the adventures of LGO: September 2010

9/29/10

Fall Fall Fall Fall

This week's temps are delightfully lower than last week, and everybody seems a little slap happy that it feels like fall. Between drooling over the new down jackets and counting down the days until I head to the New River Gorge for a week of sandstone climbing, it feels hard to get much work done. Still, there is much to accomplish on Looking Glass. I have a few goodies on my tic list for cooler weather- so we shall see how it goes....

2nd Pitch of Cornflake Crack- I've never been on the second pitch, but I look at it wistfully every time I pass it. Who doesn't??
Le Pump - I feel like a champ on this route... on toprope. The mix of slopers, balancy moves, and small holds seems to suit me. It is time to give it a go on lead.
Hyperbola- I took a nice whip on this and haven't gotten back on it. Move over copperheads...
The Odyssey- Cold weather prevented us from doing the crux pitch of this route several seasons ago, yet Phil and I think of it whenever we see the duct tape hiding the puncture on his down sweater from the offwidth on the 2nd pitch.

Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

9/27/10

Looking Glass Adopt-a-Crag

A big thank you to all who contributed time, sweat, money and products to make Saturday's Adopt-a-Crag a big success! We had wonderful weather and a great crew who came together to support The Access Fund, The Carolina Climbers Coalition and the Southeastern Climbers Coalition.

Groups worked on trail access to The Nose Area, the South End, the North End and Hidden Wall. The pesky log that has been on The North End trail for some months has been dispatched and The Hidden Wall is no longer so "hidden." This climbing area was clearly heavily hit by last winter and appeared to have seen little traffic recently. After we finished our trail work, we enjoyed the fruits of our labor, and climbers hopped on Hidden Wall classics Carbo Man and Hidden Agenda.

The Silent Auction to benefit the CCC was a big success due to generous support from Misty Mountain, LaSportiva, Black Diamond and Mountain Khakis in conjunction with Looking Glass Outfitters and Fox Mountain Guides. Lucky bidders ended up with a rope, a crash pad, climbing shoes, awesome pants and goodies thanks to these brands and the CCC collected some well-deserved funds to continue paying off the Rumbling Bald Boulders.

Thank you for supporting NC climbing!

Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

9/20/10

NC Highcountry Climbing

As fall begins to arrive throughout the NC mountains, it is perfect weather to get a few more days of climbing in at Ship Rock before colder weather makes this crag too blustery. Phil and I squeezed in a tasting at Highland Brewery Friday complete with live bluegrass before heading up to camp near Linville. The evening temperatures are nice enough right now to pull out your fleece and even enjoy a campfire again.

Saturday the weather was great at Ship Rock, although by mid afternoon it was pretty sunny and warm. Still, the humidity was much lower than in recent months and the holds were plenty sticky on steep routes like Welcome to Watauga, Revival and the rather humbling Castaway.

Come on in the shop if your fleece selection is looking ragged. We have some Montbell Fleece that won't give you sticker shock and will keep you toasty in the high country.

Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

9/14/10

Montbell Jackets are Here!

Back by popular demand, we have expanded our selection of Montbell Jackets this fall. Come check them out!

Both the Thermawrap Jackets and the Down Jackets offer incredible warmth at great prices.

Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

9/10/10

Cleaning Routes with Daisy Chains

If you use or are considering using a Daisy Chain, please read this article. Daisy chains are made for a very specific purpose, and can easily be used improperly. Read this article about why you should not clean routes with Daisy chains and be safe!

Daisy Chain Dangers

Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

9/9/10

Blueberry Picking

Last weekend, we took some friends up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for some good old fashioned blueberry pickin'. There are still plenty of delicious berries up there for anyone with a dash of gumption and a bucket! They are so tasty and the scenery is hard to beat.

Climb Globally, Shop Locally
Looking Glass Outfitters
69 Hendersonville Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
828.884.5854
www.lookingglassoutfitters.com

9/7/10

Getting Fit for Fall Climbing

We spent a glorious Labor Day Weekend at the New River Gorge, trying to jumpstart our climbing fitness after a summer of less than usual climbing. The temps were pretty unbelievable and the clouds cooperated. It was even cool enough to send a friend running to Wally World for an extra sleeping bag. Hmm mm- heard of Montbell??

After a weekend full of the Lower Meadow, The Hole, Rico Suave, 7 Eleven Wall, a few Other Places, and plenty of cheap beer washing down pizza, we are satisfyingly sore and tired. Check out the pics from Slash and Burn and Scenic Adult. Great routes!!

Climb Globally, Shop Locally

Looking Glass