Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Upcoming Climbing Competition

Hocking College Outdoor Pursuits

Student Climbing Competition

What:

Hocking College Climbing Competition

“Huckfest” – Dyno Competition hosted by “Wild Mercantile, Ltd”

“The Pull”- Pull Up Competition hosted by

Cost of this great event is $20 before February 22nd

- $25 After February 22nd

When:

Saturday, March 1st

Registration @ 9-10am

Comp Begins @ 11am

Where:

Hocking College Climbing Wall

Student Recreation Center on Campus

3301 Hocking Parkway

Nelsonville, Oh 45764

740-753-6541

Who:

Any climber that would like to have a great time. Open to public and community members.

Divisions:

Beginner 5.6-5.8+

Intermediate 5.9-5.10+

Advanced 5.11-5.12+

Why:

It’s a great way for climbers to get together and have a great time while climbing. The positive vibes and comradely well help every climber, climb to new limits. It’s not about competing; it’s about friends and new routes. Almost forgot to mention: the sweet prizes from the following Companies, with the list growing daily.

Wild Mercantile, Ltd.

The Pedaler and Packer

Mountain Hardwear

Solution Rock Gym

Rocky Boots

So Ill Holds

Rock N Ice Magazine

Romano’s Pizza

Papa John’s

Benchmade Knives

Nicro’s Climbing Walls and Holds

Joshua Climbing Salve

Black Diamond

RBH Designs

Asana Pack Works

Project Holds

Revolution Holds

Friday, February 15, 2008

Challenge Course Week Class

Back in the beginning of February we hosted a class to show students the ins and outs for challenge course operations. During the same event we ran new staff through the ringer of training and testing out for the course, it was a good time. We spent the weekend "learning the ropes" of Hocking Colleges course, see photos below of the weekend.Above: This individual was all smiles, all day long.

Above: Twins?

Above: Kevin , kept repeating, "I think this thing is broken". We were never sure what he was really talking about.Above: Remember to "screw down, so you don't screw up". The catch phrase of the day!

Above: The act of debriefing, aka; Mr . Patatoe Head
Our Next Ropes weekend class is spring quarter April 11-13, Course # GS170240. Shoot Tim Rice an Email if you have any questions.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

To Wildcat Hollow and back!!


On February 8th we set out into the woods of Wildcat Hollow in southeastern Ohio for a backpacking adventure. There were 13 of us that were geared up for this excursion into Wayne National Forest. For those of you who don't know Wildcat Hollow sits just north of Burr Oak State Park.

From the official website:

Welcome to the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail. This trail offers two options; a fifteen mile loop of scenic trail along ridge-tops and stream bottoms, and a short five mile loop for day hikes. Both trails will lead through tall pine forests, open meadows, quiet streams, rock outcroppings, and down old roads overlooking miles of beautiful landscape. You will also pass some of our land management activities. Wildflowers are at their peak in the spring, but we ask that you not pick them so that others may also enjoy them. The hiker who treads softly can often catch glimpses of the wildlife who call the forest home. Bring your binoculars, and enjoy your visit.


Well, there were defiantly no wild flowers seen during our visit to the area. However the rain clouds did part Friday, to leave us with beautiful weather. The day time temperatures were in the low 50's with the night getting down to the low 30's. Check the photo below to see the amazing blue skies that we had.


Friday night we camped on a hilltop in a tall stand of maples that provided us with the wood we used to keep our fire stoked. Our campsite had an existing fire ring with several logs positioned to make great benches, allowing for the group to soak up the heat and fire light. The trip leaders
had planned a special surprise for around the campfire that night. While everyone was making dinner we were also baking, not one but two chocolate cakes on our camp stoves. After every one had digested their meals we dropped the chocolate surprise into the center of group. It was complete with chocolate and strawberry icing. It was well met and devoured.






We arose the next morning to brisk temps and clear skies. We hit the trail, headed for our first water pick up. It was about 2 miles to the water drop and some of us were very thirsty. Along the trail Scott managed to play catch with a young tree, his face lost.
As the above description of the trail mentioned it was littered with old mining and homestead debris. Some of which made for some impressive views as you round a corner in the trail to find some piece of history awaiting your eyes. Some of the items had laid around so that they have even become one with nature. The moss covered stone blocks were one of my favorites.

Well it was a great weekend for a backpacking trip and we can't wait for our next trip. Which will be our Mount Rogers trip in April.

Well if you are looking for a great time backpacking call this guy!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

To V.A. We Went

On Wednesday the 6, we were scheduled to head outside and partake in earthen based climbing adventure, however Mother Nature decided differently. We were forced by copious amounts of liquid sunshine to take a small group of climbers up to the Vertical Adventures climbing gym in Columbus Ohio.

After a large lunch at Bob Evan’s we arrived at VA to find 4000sq ft of climbable walls awaiting our touch. We spent the next several hours battling the plastic creations of VA setting crew, and man, they had some sweet lines. Our crew raged all out war on the facility, from the flat walls to the steep lead roof, and the bouldering caver somewhere in between, It was sweet bliss! We climbed until are arms were numb and tips were nearly bloody before deciding to return home.

What a great day!

P.S. Ask mark about the Orange Route!