Crankmas wrote:the world renown Winchester Sun ran a story title Rock Climber dies in Gorge or to that effect, is this standard "we gotta have a free press" so they can discharge false information? on subject, another tragic turn, my the family find the strength they'll need
I actually know one of the people who retreived the body, and he specifically told the press and newscasters of the tragidy, that is was NOT a climber....guess it didn't work.
Sad story regardless though.
we passed Gladie on our way down 715, turned onto Sky bridge road, parked in 1st left area and walked on path to right of toilets, stayed on dirt path--if there were any splits we took left fork ( I didnt bring my compass with me) passed thru a clearing with a fire circle in it and still bore left till we reached a minor crack drop that we scuttled through. (we're talking 10 minutes perhaps?) At that point the path went in both directions-left or right with the ravine in front of us. If you walk left on the path you get to the rock shelter that they used for their campsite. If you walk right you go somewhat down in elevation and then back up and come between 3 sourwood trees and some mtn laurels to the outcropping that reminded me of a fat thumb(at least from the top). By looking at the sky I decided it points( or ends) generally north, with us walking kindof on the western side. There is a slight crack that is easy to jump as you leave the vegetation behind. Tevis fell on the western side right over a bolted climb--there are 2 bolts close to each other within easy touching distance from the top of the rock. The side where he fell looked to me to be a grove of scarlet oaks, they kindof wrap around to the northern point of the potcrop, and then the trees on the eastern side vay, including a really big white pine and others, including an American holly, sassafras, and magnolia. there is a tall snag that looks about to fall on the right side of the outcrop as you look out, so kindof eastish of the northern point, if I'm right about my directions. The USFS officer ( Scarberry--he seems to be a very good man) that answered the call and carried Tevis out said that they had to carry him to the river and out through the Clifty because there are no trails. He pointed to a spot on the map with some hesitation that I think isnt high enough and is too west, but I am willing to be corrected--it could be either of theose two spots.
Does he have a strange bear claw like appendage protruding from his neck? He kep petting it.
the "slight crack" is the top of Buzzards North and Buzzards South. Likely more tourons know about this butress than climbers.The 340 degree veiw is awesome and its well above the trees.There's a leaning pinnacle at the base that you land on as you rap down. watch out for the copperheads in the rockhouse at the second rap point.
"Everyone should have a plan for the zombie apocolipse" Courtney
Does anyone have any idea what bolted route is located where this death occurred? I am trying to find the route name for his mother.
Michelle,
I am terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I have always felt a very strong connection to that place. Hearing about the tragedy befalling a fellow guitarist at that spot is disturbing. Next time I play my guitar down there, I'm sure my thoughts will stray from the usual...
The bolts in question were placed on lead at night many years ago, in a marvelous drizzling rain that did nothing to dampen our spirits. It was a night, and a place that I will never forget.
In fact, I'll be there this weekend toasting Tevis, whom I had never had the pleasure of meeting.
I am sad to say that I too did not have the pleasure of knowing Tevis. When he died and I read the article, my immediate thought was what a cool guy he sounded like. I know all deaths are sad but I felt surprisingly sad for this boy that I did not know.
Recently his mother contacted us looking for answers. I have been blessed with interacting with her as she is an amazing woman. I know she will greatly appreciate this information you shared and I passed it onto her.
Michellle
Does he have a strange bear claw like appendage protruding from his neck? He kep petting it.
