We had over 80 amazing entries in our 2012 photo contest! During the annual holiday party our members had a chance to see the entries and choose their favorites; and we are happy to announce the winners.

Club Colors Category

Mark Fletcher at the top of Sasso di Stria (Hexenstein) in the Dolomites in Italy. Winner: Mark Fletcher Prize: "PATC-MS Red" Climbing/hydration pack

Alpine Climbing Category

Sunrise above he Clouds Winner: Janna Niebyl Prize: CAMP Alpine Snow Shovel & Petzl Crampon Bag

Ice Climbing Category

Trap Dike during DAKS BIG HAUS trip 2012 Winner: Piotr Andrzejczak Prize: 16cm Black Diamond Express Ice Screw

Journeys Category

West Crack, DAFF Dome in Tuolumne, Yosemite National Park. Andy Weinmann leading, Mitch Hyman following. Winner: Andy Weinmann Prize: Adventure Medical Kit and Large EMS Travel Duffel

Rock Climbing Category

Ethan Atwood, Last Carderock Wednesday of the Season Winner: Travis Senor Prize: .75 Black Diamond C4 Camalot

The 2012 Photo Contest has begun!

Submit your entries for the 2012 Photo Contest between now and December 6th, to compete for any of the fantastic prizes below.

Any club member in good standing is eligable to submit up to 5 contest entries according to the instructions and rules below. For inspiration, view last year's submissions in the 2011 Photo Contest.

The Red River Gorge is a world-class climbing destination, with over 1600 sport climbs and a variety of classic traditional routes on the Red River's distinct sandstone. Known for the overhanging jug hauls that deliver the trademark "Red River Pump," this is a place for the world's strongest as well as climbers newer to the sport.

One of the most accessible and climber friendly-areas is Muir Valley, a collection of walls with an amazing concentration of moderate climbing. Privately-owned by Rick and Liz Weber since 2004 and receiving no regular funds from the Access Fund or the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition, the Webers have invested tens of thousands of dollars of their own funds. After years of paying for route hardware, emergency equipment, and numerous other expenses, the situation was becoming unsustainable.

Hearing the plea for funding, the PATC Mountaineering Section and Mid-Atlantic Climbers came together to raise money. The PATC Mountaineering Section donated $500 in April to help the Friends of Muir Valley, the non-profit charity established to help the Webers maintain and improve the property.

In conjunction with PATC-MS's efforts, MAC organized a Happy Hour with the Greene Turtle bar and grill in Olney, MD. Through raffles and a donation from the Greene Turtle, MAC raised almost $325 more for the Friends of Muir Valley.

The DC area's climbing coalition came together big time for Muir Valley, recognizing how important keeping Muir Valley accessible and climber-friendly is to not only local climbers but to climbers from all over the world.

Join your fellow climbers in taking care of our local crags and show your appreciation for Stronghold, Inc.'s support of climbing access. You do not need to be a member of PATC-MS to join!

Event details:

• When and Where: Saturday, July 21, 9am, upper parking lot.
• What: We'll be repairing and replacing the railings along the stone steps of the green trail and, if we have enough attendees, installing water bars along the lower section of the green trail.
• What To Bring: Comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes/boots, gloves, water and your climbing gear (optional).
• Climbing After: We’ll be ending our session with a few hours of climbing. Stick around to get in a few sends.
• Signup or Questions: E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
• Directions: Click here for a map to the entrance of Sugarloaf Mountain.