Please turn your sound ON before playing, you'll have more fun that way.
On Saturday, March 16th, 2013, Steph, Tony, Ram, Jenny, Scott, Justin and I headed down No Kidding. When I say down, I'm not kidding.
Jenny was kind enough to give us a thorough lesson on how to use a SandTrap. Steph was by her side most of the day (last women at risk) learning about situating the trap, adjusting the amount of sand, and preventing rope grooves.
No Kidding was Justin's 3rd canyon. At 12 years old, he handled it like a champ. When asked if I could rapppel off of him as a meat anchor, the look on his face was priceless. How could he support a guy more than twice his weight?? The gears were clearly turning. I helped him get situated into a very small pothole, then his father made his way down to the scene. Another pricelss face. After a close inspection dad signed off. I rapped off Justin and everyone was pleased with the results.
FWIW, I think a groove preventing garden hose should be provided with every SandTrap. If you don't have a garden hose in your SandTrap kit, be sure to bring one with you next time. We saw a few small rope grooves in the canyon that could have easily been prevented with a garden hose.
I feel that this canyon deserves 3 ratings. 'R' if you have the skills to do it, 'X' if you're not sure, and 'Deathwish' if there is water within. There are a couple of big potholes in the middle of No Kidding that could hold 6-8 feet of water. And, no, you can't swing across or build some kind of creative natural anchor. If you didn't bring bolts or hooks, then you will get trapped. If you see any water in the first section, that is your cue to turn around immediately. No kidding!
Special thanks to Ram and Jenny: No Kidding was a beautiful place to learn some serious canyoneering skills. It was an phenomenal day spent with fantastic people! Thank you for patiently teaching us, and for organizing this hike!
Steph and Jenny having fun.
