Annual Christmas Party to be a Blast!

MS 2005 Christmas Party

Dear MS members,

You are all cordially invited to the MS Annual Christmas party.

When: Saturday December 10th, 7:00pm.

Where: Charlotte Bonilla’s house

Bring a side dish, Hors’ Dourves or dessert to share.

Also bring a wrapped climbing related present for the white elephant game.

Please RSVP (John Smith johns@jsasid.com) as soon as possible so we can get a head count for the food.

Thank you.

Ozana Halik, PATC/MS Chair.

Chili Cook Off: Seneca Rocks West Virginia

End Of The Season PARTY!

The Gendarme, Seneca Rocks Climbing School and Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides will host their annual Chili Cook Off and End Of The season Bash Saturday October 22^nd.

This year we will have a slide show by John Christian who was climbing at Seneca in the 1950s! John was part of the first ascents of Marshall’s Madness, a Christian Delight and Up and Coming to name a few. This is a unique opportunity to meet one of Seneca’s pioneering climbers and get in touch with the history of your sport.

Schedule of Events:

Chili Cook Off Judging: 5:30 at the Gendarme

$5 Entry Fee

Two prize categories this year:

Most unusual (while still being edible)$10

Grand Prize $50

Slide Show: with John Christian 7:00 at the Gendarme

Live Music: with From The Hip 8:00 on The Lido Deck at Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides

We will also be having a raffle to help raise funds for a new Backboard and Rescue Litter.

This is always a great party regardless of the weather.

Second action Meeting about the Great Falls Issue

This is confirmed - Patagonia store, Georgetown -
upstairs room 6:30 - 8pm.

The newly assembled climbing coalition meets to discuss and update developments in the Great Falls National Park Management Plan.

Members from all the represented climbing groups in the DC area will attend and is open to the public.

Saturday, September 24th at Carderock Recreation Area, MD.

Many local climbing organizations will be participating in these events
and of course volunteers would also have the opportunity to meet other
climbers.

On both days from 9am to 2pm, the Access Fund is sponsoring an
Adopt-A-Crag event to clean up these climbing areas. The Access Fund is
a national non-profit organization dedicated to keeping climbing areas
open and conserving the climbing environment. These events, together
with others around the country make up the largest climbing volunteer
effort in history.

This year, we will be doing a wide variety of activities from cleanup to
trail work and would like to have your group participate. These events
will bring climbers together from all over the region to give back to
these premier climbing areas in the DC metropolitan area.

As you know in previous years, these events brought together climbers
representing many local climbing organizations. These included Potomac
Appalachian Trail Club/Mountaineering Section, American Alpine Club/Blue
Ridge Section, SheClimbs of DC, Virginia Climbers Group, and the DC
Outdoor Rock Climbers Group. The event was covered by the Access Fund
National Newsletter, SheClimbs National Newsletter, The Washington Post,
and numerous local newsletters. The event also received the
Adopt-A-Crag Day Conservation Award from the Access Fund National Office
in 2003. Volunteers and representatives from all these groups will be
at this event.

I have included a press release about this event. Please help me spread
the word by having your members contact me if they who would like to
participate in one or both of these Adopt-A-Crag events. You can email
me at adoptacrag@comcast.net or call me at 301-460-4327.

Best Regards,
Thomson Ling

Friends of Seneca work day Oct. 15

October 15th has been set as the date for the Autumn workday at Seneca.

Specifics to be determined but the usual routine is as follows:

Meet at the climbers lot (parking lot for the old visitors center) at 8:00am
Bring work gloves and helmet if you have them, and lunch and water for the day.
Dinner that evening will be provided (TBD), and camping (free of charge) will be available at Seneca Shadows Campground, check the Gendarme bulletin board for details or ask the campground manager when arriving.

The plan is to prepare a site for a rescue cache on the East side, carry the materials up, and build a box to contain the gear. We'll be needing a few people handy with a hammer to build the box on site (or however is determined best).

Please, PLEASE, RSVP me if you plan to participate; for the tasks at hand we need to know who we'll have and what we can accomplish.

