Not-Imlay Canyon with New Zealand Friends, Zion National Park, UT
As the mayor (self-appointed) of Canyoneering in Zion, it is my obligation to entertain foreign visitors as best I can. In this case, Kiwis Nicole and Raquel were road-tripping in the USA and were sent my way. Rough all over, it is. We did a warmup in Pine Creek on one day; they adventured in Mystery Canyon the next; then it rained on Saturday. Sunday would be their final day in Zion - what would be the best bang for the buck? Not-Imlay offers quite a scenic tour. Not too long, relatively dry, fun long rappels. Perfect!
Approach scenery
We pulled a permit at 8:15 am and headed off to the Museum to pick up the bus. Zion was crowded! and the buses pretty full. Off to the Grotto and up Angels Landing, then across Scout Lookout... etc. Due to the rain, the hike up was cool and comfortable. The approach canyon was a bit wetter than usual, and we hopped up on the left side to avoid the brush on the canyon bottom, eventually coming out upon the slickrock after a 3-hour approach. A bit of dripping on the first rappel was not a problem. We rapped down and ...
Raquel on the 2nd Rap
Well, not much to tell. Nice canyon, great company, good raps, fun downclimbs, interesting conversation.
Rapping into the Narrows
The water in the Narrows was real cold, and my feet did not appreciate it. We walked out to the bus, trooped into Springdale, sat down at the Whiptail Grill for a quick snack before heading home for dinner... but the temptation was too much. Ribs, Enchiladas, Rellenos, beers --- yeah, the full meal deal. It was good!
Raquel and Nicole padded up Led by Sheep the next day, and are now off to the Grand Canyon and more adventures. Viva le International Travel!
