2.21.2011

Weekend Review: Canyoneering


This past weekend the hubs and I and seven others ventured out into the red rocks for some canyoneering near Moab, UT.  It turned out to be more of an adventure than we had originally planned.  We camped the night before and woke to a cold gray day.  We arose from our warm sleeping bags and slipped into comfortable layers of outdoor gear.  We hiked until we got to the canyon mouth, our first repel.  The first five repels went smoothly.  We gently lowered ourselves down the ropes one by one lower and lower into the canyon.  

The canyon was gorgeous; tall red rock engulfed us and we found ourselves looking up at the majesties of this world.  Though it was quite cold, it worked to our advantage.  We did not have to get wet because all the water pools were frozen over.  We had our very own ice skating rinks to twirl and to slip on with not a soul in sight.

It sprinkled here and there yet the sun poked it's head out to say hello now and again.  The weather was a bit bi-polar.  At the last repel, a 205 footer, was when mother nature turned it's ugly head.  The winds came howling in at 50 miles per hour.  We all felt nervous because we knew a storm was headed our way.  We set up the gear while our jackets and pants flapped violently in the wind.  The first person went over the edge down the flailing rope to our end point.  

We were all putting on a brave face to help one another feel a little better about the situation.  As soon as the last person's feet hit the ground the storm burst from the clouds above.  I truly believe we were being watched from above, other wise that nasty wind would have blown that storm in much faster.  In the end we were all a little more aware of our senses and emotions.  

It was a memorable trip with good laughs and good company.  We experienced a fearful encounter together, and in these times, it's comfortable to be around such strong people.  I hope you all had a fun and adventurous weekend!  What's in store for this next weekend?  Snow shoeing and building and sleeping in an igloo for me!  I love the diverse regions of Utah.

{Remember to enter in the Photo Print Giveaway!}

28 comments:

Liesl said...

A friend of mine who lives in Salt Lake goes to Moab often and loves it! My fiance would just love this place...he is a big outdoors guy and is a fan Utah for rock climbing, hiking and camping! Glad you had a fun and adventure filled weekend with good friends and that all ended safely...woo hoo for the weather holding out just in time!

Liesl :)

Lillian C said...

Wow, it looks like you had lots of fun, with all those smiles! :) Definitely good that that wind didn't pick up, that would've been so scary!! I went canyoneering in Costa Rica last August - it really is such an incredible experience :) Such great photos you have here - thanks for sharing! :)

Unknown said...

This looks sooo amazing, Rachel! what an amazing location :) got some great photos, you all look so good!

xoxo

Unknown said...

Ugh. Rachael* sorry ;) I have a friend named Rachel so I always forget!

Claire Kiefer said...

SCARY!! Ya'll are so brave, haha. I'm sure it was an incredible experience, though, and totally worth having to be brave. What fantastic pictures you got!

Josie said...

I could NEVER do this -- especially not after seeing 127 Hours! You lead such an exciting life, Rachael, I'm so jealous!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Lisa - Fine Sweet Life said...

Totally breath-taking pictures!!!!

Sarah B said...

Wow! What a great adventure and absolutely stunning scenery!
Next weekend sounds very interesting as well! Have fun :)

Jenni Austria Germany said...

i like seeing things about your personal life! it's fun. :)

Thelma Frayne said...

Sounds soooo cool.

Mizdragonfly said...

Looks like SO MUCH FUN! (don't know if I could do it though...)

-miz

Unknown said...

awe - this looks like so much fun! - i wanna be able to do that! - ur so awesome!

*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Scientific Housewife said...

You are such an adventurer, I love it!

Natalie said...

Wow, that looks like quite a fantastic adventure! :D All of the photos are incredible... It's just looks like so much fun!

Samantha said...

Oh looks like so much fun!

shopgirl said...

These photos are just stunning Rachael! I really love your outdoor photos! It looks like an amazing experience. I hope to go to Utah one day!

Glad you're all okay!

xoxo

Courtney B said...

Amazing pictures!! I've lived in Utah my whole life but I've never been to Moab. What is wrong with me?! I might have to plan a trip there THIS summer! :)
I am so glad you were watched over :) Would've been terrible to be caught in that storm!

Anonymous said...

What an exciting weekend! Thanks for sharing!

~M
Classy & Fabulous
http://classnfab.wordpress.com

Nicole said...

i love your pictures on the side of audrey! (yea i like to pretend we are on a first name bases)

Giovanna said...

How cool!! I adore your photos!! Glad you had a fun weekend :)
xoxo
Giovanna

Sandy a la Mode said...

wow!! what a beautiful location with beautifully taken pics!! i need a vacation!!

cailen ascher said...

what great pictures! looks like a fun time : )

Vanessa said...

I'd never be able to do that so more power to you! The pics are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

This looks so pretty! I love the terrain. Just found your blog and so happy I did. You have great photos and posts.

Anonymous said...

You are SO pretty!!!! the two of you look adorable, and those canyons look beautiful!

Gardener-Sinya said...

Wow, amazing!!!~
i can't do that!!~
:D

A Lost Feather said...

oh my gosh! i just got so excited to see that you were just in Moab! as i was looking at your pictures i was thinking "hm this looks familiar." i just wrote about my own trip to Moab.. one of my favorite places :) Looks like you had an awesome time!

(here are my moab pictures :)
http://alostfeather.blogspot.com/2011/02/places-magical-mystery-moab.html

Chelsea said...

how fun. you make me want to go on a hike!

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