The GATHERing, Muir Valley
Thank you to all of the more than 60 hard working volunteers who helped make the first Gathering a huge success. We were amazed at the amout of work that was completed. It completely exceeded our expectations. The weather was perfect both days and the work moved very quickly and efficiently. I still can't believe the quality and quantity of the trail work that got done. Thanks again for all of the hard work.
"Those iron spikes you use have shortened the life expectancy of the Totem Pole by 50,000 years."
--A Navaho elder
--A Navaho elder
)GATHERING Report:
To say this first event was successful is a huge understatement. An incredible amount of trail work was done -- literally four times as many trails were built than what we had hoped for. And just as importantly, it seemed everyone had fun. Liz and I certainly did!
So much for the weather forecasts which predicted 100% rain Sat and Sun. Those who attended found the weather to be perfect both days. Thursday night we filled 7 inches in the rain gage in Slade! All this did was make the ground easy to work.
Saturday night was full of foot stomping bluegrass music provided by a local group, the Highfalls Jamboree. And, thanks to Bob and Frankie Sparks (locals) and Carol Yates and Liz Weber (rockclimbers), who combined their talents, the feast was incredible.
Honestly, we were a little apprehensive how the local folks and a bunch of us dirtbag rock climbers would get along, but we went ahead and invited a lot of our new Wolfe County friends to the party. There were as many locals as there were climbers. The result was too good to believe. I hope someone posts a photo of J.J. dancing with a local lady in her sixties. J.J.'s style was kinda "Grateful Dead" and hers was mountain clogging, and they blended perfectly. They were the life of the party.
When the new road is finished along the valley bottom, many locals want to come down and watch the climbing. Several have showed up at the crags already. At the party, there was a lot of interest and questions from the non-climbing folks about climbing. Thanks to all you climbers who put a good face on the climbing community. Many of the Wolfe County people expressed appreciation for bring tourism dollars into this area. It is the fourth poorest county in KY, and the money you spend there helps a great deal.
When the rain wiped out our campfire site, we were frantically looking for an alternative place for the party for Sat nite. Mrs. Kim Graham, the principal of the local Rogers School, heard of our plight and graciously invited a crowd of sweaty, muddy trailbuilders in to their cafeteria/gymnasium. And, then she didn't want to accept any payment of any kind. (We WILL make it right with her!) These Wolfe County people are hard to believe. They just don't get any friendlier.
Climbing on Sunday was also great. Lots of climbers all over the Valley. Watched Sandy's son nail the "Offering", and Keith onsite "Return of the Manimal." Then, I managed a couple onsites on the 5.10. wall. A nice finish to a great weekend.
Liz and I cannot tell you all how much we appreciate all your hard work to help make the "Valley" one of the finest climbing areas anywhere. Karla, Jared, Tim and Carol Yates, J.J., Neal Schlater, and a host of hard working people way to numerous to mention here -- a BIG thank you!!
Rick and Liz Weber
To say this first event was successful is a huge understatement. An incredible amount of trail work was done -- literally four times as many trails were built than what we had hoped for. And just as importantly, it seemed everyone had fun. Liz and I certainly did!
So much for the weather forecasts which predicted 100% rain Sat and Sun. Those who attended found the weather to be perfect both days. Thursday night we filled 7 inches in the rain gage in Slade! All this did was make the ground easy to work.
Saturday night was full of foot stomping bluegrass music provided by a local group, the Highfalls Jamboree. And, thanks to Bob and Frankie Sparks (locals) and Carol Yates and Liz Weber (rockclimbers), who combined their talents, the feast was incredible.
Honestly, we were a little apprehensive how the local folks and a bunch of us dirtbag rock climbers would get along, but we went ahead and invited a lot of our new Wolfe County friends to the party. There were as many locals as there were climbers. The result was too good to believe. I hope someone posts a photo of J.J. dancing with a local lady in her sixties. J.J.'s style was kinda "Grateful Dead" and hers was mountain clogging, and they blended perfectly. They were the life of the party.
When the new road is finished along the valley bottom, many locals want to come down and watch the climbing. Several have showed up at the crags already. At the party, there was a lot of interest and questions from the non-climbing folks about climbing. Thanks to all you climbers who put a good face on the climbing community. Many of the Wolfe County people expressed appreciation for bring tourism dollars into this area. It is the fourth poorest county in KY, and the money you spend there helps a great deal.
When the rain wiped out our campfire site, we were frantically looking for an alternative place for the party for Sat nite. Mrs. Kim Graham, the principal of the local Rogers School, heard of our plight and graciously invited a crowd of sweaty, muddy trailbuilders in to their cafeteria/gymnasium. And, then she didn't want to accept any payment of any kind. (We WILL make it right with her!) These Wolfe County people are hard to believe. They just don't get any friendlier.
Climbing on Sunday was also great. Lots of climbers all over the Valley. Watched Sandy's son nail the "Offering", and Keith onsite "Return of the Manimal." Then, I managed a couple onsites on the 5.10. wall. A nice finish to a great weekend.
Liz and I cannot tell you all how much we appreciate all your hard work to help make the "Valley" one of the finest climbing areas anywhere. Karla, Jared, Tim and Carol Yates, J.J., Neal Schlater, and a host of hard working people way to numerous to mention here -- a BIG thank you!!
Rick and Liz Weber
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand. - Randy Pausch
None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. - Henry David Thoreau
None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm. - Henry David Thoreau