Description

The idea of this trip is to get out and do some easy cragging in The Bluffs before Thanksgiving dinner. If enough of the summer crowds have dispersed, then we might get lucky and find a route or two free at Neat and Cool; otherwise, we might do better to seek out somewhere less popular, like Tunnel Rock. The aim would be to find a crag that allows for easy top-roping to keep this event beginner-friendly.

I have a 70-m rope, a single rack from micro-cams to 4 inches, and a recent guidebook for the area. Although I would be happy to review setting up and cleaning top-rope anchors, rappelling, and, if anyone else is interested, rock rescue, people who would like to practise such skills should have learned them previously as part of the club’s courses in the spring (or some equivalent); such practice would not be a substitute for formal coursework so much as a refresher of existing skills.

Itinerary:

• Meet at the parking lot of The Smoke Bluffs (at the south end–near the picnic tables), sign waivers, get acquainted, etc. at 8:00 AM
• Get to one crag or another by around 8:30, get a few ropes up, and climb
• Start taking down our ropes and packing up by ~1:15 so as to beat the traffic back to Vancouver

Required items:

• Helmet and harness
• Belay device, personal anchor system (e.g., a double-length sling), prusik, and three locking carabiners
• Food and water for the day
• Appropriate layers for varying temperatures

Recommended items:

• A nut tool if you have one
• A second rope if there are more than two of us
• A rock rack if you want to lead anything
• Bug spray despite the fact that it is October

Required experience:

• Belaying on top-rope, basic commands, and evaluating EARNEST/SERENE anchors (the equivalent of the club’s introductory course in rock climbing)
• If you want to lead, then you should have prior experience doing so (as well as building and cleaning anchors and rappelling)

Logistical notes:

• I currently live in Squamish and thus will not be able to carpool
• I will email those interested in the event to ask more specific questions about their level of experience
• I am going to close registration for this event on Saturday night so as to make final plans for the day well in advance
• This will be my first time leading a cragging session. Please climb conservatively, and be clear about your level of experience
• If you have any questions for me, then you should be able to contact me directly by clicking on my profile