Rappelling Proposal

Here’s a proposal for you, let’s go rappelling!

Caution

Rock climbing and rappelling is dangerous. This area is slick when wet or snowy and has seen some significant trauma. Serious injuries and even death are possible with a neglective attitude. Only attempt this geocache if you have rock climbing training and equipment. You have been cautioned.

History

On this very slab on leap day, while rappelling and struggling to play guitar poorly, I proposed to the love of my life. She said yes to the leap of faith. We wanted to share this great spot with you. This is a short basalt cliff band that was deposited from the Yellowstone hotspot when our tectonic plate was dragged over the top. To the North East (shady side), and the South East (sunny side) are more developed basalt cliff bands complete with bolts, seats, toilets and trash cans. They host the oldest climbing contest in the U.S., Pocatello Pump, and are great for beginning climbers (with a guide).

The Approach

From the parking lot at Lower Ross park, cross the road and follow a gently sloping trail heading North to the top of the cliff band. You are now faced with the five main methods to find this cache:

1 - Rappel) This is the easiest and recommended method. Either use a three point anchor to the three trees atop the cliff, or a five point trad anchor using the deep cracks near the trees. Remember to use redundancy, like a Klemheist and complete your ‘B.A.R.K.’ check.

2 - Top rope) Set up a similar anchor to the rappel, but make sure to extend the anchor over the cliff edge to reduce rope drag. There are a number of "shelves" to overcome, so make sure to extend the anchor plenty. There is a fence post nearby, owned by the zoo. It's strong, but I don't have permission for us to use it. Ask your belayer to give you a constant wedgie. Nobody wants to be penduluming here.

3) - Lead climb) With no bolts, you are left with trad climbing. Cams, tri-cams, nuts, and hexes all work great in the cracks here. Best leave those pitons at home. Due to the shelf like nature of this section, place protection every 2 - 4 feet or be willing to hit the ground. The best climbers are the safe ones, they can keep climbing.

4) - Bouldering) Discouraged. The previous hiding spot was a V1 difficulty boulder problem, but the new one is a V3R difficulty. The 'R' indicates falling here would not be fun, bouncing from shelf to shelf. If you absolutely must do so, I beg of you to use bouldering pads and bring some spotters.

5) - Flood and float) For the very patient, wait for a colossal flood and sail over to the cache.

Your Target

You are looking for a black duct tape covered pill bottle. Note how deep the cache is placed so you can return it home safe from the muggles.

Housekeeping

As with most geocachers, those who hide them want them to be found. If you have any issues questions, concerns, or crumpet recipes, please message me.

FTF glory goes to rerb!!!

Inside this geocache you will find three flashcoins. They are not trade items but are there to help you toward the bonus cache at GCBF2ZP