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By SportsLover, March 11, 2011 11:29 am

With spring fast approaching in 16 days and temperatures projected to top 65 degrees near St. George, UT, I decided to go canyoneering this past weekend. My friend and I took back-roads through the FLDS town of Colorado City and off-roaded to a canyon in the northern part of Arizona.

The recent rains caused us to navigate sizable mud troughs; however, the 30 degree temperature at 7:10 in the morning proved to be enough to freeze it all over.

We arrived very eager to get into our first canyon for the “season”. My friend tied up his trusted old sneakers as I contemplated my next move: sandals or sneakers? I reasoned that either way my feet would be cold in the water, so I opted to strap on the Chaco sandals and start heading into the canyon.

We followed the trails upwards, crossing streams and some ice that had formed on the canyon wall. Thirty minutes later we hit the mouth of the canyon. Regretfully, that wasn’t the only thing we hit–we also encountered snow. I followed in my friends’ footsteps but I still found myself 6 inches deep in ice and powder.

We had reached the point where we needed to scale the canyon wall by snaking our way up the side. My feet stung from the exposure but I figured I could tough it out for thirty minutes until we reached the top where the sun hit all day long. I pressed on.

Four hours later I still found myself standing in snow, which reached over a 16 inches deep in some places. I made sure that I didn’t stand still for too long and that my toes continued wiggling.

I figured I might as well die a martyr, but My friend refused to let me carry him across the ice-filled water holes. Any feeling in my feet was beyond gone, walking was comparable to the peg-leg sensation when you walk on a sleeping leg.

At one point we had to stem, the technique using your hands and feet to travel through rock corridors without touching the ground. Without notice my feet gave out and I crashed through the icy water up to my waist.

At that point we knew we couldn’t slow down. We navigated 7 or 8 rappels that became very technical considering the conditions. The black ice that coated much of the canyon wall, made smart footwork essential. There was no margin for the error of slipping into the waterfall, more than just freezing water, the ice formed deep pits that could trap you in an icy tomb. What more, thick ice sheets threatened to chunk and fall onto us from above. It was a danger-filled experience.

Lesson learned: winter canyoneering is a whole lot different from summer canyoneering.

Regardless, of the hazards we unwisely challenged, we had a fantastic experience. Gorgeous vistas, intense rappels, and incredible fun, basically everything a canyoneering trip should provide.

In fact, I think I’ll make a similar trip next winter; however, I plan on being slightly more prepared.

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By SportsLover, June 7, 2010 5:10 pm

One of the most enjoyable activities I have every done is snowmobiling. Once you get on, you won’t want to get off.
It is a fun activity for all ages; my nephew and niece of age 5 and 2 love it. When we are done riding and step off the machines my niece cries at age 2 because she enjoys it so much.
You will have the have the time of your life as you soar though thick pine woods, climb deep powdered mountains, and fly through the air as you just hit that fresh cornice. Life is good when you are in the mountains.
Nothing beats a fresh powder day. Being in the mountains is a great time to reflect and be thankful for the beautiful surrounding. When the sun is shinning and you are the first one with fresh tracks, life is great.
There are many thrills in snowmobiling. It is a blast to climb up a mountain with easy or flying off of that 20 foot drop that makes your stomach drop as you soar through the air momentarily.
My personal favorite, is being completely covered in fresh powder, sled and body; and being able to ride out of the deep tracks because of your powerful sled. It is thrilling when the snow covers your face and goggles and you are unable to see for a moment.
If you ask were to ask me what heaven on earth is being in the mountains making nature your playground would be my answer, but don’t take my word for it give it a try for yourself.