A vague scent of sage bush blew up from desert floor two hundred feet below us on a cool evening breeze. The last rays of sunlight peeked out from behind a distant thunderhead that flashed with silent lightning. The desert’s twilight tranquility was almost thick enough to muffle the concern in Becca’s voice. Her eyes began to well up as her voice cracked- “As much as I desperately want to make it…I just, I just don’t think I can. I think I have to hike back down.”
Our story didn’t start on an epic Zion adventure with a 200’ rappel. It started in early spring with an Instagram meetup in Zion National Park. One of our closest friends we never met, Becca, invited us to join her in Zion. We couldn’t make it, no matter how much we wanted to meet her in person. We offered to lead a technical canyoneering trip down Subway Canyon if she would come back with us. After we won the permit lottery, there was no way for Becca to back out. It was on.
Luck, however, is a fickle mistress. We felt on top of the world when the park service email came in. Top down in Subway Canyon on a summer weekend is the unicorn of NPS permits. It’s so rare that we could entice our super canyoneering friends, Spencer and Christina to come and lead the expedition. Everything was going swimmingly but, in Zion and in life, it’s the storms outside the canyon you’re walking in that you need to be aware of. Even on a sunny day, rain anywhere in the watershed could cause a flood that turns swimming into your worse nightmare.
The first drops of doubt fell when Becca learned of changes her company was implementing would be directly affecting her and her workload. Then, Spencer and Christina’s cat’s kidneys started to fail and they had to abort the trip to give her subcutaneous IVs. We felt confident in leading Subway. Jenn and I have a lot of familiarity with rope work, but Spencer and Christina were also our second vehicle to set up the car shuttle required for a one-way canyon trip. You don’t always think of Zen with luck is with you but you need it the most when the waves of uncertainty are crashing around you.
Logistics of Zion Adventures
Jenn is awesome at finding logistics. She plowed through all the top sites for Zion canyoneering shuttles but nobody seemed to be offering a reasonable shuttle service for Subway. We were to the point of looking for rental cars in St George, when I came across Zion Guru on Rope Wiki. Jenn said she would call them, mostly just to placate me, but they offered a very reasonable shuttle service to Subway. We solved the problems that we could solve and the Subway trip was looking good again.
It’s important to realize that, sometimes, the best solution is to pull the ripcord and abort the trip. The weather reports were touch and go. For example, the day before we arrived in Zion a group of hikers had to form a human chain to escape the Virgin River flooding in The Narrows. The backcountry ranger implored strongly suggested that we pass on the coveted Saturday Subway permit. He said there will probably be some canyon permits open somewhere in the park on Sunday, if the weather cleared up, that we could pick up at the last minute. Canceled permits are available first come / first serve for the next day and with the sketchy weather he was betting at least one group would cancel.
We called the Zion Guru office and let them know Subway was off and checked to see if they could support a last minute Sunday trip to who knows where. They said they could, which was great. What was truly awesome is that they suggested their half day canyoneering trip at the top of the mesa that is free from flash flood dangers. All of a sudden, our uncertainty cleared. It was as if the universe was conspiring for us to take this particular trip. Luck may be fickle, but fate always seems to find you.
Outfitting Our Zion Canyon Adventure
We entered Zion Guru not really knowing what to expect. We were told for liability reasons, we would be using store equipment. That is fair enough. Every ropes course we worked on has had the same rules. When we would run professional trips, we had to log every piece of equipment so it stayed within its operating limits.
Looking around the store, there were a lot of accouterments that we didn’t even think to bring. For example, they offer a Zion Narrows gear pack rental of canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, and a hiking stick. There were all kinds of packs to rent, rain gear, and even bio bags so you can pack out what you bring in. Becca’s husband, Nick, opted for a pair of canyoneering shoes to replace his Chacos and a sturdy pack so we wouldn’t be scraping his bulky, waterproof pack through narrow canyons.
As we got our personal gear sorted, the owner, Jonathan Zambella, began his introduction to canyoneering. The first thing we noticed was his broad and inviting smile. He greeted us with a joy that oozed a subtle and assuring confidence. He explained that we were heading up the mesa to an outcropping called Lamb’s Knoll and went on to explain some of the skills that we would be practicing. After the brief introduction, we boarded the store’s flat out beautiful 4×4 Sprinter and hit the road.
