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Point of No Return

Canyon walls dwarf us, a speck of blue so very far above. Down here, deep shadows. I shiver. The waterfall roars, we stand in the pool below. The rope still hangs, bright umbilical cord to the upper world. Nobody speaks. We know: this is it. If we pull the rope, the only way out: down canyon. Eyes full of expectation and trust glance at you. We await the verdict. December7, 2016 For contest: Point of no return Sponsored by Nicola Byrne

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Line Gauthier

Date: 7/20/2018 8:49:00 AM

How exciting. You are so in turn with nature. Lovely, Agnes.

Agnes Krampe

Date: 12/14/2016 8:15:00 PM

I think I forgot to enter this in the contest. Bummer.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/11/2016 6:31:00 PM

Wow imagery, Agnes. I am wanting to understand the scenario.When you say, the only way out "down canyon" do you mean, once they go UP it, they can only get home by going down? They could always leave someone down below with a cell phone to call in the helicopters. haha. I think I would make a back up plan!! Anyway, I loved your description here.

Agnes Krampe
Date: 12/11/2016 6:52:00 PM

Thanks for asking, Andrea. In a canyon, you usually start at the top and go DOWNstream. If there is a steep step that cannot be down climbed, you set up a rope and rappel down. Once you are down and pull the rope, you cannot get back up- you must be able to hike down the canyon and get out that way. There is no cell phone reception in the back country. Does that make sense?

Probir Gupta

Date: 12/8/2016 9:00:00 AM

Awesome spectacle ... wonderful imagery ... ensured high placement ... great ...

Agnes Krampe
Date: 12/8/2016 9:55:00 AM

Thanks, Probir.

Sandra Haight

Date: 12/7/2016 8:01:00 PM

Such suspense in your write, Agnes...and leaving the reader hanging! This must be quite a challenge in real life canyoneering! Best wishes for the contest. Hugs, Sandra

Agnes Krampe
Date: 12/7/2016 8:18:00 PM

Thank you, Sandra. One should never pull the rope in an unknown canyon - you have to have a guidebook or trip report from people who did manage to get down, so you now it's possible. A rescue mission in a canyon is very difficult.

Jan Allison

Date: 12/7/2016 5:56:00 PM

Quite a cliffhanger in more ways than one Agnes! - I love your imagery and vivid description:-) good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xx7

Agnes Krampe
Date: 12/7/2016 6:26:00 PM

Thanks, Jan. I love canyoneering, but I find technical canyons where you can't get back up quite scary.