WNC Climbing

After last weekend's torrential rains, this past weekend's forecast was a real treat. We had traveled to Tennessee a couple weekends in a row, so we were looking forward to not filling up the gas tanks as much and climbing locally in NC. Although 475b was still closed (for no apparent reason,) we hoofed it up to the Sun Wall of Looking Glass. Surprisingly, the hike from the beginning of 475b (near the Fish Hatchery,) to the South End Parking Area was only about 1.25 miles. So, it really isn't as far as you think.

Still, we arrived at The Sun Wall to discover loads of running water submerging the routes. We defaulted to the South End and did Rats Ass and Windwalker- both fun classics for a sunny, breezy day. There were a few crews of SPI courses and some recreational climbers enjoying the day, and the sunny/ breezy combo made for great conditions.

Saturday night we camped out in the VW van in Tryon. We have decided to sell the beloved "Clydeabus," so we are relishing a few more trips camping in his cavernous & comfy space. We are forever spoiled by not sleeping in a tent. Sunday morning, Vinca flushed out about half a dozen deer before breakfast, and we headed to Rumbling Bald. With the forecast likely to hit 70, we dumped on sunscreen and figured we would give RB one more day before the season disappears and the poison ivy takes charge.

The Cereal Wall had its usual traffic, and we headed to Captain Crunch to enjoy stellar crack climbing in the shade. It is shocking that this route doesn't get more traffic! We then headed to Cold Fingers and quickly discovered that the name is for good reason. This is an awfully tough route in the sun as temps hit 70. Still, it was a great day to be climbing in North Carolina. Hope you had fun too.

See you this weekend at the Banff Mountain Film Festival!!



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