Along the way, Jonathan explained how a boy from New Jersey became a Zion guru. Like so many kids growing up in the shadows of NYC, he entered the financial markets. After a few years in the confines of cubicles, fate intervened. He lost his job and headed out West.
His first stop wasn’t the crimson cathedrals of Zion, but the red rock walls outside of Vegas. He was an avid climber and he answered the call of Red Rocks. During a rest day, a friend suggested that they visit a place up the road called Zion. Jonathan looked at The Narrows for the first time and asked if anybody went through the canyon. The answer was a resounding – NO.
It was 1996 and the opinion was that entering The Narrows during cold weather meant certain death. Jonathan couldn’t believe this. Back in New Jersey, he would take his kayak out on frozen rivers in the winters. Of course, he had a dry suit on but surely there was a way with proper gear. The seed was planted.
When Jonathan returned to Jersey, he couldn’t stop thinking about running The Narrows, promises of his imminent demise be damned. Soon, he returned, this time with his dry suit. The equipment worked great. Not only didn’t he die, but the trip was epic and very doable. Imagine the scene when he emerged from the canyon, not only alive and well but decked out in the 90’s dry suit splendor replete with green trim. He must have looked like an astronaut or some kind of superhero. He did just cheat death in the eyes of the onlookers.
He found his calling right then and there. This canyon could, and should be run. He liquidated his life in New Jersey and moved – lock, stock, and barrel- to Springdale to be a Zion outfitter.
After moving to Springdale, Jonathan discovered true technical canyoneering. More than just an exposure suit, you use ropes and advanced techniques to overcome both obstacles in nature and obstacles in your mind. This was a natural extension to his climbing training.
According to the Random House Dictionary Zen is “…a Mahayana movement, introduced into China in the 6th century and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes enlightenment for the student by the most direct possible means.”
The most direct means possible… Life becomes very simple when you are in a slot canyon. Your choices are up or down, forward or back. Sometimes, once you start, your only option is to keep going. That is about as simple as it gets. There is a very real Zen aspect to technical canyoneering above and beyond just getting your thrill on.
It was joyous listening to Jonathan talk. Yes, he loved life and his life, but he also had a love and compassion for the people around him. He loved his clients, not just their wallets. He loved showing them Zion and teaching, whatever he could possibly teach. It was almost too soon when we reached the Lamb’s Knoll parking area.
Zion Canyoneering Tour
Jenn, Becca, Nick and myself all listened eagerly to Jonathan’s instructions on how to put on our gear. The harness was a standard canyoneering design with a skid plate on the back to allow you to “butt scootch”. We had a helmet, of course, and an ATS belay device. (The ATS is similar to a rescue 8, with what they call “hyper horns” that allow you to lock off your device and quickly modify the friction.) Finally, we latched on our personal anchor and an extra length of rope to tie a friction knot or autoblock to back up the rappel.
As soon as we reached the first rock, Jonathan started to improvise. A large family group was on rope in front of us moving very slowly. We hooked right and scrambled up a dry falls. There was just enough exposure to get your blood pumping. It was also obvious that the canyoneering shoes Nick rented had super sticky properties.
Our next obstacle was an exposed traverse that we hooked into the rope for a safety. Again, Nick’s shoes and agility allowed him to glide across the rock, while the rest of us used the safety rope for some degree of comfort and aiding.
Finally, we made our first drop. We weren’t on a Disneyland tour. We were on a canyoneering class. I got to set up the first anchor. Jonathan told us how they load test all the anchors at the start of each season so the integrity of the anchors was a given. I slide the free end of the rope through the anchor and measured out the 60’ needed for the drop. Then I tied a BFK, some kind of a big knot that the rest of the rope from sliding through the anchor. Finally, I secured the rope with a beaner to close the system and we were good to go.
One by one, we made the rappel. Jenn was smooth and confident. Becca was all smiles making her first rappel ever. Nick and his super shoes had the joy of clearing the anchor and flaking the rope. Somewhere in the middle of this, Jonathan floated down like a ghost.
We worked our way through all kinds of obstacles on Lamb’s Knoll in much the same fashion. We would come to a bomber anchor. One of us would set the anchor under our guide’s watchful eye. Then we would all take turns rapping down and the last one down got to pull anchor. It was all easy peasy until it wasn’t.
The first real challenge came at a point called The Needle’s Eye. There is a very real concept of task loading that came into play here. Task loading is where enough stressors stack up on each other that you start to get overwhelmed. The Needle’s Eye had a vertical squeeze right on top of the rappel. Either one on their own would be doable. Put them together, and get’s a little difficult.
