Canyoneering Trip Reports for 1999...Desert Highlights in Moab, Utah

Desert Highlights • Canyoneering Trip Reports - 1999

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* includes comments from guests
( bold italics are returning guests )

*  Oct 17th ... Undercover Canyon
*  Oct 12th ... Medieval Chamber
*  Oct 10th ... Undercover Canyon
*  Oct 9th ... Medieval Chamber
*  Oct 6th ... Medieval Chamber
*  Sept 30th ... Waterpocket Canyon
*  Sept 26th ... Lomatium Canyon
*  Sept 19th ... Lomatium Canyon
*  Sept 16th ... Waterpocket Canyon
*  Sept 13th ... Cass Canyon
*  Aug 31st ... Lomatium Canyon
*  Aug 30th ... Medieval Chamber
*  Aug 26th ... Waterpocket Canyon
*  Aug 16th ... Medieval Chamber
*  Aug 5th ... Medieval Chamber
*  July 18th ... Lomatium Canyon
*  July 9th ... Medieval Chamber
*  July 3rd ... Cass Canyon
*  June 25th ... Lomatium Canyon
*  June 24th ... Medieval Chamber
*  June 14th ... Waterpocket Canyon
*  June 6th ... Medieval Chamber
*  May 15th ... Lomatium Canyon
*  May 10th ... Behind the Rocks

In our Canyoneering Trip Reports you can view the images and read the comments of our guests and guides as they journey through Moab's backcountry. The beauty of the area - with its spectacular canyon vistas and challenges along with the emotions they evoke - is presented for you to enjoy in your home or office.

The trip reports listed below may have been from some of your work mates, friends or relatives. They're likely from people you have no clue of. Then again, they might be from you!

Regardless, we hope the thoughts and images below inspire you to venture out here (again?) and experience the desert's highlights with us.

Finally, a very special thanks goes out to all our returning guests! Their fondness for sharing these beautiful canyons with us time and again is the greatest compliment we could ever hope for. Their trips are noted in bold italics. Thank you!

PO Box 1342
Moab, Utah 84532
(800) 747-1342
(435) 259-4433
www.deserthighlights.com
matt@deserthighlights.com

Undercover Canyon ... October 17th, 1999


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"Matt,

I enjoyed the trip to Undercover Canyon enormously. It was a wonderful way to discover one of the 'undiscovered' areas around Moab. The rappelling and scrambling were an exciting start to our holiday and combined with beautiful scenery and great company it made for an excellent day.

Thanks once again."

Judith Pollock
London, England

Medieval Chamber ... October 12th, 1999

"Matt:

I just checked out the pictures on your site from the canyoneering trip into Medieval Chamber last week. You and Michelle did a terrific job with every part of the trip. I can't wait to come West and try another rappel."

Jim Weisgerber
Washington, DC


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Undercover Canyon ... October 10th, 1999


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"Hi Matt,

Just wanted to say that I had a lot of fun on the canyoneering trip. I've hiked down the side of the Grand Canyon before but it's just not the same as attaching yourself to a rope and walking backwards off of a canyon wall. I have to say that it was an awesome experience and I'd sure like to do it again!

We looked at your web site as soon as we got back to Saskatchewan and then I forwarded the URL to all of my friends whom I haven't seen for ages to let them know what I'd been up to. They definitely thought that it was pretty neat. One of them said something about us looking like 'intrepid explorers' and 'national geographicesque' :)

Thanks again."

Heather Hager
Regina, Saskatchewan

Medieval Chamber ... October 9th, 1999

"This desert area is spectacular. The special adaptations to the arid climate, like the cryptobiotic soil are wonderful. It gives dirt an entire new meaning.

I can't believe I'm letting my daughter rappel down a one hundred foot cliff.

'This is fun. I want to do it again' -- teenager daughter and friend.

Kevin likes to dangle, he couldn't stop laughing. I know he can't wait to show all his photographs. Everyone in our group had a great time and everyone wants to do a canyoneering trip again. Thanks again Matt."

Victoria Bond and Kevin Knutson
Salt Lake City, UT


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Medieval Chamber ... October 6th, 1999


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"Matt,

We were very pleased with the trip. So much so that we fully intend to explore another one of your offerings the next time we are in Moab.

We have spent a fair amount of time in Moab hiking and biking, but your trip provided a completely different view of the desert. The rappelling experience was a blast, but the whole experience was highlighted by the unique views and perspectives of this trail.

Thanks again."

Robert Miller & Karyn deKramer
Boise, ID

Waterpocket Canyon ... September 30th, 1999

"Hi Matt,

As novices, we had some concerns about the two rappels that you had in store for us. After an extremely refreshing dunk in the three pools on the way to our first drop, we were ready for anything. The day was exhilarating - to say the least!

Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience. Your guidance was expert, and your patience was great. We have already recommended you to friends who are planning a trip next year. Good luck, and thanks again!"

