RRG COVID19 considerations?

Hey everyone,

I heard that Miguel’s is closed but does anyone know of other closures or areas or campgrounds at this time?

Thanks,
Joyce

*Addendum: Please see below but there is very little information that is area specific at this time. I’ve been going to RRG for years and do not live in the area and am just looking for a report on what’s going on from people who are local. “The rock will be there” is a fine sentiment but one of the things which makes this a special area are the businesses around it and the climate of how people are doing. Any insight into how everyone is doing and what the locals are doing to keep people safe but steady is what I’m hoping to learn.

......and here we go.  Wait for it in 3 ....2....1.....

Stay in your local area

Stay in Michigan!  Geeze, the rock will be there next time.  Don't spread the disease or overburden the already weak local health system in this rural area.  You're a pariah if you come to the RRG now.  Just wait.  Are you really 34 years old and that freaking self centered still.  Don't risk other people's lives just so you can get that rad send.  Stay the f@ck home!

Joyce L wrote: Hey everyone,

I heard that Miguel’s is closed but does anyone know of other closures or areas or campgrounds at this time?

Thanks,
Joyce

You should read this Joyce.

https://medium.com/@tomaspueyo/coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-die-f4d3d9cd99ca

Fair enough, I literally have no idea. There weren’t any clear posts easier to find because people are probably deleting their posts when people are aggressively hating. Simply stating is enough-it’s just good to have something clear rather than in code. 

Sandy Crimp wrote: Stay in Michigan!  Geeze, the rock will be there next time.  Don't spread the disease or overburden the already weak local health system in this rural area.  You're a pariah if you come to the RRG now.  Just wait.  Are you really 34 years old and that freaking self centered still.  Don't risk other people's lives just so you can get that rad send.  Stay the f@ck home!

Being aggressively hateful is not the answer. You are probably reading into what I wrote way more than what I meant. If you have a personal reaction like this you probably have something else going on so I don’t blame you, but maybe just take a breath. The things that drive a time of concern into a crisis are people who don’t keep their cool and make lines of division. We all want to climb and explore; I appreciate those who are locals who can speak to the climate so maybe we can focus on commonalities bringing us together rather than using language that drives us apart. 

Joyce L wrote: Fair enough, I literally have no idea. There weren’t any clear posts easier to find because people are probably deleting their posts when people are aggressively hating. Simply stating is enough-it’s just good to have something clear rather than in code. 

What?! There have been EXPLICIT messages on every form of social media (and MP) stating not to go to these areas to climb. If you knew Miguel's was closed you should know not to f'king climb there. SMDH

Joyce L wrote:

Being aggressively hateful is not the answer. You are probably reading into what I wrote way more than what I meant. If you have a personal reaction like this you probably have something else going on so I don’t blame you, but maybe just take a breath. The things that drive a time of concern into a crisis are people who don’t keep their cool and make lines of division. We all want to climb and explore; I appreciate those who are locals who can speak to the climate so maybe we can focus on commonalities bringing us together rather than using language that drives us apart. 

Umm you’re side stepping your original post. You want to travel to a rural area to go climbing? Amidst a global pandemic. And no people shouldn’t panic and act like asshats, but they also shouldn’t be traveling to other areas potentially crippling a community, so you can go rock climbing on their routes.

Wait.  

Joyce L wrote: Hey everyone,

I heard that Miguel’s is closed but does anyone know of other closures or areas or campgrounds at this time?

Thanks,
Joyce

To retain the OP. 

I work 14+ hour days and not from home. I don’t have time to scour Facebook pages or all the secondary news media that happens to have information on the Red. There’s not even any info on the RRGCC site about how things are. Unlike many people who may be bored out of their minds at home, I don’t have time to obsess and troll others on forums. If you look at my old posts, I haven’t really been active in years but clearly things are not as friendly as before. At no point did I suggest that I nor anyone else should visit. I’m sure lots of people wish they could but can’t-please don’t project your frustrations onto me. I don’t know if there have been other posts in this Southern States forum that have also been bullied into deletion but I’m not going to delete anything here.  Unlike Will B, I AM a scientist and I go to work every day to improve the lives and health of others, especially as this situation is unfolding. I won’t be checking back on this forum and it can just be a troll hole as an outlet for those who clearly need to vent as part of their coping process. MP used to be such a chill community for discussion and sharing.  What happened?

So, you found a place to camp?

