Fence, Neon and Ringtail, September 22 and 23, 2001; page 2

After a bit of wading and a few swims, we arrive at the 'usual' access point. A few short rappels and a few long, interesting swims brings us to the famous Golden Cathedral Rappel. This is a somewhat controversial point - some believing that a long sling that maintains the bolt-free (sic) nature of the canyon is the preferred alternative, and others believing that a few small metal chunks is a more aesthetic choice. See Bolts in Neon for an expose on this subject. Here Kurty tests the tiny chockstone to make sure it is sound enough for rapping of it.

 

With the bolt hangers pulled, we partially re-rigged the 40' sling system to eliminate the worn parts. Here Kurty helps me melt the ends of cut webbing to prevent them from fraying.

And finally, the big rappel through the roof. Bootiful, bootiful, bootiful. Back to camp for some chicken Marsala and another night of star-gazing.

Morning found us wading down the Escalante to the next canyon down, Ringtail!

The entrance to the dark mysteries of Ringtail. We were lucky enough to catch a quick glimpse of the Ringtail Cat that resides in the area.

Ringtail is one of the deepest, darkest slots in the Escalante. Be sure to bring headlamps. We squeezed and climbed into the slot, wading up to waist deep and finding a very chilly pygmy rattlesnake at one of the climbs.

 

Clambering upward, we made good use of the headlamps. Here Melody executes a perfect reverse beached-whale move to climb up a short drop.

 

 

Alicia consults the map, and we discuss how far we think this slot can go.

 

 

Kurt climbing up to the same little drop.

 

And then we only have the delightful 2200 climb out from the river, late in the afternoon, in the full sun. Everyone thought this was the best part of the weekend!