Thanks in advance,
Mack Muir

Return to Nelson Rocks Preserve

The brief but painful closure at Nelson Rocks Preserve created quite a stir, but faded as the fog lifted on the first pitch of EZ Wider. Despite all the precautions we took, a good time was had anyway with 11 of our heros making the trip from the DC area. The PMC had the entire climbing area to ourselves under a beautifully painted sky.

See some pictures...plan a trip

PMC Club car decals have arrived!

The new PMC decal has arrived.

This handsome decal can be displayed on your rear window.

It can help identify PMC members in climber's parking lots, at the beach or on the freeway.

PMC members get one free and then they are one dollar after that.

If ya just gotta have some....email me me and for 1$each and 1$ (S/H), You can also simply send me a SASE !

THERE ARE A BUNDLE OF DECALS AT THE PATC HEADQUARTERS IN VIENNA , VA AND A SIGN UP SHEET.

Brought to you by our Rockin' Chair- Ozana Halik!

PMC awarded REI Grant

Ozana Halik, the current club chairman, spearheaded the effort, singlehandedly, to land a special grant from REI through a nomination by Mark Nelson of the Bailey's Cross road store. REI awarded the Potomac Mountain Club $3000. The money is used to buy climbing gear to be used by the club, initially at carderock on Wednesdays . A special thank to Ozana Halik for his tireless devotion and vision.

Kids climbing trip

Ken has rescheduled this much anticipated club event for Father's Day; check out the club's calender for this and other events.


PMC CALENDAR

New Club Vice Chair- John Smith

John Smith replaces Lee Jenkins as vice chair at the last meeting. John has been an active member since before electricity also held this same position a few years back. John is roughly the same height and weight and stature as Lee as demonstarted in the new club officers picture on the website. Our Lee Jenkins and his wife move to Shangri La in a few weeks to begin a new life in Colorado! Welcome Welcome and Good Luck to our dear members.

Monthly Meeting Tonight

Agenda: club business
REI gift Certificates awarded to contest winners
slide show: Little StoneyMan and Buzzrd Rocks

New photo albums for carderock and Little stonyman

I posted some new pictures that you Peeps will enjoy! go to local crags.

I have made more changes to the other blog calling it now last minute trip details...and this may change or get deleted altogether.

I have also added an interactive club calender. if want to post some event...type it in, i get an automatic email then I approve and it gets posted! what could be easier.

Buzzard Rocks, May 21 TR

Saturday, May 28, 2005

We had a great trip to Buzzard Rocks on Sat. May 21, 2005. There were 14 members in attendence including:

Lee Jenkins, Kate Reid, Reed Bumgarner, Doug Halonen, Andy Yeagle, Nancy Haden, Patrick Morineli, Kurt Ferstl, Matt Haskins, Mary Smeby, Dave Raboy, Chris Biow, Taylor Terry, Eric, Others?

I also had my dogs Kato and Sasha with me since Brenda was in Colorado. They carried their own packs full of food, treats and water. They were amazingly well behaved.

We enjoyed the nice cool weather for the 45 minute approach to East Massanutten Mtn's ridge line above the cliffs. Once there we scambled down to the northern most section that includes a great easy lead (Three Amigo's) and a nice but runnout 5.8 slab. Dave setup "camp" here with those that wanted to get in either their 1st or just an easy lead. Kurt and I headed to the next section with several newbies that had never climbed outside before. I lead the classic Raising Arizona (5.7 ***) and set up a toprope that could be used on this route plus Failure to Communicate (5.7 **) just to the right. It was great fun for me to belay and watch the new folks play around on their first outside route! Kurt and I then both led Failure to Communicate before moving to the next section.

At the third section Kurt and I climbed with the new folks up until around 2 p.m. when he had to leave. We both led several routes and either had the newbies second while we belayed from the top since many of these routes are 110 to 130'. We climbed the following routes in this area (noted from North to South):

Pulp Friction - 5.10*** (5 bolts - take a few small cams for the top and bottom, one move wonder above last bolt, the rest felt 5.8ish).

Kimberly - 5.7R (2 bolts, take a few small cams/nuts but still runout, dirty).

Melungian Brotherhood - 5.8*** (7 bolts plus a few small cams for the top and bottom. Nice route!)

