Sunday in Hickory Nut Gorge

02.15.09: Went back to the new climbing area in Hickory Nut Gorge on Sunday. Because I'm still not sure what the access is, I hesitate to name the place and give too many details until access is secured. Right now, it seems wide open as no one is paying attention. But more and more climbers are showing up, driving way up the road past the obvious first parking lot, and new bolts are going in at high speeds. While I'm pro development and love to see people climbing in a new place, I can't help but worry that all this activity will bring the attention of whoever does own the land now. With our highly litigious culture, no one wants climbers around when they could be a liability! So hold your breath, because this place is great and deserves to be open for years to come.

In the images below, Pascal Robert, Robert Holcomb, and I climb a 5.10 trad route, and then spend the rest of the day on a truly amazing 5.13 (which Robert and Pascal are already close to sending!). The 13a is the orange-streaked wall. (The pictures of me were taken by Robert.)