Weird things I get Myself into

On Tuesday, I was able to get quite a few "firsts"  crossed off of a list that I haven't even made.

An opportunity came up for us to go "canyoneering" .  If you've never heard of this, I hadn't either.  The local tourist board, or whatever they are called, are redoing some videos, or pamphlets, or fliers or something.  I'm not totally sure, but anyway, North Wash Outfitters was asked to come and pose in a near-by canyon for some photo and video.  Sounded interesting.  Will and I worked it out so we could go.  {We were interested in doing something like this.  Although, I did not really know what "this" entailed.}  I hope we get some of the photos and videos to keep for ourselves.  I did not take me camera along.  On one hand, I'm sad about that.  On the other hand, I'm glad I didn't have the added stress of keeping up with it.

So, anyway, the plan was to meet at the mouth of the canyon where the ad-people could get some shots.  The guide offered to take us through the entire canyon for our troubles.  The night before is when I really started to wonder what I had signed on for.  I didn't know what to wear!!

We got there, changed into wetsuits and neoprene socks....right off the bat!!  No warming up, no small hike, well, just down to the mouth of the slot canyon, where we were promptly stepping into water.  With our loaded-up backpacks that were 20/25 pounds; I would guess.

Cold, wet, muddy,  standing water.

What was I thinking.  It was already cold outside!!

Anyway, then we had to deal with the camera crews.  There were still photo and video people.  We were even videoed by a camera mounted to a small helicopter.  We had a number of times where they told us to go back...into/through the water and walk, or swim again.  Yes, it was swimming-depth water!!

The mud was so deep too!  The Squishing sounds were amazing!  My feet were so heavy and my shoes were filled with mud!!!  It was difficult walking; to say the least....

The ad-crews left and we went off on the rest of the Fry Canyon hike/canyoneering.

That included a walk/hike in the wet suit gear.  The we rappelled....yes, me!!! 

We went down about 35/40 feet into this crevice.  And down into more cold, muddy, standing, water.  Also deeper than I am tall.  And I had to swim through it.  Wearing that heavy backpack!!

Who am I anymore???

After making it through this slot canyon, we were able to change into normal clothes for the hike out...I mean the hike UP!!   That hike up was seriously up the side of the canyon.  Walking switchbacks, climbing rock face.  That sort of thing.  I wonder how far down we were; altitude wise.

That back back got pretty heavy on the last mile or so back.  Will calculated that it was about 4.8 miles round trip (from the Google Earth view).  That's just the walking part.  Not the swimming and the going down and up.

So, my "Firsts" list:

Wearing a wet suit and neoprene socks.

Being videoed and photoed for stuff people might see.

Going into a slot canyon.

Walking through very thick mud.

Rappelling.

Swimming while wearing a back pack.

Canyoneering.

I was a great experience.  I would totally rappel again.  And I want to rappel again (see, who am I???)!!

I am glad we sort of fell in to the opportunity!!  We have been interested in such things, but who knows if we ever would have actually done it.  I'm still not sure about the standing, cold water.  But everything else was totally awesome!!

  We were gone from 8:30am-5:45pm.  {The Canyoneering part went from about 9:45am-4:45pm.}  Thanks again to the local Grandmas!!!  We were quite a bit later getting back than we had anticipated.  Watch Will's 7 minute video on FB.  That's the rappelling part into the 35/40 ft crevice.  If we get access to pics or footage I will let you know.

  I just can't believe I did it!! 

I almost forgot...I was able to totally walk normal and everything the following day.  I was quite surprised by this. I have a blister on one foot.  I have one raw ankle.  And I have a pretty hefty bruise on my lower back where the wetsuit sipper ended and the backpack rested.