This is the first place where Jonathan, the super supporter showed up. We were all a bit task loaded but Becca looked for additional guidance. In his smooth, calm voice he explained to her that this was just like every other rappel we have done. I could hear her breath quicken as she slid through the Eye. Once through, she gathered herself and went on down the rope like a pro.
I like to think that our group was special and we carried ourselves well. In my mind, this is why we were offered the epic last rappel. If you were bad at math, it was about the same distance as we were doing all afternoon. Jonathan estimated the drop at 60 meters. I am metric savvy enough to realize that means 200’, which is big by any measure. We had some sense of how big it was climbing up the hill. It was a lot of work but there wasn’t any real exposure until we crested on top of the rock. Then, the 200’ drop became very real as we looked out to the horizon and the valley floor below us.
The Final Rappel of our Zion Adventure
It was Nick’s turn to set anchor. He measured out a lot of rope. Tied a beautiful BFK. Closed the system and clipped in. I always thought the term sweating bullets was just an expression, however, the nervous perspiration was beginning to accumulate at Nick’s feet. He shared a little trepidation, just so Becca would know it was ok, but all she heard was fear creeping in. Nick dropped down like a champ and soon the rope was open again.
Jenn and I encouraged Becca to go next. I have a working theory on the half-life of courage that is how long it takes your bravado to be half of what you started with. For me, it’s about 15 minutes. So, if I’m going to do something scary, I better do it quick or I’m going to wimp out.
In the experiential learning cycle you look to expand your comfort zone by entering the experiential zone but stay out of the panic zone. We could tell Becca was getting on the wrong side of her experiential zone because she was starting to loop. She kept saying over and over again how she just couldn’t make it. She clipped in her safety to peer over the edge and it didn’t make things any better. No matter what Jenn and I said, we couldn’t get her on rope. As a compromise, I decided to go next and show her how it’s done.
My Rapelling Adventure at Zion
For me, a 200’ rappel is much like a 50’ rappel. I have been on rope enough to trust my gear and my training. This drop was well within my comfort zone, which doesn’t make me objectively better or worse. I was just having a different experience on the rock. In many ways, I wasn’t expanding my comfort zone at all.
As I double and triple checked my gear, I could feel the task loading creeping in, along with nervous excitement. The autoblock (third hand) I have been clipping in all night just didn’t look right. I tried sliding it up and down but the rope weight made the friction feel too tight. I wasn’t afraid of falling, I was afraid of binding up 5’ over the edge. Still, it was my job not to show fear. As soon as I confirmed in my head that the slip knot was indeed slipping, I went over the edge.
It was a beautiful ride. The colors of the sunset merged with my adrenaline to create a surreal scene. Every breath was sweet with sage and the pure air that you can only find on top of mountains. Really, I wish it was 400’ long because I wasn’t ready to get off when I hit the bottom. With a loud call of “Ed off rope!”, my evening of rappelling was over.
I ate my Powerbar and took inventory of the day as I waited. Every part of me felt alive. I concluded that I need to do a lot more of this instead of sitting in my cubicle. The evening shadows grew a little longer and then I heard it – “Becca on rope”. Sure enough, I could see her bright orange helmet bobbing along at the top of the cliff.
In the end what nudged her over the edge was the guru’s gentle guidance and her faith that he wouldn’t put her 200’ in the air if he didn’t think she could do it. He told her to find her Zen place. Don’t think about going down the entire cliff. Just think about the three feet in front of you. Just put the rope on and see how it feels. Just drop down a foot and see how it feels. I could even see a safety line on Becca that he tied just in case the answer was “Hell No!”. But it wasn’t. Becca was heading down.
Finding Your Zen
With a rush of half relief, half release and half conquering hero, she let go of her “Becca Off Rope!” at the bottom. It’s moments like this that 150% alive is not only possible but expected. She made it down and she will always have that accomplishment.
That day, Becca did something truly amazing, that few people ever do. Not many people would do a 200’ drop on their first day. What was truly spectacular is that she willed herself back into her functioning zone by focusing her mind. It’s one thing to get on rope when you don’t feel fear. It is even braver, to get on rope despite your fear.
