Love for Climbers, Disdain for Locked Gates

I have to take a second to brag upon our tribe in NC and the greater southeast. Hopefully this doesn't come off as personally boastful- but taking a look back at several experiences that I have shared with others in just this calendar year has shown me just how incredible many people in our tribe can be, and I felt compelled to share these experiences.

In December, Conserving Carolina and Carolina Climbers Coalition worked together to honor John Myers, a long time conservationist and access advocate. An event drawing hundreds of people honored John's work and spirit and called for the official opening/ climber access of the Gerton Ice- now known as the John Myers Rock and Ice Climbing Area. John was able to be at the event, but was unable to speak due to his battle with ALS. John passed away 2 months later. His spirit will be forever honored in the stewardship of the land and recreational access to it. A few weeks before he passed was one of the best ice spells we have seen in a decade. John was reportedly very pleased to know that climbers could now legally ascend the frozen falls. Thinking of him looking up from the parking lot and seeing a little moving dot on the ice gives me chills. 

In February, the CCC hosted The Rumble at Rumbling Bald. Hundreds of climbers came. The town of Lake Lure came alive in a typically dead season. Businesses were supported. Land managers, business owners, and rescue workers saw the benefits of climbing in the Lake Lure region, and saw that climbers were largely a tribe of thoughtful people, hopefully resulting in future expanded access in the region.

A few months ago, I was able to work with the NC Wildlife Commission on peregrine closures at North Cedar. We worked together to ensure that the falcons would be protected but the fewest amount of climbing routes were closed. It was a win for the birds and a win for climbing.

A few weeks ago, Friends of Chimney Rock and the CCC hosted a trail day at Rumbling Bald. Instead of going climbing, a good number of folks showed up to aid in erosion mitigation on a trail to the Hanging Chain Wall. The fact that we had permission to work here was a milestone in itself- it took us nearly 10 years of trust building to get permission to work on areas not on the official loop trail. My two kids went (ages 4 and 6). My daughter lost a tooth. We watched the chocolate trillium come up. Sawed on some downed trees, climbed a boulder or two.

Three weeks ago, a friend showed me a new crag he was working on developing. The crag was on public land and had a thoughtful approach. He shared several potential routes, and we completed some new ones. I brought some other friends, some even first time climbers. They loved it. They may join the tribe.

Last weekend in Asheville's Black Dome Mountain Sports there was an event honoring the pioneers of NC climbing. The event featured a 10 minute film on the history of Stone Mt. climbing. Many of the original Stone pioneers were there. Money was raised for the CCC thanks to several sponsors and thanks to the awesome people there contributing to access. Black Dome created the Carolina Climbing Museum recently- go visit.

Last weekend, I was able to attend the Access Fund and CACC's Summit event on sustainable climbing at Breaks. The weekend kicked off with the head ranger discussing how the park has been largely reliant on a coal economy. The coal economy has had a large down fall and the park has suffered. They see climbing as their new economy. And they are right in thinking this. Breaks will be a new destination. The AF workshop included incredible presenters about building sustainable trails, bolt replacement, working with land managers for the sake of climbing access, the economic impacts of climbing on towns like Slade, KY, conservation and cliff ecology. New partnerships were made. Climbers spent the weekend talking to land managers and trying to figure out how we could make our areas more sustainable- right outside the window were miles of virgin cliffs- but the beta inside was far more pertinent.

In the above events- I was mostly just a witness to them and not a catalyst of them- but they are just the tip of the iceberg. In 14 years of climbing in NC and 7 years of being a part of the CCC, you can basically hit rinse and repeat on the above. My point in writing is, I am grateful for y'all, and grateful for what my friend Doc calls "our tribe". Cheers!

Very inspiring - thanks for the most excellent report!

Thanks for the upbeat post Mike
You rock!

Nice summary Mike! This is only one small sampling of the great work being done by climbers in the SE and USA. Anybody that feels inspired by these works and wants to lead the charge, the Carolina Climbers is always looking for new blood on our board. All ages and experience levels welcome. Send us a message saying you are interested, or show up to one of our many events in the area.

Inspiring stuff man! Miss the community down there!

Thanks for the info Mike.  The community here in the Southeast is amazing.  Proud to call it my home climbing area.

This is good use of mountain project.  Thanks Mike, hope to see you around the state.  

Outstanding work Mike!  Thanks to you and everyone else out there contributing to the cause!