, Tom Collins, Sonny Lawrence and I joined 6 folks new to ghosting, for a trip down No Kidding.

With established anchors, removable or fixed, this canyon would be nice. Without them, it is so much more. It continues to be left free of anchors. They must be built every time. There is still some divisiveness on anchor ethics, but this canyon has been left as one of the only published ghosting test pieces. I am surprised and pleased and I thank those who have different opinions than I, for leaving this place as is, so folks can dip their toes in and experience this type of descent.

Tom, Sonny and I watch these folks play with the toys, interjecting only with tips on the “why’s” and the “what could go wrongs.” So we watched pack drags, captures, teamwork escapes, anchor building, anchor retrieval, as observers rather than leaders. There is many ways to skin the cat, in this canyon. Choices abound. I must say, it sure seemed like everyone enjoyed the people, the place and the methods.

When done, up the Kelsey exit. All but two, who retrieved the vehicles, did a run down Leprechaun, ending a lovely ramble.
Pictures?

Austin ready to go

Sonny enjoying the wonderful lighting of the upper canyon

Messa ready for more

Shining light

Basia

Amy into a capture, with a pack drag

Escape teamwork

Ready to pull

Then going last on the next one

Having fun yet?

Headed up