Shunryu Suzuki-Roishi, a spiritual master said – “When you are practicing zazen (sitting meditation), do not try to stop your thinking. Let it stop by itself. If something comes into your mind, let it come in, and let it go out. It will not stay long. When you try to stop your thinking, it means you are bothered by it. Do not be bothered by anything. It appears as if something comes from outside your mind, but actually, it is only the waves of your mind, and if you are not bothered by the waves, gradually they will become calmer and calmer.”
This is exactly how Jonathan talked her off the ledge. Take one foot of rope at a time. Experience it and then let it pass. I wonder if it was this philosophy that let a boy from New Jersey sell everything he has to set up shop in Zion? Hopefully, it’s something that Becca can hold on to during the uncertainty with her company. I know it’s something that Jenn and I will need to find life outside of the cubical as adventure writers or what ever else the waves have in store for us. With any luck, we’ll continue to meet incredible people along the way, like Jonathan and Becca, to teach and inspire us.
Options for Zion Adventure Tours
Zion Guru isn’t about supplying elite outdoor athletes. It’s about inspiring and empowering visitors with the right gear and information so they can explore Zion. Their main services are:
- Outfitting – Zion Guru offers rental gear, advice, and shuttle services to support Narrows trips, day hikes, self guided canyoneering.
- Canyoneering Guides – Canyoneering is a combination of hiking, climbing, rappelling, and swimming. Half day, full day and even multi day guided trips are available to introduce and teach these skills and empower you to explore more of nature.
- Rock Climbing Tours – There is a power in focusing your world into the raw simplicity of rock climbing. Jonathan describes it as “a vertical path to the mind-body connection.” If you think the red walls of Zion are amazing to look at, imagine climbing them.
No matter what your outdoor needs are, from equipment to advice, Zion Guru can outfit you and your adventure. Reconnect with nature and yourself to discover the guru that is buried inside of you. Perhaps they can even reconnect you to your dreams you let go. You are capable of so much more than you think, and only limited by what you can imagine.
Disclaimer: Although our experience was complimentary, the views and opinions expressed are entirely our own.
Awesome pictures. Need to get there.. Soon…
this read was so exhilarating and the photos absolutely stunning… however I would never be able to embark on such a journey! my feet get so heavy that I cannot move when crossing a bridge i can only imagine what would happen to me here. My husband on the other hand would be thrilled to come across this!
Everybody has their own comfort zone. There is always somebody you are braver than and somebody more brave than you. Next time you find yourself with heavy feet, think about your Zen place and only try moving one foot at a time. You’ll be surprised where this can take you.
Your photos are lovely, such beautiful landscapes! No wonder that one can reconnect with nature in such surroundings. Lovely adventure! 🙂
This sounds like such a thrilling adventure! Your photos are incredible! I admit I’m not outdoorsy, so I’m glad you explained what canyoneering is! It sounds so intense, but I know a few people here in the PNW that would be all over this experience!
Thank you. How can you live in the PNW and not be outdoors whenever the sun is out? There are some cool adventures up there that we are looking to check out for sure.
Hahaha! One word: ALLERGIES
I’m dying to go to Zion! I love your photos, that deep red color is just spectacular. The canyoneering tour sounds like so much fun!
How awesome that you got invited to this adventure by BEcca. I actually know her from Instagram and love following her adventures. Sounds like you all had a fantastic time there. I have not yet been to Zion and would love to be able to go on a similar adventure as this. Thanks so much for being so detailed so I can follow in similar path when I go.
It was so much fun. Becca was trooper. If you ever what to experience canyoneering then Zion Guru is a great path to follow.
I’ve never done anything like this before. It sounds really exciting. It’s great that you shared what was going through your mind before the rapel. I’ve never even heard the term canyoneering before. I may have to learn more about this!
My spell checker didn’t like the word either but it’s real I tell ya. It’s a lot of fun too 🙂
I’ve never done canyoneering or rappelling before. I’m not that afraid of heights but this looks scary! I might still go for it in the future just coz I love a challenge. Glad you guys had an amazing time!
It’s a little scary but, since it’s a guided tour, it always felt safe. They did a great job of challenging you mentally and physically. You should totally try it some time.
Wow! I am so impressed with your courage and skills. I love adventure, but I’m afraid I’d be more like your friend Becca, because as you said, “Luck is a fickle mistress.” That’s what I’m afraid of!!! But I am more than happy to read about rappelling and seeing your pictures of it. That’s good enough for me.
