Fall Climbing

OVERVIEW

This Sunday’s forecast is about as perfect as you can get for climbing: Mostly sunny and 60 degrees! So lets make the most of it.

Franklin has routes from 5.7 to 5.12a at the main walls, up to 5.13 I think at the riverbend area. We’ll be at the main walls! There are good quality routes as low as 5.8. Put your indoor climbing to the test! Almost all the routes are sport, so if you can lead sport, bring it on.

Franklin faces south/southwest, so some of the rock will be in the sun but you will not be when you’re sitting at the bottom. Dress appropriately! You’ll want layers so you can take some off when you climb. And even though the forecast says sun, don’t forget rain gear. A headlamp or a flashlight is a good idea too, even though we’re not planning on being out after dark. Also be sure to bring at least 2 liters of water and a lunch. A stop along the way to pick up lunch/coffee at Sheetz is a near certainty. The rock might be cold, so if you’re prone to cold fingers it would be a good idea to go get some of those charcoal hand warmer things (Blue Ridge will have them) to put in your chalk bag. We might stop for dinner on the way back, hence the late end time. There’s a good pizza place in Brandywine, Fox’s. Or, if you’re a connoisseur of pizza, there’s a better (and more expensive and farther and slower) one in Harrisonburg that I forget the name of.

If I can arrange enough drivers and there is enough interest, I’ll expand the trip size. I know lots of you have been waiting to get out!

Trip Requirements: Able to tie in, belay top rope, and climb 5.8 inside.

Club provides: Climbing gear, ga$ money.

You provide: Any climbing gear you own (harness, shoes, etc), appropriate clothing, water, pack lunch, sturdy shoes for the approach, camera, $ for dinner.