2017 Catskills Canyoneering Rendezvous

Time for the 3rd annual East Coast Rendezvous!

Hot summer days are the best time to enjoy the wet canyons of the Catskills. There are several good routes with multiple waterfall rappells each, generally 30'- 100', and some optional swims.

-Andre

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Remember: All participants must be, at minimum:

• Strong hikers able to navigate off-trail and bushwhack across difficult terrain (scree, unstable slopes, slippery stream beds, boulder fields, etc) with heavy ropes and gear.

• Experienced rappellers able to negotiate challenging overhangs, loose rocks, water, slippery footing, and other hazards. Having rappelled once or twice is not "experienced".

• Knowledgeable enough to safety check anchors, rigging, knots and each other.

If your meetup profile doesn't include specific anchor and rappelling training and experience, you cannot join this event.

Routes and conditions:

The waterflow pictured is fairly typical for the summer, but can be easily twice that after a heavy rain or almost dry during a drought. Swims are avoidable but deep wading and splashing often is not.

Assume all your gear will be wet. Bring an extra warm layer and winter hat as even a warm day can get chilly in the shaded canyons.

Expect hikes about up to 5 miles and 2000' of elevation gain, bushwhacking, boulder hopping, light scrambling, some down climbing.

Location: Eastern Catskills!

Transportation: Please post where you're driving from and when. Others might be looking to carpool.

Camping option: I booked two campsites ( 6 people/ 2 cars each) booked in North/South Lake Campground (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html). A large state campground with showers near the trailheads.

If you book your own, aim for Loop 7.

North/South fills up well in advance, but there are private campgrounds around Saugerties that are ok too.

Cost: $15/pp for two night if you stay at my campsites ($10/pp if we fill them up). Contact Andre for payment details. Payment secures a camping spot, otherwise I assume attendees have made their own arrangements.

Personal Equipment: Bring the rappelling, self-rescue, and anchor building material you are trained to use. Anchors are generally rocks, trees, and (in a few places) bolts.

Plus what you'd bring for a day hike.

If you aren't sure, please email me.

Technical note: I usually rig for a signal-strand rappel on my 8mm or 9mm rope. An ATC may not provide a comfortable amount of friction.

Ropes: A 200' rope & a 120' rope w/pull cord is a good combination for most routes.

Most rappells are under 50', but a few are just over 100' (including distance to anchor). One route is best done as a single ~250' rap but can be done multi-pitch.

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