In many ways Becca showed more courage. It’s one thing to have enough practice that you will not be afraid. It’s really courageous to be afraid and face your fear. A great thing about going with a skilled guide is that they take a lot of the luck out of the equation because they know the area so well.
I love the way how you told your story of this adventure. I find it very symbolic as Zion is a place that King David conquered, as referred to in the Bible. Finishing this challenge meant conquering your big fear by taking one foot of rope at a time.
The park is full of all kinds of biblical references. For example, the Watchman tower group is named for three patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)
Wow canyoneering looks awesome – I’ve never done it but would love to try. The view in the picture looks great – what an adventure. The thrill of this would definitely take me to my zen zone…
There are many ways to find you Zen. Sounds like you should try canyoneering and see if it really works for you.
That is really adventure. Canyoneering looks so thrilling, of course I can see it is not for the faint hearted. Of course it requires a lot of preparation and confidence in yourself and your equipment. Can see you had a wonderful experience and your share of thrills and spills.
I had no idea how much thought goes into getting the right gear for a trip like this. As an outdoor novice, stuff like that makes my head spin, haha! I also empathize with knowing when to “cut your losses” and cancel a trip — I hardly ever do, and sometimes it’s better to just not go at all. That being said, I’m glad I got the chance to see your adventure and live vicariously through you! 🙂
There really is more gear than you can shake a stick at, even for just hiking in the Narrows. The right shoes and socks go a long way. For technical canyoneering it’s even more. You need enough gear for the route and a reasonable amount of unforeseen events. We are glad that you’re following along with the adventures. We love to share.
The cat is doing much better. The IV’s got the kidneys going again and they are switching to a higher quality cat food. I think she is going to be ok. Thanks for all the kind words and glad you liked the article.
I hear that they have some great canyons in Idaho. We’d love to see a picture of you on rope.
It’s only 200′ but still a long way down, especially if you look. We’ll pass on the kind words to Becca.
Anybody in their right mind would feel a little trepidation on their first drop over a cliff that big. They say that babies will not climb over a visual cliff, like a glass table. I always wanted to test this theory with my kids but the (ex) wife put her foot down. No babies crawling on glass tables at my house.
So glad you and Becca got to meet up and did canyoning together! Looking from top-down (and bottom-up), it seems so scary! But I guess once you’re going down, you’re so concentrated that you don’t notice the height. I gotta try this next time with you!
It all depends on if you trust the rope. If you trust the rope, you can just enjoy the ride down. If not, you don’t feel safe until your feet are on Terra Firma.
I love the topic and the scenery of Zion is simply amazing. Rock climbing in Zion would be such an amazing experience. Especially the color of the rocks changes during the sunset! @ knycx.journeying
It really is a special place. If you ever get a chance, you have come to the US and take the Vegas, Arches, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Sedona road trip. It will blow your mind.
US is too amazing. I really love the scenery you get from hiking and abseiling! That must be a beautiful adventure. 🙂
Your adventure sounds fun but I don’t see myself doing this. I’m that afraid, the heights look scary. Reading the post, I was imagining myself being rushed down to the hospital. You’ll got big nerves. And to the courageous Becca, thumbs up
I am sure you’d be safe. Nobody has to take the leap off the ledge but your safety I feel certain of.
After a long time, I have come across a travel blog which is easy and conversational and lets you slip into the writer’s experience vicariously, without your realising it. I could feel your feelings, so to say. Great post.
What a great comment. Thank you so much and thank you for reading our piece.
Loved this article! Wonderful descriptions and pictures — you made me feel like I was there.
It’s been a very long time since I went rock climbing — really not my thing, but I did it because it was the only way to get to do the canoeing also in my high school Outdoor Ed class. That fifteen minute window is dead on in terms of a go, no go mentality and nerve. Your guide has just the right personality for working with people who are climbing and rappelling.
Thank you for taking me to Zion with you with your writing — I love this park and can hardly wait to go back!
Thank you Ann,
We were wondering what you would have to say reading this article. We think of you every time we put out quality narrative pieces.
Well — this one is beautifully written. It’s the best kind of travel writing, transporting the reader to that place and taking them with you into that space, that experience.
Zion looks like such a magical place. The southwest and northeast of the US are two areas I haven’t explored and I need to remedy this! The rappelling looks awesome – a little nervewrecking at first but awesome.
You haven’t made it to the Southwest? You got to come this winter girl. It’s amazing. Like no place else.
It’s important to be in good hands of experience guide company! I hope to visit Zion one day soon!
