Nov. wilderness climb covers 3 states

The November wilderness climb for treeclimbers in the north Georgia, upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina areas will be held Saturday, Nov. 13, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the McDonald's restuarant in Clayton, Georgia, at the intersection of U.S. 441 and U.S. 76. This is a free, climb-at-your-own risk event and is open to any climber who has his or her own equipment.

Don't be late, since we will have to leave almost immediately to convoy about 25 miles to what we're tentatively calling the "Tri-State Climbing Area." This is a brand new climbing area with thousands of gigantic white pines that soar 100-140 feet high, and plenty of big hardwoods only a few feet shorter. Many of the trees are an easy 10-20 minute hike from the parking area on a trail that follows a beautiful mountain river. We recommend a backpack for your climbing gear, and those climbers with 200-foot ropes are encouraged to bring them

Those who relish a little more adventure can continue on past the climbing area and follow the trail for about two hours to the survey pin where Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina all meet. We suggest you wear long pants for climbing but bring shorts and old tennis shoes for wading in the knee-deep water to reach the survey pin on a rock in mid-stream.

The area is remote, in a designated federal wilderness area, so be sure you have emergency gear that includes a fire starter, jacket and rain gear if the weather turns wet. You will want to pack a lunch or snack, along with water or soft drinks. We will have a couple of spare sets of basic climbing equipment available for those who have completed the course but have not purchased or received their equipment.

Wild Bill and others,

Are we still on for a climb the day after Thanksgiving? I've got to teach a Basic Tree Climbing Course that weekend but wood love to hook up for a climb on Friday.

Sorry I can't make this weekends trip but I'll be in Oregon climbing some of the elders.

Adventure-UP!!

PS - Swampy Joe