Backpackng Red River Gorge Recap

http://cincy.selecthikes.com/destinations/thered/backpack.htm

http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGD128-021


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5oPAq2m__A

Great weekend of backpacking exploring the Red River Gorge. Start with some great eats before we began our trek at Hillbilly Hotdog which personally served me one of the best burgers i may have ever had! Trails were great serving us with different types of scenary to enjoy during our trek. We could not ask for better weather with the temp. ranging from 60-40 degrees with constant sun roaming all weeked perfect for a backpacking trip. During our backpacking we got to enjoy beautiful skyline views from the tops of gorges and getting to see remarkable archs including Grey's arch and Hidden arch. At night got to enjoy a relaxing campsite lying next to a streaming creek and quite isolation at the bottom of the gorge. We got to finish our trip sitting at Miguel's Pizza enjoy a couple slices and sipping on some Ale8's

Fall Red River Gorge Backpacking Trip

Spend the weekend with Outdoor Pursuits as we travel the hills of Daniel Boone National Forest by foot. We will be backpacking in the beautiful Red River Gorge section of DBNF which is home to miles of trails, scenic wilderness, countless cliffs and many other natural rock formations, including arches.

We will be covering about about 10-12 miles over the course of the weekend on moderate to rough trails in the DBNF. We will be camping from the contents of our packs and cooking over backpacking stoves. Don't let this idea sway you from attending, our experienced staff members can assist you with gear and menu planning. If you are an experienced or new to backpacking this trip is perfect for you. Outdoor Pursuits can even supply a large portion of the gear, we have everything from tents to backpacks, stove and cook gear, ground pads to sleeping bags, we have it all. The only gear you will need is personal clothing, personal food and snacks, and a sturdy pair of boots. Again the trained staff can help you decide what other personal items to bring and the ones to leave at home.

On our drive 4hr drive down we will stop at Hillbilly Hotdogs, a nice little eclectic food stop that has been featured on the food network. After that we will arrive at the trailhead in the early afternoon and will hike about 2miles to our first camp. Saturdays hiking will take us deep in to the hills of Ky, as we head toward Grays Arch. Grays is an impressive sandstone arch that we will pass during our excursion in the woods. We will cover multiple trails during our hike, one of them being the Sheltowee Trace National Trail. We should arrive back at the van early on Sunday, we will probably stop at one last food place before our return drive to Hocking's campus, returning by 8pm.

Info Recap:
Trip Name: Red River Backpacking Trip
Trip Location: Red River Gorge, Slade, Ky
Cost: $45 This includes transportation, permit fees, and rental of any necessary gear. This does not include food.
Departure Time: 10am, November 20th from the Student Center
Approximate Return Time: 8pm, November 22

If your interested you can sign up by contacting Tim Rice the Outdoor Pursuits coordinator by Email at rice_timmy@gmail.com.

Coopers Day Trip Report

Just last Tuesday the outdoor pursuits took a group of people to the Coopers Rock State Park for a day of bouldering. The weather was perfect and the group of people we had was awesome. I wish i could say the same for the van that we were driving. The fastest it was going up the hills on the drive there was about 45 mph. We even had to put on our hazards on the way there, but low and behold we made it. We headed into the woods with high expectations of sending some really cool problems, and i can speak for everyone when i say all our expectations were all met. The first place we went was the tilted tree area for some warm ups. Grey got on the Always Dry Roof V3 and i think it gave him a run for his money. After we all got warmed up Dylan, Gunner, and I got on a V5 called Twist The Hick it's a tall vertical problem that i had tried before but never sent. Dylan with his six foot or taller frame one goad it. Gunner and I had to figure out some new foot beta. After a few more goes we figured it out. After that the group split up. Tim, Dylan, Gunner, Kate, and I went over to try our luck fighting the Shadow Boxer V6. This line is for sure one of the most inspiring problems Ive ever seen before. None of us could figure out the beta for pulling the top. But this will be on all our lists as something to work in the future. The other group went over to the Molby's Dick area and got on a ultra classic problem called Molby's Dick V3. We climbed on some more really cool problems throughout out the day, like Crash and Burn V5 and a really awesome highball project. After the send fest we went into town to eat some burritos at Black Bear Burrito.