Tammy, Brad, Jackie & Larry
Phoenix, AZ & Chicago, IL


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Lomatium Canyon ... September 26th, 1999

"Hello Matt,

Our trip with Desert Highlights was our first Utah adventure. Your trip was so much fun, so exciting, the rest of our vacation adventures paled in comparison. Randi and I actually considered calling you the next day to do Medieval Chamber.

Randi and I always strive for at least one truly exciting and challenging adventure when we get together and head for the mountains. Last winter we finally learned how to parallel ski at Copper Mountain. The summer before that we summited Longs Peak and Mt. Elbert. This summer's trip into beautiful Lomatium Canyon exceeded our expectations for enjoyment, excitement and challenge. Your easy-to-get-along-with personality, your knowledge of the environment, and your technical climbing and roping skills gave us great confidence in our guide and contributed to a fantastic day.

I highly recommend Desert Highlights to anyone visiting the Moab area looking for fun and adventure. I can't think of a better way to intimately experience Moab's desert wonders. And that's no B.S. What a great time!"

Terry Herdman
Livonia, MI


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Lomatium Canyon ... September 19th, 1999


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"Hey Matt,

Just wanted to thank you again for an incredible two days. We thoroughly enjoyed our Waterpocket and Lomatium (you mean not everyone gets caught in a flash flood?) excursions. We only wish we had more time to explore the rest of the destinations you offer.

Our relatives and friends can't believe what we did when we showed them the pictures. Thanks again for an unforgettable adventure."

Steve & Amy Waranauskas
Des Plaines, IL

Waterpocket Canyon ... September 16th, 1999


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Cass Canyon ... September 13th, 1999

"Matt,

We did the jeeping, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking and rafting. But for me, the best of all was the canyoning. There is a (northern) English saying of 'You don't get 'owt for nowt' (translation: you do not get anything for nothing). This is very true of the canyoning. It takes a bit of effort, but it is well worth it."

Andrew Jones
Brentwood, England


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Lomatium Canyon ... August 31st, 1999


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"Hiya Matt,

Thanks for an amazing trip. Canyoneering is definitely the way to get to see a different side of the Moab area.

Many thanks to you personally for making our trip an experience to remember. Your confidence, expertise and extremely calm nature made us all relax so that we could enjoy the rappels (which were fantastic!!).

Canyoneering through Lomatium Canyon is a wonderful memory and a definite highlight of our holiday. It was also an excellent way to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We are going to have a tough time next year finding something that will better this one! We WILL be doing another trip in the future, that is definite! All the best."

Peter and Sarah Sheffield
Charlottesville, VA

Medieval Chamber ... August 30th, 1999

"Hi Matt,

Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful trip in (and down and over) the mountains! We ate at the Rio that night. It was wonderful. The margaritas didn't effect us much, I think we were on a higher high from the rappelling! Thanks again!!

You're a wonderful guide. You made us all feel right at home."

Cindi (and Holli, and Karrie and Kathy)
Fort Lauderdale, FL


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Waterpocket Canyon ... August 26th, 1999

"Hey Matt...

No question...our trip was the highlight of our vacation. We will send you pictures. We were all extremely impressed with you and Michelle -- your knowledge, attitudes, preparation and spirit. The fact that both of you were able to get all 10 of us (especially the younger kids) to (literally and figuratively) dive in was amazing.

As I told you, our group approached this with a wide variety of levels of fear, trepidation, etc...but we all finished as enthusiastic as can be. And the kids...wow, what a boost to their confidence levels and egos.

Everyone we met after we left Moab knows about you -- I tried to send them all your way...and we will be back this spring..we should talk soon and start planning.

Thanks again -- Regards to Michelle."

Bruce Goldstein
Wynnewood, PA


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Medieval Chamber ... August 16th, 1999


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"Matt,

Thanks again for an exceptional day that Katie, Suzie and I will never forget (especially Suzie)!

I have visited popular spots in Arches and Canyonlands several times in past years, but I always wanted to explore the hidden canyons of the Moab area. The hiking was spectacular, the rappelling was outrageous and your guiding skills were top notch. I think I asked you about 250 questions that day and you knew the answer to every damn one. Maybe I'll stump you next time.

Thanks for the photos, the stories that we can tell our office-bound friends and making sure that we had a total blast in Moab!"

Paul de Labry
Norwalk, CT

Medieval Chamber ... August 5th, 1999

"Hi Matt,

We had a great time out there with you, exploring the heights and the depths of the mysterious Medieval Chamber. What a thrill it was to make our first rappel into the darkness below. Hiking across the rocks without a trail was spectacular too - especially when we spotted a Great Horned Owl perched close to us.

The second rappel was absolutely the scariest thing I've ever done, edging off the craggy top of an enormous arch high above nothing. Somehow you made us all feel brave and confident. For the kids it was a breeze.

Thank you for the fantastic adventure. It was a day we'll always remember!"