Joyce L wrote: I work 14+ hour days and not from home. I don’t have time to scour Facebook pages or all the secondary news media that happens to have information on the Red. There’s not even any info on the RRGCC site about how things are. Unlike many people who may be bored out of their minds at home, I don’t have time to obsess and troll others on forums. If you look at my old posts, I haven’t really been active in years but clearly things are not as friendly as before. At no point did I suggest that I nor anyone else should visit. I’m sure lots of people wish they could but can’t-please don’t project your frustrations onto me. I don’t know if there have been other posts in this Southern States forum that have also been bullied into deletion but I’m not going to delete anything here.  Unlike Will B, I AM a scientist and I go to work every day to improve the lives and health of others, especially as this situation is unfolding. I won’t be checking back on this forum and it can just be a troll hole as an outlet for those who clearly need to vent as part of their coping process. MP used to be such a chill community for discussion and sharing.  What happened?

Joyce,

Sorry you had to experience the ugliness of the Mob. There has been a lot of hostility on these forums over the virus. Sounds like you asked an innocent question and got reamed for it.

Joyce L wrote: I work 14+ hour days and not from home. I don’t have time to scour Facebook pages or all the secondary news media that happens to have information on the Red. There’s not even any info on the RRGCC site about how things are. Unlike many people who may be bored out of their minds at home, I don’t have time to obsess and troll others on forums. If you look at my old posts, I haven’t really been active in years but clearly things are not as friendly as before. At no point did I suggest that I nor anyone else should visit. I’m sure lots of people wish they could but can’t-please don’t project your frustrations onto me. I don’t know if there have been other posts in this Southern States forum that have also been bullied into deletion but I’m not going to delete anything here.  Unlike Will B, I AM a scientist and I go to work every day to improve the lives and health of others, especially as this situation is unfolding. I won’t be checking back on this forum and it can just be a troll hole as an outlet for those who clearly need to vent as part of their coping process. MP used to be such a chill community for discussion and sharing.  What happened?

What exactly were you suggesting by asking if camping or climbing areas were open? Just curious? If so, why not do some further (simple) research, like, oh IDK, look at Miguel's social media, AAC's social media, etc...

James S wrote: Joyce,

Some of these people are prepared to spend the rest of their lives in their home to prevent death, while at the same time never living.  Don't take their comments seriously. They are just a bunch of miserable people projecting their misery on you.

So your actually advocating for people to go climb outside during this pandemic? In particular a place like Slade, KY which has a small and fragile community?

I just canceled my kids spring break trip,
they will be out of school for several months.

please stay home people.
It may save your grandmas life!

This is pretty funny.

When I asked if campgrounds were open, I was just doing research on the economy! I NEVER meant to suggest I might go there. Why do people assume the worst nowadays?

FYI - PSA from Red River Climbers on Facebook:

Fellow climbers, we find ourselves in an important and difficult time, rightfully so, members of our community have a lot to say regarding Covid-19, in order to consolidate things we won't accept anymore new posts regarding the Corona virus and instead future discussion can take place in the comments on this thread.
I'll attempt to summarize the thoughts of the local climbing community here, though of course I cannot speak for everyone.
TRAVELING CLIMBERS, including the many climbers who consider themselves locals from nearby cities like Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati, we understand the desire to travel and climb in what is usually a very busy season here, we also appreciate the desire to get outside in light of work or school cancelations leaving many with extra free time, HOWEVER please consider your potential impact on the local community here in the Red. The Red River Gorge area consists of several small intertwined communities with large elderly populations, and high percentage of smokers leaving the locals here particularly vulnerable to the virus. Also consider that the nearest hospitals, Clark Regional and UK, are nearly an hour away for many residents. Be conscious of the impact you may have not just at the crag but also at gas stations, restaurants, campgrounds, and any other place you might come in contact with people outside of your own group.
Several organizations have encouraged folks to stay home for the time being including, RRGCC (PMRP and Miller Fork) , Muir Valley, Wolfe County Search and Rescue, as well as national organizations like the Access Fund and American Alpine Club.
Miguel's Campground, gear shop, and restaurant are closed, Sky Bridge Station is closing, other restaurants that remain open have switched to carry out only.
If you'd like to support businesses in the Red during this time, please consider buying a gift card for future trips.
Here are some common sense suggestions regarding social distancing for those that refuse the overwhelming advice of the aforementioned organizations.
1. Climb in small parties of 2-3 people.
2. Buy all your groceries in advance, avoid stopping in the Red for groceries, gas, or other reasons.
3. Do not come or camp in large groups a party of more than 4 is large.
4. Dial it back, don't take risks. Search and Rescue and Hospitals do not need to be burdened with injuries from your recreational pursuits right now.
5. Avoid popular areas, don't climb next to other parties.
6. Disinfect hands and shoes before and after each climb.
Everyone stay healthy and safe, we look forward to seeing you here soon!

Stay home, train, do not get sick and send hard stuff in 1-2 months