Took a chance on the weather today after a week of arctic temperatures and snow, and headed out to do old favourites Penrose Gully and Tigersnake. I took new friend Glen from my gym and met Rod at the carpark. Was dismayed to see a busload of punters getting ready to depart, but never saw then again all day after doing a leisurely trip through Penrose gully first.
This was Glen's first trip with us, and his first through PG. As always, a fun diversion on the way to Tigersnake. Then on to Tigersnake, again a first for Glen. Already a competent canyoneer, he was happy to join Rod and I downclimbing through Tigersnake instead of rapping. There was a larger than usual pool waiting on the canyon floor which we avoided until the slippery abseil/ slither /jump/fall down into the permanent pool. Interesting to see that a fixed handline has been placed here which we were happy to use. Rod and Glen resigned themselves to wet feet, but being a girl (sook) and much older (sook), I opted to remove my shoes and socks. We chimneyed the rest of the upper constriction and downclimbed to the top of the tree root downclimb which was negotiated easily.
We called lunch here before the abseil in order to ensure the punters stayed ahead as they were rather a large group. We reached the lower constriction, and chose to rap the dry way in instead of the more interesting short rap which would have undoubtedly resulted in wet trousers (sook). We walked back up to the section we bypassed and climbed all the way back up to the abseil we'd missed. On the way back, we climbed up onto the natural bridge over an impressive arch for a photo shoot. Once back out into the open, we found the cave near the exit that I had heard about and spent a little time exploring and relaxing.
Back to the cars and glad to feel the heater soon warming our cold bones - it was only 6 degrees. But it was a top day and the company was second to none. Even if Rod did sneak a rabbit ears photo on me in the dark. Thanks mate.........
http://imageevent.com/jburton/canyons/penrosetigersnake160808Julie
