Outside
of the Red Rock Canyon National Preserve there are some inconspicuous drainages
that we needed to explore. They turned out to be terrific canyons that required
moderately challenging rock scrambles. A hike
description had us going up one canyon and down another. It warned about (at
least) one 8 foot dry fall with extremely poor/slippery handholds. It also
mentioned (at least) one "tricky part" on the way down. I threw
a 30' rope onto my pack just in case. It came in mighty handy!
The
rock scrambles began almost immediately and never slacked
off. We found the "slippy 8 footer" to be well over 8 feet high
because the water gouged out a trench that made the starting
point significantly lower. The ladies helped Bob get up so he could anchor
the rope to compensate for the missing hand holds.
This wouldn't be the only time that the rope saw action on our trek! Even
though it was offered every time, the ladies shunned
the rope unless it was absolutely necessary.
We
knew we were at the end of the canyon when it
ran into tailings from the gypsum mine. We crossed over a small ridge and
immediately entered the second canyon that
was going to be our return route. The hike description said little about this
second canyon except to note that there was (at least) one "tricky part".
We were never sure if we had passed the dreaded
"tricky part", and the apprehension
made for an interesting hike home. And to add even more interest, Patty almost
stepped on a rattlesnake. She thanked him for not
striking even though he was coiled when she passed and he started rattling.
We see so few snakes on our hikes that we all stood around snapping pictures
while he slowly slithered away.