After Kurt left Matt, Kate, Mary, Andy and I took the trail south and then bushwacked to the bottom of Anonymous Flake *** (110' 5.9R, one bolt). This route is the area classic so I had to give it a go...

This is where things got interesting. The bottom 40' or so is runout with no gear at all, fortunately the climbing is about 5.6 and on a laid back slab with good friction. Once above this area there are a number of cracks and flakes to place gear up until you come accross the one and only bolt (well actually two right next to each other but one is a rusty antique). The next few moves are tricky and runout until you reach the huge flake for which the route is named.

Once at the flake I placed a solid #2 Wild Country Technical Friend (Red). I started to traverse to the right and was about 80' up trying to make a blind placement while underclinging and off balance with poor feet. I called to Matt to "Watch Me!" then bent down and tried to look under the flake. Well after 8 years leading Trad routes up to 5.9+ all over N. America I "finally" took my first leader fall! My left foot blew and the next thing I knew I was airborne! It happened so fast it's hard to believe how vivid the subsecond events were (and still are). I yelled something, probably jibberish and watched as I started to turn my back to the cliff, the next thing you know I'm on both feet without a scratch. The landing was very soft and flat footed, like you jumped of two stairs! It was a perfectly clean fall. If you are going to take a Trad leader fall then this is the way to do it...

Iv'e always heard that their are two types of Trad leaders, 1) those that have taken a leader fall and 2) those that are waiting to take one. I'm glad to get it out of the way with lessons learned and no damage!

Matt, my belayer (and first time outside and Trad belaying/seconding!) did everything right.He was anchored and got pulled into the cliff face but did not let go and only received a minor abrasion. Mucho Kudos buddy. I'll climb with you anywhere, anytime...

Fortunately the #2 Friend held! But I really had little doubts about it. It was a "bomber" placement and is now pretty much pasted in the crack and will take some tools and energy to remove it...

Well after all the exitement I rested a minute then finished the route with style...

Lee Jenkins
Vice Chair, Potomac Mouintain Club 2005
Colorado bound...

+++++

Friends of Seneca Work Party Saturday June 11th

Sat. June 11 2005.

Seneca work trip: June 11, 2005 is the day for the Seneca Work Day. I have 4 workers and need 4 more. Thanks, Bill Wright.

With the same projects etc.

We thank all for their interest and would like you to consider the June 11 2005 date.

Thanks,

Wiliam G Wright
Seneca Work Day Coordinator
PATC MOUNTAINEERING SECTION

New River trip

● New River trip (Carolyn McHale)

Glad Buzzard's was fun. I look forward to another PATC outing there
so that I can check the place out.

The New River Gorge's Rendezvous was awesome! About 700 people
descended on Burnwoods to camp, climb, dance, dyno, sumo, slackline,
socialize and just have fun.

The DC folks nabbed the primo-screamo tent sites behind the far
pavillion, which proved quiet, private, and with a dry place to
cook... Not that it was much of an issue. Although it dumped rain
Thursday night and was cloudy (with periods of rain) Friday, the rock
dried nicely throughout the gorge for the weekend.

The organizers and sponsors did a fantastic job of providing free
food, music, beer/sodas/coffee/red bull. They arranged bouldering,
trad and sport comps, raffles, massages, demos and workshops for
folks to participate in. There was never a dull moment.

The sumo wrestling was hysterical, the dyno comp impressive, the
workshops educational. I went bouldering with a bunch of women on
Sunday, most of whom did not boulder, and watched them encourage one
another up problem after problem. Well after we had no skin on our
fingertips, we were still working it thanks to the encouragement of
locals Elaina Arenz Smith, Rachel Babkirk, Keri Conte & Heather (last
name unknown).

In other words, you missed an incredible time, so get your butt down
there next year (rain or shine)!
Carolyn.

Climb for life notice

● Climb for life notice (Tammy Pham)

Just a reminder to those interested in the Climb for
Life event this September (it's an annual fund-raising
event for ovarian cancer), the online registration is
now up. Click on the link below for a direct hit.

I will attending this event for sure, let me know if
you are game and perhaps we can set up some
fund-raising events for the summer.

