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| Canyoneering | 10.00 Miles |
2,340 AEG |
| | Canyoneering | 10.00 Miles | 7 Hrs 30 Mns | | 1.33 mph |
| 2,340 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Why did I want to do this trek? Not really sure, it is a brutal day for anyone that is a guarantee. So lets start with the drive in on FR 80. If you do not have high clearance then you are going to end up hiking a bit more. On the drive in I actually saw 2 vehicles parked on the side of the road that didn't make it all the way in. I got in no problem and parked by the old corral area Robbers Roost. The only thing I didn't like about this drive in was there was no mud.
From there it was just over 2 miles to the drop in at the top of the drainage. I was able to see about 8 or so elk in the distance at two different times so that was a nice start to the day. With about a mile to go to the drainage you cross a pretty well shaped road. I was surprised to see it in such good shape, I could have driven here. Oh well, the hike across country isn't that bad, but a lot of rocks to walk on starts the misery that later comes on the knees.
I make it to the top of the drainage and enter the brushy area. This wasn't pleasant as well, but it goes with the territory. There are a few good size down climbs for sure that most would probably be better off doing a rappel on. One of them I had to take my pack off and toss it a short distance down to negotiate the climb better. This is where more misery to my day was added. On the short toss down it dislodge my mouth nozzle on my bladder leaking out more than half of my 3 liters. Since this was a solo trek and I had 200 feet of rope in my pack and my regular items, this was the first time in a very long time I didn't have a Nalgene or Gatorade bottle as extra. You all know where this is going. I get down from the climb and notice the water. DAM!!!! I secure the end of my hose and fix it there but it was actually broken to where it would leak unless pointed up. I had to do a quick fix there and take a sip of the only little pool of water on the rocks there. Better to have it in me than go to waste. Yum dirt.
After this little problem I make my way down a few more down climbs which are no joke on the slick and loose sandstone. The drainage opens up with an incredible view of the Sedona area and a few small pools are to be passed here before reaching the rappels. I get to the top of the first rappel and see someone down below. Wow, just when I thought I was alone. It had to be the cars parked back on the road. They say they are almost done with the second rappel so I let them take a minute as I rig the 1st rap that could be down climbed but why risk it. I get to the second rappel and see one of the others in the party below me. I know that guy. I say hey from 100ft above.
The 3 rappels that you have to do are all pretty nice. The last one is awesome with the 30ft overhang or so of free rappelling. I get down all the raps and eat my pizza here before making my way down to Woods Canyon.
Great, let the rock hopping begin. After about 20 minutes I catch up to the group of 3 who were taking their lunch. I converse for a few minutes and head on my way. It was funny how up until this point it was overcast with good cloud cover. Even one of the guys said "at least the clouds are cooperating" well shortly after I left them the clouds were gone and it was full sun.
As I approach the first section of sandstone and pools I take a sip and after a second get that not so great sound of an empty bladder. I check to see if it was empty or just pinched since my pack was stuffed. It's empty. Good thing I have 4 miles to go. I had the option of waiting and asking if any of the guys could spare some extra or just go for it knowing I had plenty in the Jeep. I went for it. I was now in the sun but with water around me so I was able to stay cool most of the time. A wet shemagh wrapped around my head helped as well. After 2 hours though the dry mouth was not pleasant. I debated on whether to at least put some of the canyon water in my mouth and spit it out or just go. I didn't risk it, I just went on wanting a drink of water and laughed at the fact I was in water and had it all around me but couldn't take a drink.
I was able to hammer out the day and the last 3 hours without a drink which made seeing the Jeep at the end of the day the best sight ever. I told myself not to chug the water when I got there but take small sips. I tried, the first sip was small but then it was like I need water in my system I drank half a gallon in about 5 minutes. I laid down in the shade and actually fell asleep for about 20 or 30 minutes. Felt weak after I woke up but was able to urinate which told me I wasn't too badly dehydrated. I was going to camp there but wanted some more fluids and since I wasn't too far off the I-17 I headed to Camp Verde to get cold fluids and rehydrate properly. On the drive out I also saw the guys starting their drive out which was good to know they got out no problem as well.
Another good trek in the books I guess. |
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