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• Clinic: Gym-to-Crag Sport Leading Transition

  • When
    Saturday, April 25, 2020
  •  
    7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    Safe Harbor PA
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  
  
  

  Clinic: Gym-to-Crag Sport Leading Transition

  For Indoor Sport Climbers Ready to Get Outside

  Event Description:

  Are you an indoor sport climber itching to get on the sharp end outside? This clinic is for indoor sport climbers who have limited or no experience leading sport routes outside and want to learn how to safely transition to outside sport leading.  
  
  The major items covered will be outdoor sport climbing equipment, the differences between routes indoors and outdoors, clipping positions, fall zones, belaying and catching outdoors, different types of top anchors and cleaning the route from the anchors to the bolts.
  

  We'll also have a discussion on proper outdoor crag etiquette and Leave No Trace principles.
  

  The venue for this event is Safe Harbor, PA.  It's about 1.5-2 hr drive to this sunny sport crag.  It's a great cool-to-cold weather location.
  

  Please note the carpool location is the I-95 commuter lot.  Meet time is 07:30 to carpool up to Safe Harbor PA.  We should wrap up around 4-5pm.
  

  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Park+and+Ride/@39.0177011,-76.9554575,15.64z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x630df5164dc2139b!8m2!3d39.0150324!4d-76.9529414?hl=en
  

  
  Skills required:

  Ability to lead belay and sport climb indoors.  Ability to rappel.  Class participants should have completed 20 indoor leads and be proficient climbing 5.8.
  
  Equipment required:

  Harness, climbing shoes, chalk bag, belay device and locking carabiner, and 2 additional locking carabiners.  A helmet is also recommended (personal choice).  Quickdraws and a personal anchoring system (PAS) should be brought if you have them.  We will provide some gear for your use.
  
  Directions to Event: 

  Get on I-495 N in Tysons from Maple Ave E and Chain Bridge Rd

  9 min (3.3 mi)

  

  

  

  

  Continue on I-495 N. Take I-95 N to MD-543 N in 1, Abingdon. Take exit 80 from I-95 N

  1 h 12 min (73.1 mi)

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Take MD-136 N, PA-74 N, PA-372 E and Hilldale Rd to Green Hill Rd in Conestoga Township

  PATC-MS Member Only policy:

  This event is for members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club-Mountaineering Section only, in good standing with liability waivers on file, unless otherwise stated. To join the club and enjoy its events and trainings, click here: patcms.org
  
  This will be strictly enforced by event leaders. Any person who shows up to an event that is not a member will not be able to participate in the event.
  
  Cancellation Policy:

  If you can no longer make the event, please change your registration as soon as possible. This allows people on the wait list to join. If you fail to show for an event and do not cancel within 48 hours, you will be considered a no show. Club members who have 3 or more no shows will not be able to register for future events for a period of one year whether its due to failure to cancel or the person does not show up for the event at all.
  
  If the event is rained out we will reschedule for Saturday, April 27. 
  
  Leaders for this event:
  

  Mattie Guey-Lee
  

  Reminder:

  Climbing is a dangerous sport and serious injury may occur.
  
  

   

  Show details
• Seneca Rocks Cinco de Mayo Party - 2020

  • Start
    Friday, May 01, 2020
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Sunday, May 03, 2020
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Seneca Rocks, WV

  Register

  Get excited for the best Cinco party north of the Rio Grande!
  
  Even if you don't love margaritas or mole, you won't want to miss this year's annual Cinco De Mayo party at Seneca Rocks. PATC-MS has reserved a Group Site E at Seneca Shadows campground. Climb all day Saturday, party at the Gendarme on Saturday night. 

  
  

  This event is for members and registered guests of members. 

  
  

  We recommend putting yourself on the Google Spreadsheet, particularly if you are looking for a ride or a leader. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kOEDmGSZbMMHWwFRK-lw7xsR-JAlVT2Tlx3kTmAV05c/edit#gid=0 We recommend arranging rope teams in advance. Seneca is an almost exclusively traditional multi-pitch area with limited opportunities for top roping. There are some sport climbing areas within a reasonable drive of Seneca.

