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The Conference at the Gunks was a successful time of fellowship, training, outreach and climbing. Thursday began as a stormy day that turned to sunny skies for our arrival at the Tuthilltown Gristmill camping area, (http://www.tuthilltown.com/). The camping there is a beautiful pasture with views of the rocks. The evening was spent getting to know each other.
On Friday morning, we gathered at Starbucks in New Paltz for training on the subject of “On Mission” climbing. Then we headed up to the Gunks and went climbing in The Trapps area. Our climbing included Frogs Head (5.5), City Lights (5.7), Son of Easy O (5.8) and Apoplexy (5.9). The climbing at the Gunks is fantastic with steep rock punctuated with big holds. I can understand the view that the ratings are sandbags because on 5.8s most of your weight is often on your hands. On Friday night, we had a great dinner together at a bistro in New Paltz. Later, the owner of the Tuthilltown burned a trash pile (normally campfires aren’t allowed there) and we gathered around the fire. We had a great time of roasting marshmallows and I taught on turning climbing conversations to spiritual dialogues.
Saturday morning started again at Starbucks. I shared the history of SRCFC and its future direction. The climbing on Saturday included Bonnie’s Roof (5.8) including the 5.9+ direct finish, Ant’s Line (5.9) and Ursula (5.5). Arturo and I top-roped an awesome face climb – Ent’s Line (5.11). It seemed like the day was over, but we still had some daylight left. I knew that High Exposure was a route Dallas (from Washington) really wanted to do. So we ran over and did in the dwindling light. When it was first done by Hans Kraus and Fritz Wiessner in 1941, it was a breakthrough climb. The last pitch is the best 5.6 pitch I have ever done!
Our first approach to outreach was our presence at the climbing area. Dallas and I wore our Solid Rock t-shirts and many asked us why we were climbing together. When I suggested that we do outreach Gatorade distribution on Saturday, the group seemed hesitant about the idea. So, seeing their reluctance, I led by example and distributed the first few bottles. As they observed it happening, the others seem to get more excited about that. Rick, who lives in Clinton, CT and has climbed at the Gunks since the 1970’s, emailed me afterwards and reported on how the distribution of several Gatorades on the walk out had turned out. He said that everyone was very grateful and accepting. Other Solid Rockers, Brian and Rick talked about the possibility of getting permission from Preserve officials to do some sort of meal/drink set up at the first part of the approach to the Gunks climbing. (Hey, area Solid Rockers, join them and make it happen!). All in all it was good to see their embracing of outreach at the Gunks and to see seeds of the Gospel sown into climber’s lives.
With most gone by Sunday morning, we had much more flexibility. So I encouraged Michael to do his first trad lead. He led Horseman (5.5). Then I led a finger crack called Nosedive (5.10). From a climbing perspective, the Gunks are a very historical place and a wonderful place for moderate trad climbing. Thanks goes to the following who were able attended: Michael M. of Boston, MA, Marissa H. of Basking Ridge, NJ, Lauren L. of Staten Island, NY, Josephine P. of Mt Lebanon, PA, Rick P. of Clinton, CT, Brian D. of Madison, NJ, Arturo A. of Brooklyn, NY, Dallas of Anacortes, WA and Calvin, Hanna & Jaxson of Bend, OR.
Really awesome pictures of the weekend can be found at
East Coast National Conference Pictures
