Trip Report: Keen Canyoneering Adventure (9/23-25/2005)

[Scott Brady]

Well, this trip greatly exceeded my expectations, and we had a wonderful adventure. Over a dozen swims in ~60 degree water, several rappels and exceptional scenery. What topped all that was the awesome team I was able to share it with.

Thanks! :luxhello:

And here are a few highlights.
Mark on rap
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2005/james_canyon/rap1.jpg

Greg, in a narrow slot long crossing
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2005/james_canyon/water1.jpg

Uwe, in the first swim
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2005/james_canyon/swim1.jpg

[goodtimes]

Man! You guys had alot more fun than I did. Looking forward to the rest of the story.

[Hltoppr]

Sorry I missed you guys! Ended up heading South to the Copper State Cruisers trail cleanup at Fossil Creek....had to deliver my moto to CruiserPhil....

Looks like a great time!

-H-

[Brian McVickers]

To all who went on this trip:

How did you like the Keens?
Did they grip well on wet rocks?

I'm looking at getting a pair and figured your experience last weekend would be a good field test!

[Jonathan Hanson]

Nice trip and great photos, Scott! Will you put more up on Expeditions West?

[articulate]

To all who went on this trip:

How did you like the Keens?
Did they grip well on wet rocks?

I'm looking at getting a pair and figured your experience last weekend would be a good field test!
Dude....these "boulder" series shoes gripped superiorly on dry rock - but verify the performance on wet rock with Baja. We were pretty impressed with the shoe on the sandstone slab we traversed, as everyone made some comment before attempting the manuever, "Sheesh...how'd you guys do this one?"

It seems to me that nothing can stop a muddy rock from sending you groundward at an alarming speed :)

Cheers,
Mark

[BajaTaco]

Thanks Scott, I agree about the awesome team ;)

Wow, that was an incredible journey through some exquisite canyon landscape! Being able to put yourself deep within a cross-section of the earths history like that always gets you going. The sculpted curves and then the countless layers of sandstone are something to behold. I kept getting out of sight behind the group because I couldn't stop gawking and taking pictures and craning my neck to look at as many details as I could. Then I would catch up when they got to the next pool of water :D Damn, that water was COLD! I wish we had a thermometer to get a reading.

My synopsis on the Keen Boulders:

mcvick, I thought the Keens gripped very well and they surprised me on a few occassions where I expected them to slip. But Mark is right - there are some surfaces that will confound the stickiest of soles... and I almost incurred some dental work at one point :eek: I would rate them pretty high as far as grip goes for a canyoneering trip like this though, where a sandal-type (draining) shoe is required. I felt really confident with them early on in the trip. The Boulders upper construction is notably more rigid than the Newport H2 and for myself, this has advantages and drawbacks. The rigid upper obviously helps keep the foot structure in a supported position which is pretty critical for a trip like this. I always felt like my foot was well contained and supported in this shoe. The drawback is that the ridgid materials and the material used to line the inside surfaces tend to be felt on the flesh a bit more than the Newports (softer) so I think there are possible issues with a "break-in" period being required, whereas the Newports do not require a "break-in". An alternative would be to wear a thin liner sock. Only more time will tell though. My feet had some hot spots the following day when I put the Boulders on again, so I switched back to the Newports. I think this will be alleviated once I get to wear them more though. The enclosed toe-box combined with the wide open-strap construction is pretty much ideal for a canyoneering trip like this. I was able to firmly plant the toe of the shoes in all sorts of scenarios where the peace-of-mind knowing my tootsies were out of harms way is kind of a sub-conscious advantage. The issue of gravel trapped in the toe-box is a real one, but was surprisingly infrequent on this trip (for me anyway). That is the trade-off for the tootsie protection - you have to remove the shoe to get aggregates/debris out sometimes. We need to do some more trips with these to give them more of a time-line evaluation. So far, I am impressed.

[Brian McVickers]

Thanks
Great feedback on the Keens, especially since I am deciding between the Boulders and the Newport H2.

Glad everyone had fun and that all was safe.
Look forward to joining in in the future!

[BajaTaco]

Thanks
Great feedback on the Keens, especially since I am deciding between the Boulders and the Newport H2.

Glad everyone had fun and that all was safe.
Look forward to joining in in the future!

No prob ;) FYI - I would not rely on the Newports for a trip like this, as much as I would the Boulder. The Newports are an AWESOME sandal - I wear mine daily and don't hesitate to take them "off-road" :D But for the sheer gripping capability and foot support, I think the Boulders would probably be more suited to highly technical treks. For a hike on an established trail, paddling, or even a bike ride, I would pick the Newports H2's any day. VERY comfy.