  
  

  A few reminders. This is a crowded weekend at Seneca. The parking at the Group Site will fill up. Don't leave your car at the site when it's full, pull around to the overflow area (by the walk-in sites). The Group Site itself might fill up. If you know you are arriving late you might want to know about other options, like walk-ins or Princess Snowbird. 

  
  

  Come for the climbing, stay for the party!

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• Friends of Seneca Rocks Spring 2020 Trail Work Weekend

  • Start
    Saturday, May 09, 2020
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    Sunday, May 10, 2020
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    Seneca Rocks, WV
  • Registered
    2 registrants

  Register

  
  

  
  

  OPEN TO THE CLIMBING COMMUNITY
  (PATC-MS Membership encouraged, but not required)
  

   

  On 9-10 May we will hold a two-day trail work weekend to improve the climbing access trails in a variety of areas.   We have several areas of concern that we will work depending on the size of the overall group.

  We will meet at the Gendarme at 800am on Saturday morning.  From there we will gather and load up tools and carpool over to the crag.
  

  
  

  If you want to come out for even just a half-day or just one of the two days, please sign up and we'll work it out.  We can use all the help we can get on this weekend as there is plenty to be done.
  

  
  

  Dinner will be covered by Friends of Seneca.  Camping at Princess Snowbird will also be covered by FOS.

  
  

  We're currently in the process of finalizing the work list, but will likely include a continuation of last year's work, including the West Face Trail and East Ridge Trail.Please be sure to wear good sturdy boots and long pants.  Bring a helmet, gloves, a small pack, and food/water for the day.
  

  
  

  As the work will be taking place in a busy area, we will need to be aware of others wanting to use the trail while we carry out repairs.
  

  
  

  Questions?  Please contact Andy Weinmann (rocclim78 at gmail.com) or Edwin Bachetti (edwin at bachetti.net).
  

  
  

  
  

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• New Climber Day 2020

  • When
    Saturday, May 09, 2020
  •  
    9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Carderock, MD
  • Spaces left
    33
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Register

  
  

  New Climber Day 2020

  
  Ready to try outdoor rock climbing? Want to meet experienced, local climbers?
  
  Join us for New Climber Day on Saturday, May 9 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at Carderock Recreation Area in Maryland, hosted by the Mountaineering Section of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC-MS).

  
  

  The event is open to all and no equipment is required. 
  
  Athletic shoes are recommended. If bringing a child, feel free to bring a child's bike helmet.
  
  

  Experienced PATC-MS members will help new climbers get fitted with a harness and climbing shoes, tie in, and belay them up a variety of easy to moderate routes on the cliff. 
  

  
  

  Description of climbs:
  Schist slab with quartz crystals - excellent for beginner face climbing. Climbs will range anywhere from 5.3 (easy) to 5.7-8 (moderate).

  
  

  Directions to Event:

  Top parking lot of Carderock Recreation Area (38.976050, -77.205239) [Google Map Link]
  
  PATC-MS will be set up in the Carderock parking lot to register participants. If you arrive late, please follow the trail to the cliff (see directions below).

  
  

  Please note: When searching for directions on your phone, 'Carderock' will incorrectly lead you to the community of Carderock, MD. 

  
  

  The climbing area entrance is directly across from Naval Research Lab complex on the Clara Barton Parkway.

  • Heading west on Clara Barton Parkway from the I-495 beltway, take the first exit (right off-ramp).
  • At the stop sign take a left over the overpass to Carderock.
  • Follow the road through the tunnel and make a right turn at the stop sign
  • Drive to the very last parking area.
  • Park and meet PATC-MS volunteers at the parking lot. 
  • If you arrive late and don't see anyone in the parking lot, follow the trail past the restroom and to the base of the cliff.

