An Unforgettable Family Trip

Canyoneering can be an excellent way to strengthen family bonds.  The Westgates recently had an unforgettable family canyoneering experience. Canyoneering incorporates teamwork and communication.  These skills can be used in daily life. Come visit for your canyoneering experience!

Woot! Looking good Westgate family!

Learning knots.

On Rappel!

Flower Friday!

Happy Flower Friday from Excursions of Escalante!  The grass is green and needs to be cut.  The flowers are getting buried in the madness.  Kelleen had to move grass to get this shot.  

The canyons are epic and the tours are a rockin.  The weather has been fab.  We were lucky to get a touch of rain today to brighten the desert and water the cactus.  Check us out on Facebook and Instagram for current happenings here at Excursions.

Hyacinths in front of the shop this morning. 

American Canyoneering Academy (ACA) Guide/Leader Rendezvous

Spring is here and we have kicked off the 2016 season by hosting an ACA (American Canyoneering Academy) Rendezvous for Professional and Aspirant canyoneering guides.  The crew of 17 arrived Thursday evening 3/3 and departed the evening of Sunday 3/6.  Rich Carlson, head of the ACA joined us for this event, leading groups through the canyons and conducting rescue scenarios for group members.  Safety First!  Rick, ACA Master Guide conducted training, anchor practice etc. along with leading groups through the slots.  We were also joined by Jared Hillhouse of Northwash Outfitters (Blanding, UT).  Jared was kind enough to offer his time to conduct a rigging workshop for the group.  Thanks Jared!  And thank you to Jeana for putting together a weather presentation for the group.  Weather plays a major part in canyoneering.  As always, Safety First.  A big Thank You for all who attended.  We are looking forward to hosting another Pro Rendezvous!

Rick (in red) and crew practice down climbing skills.  Looking great guys!

We hosted a catered dinner in our shop Fri/Sat nights.  

Jared Hillhouse of Northwash Outfitters conducts a rigging workshop in our backyard of the shop.

Partner assisted up climb!  Nice shot!

It's Almost Time!

It is officially mid-February and the weather here in Escalante has been epic the past few days.  The 16 inches of snow just about gone.  Now granted, it is likely that we will incur a bit more inclement weather, but this break has been fabulous.  Rick has been getting out and doing some canyoneering in Nevada and California along with more exploring in Baja, MX.  

The 2016 Season will kick off with our first tour March 7th.  I liked this shot that someone emailed me of the guides hiking out of the canyons.  The warm summer months are just around the corner!  Belay is On!

Winter Canyoneering

The Winter months are going by ever so quickly.  Escalante is currently blanketed in a foot of snow!  Rick had a chance to get out of the cold and do a canyon named Bubba's in Nevada.  Below are a couple of shots. 

Thanks Petzl for sending Rick the new static Push rope to test out!

The 2016 Season is right around the corner and we are preparing for March 8th opening.  Come and visit us for an adventure in the slots!

Rick backing up the sand trap anchor.  Belay is on!

Rick testing Petzl's new static Push rope.

Monday morning dusting.

We hope this post finds that everyone had a nice Holiday.  The 2016 canyoneering season is just 8 weeks around the corner!  We are busy prepping for a fun filled year.  Our shop will be fully stocked with your canyon necessities.  We are now the area's retailer for Five Ten and La Sportiva footwear, BlueWater ropes and Petzl gear and ropes.  We will also carry Black Diamond Equipment, Chums accessories etc.  Stop on in and check it all out while you're in town.  And of course we'll still have killer espresso drinks.  Looking forward to 2016!

Rick and guest Alison

Thank you Alison for sending this photo of you and Rick, taking a breather after hiking out of the canyon.  Nice shot!  Looks like you're ready for ice cream back at the shop!