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WATER CANYONS OF MEXICO ACA RENDEZVOUS IN THE SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAINS OUTSIDE MONTERREY by John Hart www.crystalcanyons.net May. 20, 2005 (Click on any image for a larger version and a description)
INTRODUCTION Chuy Guerrero (pictured above), and friends, and Rich Carlson, and the American Canyoneering Association (the ACA) organized a get-together of about 70 canyoneers who congregated outside Santiago, Mexico, some 20 miles or so from Monterrey. The goals were to descend some spectacular water-canyons in the Sierra Madre mountains, meet new enthusiasts, and share stories and slides at evening festivities. The weather was good, though typically rainy in the afternoon. On one day the rains were so torrential that the dirt access roads became impassible (or, for some desperate drivers it was quite an adventure!). Thanks are due to everyone who worked to setup and run this event, especially with its difficult logistics involving so many people. The canyons were very beautiful, not ferociously difficult, and a lot of fun! Enjoy the pictures.
CHIPITIN
Unfortunately the upper half of Chipitin was dry. One can imagine veils of water cascading down the rounded limestone domes that are a feature of the upper part canyon of Chipitin. But lower down the route a flowing side-canyon entered, leading to a great waterslide into a hanging pool just before the 250 foot waterfall-drop finale. Our group broke this last move up into a guided rappel and tree-rap down into the small lake at the bottom of a lush grotto.
Along the way.
The Guided Rappel.
The Chipitin Group.
MATACANES Matacanes (Mat - a - can - iss) Canyon was the premiere gig. A spectacularly beautiful canyon, it's river goes underground through caves that feature numerous (small to large) limestone showerheads that pour water down into the canyon. These "Matacanes" are, according to cavers familiar with the area, relatively unusual and unique. The caves and tunnels were just the frosting on the cake. Clear emerald-blue water, fantastic short and medium jumps (to about 30 feet, but including one in the dark inside the cave!), and pounding waterslides, all added to the excitement. People like canyons for various reasons (beauty, water, technical difficulty, etc.), and it's hard if not foolhardy to try and compare them because they are often so very different. Nonetheless, Matacanes is certainly in my top five list. FWIW the others are Trou de Fer and Takamaka (Reunion Is.), Deer Creek (USA, Grand Canyon), and Llech (Pyrenees Orientale), in no particular order. But, Matacanes! What a treat!!
The entry rap.
Approaching the first cave, water starts pouring in through lush vegetation.
Jumping a waterfall puts you in the pool leading into the second cave system.
Geologic features and several Matacanes.
Into the play.
Oh Yeah.
Cascades, slides, beautiful water, and our group at the second cave exit.
We all loved this place! Thanks again Chuy and Rich, et. al.
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