I'm a little scared...
It's normal to feel apprehensive before an outdoor activity, especially if it's your first time and you're imagining the risks you're facing.
Knowing what happens on a canyoning excursion is the ideal solution to the problem of having to make a decision. Therefore, below you'll find a list of the activities you'll do on this type of excursion.
This is what you'll do on a canyoning excursion at Forra del Casco:
Walking inside the canyon.
"Never jump!"
To cross the canyon's rocky corridor, you'll often have to simply walk.
If the path the stream has carved becomes a little more difficult, you'll have to use your hands to help you. Nothing really difficult.
In this process, the only precaution you need to take, besides the usual care not to fall, is to never jump into the streambed.
The risk you run, given that the water loses clarity as we pass due to the debris we kick up as we walk, and given that the ground is uneven because we're in a natural environment, is that of spraining our ankles.
This danger, however, can be avoided simply by always avoiding jumping.
Diving.
"There aren't any on this course!"
There's always water in the Casco Canyon stream, no matter the season.
The flowing stream creates a cool, active atmosphere that gives this canyon an aura of vitality.
A rappelling beneath the waterfalls is truly captivating.
The water at its highest point reaches about waist-deep, so there's no need to dive.
So, if you're afraid of diving... you have no reason to be here!
Abseling
"Go! Nothing can happen to you!"
Rope descents are always emotionally strong for those who try them for the first time because you have to expose yourself to the void and rely on materials that don't look very reassuring (fabric ribbons, very light carabiners, nails that come out of the holes leaving questions about how firmly they are tied to the rock).
In reality, high-level technology has been circulating around canyoning materials for years and has collected an enormous amount of data on safety and reliability.
The descent techniques have also been greatly refined.
The "Abseiling" (roping descent) is truly the least risky moment.
That rush of adrenaline that the void beneath us offers us should only be enjoyed.
In any case, it should be remembered that:
- All LIFE Outdoors material is approved.
- The descent techniques are classic canyoning techniques recognized as safe by the entire canyoning world.
- The instructors boast decades of experience and a very high number of outings done.
Therefore face your rope descents with great safety. If you have no fear, it's better. If you are afraid don't miss this opportunity to overcome it and say... "I did it!"
Approach path.
"Keep your pace and don't pay attention to the others!"
To reach the start of the Forra del Casco stream, you need to hike along a trail of about 30 minutes.
The trail is popular with hikers because it offers views of rare beauty where it opens out into the valley below.
This trail has existed since the Middle Ages and was the connecting road between the Papal States and the Grand Duchy of Spoleto.
It is never particularly difficult. In the final stretch, there is the opportunity to stop at a small stream where you can drink and refresh yourself.
Only in the final section, a winding uphill section becomes somewhat challenging.
When walking in a group, it is good practice to maintain your own pace and not be influenced by the pace of others. This applies both to those who are going faster, who push us to make greater efforts, and to those who are going slower, who force us to slow down and lengthen our travel time.
The natural rest stops along the way (panoramic points, streams where you can drink) will help bring the group back together.
