Slot Canyon Diary

We hiked Egypt 3 slot canyon. Leaving from the trailhead, hiking down 6 km of joyous slot. Narrowed to 8 inches in several locations. Stemmed several potholes, but mostly a dry slot. Lots of DC problems. Sandstone convolutions offered acrobat playground. Mary Ellen didn’t want to get wet in final technical section; short rapel off a small sandstone window (guidebook claimed was sure to be wading). Mary Ellen opted for the easy climb-around. Heard Yount shout below “oh no, the water is up to Paul’s chin – that means we’re swimming” (Paul is 6’4”).

Avoided “keeper” pothole, then waded 100 feet through narrow slot, sometimes pushing backpack which kept getting stuck between narrow walls. Final wade above head, swam. Discovered pool was infested with cow effluent since slot drained into a canyon frequented by the dreaded methane dispensers. Stunk like a toilet, crawly skin, yet hiked 3 miles over top of blistering hot sandstone undulations back to car. Everyone ripped off clothes and took water bottle bath so we could sit in cars. Drove immediately to resevoir in Escalante to bath. Camped back at Egypt trailhead for next day’s foray into Golden Cathedral.

Golden Cathedral Rap