It’s a must do when you make it over here. Amazing scenery and surprisingly good places to eat too.
This definitely isn’t my cup of tea, but I’m sure my daughter would love to try canyoneering. She is quite the little adventurist. I, on the other hand, prefer to watch with a cup of coffee in my hand. I didn’t realise quite how much gear is needed for such a trip.
So what you’re trying to say is that coffee is your cup of tea? Johnathan says his number one customers for this trip are families with kids so they can get a taste of this adventure.
Wow, well done to Becca and you. Loved the message, it can be applied in all of our difficult moments in life. Perhaps even in our cubicles 😉 Just don’t be bothered by it and let it pass. Thanks for sharing that experience
You especially need this wisdom if you’re trapped in a cubicle. Those things are dangerous on so many levels.
Wow! That sounds like quite an adventure. I am not very good at rappelling. The last time I tried it, I kept losing my balance and falling. 200’ drop on the first day! Becca, you are my hero!
The nice thing about our gear configuration is that if you let go of everything, the third hand will catch you. You might bump around a bit but you never should fall.
You guys are such champs! I think I’ll stick to Disneyland visits rather than this lol. Even then, I can’t even go on all the rides let alone this! I I have so much respect for Becca for completing the 200′ drop on her first try!
Disney scares me. Those kids touch everything.
Such thrilling and exciting experience. You really need focus, courage and a little madness to even try this. I am so inspired reading your experience. You and Becca are super awesome. Loved those stunning shots.
Like the song goes. You’ll never survive unless, you get a little crazy. Thanks for the support.
Wow this canyoning tour sounds intimidating but adventurous! I’ve never rappelled, or done anything much more exotic than hiking and some light canyoning. Zion looks totally amazing – looks like a great place to push yourself to try new things!
There are so many amazing thing in Oaxaca. I bet you could find something absolutely incredible there. I have a friend who is running a cave expedition down there. I could hook you two up.
Oh that sounds so cool! Unfortunately, I am leaving today and heading on to the next place. But I’m sure I’ll be back in this area at some point in the future. Will have to get back in touch with you for your friend’s info then. 🙂
We are going to Oaxaca this weekend! I would love the info for the cave expedition!
What kind of caving experience do you have? Are good on vertical? Do you sketch?
None at all. Those words mean nothing to me lol
Maybe expedition caving isn’t the place to start but you could look for your local NSS Grotto (National Speleological Society) if you want to do some caving near you. click here –> and it will get you in touch with some great local cavers who can teach you about ethical, safe and low impact caving techniques near you.
THANK YOU for introducing me to Zion Guru. I’ve seen their storefront, but never went inside. Seems we need a little guru’ing to help us on our next trip. We’ve been twice and weather, rock slides, etc. have prevented us from seeing the best parts. My hubby wants to do the Subway, I do note, but I could send him off with ZG and feel confident that he would be safe. But there are other areas I’d like to see and it’s always awesome to have a good guide. Southern Utah is in our backyard and we fell hard for it on our RV trip so we will be back very soon!
Zion NP prohibits commercial guiding of canyons in the park. You are still on your own for Subway… sort of. What they can do is provide gear, advice and a shuttle service which will get you a long way to getting the logistics leg of the trip run.
It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we push ourselves! So happy for Becca for pushing through, and for you guys as well! Rappelling is a big adventure, and you’re so lucky to have won what permit lottery! Dream trip 🙂
The funny thing with the permit lottery was that we never ended up using it. At least it got us off the couch.
Wow, what an epic experience. I have visited Zion but only as a regular tourist admiring from ground level, accessed via the roads. It’s great that you won the permits lottery and got to experience the park in this way, though the 60 metre drop sounds a little scary. Amazing views in your photos.
The funny thing was we never used our lottery ticket. This adventure is available by just picking up the phone and calling a guide.
Oops sorry, I hadn’t taken that in. Will you be able to use it at a later date?
No, we needed to make the choice to abandon the permit. That’s what makes Johnathan’s offer to help that much more timely. He was a great friend in need.
Best kind of friends to have are those that step forward when you need ’em!
Wow. This sounds like such an incredible experience. It’s always so rewarding to get outside of your comfort zone. I love that you know the shelf life on your courage is 15 minutes. I need to figure out mine!
I think your courage can have a shelf life and a half life. It it sets around too long without being used it definitely goes bad. Use it or loose it.