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| Backpack | 15.00 Miles |
3,497 AEG |
| | Backpack | 15.00 Miles | 2 Days | | |
| 3,497 ft AEG | | 40 LBS Pack | | |
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| partners | | Amazing hike and backpack. As always, 9L adventures don't disappoint, either in difficulty or in good times - of course it helps to have Chumley along to harass and goad.
I did minimal research on the actual hike, spending most of my study time around the cultural areas of interest at the river - Vasey's, Stanton's Cave, Ruins and mystery "skeleton". There really is a LOT to see/explore at this location and for those brave enough and fit enough to get to the beach, this becomes a fantastic Grand Canyon adventure.
Speaking of getting there...it's a crazy steep trail...errr route.
We car-camped Friday night for a semi-early start on Saturday. The evening was very cool (almost "cold) yet still filled with fun and fire. Our resident bun-warmer (Longo), demonstrated and solicited his infamous "butt-coal" technique which actually proved quite effective (see photo #1). Rachel was carbo-loading and annihilated my bag of pretzels while Chumley and Kyle were their usual witty selves.
Early Saturday, we all seemed mentally tense (or maybe just hung-over) as we prepared for what we knew would be a serious trek; except, that is, our reposed marathoner Rachel, who was calmly "dry-shampooing" her hair with some flowery aerosol product. Once packed and ready, we launched past the trail-head sign and headed for the rim...you know you're in for a rough day when you need a cairn to mark the start of the route OFF THE RIM. SHEESH.
I quickly learned of the futility of trek poles. After the second down-climb, away they went - continuing to use them would have SEVERELY slowed me down. The first 45 minutes of this route is very PRECIPITOUS. I was using BOTH my hands and feet, easily 50% of the time. Once at the bottom, the route doesn't get much better. Many down-climbs (one in particular was a bit extreme and required removing my pack) and exposed areas made for a mentally as well as physically demanding hike.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCYQLjEwDYQ - - The group's initial descent...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM7ex6r8ld4 - - Squatpuke at the "tough" part
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJMzi5AcFBk - - Boots at the "tough" part
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYGs7HB6RI4 - - 9L ascends that section with ease
The long, 4+ mile stretch of down-canyon boulder hopping and walk-arounds is finally concluded at the top of the "Narrows" where the traditional route CLIMBS back up the redwall several hundred feet. There are still several exposed area along this top-route and one must remain mentally sharp or risk becoming a statistic.
Finally, on top of the redwall, you come to a wonderful view point of the Colorado River and in the far distance, Vasey's Paradise. Don't high five your companions yet, there still is a bit of nasty down climbing to the sandy beaches below.
The beach scene for us was pretty awesome....clean, wide, sandy beaches...cool, clear river water and boaters handing out beer...(and almost a free dinner). The Colorado was ICY cold but I was still able to clean off the day's grime with a few 30-60 second speed baths....After the initial boater excitement, Chumley relaxed on the beach with a book while John and Rachel cat-napped. Restless Boots and I, laced back up and headed downstream to see the sites.
Stanton's Cave was no big deal, but very interesting nonetheless. Vasey's was indeed a paradise!! The hike over to Vasey's includes a very slick slope that must be cautiously traversed...one misstep and you risk a 5' slide into a fast rapid. (this time, my hiking poles definitely would have been useful had I bothered to bring them...LOL.) Kyle and I baby-stepped our way across making sure each foot was solid before the next...was slow going, but VERY worth it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXkyY7gnbgo - - Boots goes first
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0eLKjkoaXo - - His Return Back
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccOmj-l6UXw - - Chumley and Rach attempt...Where's 9L??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy8OsUyqVmk - - Vasey's Paradise
I explored around the waterfall as Kyle killed the microbes his water. When we headed back up river, John, Rachel and Todd were on their way over from the Cave. We exchanged insults and Kyle and I continued upriver, exploring the areas above the beaches for ruins and art.
Evening fell as we all ate dinner, sharing spoons as needed (:D). I went off to pee on the rock wall around the corner from camp and counted several black widows along the cracks. I reported my findings and we all cautiously looked around our campsite; 9L was reclining (on a hijacked Ridgerest no-less) where we spotted a widow about a foot or two from his head!!  (I was later told by a doctor friend that many a scrotum had been attacked by black widows in those old wooden outhouses...YIKES)
Needless to say, we regrouped in the middle of the beach and counted stars and satellites until exhaustion got the best of us...I'd say around 9pm!!
Next morning, we filtered more river, ate a quick breakfast and geared up. It was clear that I was the 'weak link' in our party, however that morning I felt very strong and kept up with the group all the way back to Boulder Canyon junction. Things were going fairly well till we hit our water cache just below the initial STEEP section. Kyle and I were mentally regretting this moment since we first came down, but with one foot in front of the other and some motivational mantras, we made it back to the top just as Chumley was cashing his first Social Security check... 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ieRCqLyH_E - - Squat's heart-attack..."aye aye aye"..hehe
This was indeed a great trip with awesome people and a very exciting location. I would have liked to have stayed another night and day-hiked to Redwall Cavern the 2nd day....maybe next time!!
Rachel...welcome to the group...nice job "putting up" with us!!  |
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