Canyoneering

Last weekend we took a trip to Hanksville, Utah for a little canyoneering trip. Nate's brother-in-law said it was the final test I needed to pass before entering the family. The trip was fondly named "Lauren's induction into the Quinn Family." Thanks guys.

Shannon was a sweetheart and decided to brave the canyons with the Quinn men and me. Look at us in our tent! Which, we set up (and took down) by ourselves, by the way. Nate was so impressed- really. He didn't know I possessed that skill.

The canyons we went through were SUPER narrow. Did I mention that? In case you can't visualize "SUPER narrow" I've included the picture below:

The group (top to bottom): Aaron, McKay, Dallin, Nathan, and Shannon

Now, normally, in canyoneering, one would go down the canyon, using harnesses and ropes, repelling down. Well, not with the Quinn men. They've done this canyon numerous times, and decided to try going up it this time. Here's a picture of one pass we had to cross. This maneuver is called a "chimney" and I think it's one of the scariest things I've ever done.

Above: Shan, so happy to be canyoneering for the first time.

Below: another gaping crevasse we had to find a way to cross. Keep in mind that most people do this while roped in to a rope and anchor. Shan traversed it by counterbalancing her weight on the canyon walls with her shoulders and feet. You can see Nate's hand spotting her below.

Maybe this gives a little better perspective of how high up she was and how brave she consequently had to be:

After watching her cross that way, I elected this method instead:

Thanks Nate :)

All in all it was a fantastic trip! So... if it's alright with you, Aaron, I'll go ahead with plans to join the family! ... with hopes of many more canyoneering trips in the future!