[Nullifier]

I'm jealous. Oh odd thank god for dry bag back packs lol!

[whitethaiger]

I want more! :luxhello:

It doesn't get better than spending time with this group of people on an adventure.

About the Keens:
I totally second Chris' review. Like him I've been wearing the H2's all summer.
I was problably the only one of the group who wore the 'Boulders' new out of the box and I had a few hot spots after the hike. I was surprised how well they stuck to the rock. For water activities that do not require walking on rock faces I think I prefer the H2's since gravel can be removed fairly easily by just moving the foot around in the water, where as I had to take the 'Boulders' off to remove trapped gravel.

[BajaTaco]

... thank god for dry bag back packs lol!

Absolutely! Having something dry/warm to put on if we needed/wanted to, made all the difference. I was also able to tote my digital camera and capture the trip with some photos thanks to my dry fanny pack.

[blupaddler]

WOW!!! Looks like you guys had a great trip! Any exposure issues with the repeated in/out of the cold water? Regarding shoes would a waterproof boot with stealth/sticky rubber been more appropriate?

Oh, yeah, more pics!

[Scott Brady]

Exposure was an issue, and several of the "thinner" members of the group were affected. Fortunately, we had plenty of wool and fleece to go around.

Everyone was tough though, with not a whimper from anyone.

I even remember watching Greg shivering next to one of the pools, but he wouldn't go on to the sun, just in case someone needed his help. I was very proud of everyone for how they worked together and supported each other :)

[Scott Brady]

Trip video... A little taste of the action :smilies27

James Canyon, Canyoneering Video (13mb) (http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2005/james_canyon/James_canyon_adventure.wmv)

John on rappel
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2005/james_canyon/IMG_3812.JPG

Brooke "super cool" and Mark on rappel
http://www.expeditionswest.com/adventures/2005/james_canyon/James_canyon%20127.jpg

[BajaTaco]

:victory: SWEET!!!! :victory:

[goodtimes]

You shouldn't be allowed to have that much fun anymore. What a cool trip!

Next year is looking good for me joining in some of the fun.......

[Scott Brady]

What a cool trip!

You have no idea... I am already starting to plan the next one. :luxhello:

[articulate]

:victory: SWEET!!!! :victory:
Several may not understand the kind of jeopardy I'm putting myself in when I post these shots:

http://www.markdstephens.com/canyoneering/canyon1.jpg

I'd better go before I incur an expedition size flogging (which is bigger than a venti, don't you know). Scott tied us down and pulled three toenails out of our toes; this as a warning that if we share too many pictures we'll have to forfeit our first born for penance.

:shakin:

Cheers,
Mark

[articulate]

...and this one:
http://www.markdstephens.com/canyoneering/rap1.jpg

I'd better scram.... :elkgrin:

Mark

[Scott Brady]

Oh yeah baby! Excellent Mark... Keen is going to be very happy :)

[buccaneer]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for letting me join you on this awesome adventure! It was great meeting each of you and I hope we can do it again soon.

:victory:

-John

[BajaTaco]

LMAO at Mark! :xxrotflma ...and expedition size flogging :xxrotflma :shakin:

Great pics!!!

Hey John - it was blast! Thanks for coming all the way to AZ.

[BajaTaco]

I have a trip gallery posted for this trip. :rappel:


http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/jc-thm.jpg (http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/index.htm)

Canyoneering Adventure (http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/index.htm)

[flyingwil]

I have a trip gallery posted for this trip. :rappel:


http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/jc-thm.jpg (http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/index.htm)

Canyoneering Adventure (http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/index.htm)

Way Cool Pic's Chris! I wish I could have made it on this trip!

[91xlt]

AWESOME PICS!!!!!:Wow1:

[Brian McVickers]

Great pics Chris!

Oh, and I'd like to reserve a spot on the next canyoneering adventure! :rappel:

[articulate]

I have a trip gallery posted for this trip. :rappel:


http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/jc-thm.jpg (http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/index.htm)

Canyoneering Adventure (http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/index.htm)
Damn nice photos, amigo. :wings:

Shooting photos on this trip was pretty difficult: you know that whole being in a canyon thing? Way to go. You got some cool ones and worked with the nasty shadows really well. Especially on this one: http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/enlfr.htm?17

Now, you now it's not the Expeditions West Hotel (http://www.bajataco.com/jamescanyon05/enlfr.htm?13). It's always been a bed and breakfast.