Powell By Paddle 2023 pt. 2

[Dangling Dooley]

Howdy all,

You know it's that time of the year again. Preparation for Powell by Paddle 2023 pt. 2 is in full swing. Let me know if you're interested in going. I believe we have a spot or two left in the shuttle boat.

This year we are all meeting at Bullfrog and getting shuttled to the Escalante. Spending a few days in the Escalante before catching the solar eclipse hopefully atop the rincon. Speaking of which, how tough is the scramble to the top? Anybody have any photos from up there? I'm assuming the best approach is from the south? Otherwise we might just go somewhere else and watch it from there instead. Crossing my fingers that mid-lake won't be too crowded.

Afterword, we will take a few days to leisurely make our way back to Bullfrog and eventually go our separate ways.

If you spot us, swing by and toss us a beer...or a Sutter Home bottle. I'll give you a "PP 2023" sticker in return .

Happy paddling ,
-Your favorite Dooley

 

[JFRCalifornia]

Spending a few days in the Escalante before catching the solar eclipse hopefully atop the rincon. Speaking of which, how tough is the scramble to the top? Anybody have any photos from up there? I'm assuming the best approach is from the south? Otherwise we might just go somewhere else and watch it from there instead. Crossing my fingers that mid-lake won't be too crowded.

I went through my old notes about climbing Rincon butte, and here's what I have...

Note that the best approach is from the northeast, not the south (which is the backside of the butte farthest from the lake).

Here you go... notes are from 2008, when the lake was at 3632...

****
In general, you follow a path up the northeast side of the butte that becomes progressively steeper as you climb. It is less than a mile to the top, but very steep with a climb of roughly vertical 1,200 feet in that short distance, and requires some semi-technical bouldering skills toward the top where it is steepest.

It starts well enough, up onto a small bench, and from there you can see the path up to the top, more or less. You just aim for the ancient slide high above, the only break in the Kayenta Sandstone, just below a small Navajo capstone. Sort of looks like a big red wedding cake. You traverse the slide on hiker-made paths, which seem to lead everywhere, though generally upward in the same basic direction. In fact, it’s surprising so many people seem to have tried this before, and there’s lots of paths, though all require some degree of route finding, rock scrambling, and a rest stop.

If you go in the afternoon, you might get some welcome shade, with the top of the butte between you and the afternoon sun. It looks steep, and it is—and gets steeper with every step. Overall, it’s a 1,200-foot climb, but in about a little less than a mile. That’s better than a 20% grade on average, and considering that the first part of the hike was much less than that, the apparent steepness ahead is no illusion.

Footing is a real problem in the crumbling Kayenta formation, but it also offers lots of large boulders to grab, with occasional deep sand to stand on. If done carefully, footing is at least predictable. But a false step could be disaster, not just for you, but anyone below, who would be crushed in a hail of rocks, and one flailing human body moving quickly downhill.

You soon reach the bottom of the vertical Kayenta columns, above the main body of the slide you’ve been climbing. The slide itself is probably 800 vertical feet from lake to this point. Now how to get up from here. A careful search through the rubble reveals a path, not a particularly good one, but one that has been used in the past. The path follows a boulder strewn slide, actually the top of what you’ve been following anyway, and at points, you have to scramble over or around 6-footers, then reassess. You get to the final pitch. Here, the rock gods have created a narrow slot between red walls, maybe 4 feet wide, which seems even narrower because the walls are 5 times that height or more. Through this shadowy passage you climb, good work for the thighs.

There is then a little chamber, perfectly flat, a great little hidden camping spot if you wanted, 25 feet across or so, completely hemmed in by Kayenta columns. A good place in a storm. Now the final push, and a few more steps up out of the chamber and you have gained the top.

 

[Dangling Dooley]

I went through my old notes about climbing Rincon butte, and here's what I have...

We would all be doomed without you buddy. Appreciate it! I might try to find that camping spot you mentioned, or just camp up top somewhere flat if possible. We might just end up being on the water during the eclipse. Who knows. I've heard it's best to be somewhere high (elevation) and with a vast landscape in view. I guess the sun would be to the south of us though.

