Last Minute: Slab Area at Currahee

It looks like we'll have a great warm weather on Sunday. Let's practice our slab climbing skills at Currahee. We'll try to get the climbs that we didn't get in our last trip.

Most of the climbs will be at the Slab Area where strength will not get you anywhere. You are going to need balance and confidence on your footwork. The routes are long, sometimes requiring the full extension of a 70 m rope. The wall receives sun for most of the day, so a chilly day will feel comfortable when you are climbing.

Unfortunately this is not a good area for sport leading. The first bolts are too high to stick clip and the following bolts have long runouts creating potential falls of 30 to 40 ft. Some of them allow placing gear, but even then you might have to climb quite a distance before being able to protect the climb.

Most of the routes we’ll set up routes we'll be on the 5.9 to 5.10 range. I’d recommend to sign up for this trip if you are a solid 5.8+ at Stone Summit.  For additional details on Outdoor Climb difficulty ratings refer to http://www.atlantaoutdoorclub.com/events/difficultyratings.asp#outdoorclimb

Everyone will need to know how to belay safely. If we don’t know you, don’t be offended if we ask to check your belay technique.

We’ll climb until close to sunset or until everyone is too tired to climb.  There will likely be dinner options discussed after the event for those interested - TBD closer to event date.

And please:

• - Never step on the ropes. You'll make some sand stick on them and that sand will eat away the gear (including yours.)
• - Don't put your fingers in the bolt hangers (if you don't know what that is, ask or search online.)
• - Don't stand right under someone working on the anchors.

• From I-985 North, continue onto US Highway 441.
• Take the first Toccoa exit (17/365/123).
• Drive 6.3 miles to a traffic light/intersection (there is a Shell station to the left). If you need a restroom stop or if you need to buy water, the gas station will be your last chance.
• Turn right at the traffic light and drive 2.3 miles.
• Turn left onto a gravel road (with a small brown national park sign) and follow it to the top of Currahee Mountain.
• Park next to the first fence. Walk around the fenced area to the other side of the tower and take the trail that goes downhill to a lookout.
• On the right side of the lookout, the trail continues to the bottom of the climbing wall.

• - The list has expanded to 12 because we've got another person to help with the rope setup. If for any reason he cancels, we might drop the number back to 8 and move the bottom of the list to the waiting list.
• - There is a 3-mile drive up the mountain on a gravel road. Passenger cars are fine, unless you have a really low clearance sports car.
• - This event will be cancelled in case there is more than 30% chance of rain or if the forecast temperatures don't go above 55 F.
• - You will need both hands free to scramble down to the bottom of the crag.
•  "All participants are responsible for their own safety and the safety of the group. You are responsible for bringing your own equipment in good condition, having knowledge of its proper use, and using it. We recommend wearing all safety equipment; if you choose not to do so, you do so at your own risk. Also if you fail to follow the trip leader's safety guidelines, you may be excluded from the event."