Dave makes a good point. Steve Allen claimed at his slideshow that he has escaped potholes 30′ deep with nothing more than packtosses. While this is obviously an exaggeration (ever try to toss a pack 30′ up?), it does make for a fun challenge. I always like to take this attitude: whenever I come upon a pothole, I just assume that SA has already been there and escaped it without drilling. Then it’s just a matter of figuring out how he did. It’s a lot of fun, kinda like trying to solve a murder-mystery.
I’ve noticed that some canyoneers, when they come upon a pristine canyon, assume they’re the first one and use that as license to alter the canyon, believing it can’t be descended otherwise. Other canyoneers assume the canyon HAS been done, and find their challenge in figuring out how the previous party descended without leaving a trace. I find more fun in being canyoneer #2. Steve
Mark, > I don’t want to beat the other dead horse…but please don’t > drill or chop potholes. Most (notice I said ‘most’) of the > potholes I’ve been in that have been chopped or drilled have > alternate methods of escape that the driller/chopper didn’t > think of. Plus, if it really does need to be drilled or > chopped, it’s probably already done. > E-mail me seperately if you want some tips on potholes. > DBlack >