Anybody else have any recommendations between the Escalante and Bullfrog?

 

[JFRCalifornia]

It's a much easier climb to get to the top of the Waterpocket Fold directly across from the Rincon. Just park in one of the coves more or less opposite the entrance to Iceberg, then start climbing. It's like a ramp. Way more gradual to the top than up Rincon butte. And the view is just as good, arguably better. Plus at the top you'll be facing south, toward the sun...

 

[Dangling Dooley]

Hey y'all!

The weather is still warm, the water is still refreshing, and my friends and I are itching for another Powell by Paddle.

Setting off the 10th from Halls Crossing at 8:30AM and planning on getting dropped off at Davis Gulch. From there we will be spending a few days adventuring around the Escalante before slowly making our way back to Halls Crossing by the 16th or sooner. The selfish side of me hopes that the lake isn't too crowded because of the eclipse. We plan on viewing it from the top of Waterpocket Fold on the opposite side of the Rincon. If you see us, you know the drill . I'll have stickers!



I know many of you love to track/message me so I'll be uploading our progress to MapShare like always!

Powell by Paddle 2023 pt. 2
Password: Dooley

Look out for the post-trip report/photos once I get back in San Diego.

Any advise/ideas for fun/quality photos during the eclipse?

 

[Tiff Mapel]

Ah, have a great time, Dooley!! I'll be at the south end eclipsin' too, Oct. 13 - 15.

The alcove in Lost Eden is always spectacular. And, it's a wakeless canyon.

You might tuck into Annies Canyon for an evening camp, as there's a nice beach in one of the fingers. (Someone else might chime in with more info about that).

Check out "Devils Potty Arch" right across from the mouth of Lake Canyon. Also "Carrot Top Arch" around buoy #83-ish. It's on river-left.

Have fun!!
Tiff

 

[Dangling Dooley]

Ah, have a great time, Dooley!! I'll be at the south end eclipsin' too, Oct. 13 - 15.

Darn, so close but so far...I still need to get your autograph on A Wild Red River Tamed.

You ski, correct? Any plans this ski season? I got the Indy Pass and will be traveling around hitting all the resorts in Colorado and Utah. Be sure to come to Mt. Baldy in Southern California! I can get you and whoever you bring free tickets.

 

[Tiff Mapel]

I'll toast you from Padre Bay during the eclipse.

Yes on the skiing. Let me know if you make it up to Durango. Purgatory is so nice because of the lack of crowds (shhh....) Telluride is also amazing skiing. I try to get up there once or twice a season. I've never skied in CA, but hope to someday.

Tiff

 

[JFRCalifornia]

You might tuck into Annies Canyon for an evening camp, as there's a nice beach in one of the fingers. (Someone else might chime in with more info about that).

Check out "Devils Potty Arch" right across from the mouth of Lake Canyon.

For Annies, that nice beach in the north fork might be underwater at this level. It doesn't really emerge until the lake is below about 3560. But you might still be able to find a few little campsites and beach enclaves anyway by pulling the kayak into the end of any of the forks, particularly the middle fork. But beware flash floods if you camp at the end of any of the forks, especially the middle and left forks...

As for Devils Potty, there's a nice beach under that arch too, but only if the lake is below about 3555, which is not the case right now. The arch remains visible up to about 3605, when the lake starts to cover it. Btw, a jump through the arch into the water at this lake level is about a 40-foot drop into water that is probably 15-20 feet deep. Not that I'm advocating doing that...

 

[cfulton]

Take shade glasses specifically designed for viewing the eclipse. They're a buck a pair and much better than sunglasses or a pin hole in a piece of cardboard. They will save your eyes.

 

[Dunedawgs]

I'll toast you from Padre Bay during the eclipse.

