Moving rocks at Northwest Branch

Today was a gorgeous day for a bit of trail work at Northwest branch, with clear skies and a cool breeze keeping us comfortable throughout the day.  With projects planned by local Paul Barringer and the Mid-Atlantic Climbers, we were fortunate to be working under the expert direction of Jeff and Dave, the Access Fund's traveling conservation team.  Jeff and Dave are traveling around the country from February to November, assisting with conservation and improvements at climbing areas from internationally known destinations like the Red River Gorge to small local spots like Northwest Branch.

Their main project this weekend is the improvement of the trail leading down from the parking lot, constructing steps for erosion control as well as safety.  Finding that most of the suitable rocks were on the other side of the river, they set up a tyrolean to send them across.

Some were already perfectly sized, while others required the use of hammers and a drill run by a portable generator to make them more manageable.

At least until I broke the hammer...

After clearing out some of the small rocks to create even surfaces, we laid a few of the larger rocks into place before calling it a day.

There's still a good bit of work to do though, so if anyone feels like coming out tomorrow (Saturday), we'll be back out there starting around 9:00 to finish up.  Jeff and Dave and the Mid-Atlantic Climbers will also be at Northwest Branch starting around 2:00 on Sunday for an open house event, where they'll be talking about this weekend's work in addition to past and future projects.  It also looks like we'll have great weather for a bit of bouldering, and would be a great opportunity for anyone who's been wanting to check out what Northwest Branch has to offer.  Speaking of which, I've been working on transitioning the NWB materials on this blog into an updated guide, and the current draft (posted here) is about 50% complete.  I'd love any feedback anyone has about formatting, fonts, or any of that other fancy stuff.

Better head off and rest up for tomorrow, but can't wait for another great day of work at some of my favorite boulders!

Rockfest 2012

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!

Florida roadtrip and sweet new t-shirts!

After a bit over two weeks without climbing due to a pulled lower back, I'm officially starting to get a bit restless.  The timing seemed especially bad considering I was just on spring break last week, but at least walking still felt okay and I was able to spend a few days doing all of the fun tourist stuff in DC that I don't otherwise make time for.  I also took a roadtrip down to Florida for the first screening of Live the Dream, Seth Warren's new film about my sister Sara learning to hang glide, which I interviewed them about last week.  They really did an incredible job on the film, shown Saturday night at the peaceful Wallaby Ranch to a bbq stuffed crowd before everyone danced the moonlit night away.

Along the way my mom gave Sara our dad's old flight log...

 And I got to take a flight of my own!

                                                                                             Photo: Pennie Close

Still, after a couple days on the road, it was nice to make it back home yesterday.  I was especially excited to see that two t-shirts I was waiting for had arrived in the mail.

The shirt on the left is from Leave No Trace and that on the right from Access Fund, both of which I received for recent membership renewal.  For those who may not be aware, both organizations work hard to support those of us who spend much of our recreational time outdoors.  While most people are familiar with the concept of "leaving no trace," many don't realize that Leave No Trace is also an organization that works to promote responsible outdoor activity, and puts a heavy emphasis on education.  Access Fund, on the other hand, is an organization that is more specifically linked to climbing.  They help to develop policies for climbing management, aid in conservation efforts at climbing areas, and work with land owners to keep climbing access open.  At times they have also been able to buy land previously closed to climbing, and reopen it under a responsible management system.

In addition to the national work that the Access Fund does, it supports the work of local and regional affiliates such as the Mid-Atlantic Climbers.  These are the groups that organize most of our local cleanup and area care events, such as the MAC's upcoming Rockfest.  While the Mid-Atlantic Climbers' events are all free and open to non-members, those who are frequent attendees of the events should definitely consider joining.  By signing up for Access Fund membership through this link, you can simultaneously sign up for membership in the Mid-Atlantic Climbers or other local groups, and the Access Fund will give 40% of your membership fee to the group you specify.  That money then goes directly toward the cost of the events they put on.  Helping two groups with one donation, and getting a free t-shirt out of it?  Now that's money well spent!

Rockfest 2012- Rocks State Park

In a little less than a month, the Mid-Atlantic Climbers will be hosting their annual Rockfest event, scheduled for Saturday April 21st at Rocks State Park.  What is Rockfest?  It's similar to the other Adopt-A-Crag style events hosted by the MAC, with plans for trailwork and other area improvements, but with one major difference.  Rather than the usual morning of work followed by afternoon of climbing, Rockfest is a two-day event, with nearby camping for volunteers who want to hang around for some Sunday fun on the rocks.  Volunteers will also be provided with lunch and dinner Saturday, and breakfast Sunday.  And if three free meals aren't enough, there's always the chance to score some sweet new gear in the post-dinner raffle, all before settling down for an evening of movie entertainment.  Okay, so maybe there are a few differences!

Rockfest will be held rain or shine, and camping is limited to 75 volunteers, so register early to reserve your space.  Be sure to dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes for work on or off the trails.  Gloves and all tools will be provided.

Hope to see you out there!