Past weekend at Muir

[climb2core]

Wasn't last weekend the first decent week end in forever??? I was at the New and actually climbed both days on a wk end without getting wet. How was the Red? That might 'splain the crowds...

[GWG]

Weekend Stats at Muir
Friday: 50 cars
Saturday: 111 cars (a record)
Sunday: 56 cars (13 from Ontario)
Number of climbers at Muir Fri, Sat, Sun: 722
Lost items: numerous
Number of dogs sneaked in by their owners: 4
End-of-the-world events: 0

. . . and no accidents. Priceless!

[weber]

Based on the total number of climbers, there should have been at least $7,220 in the donation box. I'm assuming said amount will make a dent in the cost to repair the bathrooms??

10 dollars per person?? Several Muir visitors have made very generous donations, but, of course, the large majority seem to believe that the "Leave no Trace" ethic also applies to donation boxes. So, donations are actually averaging far less than $1 per visit. But, this is up significantly from the average of 4 cents per visit up to this time last year. Many climbers have also volunteered labor during their "rest" days and Trail Days, and others have donated materials.

When Liz and I started developing Muir seven years ago and opened it free to the public, we knew that we would be shouldering most of the financial load, and we continue to do so. But, of course, we are not going to be around forever. We very much appreciate the help we are receiving from our visitors and the Friends of Muir Valley in helping us keep Muir open!

Rick and Liz

[toad857]

glad to know donations are up...

.. maybe one of those volunteers should hang out in the parking lot and heckle those who walk past the donation box.

[dustonian]

We already do hang out in the parking lot. Light heckling is occasional, but not standard protocol as yet. 90% walk past without even turning their heads toward the box or the kiosk, but a small percentage do pop a $5 or even a $20 in there. Sometimes a handful of pennies, awesome!

[ReachHigh]

glad to know donations are up...

.. maybe one of those volunteers should hang out in the parking lot and heckle those who walk past the donation box.

get a bullhorn

[Clevis Hitch]

call Gary King to tow their cars and hold them for ransom. You and Gary could split the proceeds. Trust me you'd make a killing. Gary don't give a shit if its legal or not.

[jordancolburn]

Yeah, people sneaking dogs in are jerks. We told some people walking past us at animal crackers that dogs weren't allowed and that they should respect the rules. They acted pretty upset, but as they walked past they muttered something about "just going to the boneyard instead". The sign was posted in the lot, as well as in the guidebook they were holding and they probably read it online as well. They knew, they were just surprised someone called them out.

[horst]

Rick & Liz,

I'm a long-time climber, but only an infrequent visitor to the Red (since mid '90s) since we live 10 hours away. Anyway, a couple weeks ago we visited Muir for the first time...and I was very impressed with what you've done with Muir Valley. I hope all climbers recognize what a blessing you are for the climbing community, and support MV financially and otherwise.

We'll be back soon (hopefully this Friday, if our car fits into the parking lot) and I look forward to meeting you both in person!

Kudos to you...and to the route developers (Kipp, et al.)!

Eric