Opinions and proposals are unbiased and merchandise are independently chosen. Postmedia might earn an affiliate fee from purchases made by way of hyperlinks on this web page.
Article content material
My husband and I have been sitting side-by-side on a slender rock ledge simply above a waterfall in a deep canyon close to Abraham Lake whereas our canyoning information, Guillaume Coupier, arrange ropes for us to rappel down. As I watched Coupier expertly descend into the canyon, I used to be feeling a bit apprehensive about my very own descent. That’s when my husband leaned over and advised me he thought this was the proper second for a “kiss selfie.” I believed he was nuts. However I gave him a fast kiss, leaned again in my harness, and rappelled down beside the waterfall. That kiss distracted me simply sufficient to take the sting off.
Commercial 2
Article content material
Article content material
Canyoning, also called Canyoneering, is an journey sport that includes exploring a canyon utilizing a mix of climbing, rappelling, climbing and swimming. The game originated in France within the late nineteenth century and it’s nonetheless extremely in style there. When Coupier, who’s initially from France, got here to Alberta and noticed the Rockies, he fell in love with what he describes as “a phenomenal playground.”
“The purpose of this exercise is to discover the canyon principally by strolling, swimming, leaping and sliding,” Coupier defined earlier than the tour started. “Don’t search for if you happen to hear me shout “rock” and be particularly cautious whenever you’re climbing in shallow water. That’s the place the commonest accidents, twisted ankles and knees, occur.”
After a full security briefing, we equipped in wetsuits and helmets and have been transported to a trailhead the place we started climbing. We adopted our information up the aspect of a mountain till we got here to a spot the place we might safely entry the canyon and the river. Coupier defined that there are a number of canyons to select from close to Nordegg. He selects the canyon based mostly on water ranges, climate and the health and talent ranges of tour members. There are even canyons appropriate for households with youngsters.
Journey Time
Article content material
Commercial 3
Article content material
I proceeded slowly and thoroughly as I hiked alongside the rocky shoreline and within the shallow water of the river. I took our information’s remark about twisting a knee significantly. I’ve executed that earlier than on a ski hill and it resulted in a experience on the “toboggan of disgrace” with the ski patrol. I wasn’t eager on repeating that – ever. Luckily, Coupier was affected person and happy to see his visitors going alongside fastidiously.
Once we got here to smaller rapids and waterfalls, we slid down on our bottoms. Some sections of the river have been deep sufficient to drift down a brief approach, however the tallest waterfalls required rappelling. Our information arrange security ropes utilizing hangers connected to the rock by way of bolts earlier than reducing himself down the waterfall. As soon as he was on the backside, he acted because the belayer for the remainder of the group, managing the rope as a security precaution in case considered one of us slipped or fell.
Our canyoning tour was executed rather well and all of us descended even the tallest waterfall safely – although not solely with out mishaps. As I stood beneath a very tall waterfall making an attempt to take away my gloves so I might take a video of my husband rappelling down, I heard a loud “plunk” and realized I had simply dropped my cellphone into the flowing river. I rapidly recovered the telephone and ensured that it hadn’t damaged on one of many rocks.
Commercial 4
Article content material
After I bought it, I had been advised the telephone was water-proof, however I had by no means actually examined it – till that second. Because it seems, my telephone actually was water-proof and I used to be capable of video my husband descending the waterfall and seize among the different incredible surroundings.
Some time later, I heard one other “plunk” and frantically regarded round to verify I hadn’t dropped the telephone once more. After I heard the sound a 3rd time, I noticed what was taking place. I regarded up and caught my husband throwing a rock into the water and laughing. If he wasn’t such an excellent kisser, I may need determined to finish the wedding then and there.
If You Go:
- Banff Canyoning (.ca) presents guided canyoning excursions close to Abraham Lake and Canmore from mid-Might by way of late September. The corporate additionally presents canyoning programs and winter excursions. There are even kid-friendly canyoning excursions.
- Go to Discover Nordegg and Abraham Lake (.ca) to study different guided excursions, actions and lodging on the jap slopes of the Alberta Rockies.
- We stayed at Expanse Cottages (.com) close to Nordegg.
Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Métis author and a nationwide bestselling creator. Comply with her adventures at www.wanderwoman.ca.
Article content material
