37 replies to this topic

[ski3pin]

I was hoping for a better outcome of course. Very sad. I've never explored this part of DV so I read up a bit here.

 

https://www.american...llow-creek.html

 

Craig, here's a link to information on a descent of Willow Canyon -

 

Canyoneering Willow Canyon

 

and these three did not want to do the loooooong shuttle so ascended the north ridge from the bottom and dropped into Willow canyon at a mid point.

 

Our last trip in the area was April 2012. Here's the end of Gold Valley Road at willow Springs, view up canyon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You cannot see down into Death Valley from this area. Willow Springs is a thick riparian jungle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can venture down Willow Canyon for around a mile before the terrain turns technical. Of course, we have no facts on where the couple was found; everything I could offer is speculation, assumptions, and an exercise in typing.

 

 

If any here get the crazy idea to descend down into Death Valley, find a pass/saddle to the north and drop into Sheep Canyon, one of the easier canyons in the Black Mountains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before doing anything in Death Valley get a copy of Hiking Death Valley and read it.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Beautiful area ,but if you don't know what your doing,

as this story goes ,it can be very dangerous.

 

Frank

[Taku]

Bad outcome is truly sad. I carry the usual and just added a bright orange windbreaker for visibility (either wearing or waving) but Jasan's idea with the space blanket and strobe is one I had not heard about. Thanks for the idea!

[Foy]

Wow!  Re: the canyoneering article Ski posted--Those folks unknowingly walked into a buzz saw.  How very sad.  

 

Foy

[craig333]

I had to look up some of the terminology. https://rockclimbeve...climbing-terms/

Beautiful but one I'll just have to enjoy looking at the pics. I try and avoid anything over class 2. I carry a rope in the truck but I sure hope I never have to use it. I've been meaning to take a class on tying knots for years. 

 

I wonder how much they knew about the canyon. They must have had some knowledge or they wouldn't have traveled there.

[ski3pin]

Emily Henkel (the survivor) tells the story in a 2 hour podcast -

 

Emily Henkel

 

disclaimer: I have not listened to it.

[AWG_Pics]

I won't listen to it either.

[ntsqd]

Knots are a very useful thing to know. Which knot to use where has become one of my side interests. For instance, need a loop on the end of a laid rope; I use a bowline. Need a loop on the end of a kern-mantle rope; I use a figure eight on a bight.

 

There are many books on knots out there. You may have to buy more than one before you find one that works for you. The "Freedom of the Hills" outdoors reference book may also have a knots section. Been too long since I looked thru it.