Thursday, December 31, 2009

Phoebe Canyon, West Matukituki Valley

Nic and I were feeling a little water-logged from the full conditions up near the divide, so we retreated to Wanaka hoping for slightly drier canyons.

After some ringing around for info and permisison seeking, we started off on a trip to Phoebe Canyon.

The walk in was a reasonably steep scramble, but without too many 'uncontrolled dirt slides' we made it into the stream.

The canyon began very abruptly just a little way downstream and we were immeadiately committed to this deep, steep and dark canyon.

There were some good bolts and some sketchy bolts, plus a few pitches with no bolts. Though we had our hand drill kit prepared, there was always just enough to rig from during the descent.

Despite seeming like less water, the steep vertical character of the canyon made for some impressive rappels and water features. On most pitches the view from the top was very intimidating, but during the pitch you only got blasted for a short few meters. The water usually shot out from the wall at some point, allowing you to sneak under and descend without getting pummelled. There were still plenty of hydraulics at the base of the falls, requiring some careful rope management and hard swimming.

After 6 hrs and about 12 drops to 35m, we completed the trip. Pleased to be done, but very glad to have visited.




Nic scrambling out from a little 'cave' caused by rockfall


Phoebe is deep, dark and pretty cold...


Nic manages to rap away from the water on this pitch


Dodging the harsh water jet


Inspecting 'the mother of all slides'


Entering the subterranean section


A log jam not too far from the end

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