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Today, Ram and I decide to attempt the lower end of an
R/X-Rated canyon.
This is a Griffin’s Sheepmoth. The moths fly between August and
October and were abundant in the area. They do not seem to be very
good flyers, though they have excellent perching skills. |
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We arrive at the canyon and find that it doesn’t fool around. We are
off the ground right from the start. This particular canyon has a lot
of dry, crumbly organic matter (moss and lichen) on the walls, which
makes traction sketchy. |
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The best route seems to take us within ±5 feet of the 45 foot mark.
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This picture captures the vertical nature of the canyon. A fall in
this section would send you to the bottom, although you’d ricochet off
the walls a few times along the way. |
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At first I find myself becoming fatigued and am soon
drenched with sweat. With the high price of a fall I find myself
clinging too tightly to the canyon walls. Like a drowning man who
grabs his friend in panic, forcing him under the water in a desperate
attempt to save himself.
For some reason Ram maintains a safe distance from me. |
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As time goes on I find myself becoming more comfortable
with the exposure and begin to use only the energy necessary to move
from one secure location to another. |
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After about an hour we are finally able to set foot in the bottom of
the canyon. Ram estimates an average speed of 0.25 miles an hour while
high stemming. |
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The lower portion of the canyon is more open, but is
quite scenic with high sandstone walls streaked with desert varnish
and crystal clear springs. That … and poison ivy. Ram thinks he is
immune to the stuff, I am painfully (or itchingly) aware that I am
not.
At one drop Ram offers to act as a human anchor so I can rappel down
past a particularly dense thicket. This is akin to throwing oneself on
a live grenade in my book. |
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Arriving back at camp we meet up with Ryan C. who decides to aid climb
a local sandstone tower. He leaves ropes at the top for Dave and I to
ascend. Here I am jugging to the top in a downpour. |
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Dave ascends next, under drier conditions. The perfect end to a
perfect day. |
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