Trip Two- West Fork Of Oak Creek 

On the weekend of September 25-26 our team of 7 completed a full ‘descent’ of one of the more infamous canyons in Arizona- the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon.  The West Fork feeds into the Oak Creek Canyon /River which is the major drainage cutting through Sedona and eventually passing by the Oak Creek Ranch School.  We met in Oak Creek Canyon at 7:30. We began packing our packs and consuming the last ‘real’ junk food we would see for the next 36 hours. We were then shuttled towards Flagstaff and down Woody Mountain road which intersects the upper reaches of the West Fork of Oak Creek.  From our starting point at an elevation of 6800 ft. to the confluence of the Oak Creek Canyon is 12 miles, and descends 1500 vertical ft.  The first 6 miles are difficult, requiring boulder hopping, bush whacking and even swimming through water that we would estimate to be in the upper 30’s- Fahrenheit.  The water in this canyon does not see much sunlight and stays cold all year long. The first pool of water was approximately 60 ft. in length.  We were able to move up onto a ledge and zip-line our packs above the water. Fortunately the sun was out during our swim in this icy pool.  The second large pool had a route around it which was the better option as the sun had gone behind the clouds.  The next few hours were a bit arduous and campsites were almost non- existent.  One of the most impressive aspects of this trip was everyone's ability to help each other through this difficult section.  Every member was always willing to lend a hand to assist another through challenge. Finally at 7:00 p.m., at the onset of darkness we found a good camp under some ledges.  We started a fire and cooked a two course dinner and ate until we could eat no more.  We were all asleep by 8:45 p.m.  The next day was a sleep in day rising at 7:45 and out of camp by 9:45.  During breakfast we talked about taking risk and gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to move through challenges in the outdoors and in life.  The second day of hiking was more enjoyable as the scenery became more spectacular with every corner.   In places, the canyon was approximately 30 ft in width with 1000 ft. vertical walls of red, white and black streaked sandstone surrounding us.  We took frequent breaks on the sandstone benches to enjoy the sound of the water moving over the rocks and the wind in the trees high above.  The springs of water were now seeping from the walls more frequently and we were walking through the water approximately 50% percent of the time.  The water was not as cold and generally only 1-2 ft. deep and crystal clear.  The variety of plant life is amazing. We started the trip high in the ponderosa pine forest (the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world). As we descended we came across, Juniper, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, White fir, some Quaking aspens and Big tooth maple.  Also, an uncountable variety of shrubs, gamble oak and bracken ferns.  On the micro level the algae's and fungi's ranged from bright orange to neon green.  There are over 600 species of vascular plants that have been identified in Oak Creek Canyon.  After lunch we began to encounter sure signs that the trip was coming to an end- other people.  The main trail starts at the bottom of the canyon and many people venture 1- 3 miles up the canyon before the trail disappears.  We arrived at the trailhead, our car, potatoes chips and sodas by 3:30 p.m., just as planned.  Although physically, challenging this was a successful trip and we look forward to building upon our skills in upcoming adventures. 

Trip Three- Prescott Climbing and Rappelling- One day

Trip Three started out with some energy from our group.  It seems that the mid semester was taking it's toll.  Many in our group had been out every weekend and were ready for a day off.  So we chose a one day outing to Prescott.  Prescott is approximately 1 hour from Sedona and from the OCRS.  We met at 9:00 and after prodigious quantities of McDonald's food we were on the trail.  Thumb butte rises approximately 1000 ft. above the town of Prescott and is a landmark for the town. The approach to our climbs was a bit of 'swack' and once we got to the climbs everyone really helped get all of our packs and equipment to the base of the climbs.  We set up three climbs.  After lunch we hiked back to the main trail and then found a 4th class route to the summit of Thumb Butte.  The views for the summit were excellent.  We then set up a 190 ft. rappel on the west face of the formation .  We had everyone down in time to enjoy a wonderful sunset. 

Trip Four- The McDowell Mountains, Two Day's climbing.

After a week of inclement weather northern Arizona was under an unseasonable cold spell which prompted us to head south to warmer climates.  It is so nice to be able to head down to the Valley and enter into summer.  Our destination was the McDowell mountains near Scottsdale.  One day one we were working on our 'face' climbing techniques on Sven Slab. These were the longest climbs we had attempted to this point.  At 3:00 we went down to make camp and get some refreshments.  By 4:00 we had camp set but our energies were a bit low.  When I presented to option to go and do a Sunset climb 80% of our group was up for the challenge while some chose to rest.  We  found a climb on a ridge that had great views to the west and we were reached the top at sunset.  That evening we had hamburgers on the grill and a grand campfire.  Discussing the day,  appreciating the support that was exhibited everyone in climbing and setting our camp.  We talked about the next day and felt we would be ready for our first 'multipitch climb'  a pitch of climbing is generally a length of rope that reaches a logical stopping point on the cliff face.  The route we chose is called Hanging Garden and is two pitches 5.6, each pitch is 140 ft. in length.  This climb is an in a crack and on the face.  We had two roped teams of four.  With a Terra Trax guide leading and the kids following with the security of a belay with the rope.  Initially we could sense some apprehension.  But after our first climber Hunter made it up the first pitch (with some encouragement) everyone else was ready to go.  It was apparent that everyone worked through personal challenges to reach the summit.  Both teams, were tied together during the whole climb as we spent 3.5 hours on the ascent and about 1 hour rappelling down the face.  When we returned to the vans the general consensus was that on the one to ten scale of personal accomplishment our groups averaged an 8.8 of success!  It is exciting to think where we can go next.