This is a new canyon in Kelsey's 2nd Edition guide book, but had been done by friends on a few occasions (including Dave and Penny, my partners for this leg of the trip). This was my first time in the canyon. We were hoping for tippy top full potholes to make for a lot of splashing and jumping. What we found was not a lot of water, and a lot of work to climb in and out of pots. Luckily there was just enough water to cool off in that I didn't roast in my full wetsuit even though it was hot out. If you are going to hit this one (Kelsey lists it, but didn't actually do it) take two or three potshots along with two or three ropes in the 30 to 60 foot range. There are no fixed anchors but plenty of ropework involved with getting in and out of potholes. Bring ascenders, aiders, harness, biners, etc... I'd say a minimum group size of three for all the partner assisting, but that still limits you, four or more would be better. Rating is probably 4B II - III PG SLOT (there is a short, shallow stemming section in between potholes). The final pot was toughest for us, a VERY long throw (we weren't able to throw it far enough). We were able to partner assist out, but it had a sandy bottom and could get deeper! There is more canyon below where we stopped but most of the potholes were full of tumbleweeds and cow pies, so we opted to end there. Here are some pictures from Dave P.
The Headless Hen, looking over the canyon.
Really cool swirlys in the rock.
Ahhh... cooling off in the heat of the day
One of many potholes.
Throwing the bag.
Success!
A little bridge.
A short stemming section, luckily there was a pool of water to dip in before the sunny stem.
Lots of Pots!
# posted by Eric @ 12:05 PM
