Last Bits of Fall

While Brevard and Pisgah Forest are looking very wintry in the last couple of weeks, Chimney Rock Gorge is still showing the last bits of fall's splendor. We have headed out to Rumbling Bald the last two Saturdays and enjoyed fantastic weather. Last Saturday, a crew of Brevard locals headed to RB after a leisurely morning and an obligatory stop at the gear shop. By the time we arrived at the relatively new parking lot, the ranger let us know we were the lucky recipients of the last parking spot!

This past Saturday, CCC president Anthony Love set his alarm early and headed to RB to offer climbers a shuttle to and from the Lake Lure visitor center. This was immensely appreciated by new and old Rumbling Bald climbers, as no doubt, far fewer cars were turned away due to lack of parking. Many thanks to Anthony and crew for offering this service! Hopefully we will all become diligent at carpooling when we head to this incredible winter climbing destination!

Last week, I climbed with the Eilands on a quest for quantity in the Screamweaver area. We were pretty shocked to see next to no climbers as we headed up Zydygo, Finishing School Blues and its irritating cousin on the left, Black Planet, Static Klingon, Boldfingers and Screamweaver. There is no lack of quality in these routes!

This past Saturday, Phil and I made it out a bit earlier and started at the popular Cereal Buttress. We headed up both pitches of Fruit Loops so Phil could snap some shots of Tom Caldwell on Shreaded Wheat (see below.) It's possible my fingers are the perfect size for this crack, so it is always a blast for me to climb. After hopping on Breakfast of Champions, we headed back to the Screamweaver area, where the roped climbs are less crowded, although the war cries of boulderers continually waft through.

I had to settle something with Static Klingon and give more of a try at Boldfingers. It could be a while before I want to lead that one, but it sure is classic! We headed out as the sun set and the parking lot quickly emptied. Head to Chimney Rock Gorge soon if you want to catch a little more of leaf season. It will be gone quickly!


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