Yes on the skiing. Let me know if you make it up to Durango. Purgatory is so nice because of the lack of crowds (shhh....) Telluride is also amazing skiing. I try to get up there once or twice a season. I've never skied in CA, but hope to someday.

Tiff

Will be in telluride jan 27 to 3rd then purgatory 3 to 10

 

[jimmybame]

I would be out there but my better half said we are going to deer camp I’ll be looking at it not far from you have fun sounds like a fun trip

 

[Dangling Dooley]

Take shade glasses specifically designed for viewing the eclipse.

Already one step ahead of you! Thanks though! Bought a cheap 4 pack on Amazon a couple months back.

Will be in telluride jan 27 to 3rd then purgatory 3 to 10

I might add that to my calendar. I have the Indy pass this winter but I've always wanted to check out Telluride and Purgatory. A-Basin and Eagle Point are on my scope this winter.

I would be out there but my better half said we are going to deer camp

As long as you are outside having fun, that's all that matters.

12 hour drive to Halls Crossing tomorrow. Wish us luck. Planning on stopping in Flagstaff before heading north. Gonna disperse camp outside of Halls.

 

[Lake Bum]

Have a great paddle! Hope the weather cooperates for you all. I'll be out Elk hunting with my son, his first ever tag. Winterizing the boat next week.....ugh.

 

[Tiff Mapel]

Hey y'all!

The weather is still warm, the water is still refreshing, and my friends and I are itching for another Powell by Paddle.

Setting off the 10th from Halls Crossing at 8:30AM and planning on getting dropped off at Davis Gulch. From there we will be spending a few days adventuring around the Escalante before slowly making our way back to Halls Crossing by the 16th or sooner. The selfish side of me hopes that the lake isn't too crowded because of the eclipse. We plan on viewing it from the top of Waterpocket Fold on the opposite side of the Rincon. If you see us, you know the drill . I'll have stickers!

View attachment 24956

I know many of you love to track/message me so I'll be uploading our progress to MapShare like always!

Powell by Paddle 2023 pt. 2
Password: Dooley

Look out for the post-trip report/photos once I get back in San Diego.

Any advise/ideas for fun/quality photos during the eclipse?

Dooley!! Your link does not work! I'm jonesing for an update!! How's everything going out there??
Tiff

 

[Dangling Dooley]

Bummer!

Sorry folks! Here is an updated link. Unsure what happened but it seems to be working.

Garmin Explore™

Manage your Garmin Explore or inReach account. With Explore and inReach, you can communicate, map, track, and share your trek from anywhere on Earth.

us0-share.explore.garmin.com

Trip great so far. Windy as hell on Wednesday. Had an extremely brief interaction with the man the myth the legend, Wayne. Otherwise zero complaints. Heading to Rincon today.

 

[Dangling Dooley]

Powell By Paddle 2023 October 10th-15th

Participants:

• Bradley
• Prescott
• Annie
• Steve

Annie's recap will be much more poetic and beautifully worded but here's what I got!

We were supposed to launch from Halls Crossing at 8:30AM but our shuttle was an hour late and we set off at 9:30AM. We weren't too upset as this meant we could buy a 12 pack of beer at the Hall's store before setting off. The shuttle is $300/hour from launch until he returns back to the marina from dropping us off. This shuttle is a bit more expensive than the one from Antelope, but it easily goes twice as fast. I haven't gotten the bill, but I assume it'll be close to $600 total. Split 4 ways = $150/person, not too shabby if you ask me. We had four touring kayaks but Aramark Exec. Services said they could possibly fit two more when booking. We got dropped off at a beach just outside of Davis Gulch.

Day 0: ~710 Miles to Halls Crossing from Rancho Cucamonga.

• Only thing worth noting is we accidently hit a Great Horned Owl about 20 miles from Halls on 276. He cleared my car but my 19ft sea kayak nailed him while going 35-40mph. Very unfortunate. We turned around and he was stunned in the middle of the road face down but still breathing. We scooted him off the road and he briefly flew before crashing onto the ground. Set a poor tone for the first night. Wish we could've done more and hope it's okay. We didn't have service but I figured there wasn't a raptor rehabilitator any where nearby like there is in Southern California.

