Seneca Rocks: Oct 14th 2006

Seneca Rocks is cold, windy and dark this morning. Still, I'm looking forward to this day even as I fumble around trying to brew coffee while staying warm. Ever since my Alpine Ice Climbing course this summer, I've been on a new mission to learn more about the technical side of climbing and become proficient enough to attempt harder climbs.

And that's my excuse for finding myself in the middle-of-no-where of West Virginia at a crowded campground of cavers, climbers and mountain bikers waking up in the shadow of the large rock cliff that looms above. A day's drive from home brought me to this outdoor playground and the spot of some of the best rock climbing on the east coast.

Just before 8:30 I walk out of the campground on a graveled path and into the town (unincorporated) of Seneca Rocks, past the 5 buildings that form the "town" and walk up the Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides office. I'm quickly introduced to Justin, my instructor for the next two days and while signing some paper work I'm told there are two other clients working with Justin today and tomorrow. Cindy and Manju quickly show up and I'm quickly impressed by Cindy's positive attitude after learning she was freezing all night on her first time camping ever and yet she's still motivated to try rock climbing (another first for her).

The four of us set off for the sunny east side of the Seneca Rocks formation and then practice putting on harnesses and tying into the ropes. We go over the voice commands of climbing ("On Belay", "Climb On") and wait for another party to move up the route we'd like to ascend.

Worrell's Thicket is an easy rock climb that follows a "vegetated, low-angled ramp" according to the guide book. Justin climbed up the first pitch, built and anchor and then I climbed up to his stance. The climbing felt easier than the so called "scramble" on Granite Peak that Cheryl, Helen and I did this summer and I was soon beside Justin and safely anchored into his stance. Cindy and Manju followed up and our little position soon grew crowded.

The whole process was repeated once again as we reached a large ledge running across the cliff known as the Lower Broadway. Thankfully, we were out of the wind and could enjoy the copious sunshine as we ate lunch and prepared for our next climb. A Christian Delight would be a harder climb, and it's two pitches would take us to a notch on the cliffs allowing us to rappel down the west side for our hike back to town.

As we climbed higher the wind picked up and extra jackets were deployed. My feet were starting to feel cramped in my tiny rock climbing shoes and I looked forward to reaching the top where I could put on some other shoes. However, once I topped out, Justin thought it would be a good idea for me to get some extra practice belaying, so I found myself tied in and busily occupied with Cindy and Manju's safety as they too climbed up.

Justin had me rappel first so I could provide a backup for Cindy and Manju's descent (by pulling on the ropes, I could put enough resistance in the strands that I could stop their descent from bellow if either of them got out of control). Happily I descended off the ridge crest and out of the wind.

Back in town we had an hour break, so Cindy, Manju and I went across the street to the Front Porch Restaurant where they told me stories of live in New York City. We returned to the mountain guides office and indoor rock climbing gym, where Cindy and Manju worked on climbing technique while Justin handed me a rack of gear and had me practice placing it in cracks on the artificial wall.

After a full day, I returned to the campground and hit from the cold night's air in the depths of my sleeping bag.