Hiya CopyStar!
What’s canyoneering?
That’s what I asked daughter #1 when she wanted to add it to our list of adventures on our recent trip to Arizona, Utah and Nevada, USA.
This trip is part of my “Countdown to 40” monthly celebrations as hubby and I reach our 40th anniversary on October 8th.
Some months we do things with just the two of us. Other months we hang out with another couple (like my first time flying a plane! Click here if you missed it!)
This month we did a hiking adventure with our 4 grandsons and took their parents along for the ride!
Although we’ve had some amazing experiences on this trip – by far the most adventurous and awesome was canyoneering – which is defined as:
“Traveling across land and into canyons using a variety of techniques that are associated with technical descents. This often requires rappels and ropework… technical climbing or down-climbing… technical jumps… and/or technical swims.”
And that’s just what our group of 8 – ranging from 6 to 60+ did at Lamb Knolls – located at the edge of Zion National Park in Utah!
Except for the 2 firefighters in our group (hubby & son-in-law) – the rest of us had no experience in the skills needed to be successful at canyoneering!
But did we let that stop us? Nope!
Here’s what we did: Daughter #1 researched and found a reputable company that fit our needs. Most important was a company that could accommodate young children.
Many stated “ages 8 and older” and only one advertised “ages 5 and older”. That caught our attention because had a 6-year-old – who is so fearless – we call him “Lil Beast”!
We found a company called Zion Guru. Daughter #1 checked the website, and reviews. She even spoke to the folks there until she had enough confidence to put our lives into their hands. After all…
… those precious boys may be my grandsons – but they were HER kids!
So the big day arrives and the 2 guides – Adam and Hector – picked us up at our campsite called Under Canvas. And let me tell you…
Immediately – our guides made us feel comfortable. Not only did they ask our names – but they continued to call us by our names during the entire morning. Adam also told some corny jokes – which I loved!
My favorite was: “I could tell you were having auto troubles when I saw your Carline!” Get it? Still cracks me up!
When the guides explained how to use the gear – they likened it to stuff we could relate to. For example…
… one of the locking devices looked like the head of a character from Monsters Inc. So they showed the kids (and me) how to tie the ropes using Mike Wazowski’s head! That made it so simple… easy… and less intimidating for us!
Within a short time – we started our rock climbing and rappelling off canyon walls! We had to listen to what our guides said and work together as a team to fit through tight – and I mean REALLY tight crevices!