Day 1: ~7 Miles

• Explored Davis Gulch
• Met an older couple and their golden retriever who were paddling on a 2 seater inflatable with all their gear and food for 6 days. They hiked EVERYTHING down from Hole-In-The-Rock. YIKES. Kudos to them though.
• Did some cliff jumping off the island outside of Davis Gulch.
• Set up camp on the same beach we got dropped off on.
• Originally we tried finding a camp north of Davis Gulch but nothing showed and I was too scatter brained before the trip from moving apartments to research potential campsites.
• If I would've turned one more corner in 50-Mile-Creek, I would've seen that beautiful beach that I see now on Sentinel/Earth.

Day 2: ~10 Miles

• We knew the wind was going to pick up later in the day so we left early and headed up the Escalante.
• We kept the same campsite and put heavy rocks on our tents/bivys before departing.
• Had a headwind the entire day which led us to create our first trip motto for Powell by Paddle "Always A Headwind".
• Reached 3 Roof Ruins and examined them from the beach. We had a very brief interaction with @wayne gustaveson . I wish we had more time to interact but we both had our own agendas and left things at a wave.
• The wind started to pick up so we quickly got back in our boats and paddled back to camp.
• A constant 15-20mph breeze, 45mph gusts, and a brief drizzle got us tucked away quite early.

Day 3: ~6 Miles

• Packed up camp and aimed for Cathedral-In-The-Desert. Annie spotted the 'campsite of the trip' opposite of Clear Creek on this beautiful peninsula. We originally were aiming to get closer to the mouth but this campsite was too good to pass up.
• Climbed up and got some cell service/internet from Navajo Mountain before setting off for Cathedral.
• We were the only ones in the canyon this time which was nice and we stayed in there for close to an hour before heading back to camp.
• Hiked up to Pollywog Bench and returned back to camp as the sun went down after getting an updated forecast from Navajo Mountain.

Day 4: ~13 Miles

• Paddled to a sweet shallow rock beach opposite of the Rincon and set up camp and prepare for the eclipse the next morning.
• Hung out the rest of the day and hiked to see some cool rocks and petrified wood up the hill from us.
• The lake was a little busier because of the eclipse and even had about 8 overlanding rigs that came down from HITR trail and down 'the chute' to camp at water level.

Day 5: ~6 Miles

• Woke up and watched the eclipse. We didn't have any special cameras or equipment, just glasses.
• Drank a cold Busch beer that we used evaporative cooling all night to bring it to a pleasant temperature for the eclipse.
• Took some fun photos and set off to Slick Rock Canyon.
• All the potential beaches were taken but a sweet family offered us their beach since they were about to start packing up. I gave them some stickers and they left us marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, and two metal skewers. We didn't find their present until after they left but it was greatly appreciated by all of us. Love when people go out of their way to be kind to others, especially on the lake. Helps restore faith in humanity. Another boat gave each a Cactus Cooler and a fishing boat tossed us a delicious Wasatch Apricot Hefeweizen that we each split while chatting with them.
• Our faith in humanity was short lived though as there was a nearby houseboat who partied and blasted their music until 3 IN THE MORNING! Yikes.

Day 6: ~15 Miles

• Woke up and hiked over to the Widow's Ledge Ruins Fence to warm up. Impressive that they put all that work to put up that ugly fence in the middle of nowhere.
• We then paddled the stretch back to Halls and took a few breaks. Met a group from Arvada and Steamboat Colorado. They tossed us all Modelos that we all drank during our lunch break. We really enjoyed chatting with them.
• Finally made our way to Halls and went our separate ways.

TRIP TOTAL: ~57 MILES

 

[Jan Hertzen]

Excellent review of your trip, Dangler! You spent a lot of time putting this together. The photos and captions filled my heart with Lake Powell beauty.

 

[Bill Sampson]

Thanks Brad for your pictures and report