The Ginger Assassin

With the yurt project winding down, I have been fortunate to get out the last month and develop new routes. Of course, this is all possible because the weather has been amazing and temps are a little warmer on the lake bed. Within the genre of climbing (in my opinion) there is nothing more fulfilling than the process of developing new climbs. Searching the cliff for a new line, rapping down to scout potential, cleaning, climbing, more cleaning, working beta with friends, and sending. This process has been fueling my motivation during the last month. Below is a picture of a new route that is on climber's right of Long Point proper. I named it "The Ginger Assassin", and the name comes from getting sandbagged on a relatively easy climb out with a heavy pack. (The red X's are bolts)

Raise the Roof

Friends and Family,

The idea of building a yurt has finally come to fruition.

Lately, I've been busier than a three legged cat trying to cover shit on a marble floor. But after a hard push over the last two weeks, the deck pad is finally finished.

I've had some amazing help and guidance along the way. This certainly wouldn't have come together without help from my good friend Gene Kistler "Jack of all trades, Master of many," and Bill Fedukovich, who sped up the construction work with his dozer and mini-excavator. I look forward to employing the skillful trades of my local friends to make this a great living space.

So, without further ado...This Sunday, weather permitting (stars alligning) we will be having a Yurt raising! You are invited to come and hang out Sunday afternoon as we raise our yurt. Erin's Birthday is also on Monday (she's turning the big 30), so it will be a day for double celebration.

Directions: Route 16 to Wolf Creek Rd., drive 0.9 miles on Wolf Creek Rd then turn right on Chittum Hollow (steep driveway).

Google Map link

Picasa web album - pictures of building the deck platform

I'm happy to say, lets raise the roof. 

The Beckoning

For the last five weeks I have been psyched to visit an area that receives little attention.  South Nuttall doesn't get climbed much, but this section of cliff contains some of the most splitter routes in the New River Gorge.

The rare opportunity to be photographed led to a great sequence on "The Beckoning" at South Nuttall. Big thanks to Kevin Umbel for dropping a line and shooting photos. Below is the sequence of the "2nd" crux.