Courtney on rappel. With a big, big pack.

The big technical concern in the canyon is the BIG DROP. Possibly as long as 600 feet. About noon, we arrive at the big drop. Yup, looks big. A small rollover prevents seeing the bottom, or if there are intermediate ledges. We set up a big cairn anchor and the cru selects me to go first. Forty feet down, I step out and can see the drop. Big ledge with blocks about 100 feet down. No problemo. From the big ledge, it was about 260 feet to the real ground. Here's the second rappel.

Scott Smith on the chossy rock at the bottom of the second part of the rappel.

Death Valley context: big rappel next to a BIG, very loose wall of choss.

We set up two ropes (9mm) on the big rappel, to move the group down faster. The upper 2/3 was good rock, and the rappers rapped side by side. The lower third was loose and chossy, and the rappers rapped one by one. Ram and Rick (?) simul-rapping.

Lower down, the rock changed to a wonderful pink granite that polished up really well. Here's DB sliding down.

And the Ramster on rope...

Mike Schasch, international man of mystery, on rappel.