It was mythic, this canyon we called Isaac between Isaac and Abraham. John Middendorf and Walt Shipley had been down the end of it, after summiting Abraham, and we knew people who knew people... but, we failed to find anyone who had actually been down it. Our beta was vague, and this, as much as anything, drew us in. Our team was strong.

What we had been told was this: CAN be accessed via the S Fork of Heaps, but requires a pitch or two of moderate 5th class to get there. Maybe handcracks. We assembled a strong team, brought a dynamic rope and a small rack, and decided on a two-day venture. The uncertainty called for caution, the late September overnight temps called for some real bivy gear.

Ram, Bucky, Stevee B!

From the trail, looking down into Gunsight. I had not been down the Gunsight entrance to Heaps, so now was my chance. We figured on dropping that, then crossing into the South Fork of Heaps, up that and over into Isaac. We brought dry suits and a 300' rope, in case we were repulsed by Isaac, so we could 'escape' out Heaps. The packs were heavy.

El Ramoo, enjoying an early fall afternoon in Zion.

The Gunsight is a pretty interesting place - a big slit between two faces. Downclimbs alternate with rappels. It was a tad warm, as the sun was full on when we started, but it cooled off as we got lower.

Ram on rappel.

Bucky, sliding down the rope.