On Saturday the
Mid-Atlantic Climbers hosted their annual Rockfest event, moving it from its previous location in Shenandoah to Rocks State Park in Maryland. Unfortunately, what didn't change was the traditional forecast for bad weather! Still, despite a likelihood of daytime thunderstorms and a certain downpour overnight, an incredible 68 volunteers turned up for a day of trail maintenance and other much needed work.
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
Starting around 10 in the morning, volunteers took on a variety of projects, including trash removal around the climbing areas and on some of the trails.
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
They also worked to remove some of the invasive plant species in the area, taking care to avoid the plentiful poison ivy.
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
Around noon, everyone stopped for a delicious cookout provided by
Earth Treks.
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
Refueled for the next few hours, some of the volunteers did an incredible bit of work on a section of split trail, improving one side and erasing all evidence of the other.
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
Others helped to build a natural play area, which included rocks, stumps, hollowed out logs, and a "bird's nest" made from vines woven through wooden posts.
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
By the end of the afternoon, everyone was satisfied with their work and happy the weather had cooperated, even if a bit of rain would have made them look less like coal miners...
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
Returning to the pavilion, the volunteers were treated to a filling burrito dinner, courtesy of the
Solid Rock Climbers For Christ. There was also a tray of delicious brownies and cookies that were theoretically dessert, even though mine only made it about five steps!
 |
| Photo: Mark 'Indy' Kochte |
As volunteers soothed hungry stomachs, items were raffled off from sponsors such as
Friksn,
Earth Treks,
Osprey, and the
Access Fund. Even with 68 volunteers, everyone walked away with something, and it looked like there were even extras leftover.
A few people decided to slackline after dinner, and others went out to climb, knowing the weather would be no good the next day. Eventually the rain started to come down though, and its intensity more than made up for the good weather we had experienced earlier. Those few who were planning to stay overnight started to set up their tents, while others ran for the cover of the pavilion.
We hung out by the fire as darkness started to fall, then finished off the evening with a selection of outdoor films, all of them made by or featuring local climbers. Among those shown were
Zanskar Odyssey and
Count to Six and Die from Jason Kehl,
Climb Through It from Shawn Seifert, and
Playgrounds Re-Imagined from Seth Warren. Admittedly a bit heavy on the bouldering side of things, but a great evening of entertainment nonetheless. A huge thanks to Jason, Shawn, and Seth for sharing their work with us!
After the films I decided to head home, but a few brave individuals stayed around and camped through the rain, waking to a final breakfast together before heading their separate ways. Weather aside, it was an awesome event, and I'm looking forward to joining the Mid-Atlantic Climbers for their next one. Thanks to everyone who put in so much hard work! Also, a special thanks to Mark 'Indy' Kochte for running all around to document the day's happenings, and for the use of his photos here. It's good to have our own paparazzi!
No comments:
Post a Comment