Los Alamos Mountaineer Sarah Gustafson descends on a Tyrolean Traverse during a canyoneering workshop April 18 at the Los Conchas trailhead. Photo by John Sarracino
Peggy Reneau of the Los Alamos Mountaineers descends on a Tyrolean Traverse during a canyoneering workshop April 18 at the Los Conchas trailhead. Photo by John Sarracino
Rich Carlson discusses proper rigging for a double rappel with Los Alamos Mountaineers members Mike Altherr and Dave Hand while Sarah Gustafson, Melanie Hand and other LAM members look on during a canyoneering workshop April 18 at the Los Conchas trailhead. Photo by John SarracinoMOUNTAINEERS News:
The Los Alamos Mountaineers (LAM) hosted a canyoneering field workshop April 18 led by noted guide and instructor Rich Carlson. Carlson is considered by many to be the father of American canyoneering and has a reputation as the most experienced professional canyoneering guide and instructor in the United States.
Canyoneering is a sport of traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques, often with the aid of ropes and harnesses for rappelling down steep, unclimbable walls and sometimes in the presence of flowing or standing water.
The workshop included practicing rescue techniques, techniques for rappelling into fast-moving water, guided rappelling to avoid obstacles, double rappelling to assist an injured member, and practice with a Tyrolean Traverse. A Tyrolean Traverse is a method of crossing through free space between two high points on a rope.
Sixteen members of the Mountaineers attended the all-day workshop. Future workshops are planned in advance of the Mountaineers’ trip to Zion National Park this July. More information about the Mountaineers may be found at lamountaineers.org.
Mike Altherr and Dave Hand of the Los Alamos Mountaineers practice a double rappel during a canyoneering workshop April 18 at the Los Conchas trailhead. Photo by John Sarracino 
Norbert Ensslin (blue helmet) and Dan Creveling (white helmet) of the Los Alamos Mountaineers discuss canyoneering rigging techniques as Melanie and Dave Hand listen during a workshop April 18 at the Los Conchas trailhead. Photo by John Sarracino
Dan Creveling of the Los Alamos Mountaineers leads a Tyrolean Traverse during a canyoneering workshop April 18 at the Los Conchas trailhead. Photo by John Sarracino
Melanie Hand of the Los Alamos Mountaineers descends on a Tyrolean Traverse during a canyoneering workshop April 18 at the Los Conchas trailhead. Photo by John Sarracino
Ron Morgan of the Los Alamos Mountaineers descends on a Tyrolean Traverse during a canyoneering workshop April 18 at the Los Conchas trailhead.. Photo by John Sarracino