Spring Break at the Red River Gorge

OVERVIEW

Once upon a time two years ago, the club led a pretty darn successful trip the Red River Gorge. Because I can’t improve on those plans, I’m gonna let the past help me out a bit here. Deets and psych courtesy of the legendary Andrew Cassidy, circa 2013:

Don’t have any plans for break? Come to Kentucky to climb LOTS ‘O ROCKS. All of the rocks. No other rocks are important.

Ok, that might be a little bit over zealous, but in all seriousness the Red River Gorge is a world-class climbing destination that is within a (relatively) easy driving distance of our dear Charlottesville. It draws beginners and professionals, sport climbers and trad climbers alike. With hundreds of areas and thousands of climbs to choose from, I can’t think of a better way to spend our break.

The plan is to depart from Charlottesville on the afternoon of Friday, March 6th (time TBD), and drive the 7 hours to Slade, Kentucky. We will climb Saturday through Tuesday, then depart Wednesday the 13th to return to Charlottesville by the afternoon/early evening.

We will stay at Miguel’s Pizza, the epicenter of climbing in the Southeast. Miguel’s is a pizza joint with a fully-equipped campground attached, where the majority of climbers in the area spend their evenings. There are two options for lodging: camp outside, or pay a little extra for a cheap room above the bathhouses. We will discuss the options and decide if we want to pay more for warmth. Check out what Miguel’s has to offer here: http://www.miguelspizza.com/

We will choose our climbing areas based on the weather and overall skill of the group. These will probably be decisions made as a group the night before each day. If you’d like to scout out some sick climbs, check out the online guidebook at: http://www.redriverclimbing.com/RRCGuide/

REQUIREMENTS:
–Though the Red River Gorge is relatively beginner friendly, for the good of the group I am going to require some climbing experience. Leading experience is not necessary, but you must be able to climb at 5.10 cleanly on top rope, and you must be able to top-rope belay. I will waitlist everyone to screen for skills. If you have a question about whether or not you should sign up, email me.
–A HIGH LEVEL OF PSYCH. This place is awesome, let’s act like we’re happy to be there

You provide:
–Personal climbing gear if you have it: shoes, harness, chalk bag, rope and draws if you have them
–Personal camping gear if you have it: sleeping bag, pad, tent, headlamp if you have them
–Money or food for the drive AND the whole trip (we can discuss group cooking)
–Optional: Extra cash for a room at Miguel’s
–water bottles (LOTS of them)
–WARM CLOTHES. It’ll probably in the 60s during the day, but it can get darn chilly at night. Don’t be caught unawares.
–Rain gear. BE PREPARED.

Club provides:
–any climbing or camping gear you don’t have
–10 dollars per person per night for lodging.
–A ride, and up to $150 of gas money for drivers.

I’m putting a $40.00 fee, just because it is always best to have cash and stay safe.

If you have any questions/concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.