Cheesebox Canyon

On August 21st, 2016, Tony, Levi and I swam and swam and swam and swam, through Cheesebox Canyon.

I have never seen so much water in a canyon.  Not even close.

The water temperature was not too bad, maybe in the 50-60 degree range.  However, I've lost 20 lbs since the last time my 3/2 wetsuit has seen a canyon, so my wetsuit held a LOT of unwelcome water. Also, Tony accidentally brought his 7mm wetsuit, so he soon discovered he only needed the bottom half of it to survive. Much suffering and laughter ensued due to our wardrobe malfunctions.

We spent at least 4 hours swimming.  Two of the swims seemed endless; we estimated each to be about 200 yards long. There were also many narrow hallways full of water that we had to swim through, they were spooky but awesome.  Unfortunately, my camera would have done little justice in those sections. Those parts would have been best captured on a GoPro (next time!).

No doubt, Cheesebox is the best Cedar Mesa canyon that I've done.  A top-shelf classic.

We saw some rope grooves at the first drop.  If you go, please don't leave more.  Here is a spot that everyone can easily downclimb, it just takes a moment to find it.

Gravel Canyon

On August 20th, 2016, Tony, Levi and I splashed our way through Gravel Canyon.

Gravel was much more fun than I expected; it was step up in scenery and challenge from the neighboring Black Hole. Tippy-top water conditions added to the fun on this warm summer day. A bit stinky in places, a bit cold in places, but without a doubt worth a visit.

Some dudes will do anything to avoid water.

Levi enjoying his very first floating disconnect.

Tony, the bog monster.

The Hungry Cyclops. Nom-nom!

 Playing in the log soup. Note the log Levi is sitting on.

Our view of some really cool ruins from the exit route.

The Black Hole - May 2016

On May 28th, 2016, Steph, Shane, Shauna, Stormy, Aaron, Christian, Cole and a few more new friends did a lap through the Black Hole.

The weather was great and the trip went smoothly. During our descent Shane rescued a crow from the mud, proving that he does have a heart. It was a great day with a fun team.

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Duckett Slot

On August 31st, 2013, Steph, Micah, Tom and I headed through Duckett Slot.

It was a great canyon for a hot and muggy afternoon.

If you go, be sure to tell your friends to bring elbow and knee pads. Be sure your GPS doesn't drown. AND be sure to read ALL of the beta so you will know how to get back up to your car.

You might not be as lucky as me to hike with 3 people that don't mind getting caught in a monsoon downpour.

I was relieved to discover that everyone had as much fun as I did. It was a fine adventure.

Rainbow over Hog Springs.

Fry Canyon

On August 31st, 2013, Steph, Tom, Micah and I took a refreshing lap through Fry Canyon. A storm from night before filled the canyon and we happened to catch it while it was still flowing.

Short and cool, it was a great way to spend a few hours after a hot day of hiking the previous day. The only rappel in the canyon is stunning and worth the effort.

Tom's game face

Steph's game face.

Micah's game face.

The Black Hole of White Canyon

Steph, Tyler, Aralynn and I splashed through the Black Hole on September 16th, 2012.

That canyon was such a blast! It's pretty easy, kind of like The Subway only shorter. There is one big difference; the good part of The Black Hole is much longer than the good part of The Subway.

The hike went as expected until we arrived at the Black Hole proper. We swam through oohing and ahhing at the spectacular rock ceiling and beauty of the walls. Just at the height of our enjoyment, *squish*, we ran into an 8 inch thick mat of pine needles and logs. It was like being in the trash compacter in Star Wars. It was a stinky mess (Tyler even got the dry heaves), but it was kind of fun and challenging to forge through.

Tyler and Aralynn were the cleanest after the hike, so they hitchhiked to the top to retrieve our car. They were picked up by two Federal Agents that were armed to the teeth. They had to frisk Tyler and Aralynn before letting them in the vehicle. I guess they were pretty nice after the initial frisking. Thanks for giving them a ride guys!