The Low Down On The Red River Gorge

On Friday, the 30th of October we started our adventure with the sun in the sky and all of our thoughts on the beautiful sandstone cliffs that we were heading to. Once we made it to West Virginia we realized that we all had a hunger about us. So we pulled in at the Hillbilly Hot Dogs restaurant and satisfied our hunger with some of the most delicious hot dogs on this side of the Mississippi. We had a couple of first timers with us and they were amazed by the high class style they have, and how the children's toy decor really ties the whole place together. But on a more serious note they were amazed at the crazy combinations of hot dogs they offer, also they loved the down home atmosphere. So once more we hit the road south bound for Kentucky. We arrived in the Red around four pm and set up camp, once we were all settled in we headed off to long wall to get a climb in before dark. Tim being a man that enjoys a casual trad experience put up a really aesthetic line called Autumn (now looking back i think i should have got on it.) Ian and I went down the wall to find some sport routs, when we cam across a really cool looking line called Back Door to Paris this was a really cool route with slopers and crimps all the was up. That was all the day was going to allow us to fit in before dark so we went back to camp. It started to get a little chilly without the sun so we made afire and drank some Ale 8 ones and talked about where we would climb tomorrow if the rain came. The rain came alright it came all night and until ten O clock the next morning. When we all got up we sat under the Noahs tarp fixing breakfast and drinking hot coffee looking at the guide book thinking of a good plan for climbing in this weather. After the rain stopped we all got ready and went and found some over hung stuff. The first climb we got on was called (up yonder 11b) it was a really good climb with good holds and a no hands rest. After that Louise and I got on a really cool 12a that was called (Strevels gets in shape) it was really bouldery in the start and then jugs on an over hang. Neither of us sent but it will be good to work next time. Then we went to 10 wall and climb some routes but nobody was really into it so we just went back to camp and chilled by the fire and ate dinner. when we arose the next morning the sun was shining and the temps were perfect. We dicided to go and see if there was anybody that was on (Creature Feature 5.9) and when we pulled up there was no one in site. This climb was sweet, we all got on it. After a good day of climbing we all thought that some Miguils pizza would be a great topper to this trip. So we packed up the van and headed over there to chow down. After filling our stomacs it was time to leave this majestic place and we all wanted to stay but new that we couldent, but we can always go back.

Dirty South climbing trip

The southern climbing and bouldering trip or(tour of the dirty south) is December 28th- January 1st. This is a one week long climbers dream. By the end of the week you will have been to Rock town Georgia, Horse Pins 40 Alabama, and last but not least the Red River Gorge, Kentucky. All of these places are world class climbing destinations and have plenty of climbing for beginners and for advanced climbers. This trip is full of great climbing, good people, and new experiences. You might even find yourself eating at some restaurants that you never would have thought to try like hillbilly hot dog. like all Outdoor Pursuits trips the only thing you have to provide is your food for the week, and just a word of advice, bring some money because you might stop in some really cool places. We will be sleeping camping out all week long so bring warm cloths and the will to climb for five days strait. So if you already love to climb or even if you've never really tried it and you want to go, feel free to contact the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator Tim Rice by Email at rice_timmy@gmail.com.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Climbing Wall Questions:

How tall is the wall?

• It is a 40ft Nicros Art Wall that looks like and simulates real rock in this region.

Who is allowed to climb at Hocking Colleges Climbing Wall?

• Any currently enrolled student, staff or faculty with Hocking College Id
• Any one that has purchased a day pass for the Student Center, Day passes are available at the front desk for $5
• All climbers must have a waiver on file
• Groups larger then five need to call ahead

What about children who want to climb? Age limit or size limit?

• Children under 12 are required to be under adult supervision. The supervision must remain in the lobby near the climbing wall.
• All climbers must have a waiver on file, the legal guardian needs to have filled out the waiver for participants under 18 years of age
• We do not have an age or size limit. They must be able to properly fit into our safety equipment, the staff worker can size up individuals and they know if our equipment fits properly.
  

What gear do you supply for the wall?
We can supply...

• Shoes
• Harness
• Helmets
• Belay devices

We do not supply...

• Chalk bags or chalk
• Finger Tape

What does all of the tape on the wall mean?

• The tape on the wall is used to indicate route or paths up the wall. To make it more challenging to the climber may only touch the indicated holds with his hands and feet. See the route board to the right of the wall for difficulty ratings and route locations.

How do I use the Ice Wall or Rappel Platform?

• Both the Ice Wall and Rappel Platform are reserved for our classes and instructional use. Students can take a PACE climbing class that allows the to use both during the class. The Rappelling is also offered periodically during the quarter to everyone, during these times anyone can rappel.

Do you program for birthday parties?

• Yes. Contact Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator for more details.
  

Who do I contact if I want to bring a group to the climbing wall?

• Tim Rice - Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator
  740-753-6541 or rice_t@hockingedu

General Outdoor Pursuits Questions:

How do I sign up for a trip or event?

• Stop by the Outdoor Pursuits Office, Student Center 202. You can sign to be on the information list for free. However trip payment or deposit is required to reserve your spot on the trip. Trips are first come, first serve.
  

Who do I contact if I want more Information about a trip or event?

• Tim Rice - Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator
  740-753-6541 or rice_t@hockingedu

High Ropes Weekend

On the weekend of November 13-15 Hocking Outdoor Pursuits is offering a high ropes class for all that want to join. The class is worth 1 credit hour and can be added as an elective. In the class we give people an understanding of what high ropes is, what it can be used for, and allow you to gain group leadership skills by showing you what it would be like to be a facilitator. There is no experience needed to take the class, and all gear is provided. so if you think you might enjoy the class and you want to sign up contact the Outdoor Pursuits coordinator Tim Rice by Email at rice_timmy@gmail.com