  
  

  PATC-MS Volunteers: 
  We need 8-10 volunteers to help set-up top-ropes and belay. Volunteers should plan to arrive by 7:30am to help with set-up. Please sign up to volunteer in the spreadsheet below.

  
  

  All belayers must be members of PATC-MS with liability waivers on file.

  
  

  We also need several items: 

  • Children's harnesses and climbing shoes

  If you have the following equipment and would be willing to share for the day (even if you can't volunteer), please indicate in the spreadsheet below.
  
  Volunteer and equipment spreadsheet: 

  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xmeP8uBxb-V_rXbthKCd1Jxy45-b95ISrlEICCveEoM/edit#gid=0
  

  
  

  Reminder:
  Climbing is a dangerous sport and serious injury may occur.

  Show details
• Gunks Memorial Day 2020!

  • Start
    Friday, May 22, 2020
  • End
    Monday, May 25, 2020
  • Location
    New Paltz, NY
  • Spaces left
    19

  Register

  
  

  
  

  
  

  OPEN TO ALL CLUB MEMBERS

  
  

  Three days of fun and climbing in the Yosemite of the East!  Come to PATC-MS's climbing gathering at the Gunks for Memorial Day weekend!
  

  
  

  WHAT:

  Memorial weekend camping and climbing at the Gunks, one of the best places anywhere for beautiful, moderate traditional climbing. Plenty of options for all ability levels (there is also some bouldering and top-roping, but this is primarily a trad area).

  
  

  The club will help coordinate transportation and help out with any info people need on the area, climbing, or otherwise. 

  
  

  Camping:

  The club has reserved 4 campsites. Each campsite can hold 2 two-person small tents and 1 one-person with max 4 people per campsite. Please share tents.

  
  

  You will receive a link to the carpool/camping signups once you've registered. Please fill it out.
  

  
  

  The AAC campground has a covered pavilion suitable for stove cooking, fire ring, drinking water, and coin operated shower. Scattered around the campgrounds are bathrooms, running water, and a few faucets for water. Campsites have picnic tables suitable for stove cooking, but no open fires are allowed, except at the fire ring near the pavilion. If you need supplies there is a climbing shop (https://www.rockandsnow.com/store/) and a ShopRite in town.

  
  

  WHERE:

  The Shawangunks (aka the Gunks), New Paltz, NY.  It's about a 6 hour drive from the DC area.

  
  

  Please note that the Gunks is a FEE AREA managed by the Mohonk Preserve. The fee is $20/day or purchase an annual membership for $105, which works out to 6 days of climbing to pay for it.
  

  
  

  
  

  WHEN:

  The entire Memorial weekend from Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25.
  

  
  

  Additional info: 

  • Please find your own climbing partner for the weekend.  The listserv is a great place to post that you are looking for a partner if you don't have one lined up.
    
  • There are many restaurants and hotels in the city of New Paltz, approximately 20 minutes from the AAC Campgrounds by car.
  • The cliffs, especially at the top, feature full bars of LTE reception for most people, but the campsite and town do not. Load your map directions ahead of time.

  Type of climbing:

  Loads of trad climbing, including a nearly inexhaustible amount of great easy to moderate climbs. Most of the routes are one to three pitch with well maintained bolts or anchors nearby as obvious descent points. Rock is very solid, characterized by horizontal cracks, easy roofs even on moderate climbs.
  

  
  

  The main cliffs are the Trapps. The traditional grey Dick Williams guidebook is sold at the climbing store nearby, although the Gunks App (iPhone and Android) is also gaining popularity, and includes a GPS feature for finding routes.
  

  
  

   (https://www.mountainproject.com/v/the-gunks/105798167)
  

  
  

  PATC-MS Member Only policy:

  This event is for members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club-Mountaineering Section only, in good standing with liability waivers on file, unless otherwise stated.

  
  

  This will be strictly enforced by event leaders. Any person who shows up to an event that is not a member will not be able to participate in the event.
  
