It was a bit un-nerving to down climb past the cave and then traverse over a ledge to get to the climbing area. Not really bad, just no protection and a 60 foot drop if you trip or slip on the loose gravel.
Once on top we were fine. Ate lunch. Then we set up a top belay. Not something we normally do. Mostly we belay from the bottom. So the angles are a little strange for us. I didn't use the preset anchors, angles were wrong for a top belay. So I set up a wrap around a boulder with web, backed up by more webbing to another anchor higher up. Barbara jumped off first. I rappelled her from the top, again, not something we are used to; then she climbed back up. Along the way she set 3 quick draws. Then as she made it over the second overhang she told me about leaving the quick draws behind. I told her it would cost her $25. So rather than have to cough up the $25 she says to rappel her down again and she would re-climb the route and pick up the quick draws. And she did.
There was another easier climb to the west of the route that Barbara did, so we re-did the anchors; I rappelled down and then climbed the easier route. I slipped on the rappel and slammed Barbara into a wall. No I didn't do that on purpose.....
There is a trail above and a trail below the climbing area. Lots and lots of people walk both trails each day. At any given time we would have a group of spectators hanging out on each of the trails watching us. I got the impression that what we do is not common. At least no one screaming Jump, Jump, Jump.....
It was a difficult place to take pictures and manage the belay. As a result we have only the two pre-climb pictures. You can't beat the scenery, it is awe-inspiring. And of course bragging rights, "We rock climbed in the Grand Canyon National Park". The images of that statement certainly bring out a more exciting picture that the reality, but it is not an untruth.
Chores and chores when we got back to the RV, off to Vegas tomorrow.
I really need some new t-shirts.
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