Such heat greeted me on Thursday afternoon as I got out of my car after 31/2 hour drive from South Bay San Francisco. Who can climb in this? Immediately, in Lover’s Leap Campground, I saw the Solid Rock Climbers for Christ sign and two teenage gals, knowing it was Calvin’s daughter Hanna and her friend Lacy. “Hellos” said and I'm off to find a campsite. Father Landrus was climbing, of course - nothing keeps him off the rock but the details of the ministry.

Toward early evening Calvin finds me and off we go to Meeks Bay Campground for evening worship. Not knowing anyone but 2-3 faces is no big deal; it doesn't matter because the Spirit is there. Around the campfire Doug plays the guitar and sweet praise music is offered up to the Lord as incense. More people showed up including our beloved speaker Timm. He is glad to get there finally and to speak from God's word. Afterwards we all just gathered closer together or broke off in small groups to get to know one another.

Friday morning after a warm night full of stars, we meet to do Access Fund trail rebuilding. Newcomers show up, Solid Rockers represent the most plus Michael our expert in trail work....we are in good hands! Calvin, Timm and some others head off to do some climbing while it is still cool; later they will be responsible for trail work or purchasing food for the free meal served that evening.

I stay in the booth with Penni from Madras, Oregon. We talked to whoever came by or glanced our way but mostly we get to know each other. The afternoon goes by quickly and everyone is returning; meeting at the booth; some go for a swim, some enjoy the freebies at the booth and hang out; others go climbing in the late afternoon. We move the dinner preparation to a nearby campsite and the real cooks come in and get to work. Dinner is prepared with such love and generosity. The gear giveaway begins and everyone prepares their heart. Who will win the grand prize of a rope? Ultimately it goes to who it goes to; we are all winners because of Christ....and God ALWAYS wins.

I personally feel very connected to the group. Almost 100% of my climbing is with non-believers, so it feels very different to be with all Christian climbers for several days. I feel and appreciate the quiet gentleness, the personal communication and direct eye contact. Not too many careless words are spoken. We are so unique to be climbers and to be of the same family is far more unique. I connected deeply with the group and am thankful for Solid Rock continuing all these years.

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Calvin Landrus