  

  Cancellation Policy:

  If you can no longer make the event, please change your registration as soon as possible. This allows people on the wait list to join. If you fail to show for an event and do not cancel within 48 hours, you will be considered a no show. Club members who have 3 or more no shows will not be able to register for future events for a period of one year whether its due to failure to cancel or the person does not show up for the event at all.
  

  
  

  Reminder:
  Climbing is a dangerous sport and serious injury may occur.
  

  Show details
• Fourth of July 2020 in the Adirondacks!

  • Start
    Friday, July 03, 2020
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    Monday, July 06, 2020
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Drapers Acres, Lake Placid, NY
  • Registered
    7 registrants

  Register

  
  Climber on Pete's Farewell (MtnPrj)
  

  
  Join us for 4 days of fun, sun, and climbing!  Come to PATC-MS's annual 4th of July gathering!  This year we'll be again heading north to the Adirondacks, NY.  Normally we think of this place for the fantastic ice climbing in winter, but there is a wide variety of great rock climbing in the Dacks (mostly trad, but some sport, top-roping and bouldering as well).
  

  
  

  WHEN: 3JULY - 06JULY

  WHERE: Adirondack Park near Keene, NY - about an 8 hour drive from DC.

  
  

  The Club will cover camping at Draper's Acres near Lake Placid, NY. 

  
  

  Check out the climbing info on Mountain Project:

  
  

  Keene region
  

  
  

  Chapel Pond region

  
  

  If you want to pick up the two-guidebook set, go to http://adirondackrock.com/.

  
  

  WHO

  
  

  This event is open to all members.  Attendees are responsible for finding their own partners. You can use the organizing spreadsheet link below as a starting point.

  
  

  If you need any climbing gear stop in at the Mountaineer in Keene Valley and they will get you set up.  Climbing guides are also available there.
  

  
  

  TRANSPORTATION, RIDE-SHARING, CLIMBING PARTNER INFO, ETC:

  You are responsible for arranging your own transportation, climbing partner(s), camping/climbing gear, and food.  Please use the spreadsheet here to organize rides, partners, camping, etc: 

  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BF8Ij5pdaQErwUIb7w1XBZUyBnlU5dBIk2MDp7JogTQ/edit#gid=0

  
  

  MISCELLANEOUS
  

  
  

  Cancellation Policy:
  

  If you can no longer make the event, please change your registration as soon as possible. This allows people on the wait list to join. If you fail to show for an event and do not cancel within 48 hours, you will be considered a no show. Club members who have 3 or more no shows will not be able to register for future events for a period of one year whether its due to failure to cancel or the person does not show up for the event at all.

   

  PATC-MS Member Only policy: This event is for members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club-Mountaineering Section only, in good standing with liability waivers on file, unless otherwise stated

  
  

  Reminder:
  Climbing is a dangerous sport and serious injury may occur.  By participating in this trip you assume all risk of responsibility for your own safety.

  
  

  To join the club and enjoy its events and trainings, click here: http://www.potomacmountainclub.org/Join_Us

  This event will be strictly enforced by event leaders. Any person who shows up to an event that is not a member will not be able to participate in the event.

  
  

  Show details
• Climbing-Oriented Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Course

  • Start
    Saturday, August 15, 2020
  •  
    8:30 AM
  • End
    Sunday, August 16, 2020
  •  
    5:30 PM
  • Location
    PATC HQ, 118 Park Street, Vienna, VA 22180
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  PATC-MS will sponsor a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course August 15-16 (full-day Saturday and Sunday). This course will be climbing-oriented with content and exercises tailored to climbing situations (leader falls, hypothermia, etc.). Successful completion of this course will result in Red Cross WFA certification for two years.
  
  Registration is $136.50 pp. The cost for this course is very competitive because of our arrangements and a subsidy from the club.
  
  WFA is the typical certification level of non-professional settings. If you are interested in certification associated with employment in the outdoor industry the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) may be more appropriate.

  Show details