ATO 2002: In February Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. Despite the appeal of such an event, my buddy Brandt and I thought our time would be better spent in Southern Utah for ATO 2002 (Avoiding the Olympics) exploring sinuous slot canyons and hauling obscene amounts of water around in our P-2 Packs for a week.

 

Dusk approaching on the first day out as we look for our route to drop to the canyon floor. Plenty of  moo's from Cattle to guide us to saftey and our first cruddy water source.

Heading up canyon after crossing the river 15 times in 2.5 miles. Temps were in the low 40's and the morning started with a slight drizzle. After battling tamarisk and cold water, it was a pleasure to be working our way up canyon to the bench country.

On top of a bench after a stiff cross country Class 4 climb with loads of water. Nice pale winter complexion and greasy-5-day-no-shampoo-hair.

Brandt walking along the potholed rib which separates two plateau's. Sheep used to be run across this in the 50's. Finally some sun on our last day out.

Possibly one of the best desert camps ever. Great sunset, complimented by a great sunrise the following morning.