Escalante On The Rocks

[River]

I wish it had a lash point for a knife and a pocket, but for one pound...

 

[slc_dan]

A few photo's I've edited so far. I've got some video footage of our Rincon Ascent, but haven't had time to (learn how to) edit yet.

The amazing water reflections.


Iceberg Cathedral




The amazing morning reflections of Iceberg Canyon


Mya waiting for @Artemus to get back from his summit attempt.


Cathedral in the Desert


The 50 Mile Giant Alcove @Nick didn't bother walking up to (100 yards) the first time he camped here.


and @gnwatts in the alcove

 

[Nick]

I bet watching Nikita enjoy herself out in the sun was more enjoyable than any hiking you've ever done.

It was priceless, indeed. She has slid up and down since that weekend. Last week I had to pick her up out of bed and position her back legs for her before she could even start to walk. Today she was up on the couch on her own and 'running' around like a crazy dog. She got some more shots over the weekend that seem to have helped.

The 50 Mile Giant Alcove @Nick didn't bother walking up to (100 yards) the first time he camped here.

I had a much slower boat then so there was much drinking to catch up on and Nate's psycho dog was fetching big rocks from underwater. It was captivating!

 

[Artemus]

It was priceless, indeed. She has slid up and down since that weekend. Last week I had to pick her up out of bed and position her back legs for her before she could even start to walk. Today she was up on the couch on her own and 'running' around like a crazy dog. She got some more shots over the weekend that seem to have helped.



I had a much slower boat then so there was much drinking to catch up on and Nate's psycho dog was fetching big rocks from underwater. It was captivating!

It was a special trip with Nikita. I cherish the elderly dog! Even elderly people too.

 

[hatchcanyon]

Thanks for the report and the remarkable pictures!

 

[powderglut]

Very cool trip. That's the way to explore Powell. Pontoon boat can be a great tool. Whales.....good name for that water hazard!

 

[Curt]

That Iceberg Canyon Reflection picture is amazing. I like the Water Reflections one too.

 

[gnwatts]

It was a special trip with Nikita. I cherish the elderly dog! Even elderly people too.

Amen brother.
Great shots Nick and Dan.

 

[Ross]

@Nick How far up Fiftymile is that big sand dune. So it completely blocks boat access? Does that mean the Low Water Slot and Narrows Kelsey marks in his book just above the 8/6/2007 water level can't be reached unless you're a superhuman swimmer or come down from Holie in the Rock Road?

 

[Nick]

@Nick How far up Fiftymile is that big sand dune. So it completely blocks boat access? Does that mean the Low Water Slot and Narrows Kelsey marks in his book just above the 8/6/2007 water level can't be reached unless you're a superhuman swimmer or come down from Holie in the Rock Road?

When the water is below around 3605' that sand dune blocks access right here: 37.328872, -110.939958. You could still use a kayak to get up there from the lake, or hike down from Hole-in-the-Rock. But the water can be higher than that, allowing access to the slot, without flooding the slot, as can be seen in this report: https://backcountrypost.com/threads/return-to-fiftymile.5243/. We still used kayaks for the final approach so that we could leave the big boat in a good spot. I'd guess it can go at least to 3620-3630' before it starts flooding the lowest narrows. And they continue all the way to the high water mark at 3700'.

 

[Ross]

When the water is below around 3605' that sand dune blocks access right here: 37.328872, -110.939958. You could still use a kayak to get up there from the lake, or hike down from Hole-in-the-Rock. But the water can be higher than that, allowing access to the slot, without flooding the slot, as can be seen in this report: https://backcountrypost.com/threads/return-to-fiftymile.5243/. We still used kayaks for the final approach so that we could leave the big boat in a good spot. I'd guess it can go at least to 3620-3630' before it starts flooding the lowest narrows. And they continue all the way to the high water mark at 3700'.

Sounds like you need to be very lucky if you don't have kayaks for all your group. I guess those small bullfrog rental boats won't even get through the gap when you say a kayak could?

Your boat isn't that big is it How many does it take? From reports of yours it's not like a houseboat and I don't think you sleep on it.

One other question as you know the lake so well. The pretty first West canyon narrows that people encounter and seem to have to wade or swim through, at high levels can it become almost submerged so it loses its beauty and you boat through? Thanks

 

[Nick]

Sounds like you need to be very lucky if you don't have kayaks for all your group. I guess those small bullfrog rental boats won't even get through the gap when you say a kayak could?

Parking the boat where hiking begins in any flooded canyon can be a trick. Smaller inflatable approach boats are often mandatory.

Your boat isn't that big is it How many does it take? From reports of yours it's not like a houseboat and I don't think you sleep on it.

We can carry 6 humans, 3 dogs, and camping gear comfortably. It's technically rated for 14 people who weigh like 150 lbs each. I do usually sleep on it, but just on the floor, not like an enclosed houseboat.

One other question as you know the lake so well. The pretty first West canyon narrows that people encounter and seem to have to wade or swim through, at high levels can it become almost submerged so it loses its beauty and you boat through? Thanks

That first set of tight narrows in West is above the high water mark. It never gets flooded.

 

[Nick]

@Artemus @slc_dan @gnwatts Check this out. Makes this trip when we hit the rocks seem not so bad!

 

[slc_dan]

that is f'n terrifying!!!

 

[Nick]

But at least they have the cover on in case it rains!

 

[slc_dan]

But at least they have the cover on in case it rains!

I noticed the same thing, like, how did they have time to put on that cover?!?!

 

[Nick]

I'd bet it was tied up at their dock or something and just got loose.

 

[zionsky]

Dang! That's just a few hours from my house. I was gonna run down there and grab it but alas, it's been removed. Story goes the boat wasn't even anchored.

 

[balzaccom]

I think you a see the mooring post in the photo--alongside the boat. So the post must have broken free, and then taken the boat with it...

 

[Artemus]

I'd be totally prepared, for your boat @Nick, to swim out there, rope between my teeth to tie off a double bowline to the skier tow hooks and then signal you all to pull it off the rocks, I mean whale, I mean dam. Just like @Underscore did on that whale on Lake Powell.