The Kathrein Family
Marge, Reed, Jonathan (Shark Man), Michael and Eric
San Rafael, CA


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Lomatium Canyon ... July 18rd, 1999

"Matt,

My entire family, ages 10 to 53, enjoyed the entire adventure enormously. None of us had ever done this before but we felt at ease & confident because of your manner and obvious expertise. You were good with the kids and constantly gave positive reinforcement to all.

We enjoyed your company, your courtesy, your lunch and your warm and friendly demeanor. But most of all, Matt, we sensed your savvy and knowledge of the techniques and inherent risks of canyoneering and it made us comfortable."

The Curci Family
Joe, Greg, Brian, Chris & Lauren
Doylestown, PA


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Medieval Chamber ... July 9th, 1999


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"Matt,

First of all..... it was a phenomenal trip. We had the best time on it and it was the highlight of my trip to Utah (Park City and Moab). If I ever hear of anyone I know heading out that way, I am going to try to steer them your way. Just can't say enough about it.

Thanks again for a great time!"

Kevin & Nancy
New York, NY

"Hi Matt,

Thanks for a great trip. Rich and I haven't stopped talking about it yet. The drop into Medieval Chamber and again over the arch were spectacular, and even though I was a bit apprehensive, I would do it again in a heartbeat given the opportunity. Your patience and coaching helped both Rich and I feel that we were in good hands for our rappelling adventure.

Thanks again for a great trip. It really topped off our adventure vacation of rafting!"

Pamela & Rich Johnson
Van Horne, IA

Cass Canyon ... July 3rd, 1999

"Hey Matt,

Thanks again for a wonderful trip. The canyon was by far the best part of our vacation. It's a great feeling when you can go someplace not many people visit. Your knowledge and skill were greatly appreciated.

On behalf of Jackie, Tara and Chad thanks so much for a great time. Not only are you an excellent guide, you're also a great guy, too. We're looking forward to another trip in the future."

Mike W.
Denver, CO


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Lomatium Canyon ... June 25th, 1999


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"Matt,

Have not stopped talking about our trip to Moab since we have gotten home. Needless to say your canyoneering trip into Lomatium Canyon was the best.

Mary Ann was very apprehensive about this phase of our trip but you made her feel very at ease with your humour, patience and positive reinforcement. She is ready to go again.

What more can you say. Thanks for the great trip. If we had had more time we would have gone on another trip with you. We were glad we saved this for last as it was the best!"

Jerry, Mary Ann, and Jerry Jr.
Fort Washington, PA

Medieval Chamber ... June 24th, 1999

"Matt,

Without a doubt, our canyoneering trip was the highlight of our trip to the Moab area. And with all of the wonderful things to do in the Moab area that is a huge compliment. Not only was the Medieval Chamber a thrill, it was also absolutely beautiful. Our simultaneous free rappel off the arch is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Finally, your knowledge, skills, sense of humor and most importantly patience as a guide were most appreciated on four beginners.

On behalf of Cari, Annie and Brian, thanks for a truly incredible experience."

Stephen DiTullio
Middleton, WI


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Waterpocket Canyon ... June 14th, 1999

"Hey Matt,

I have climbed mountains in Austria and Seattle. I have been white water rafting, kayaking and all sorts of adventure activities but nothing compares with the excitement and complete enjoyment that I had while canyoneering. I would also like to thank you, Matt, for not only your guidance through the canyons but your insightfulness on the environment and canyoneering techniques.

If any father is looking for a way to connect with his teenage child this adventure is a sure thing. Thanks again Matt and I will contact you again."

Dave S.
Seattle, WA


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Medieval Chamber ... June 6th, 1999


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"Hi Matt,

Thanks again for a great trip. It was by far the highlight of our vacation. The scenery was spectacular and the journey was way cool. We certainly felt very safe doing the canyoneering.

Matt explained everything to us in detail. We never felt like we were doing something beyond our limits. The grub provided was great too. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone seeking some adventure."

Heidi & Russ Turbill
Manchester, NH

Lomatium Canyon ... May 15th, 1999

"Dear Matt,

Kurt and I both wanted to thank you for the wonderful trip we had into Lomatium Canyon. As we came home that evening, we both agreed that this had been the best adventure trip we'd gone on. As you know, we've been everywhere from the Caribbean to Canada to Europe, but although it was just one day this beat them all! It was a combination of enjoying nature's beauty and experiencing an exhilarating new challenge. The views inside the canyon were breathtaking and the rappels were exciting. But what made us truly enjoy ourselves was your patient approach and solid climbing skills. These not only gave us the confidence to try something new, but also the assurance that we were in the hands of a professional.

Thanks again! Hope to see you soon. We've already recommended your company to all of our friends!"

Christa and Kurt Johnson
Evergreen, CO


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Behind the Rocks ... May 10th, 1999


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"Because of Matt's knowledge of the area we were able to hike to places that we would never have found on our own to see arches, petroglyphs and spectacular scenery.

Matt helped us plan in advance the areas we should visit. He tailored the trip to our interests and did not exceed our capabilities.

The spot he picked out to stop for lunch was beautiful enough to be suitable as a movie location."

Barbara & Paul
Chicago, IL