Ciao!
T

Sept. 15-18
Salt Lake City, Utah

http://ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/climb/heraregform.cfm

VOTE FOR THE WINNING PHOTO ENTRY

winners recieve an REI gift certificate

4th Annual PMC Photo Contest

VOTE FOR THE WINNING PHOTO ENTRY
You can vote for the next 7 days.....Good Luck!

Little Stony Man May 14th BTR : Dazzling Success

http://www.patc.net/chapters/mtn_sect/littlestoneyman.htm

The players met at the Oakton Plaza parking lot right at 0730; we departed promptly at 0800.

We were at the crag well before 1000 for a spectacular day of exceptional climbing.

All in all 25 climbers from PMC, AAC and SHECLIMBS attended and we climbed until 4pm with the specter of an approaching maelstrom.

The is an unprecedented attendance and a credit to our club, the list server and website!

Climb-on!

(BTR: brief trip report)

Classified Ads

http://www.patc.net/chapters/mtn_sect/classifiedads.htm

BUY,SELL,TRADE


ROPE-bay

Begginers day Status: CANCELLED DUE TO CATS AND DOGS

It's absolutely pouring tomorrow we will cancel.

Call me at home: 703-242-8166, or on my cell: 703-919-1098 if you have any doubts.

Retirement Party for John Markwell 5/7/5 or other events at Seneca

5/7 Saturday night we're gonna have a retirement party for John Markwell. Kurt Smith (well known climber now operating New River Guides) will be cooking a Mexican grill sponsored in part by Montrail and Mountain Hardwear. There will be free beer (while it lasts) and most of important of all we want folks to share stories about John. We'll also have demo shoes available to try that weekend from Montrail, Sportiva, Mad Rock and Red Chilis.

HUH? Those of you who have climbed Seneca Rocks, WV, know the owner of the premier Rock Climbing Shop, the only rock climbing shop in the shadow of Seneca Rocks- John Markwell. For years Mr. Markwell has been a familiar face at the Gendarme, offering the latests and greatest rock climbing gear at vey competitive prices, so far from home! The service and tradition continues with the new owners. Visit www.climbseneca.com for the best spray.

The tradition lives on as the Kearns man the Gendarme for the next chapter in service to the climbing community.

The following is the schedule of events for this year!

Fourth of July (7/2-7/4) brings the scavenger hunt, fireworks (assuming the weather cooperates) and beer. The scavenger hunt is where we place film cannisters with a prize ticket stuffed inside somewhere up on the rock. Last year's big prize was a rope and all but 2 of the 10 cannisters were found.

The Chili Cook Off will be 10/22-10/23 weekend. The usual competition, live music and beer to commemorate the falling of the Gendarme in 1987.

The only other event I have up my sleeve is a possibly bringing the Telluride film festival to Seneca Rocks around Labor Day. I'm working on that so can't say that's firm yet but I will let you know.

Plan on a good time at Seneca Rocks West Virginia Style!!!!!!!

Maria (Ria) Bosnak

Maria and Bob Bosnak were carderock residents for many years before they moved to Viera, Florida in 1997 from Stone Trail Drive.

Ria graduated from Connecticut College in 1951 with a degree in Chemistry and from Yale University Scool of Nursing in 1954 with a Masters Degree in Nursing. Ria worked for many years in psychiatry at Sibley Memorial Hospital in D.C. Ria passed away on December 21, 2004 from Alzheimers Disease and associated illneses. Ria will be intered in Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, April 8th 2005.

There will be a memorial service at 11am in the old Fort Meyer Chapel, followed by internment at the Columbarium, Bob and the children, Elizabeth and Robert, will host a reception and luncheon at the Fort Meyers Officer's lub. Carderock residents desiring to attend the memorial service and reception should be at the Arlington Cemetery Main gate no later than 10:45am, where the guard will direct you to the chapel. If you need further information or directions, please cal Brenda Bell at 301-469-6990 Bob Bosnak

I recieved this notice, my condolenses.

Great Falls Sunday Climbing

It was a fantastic turnout at 8am. there were probably 20 climbers milling about until we all started wandering down the trail. We set up the routes at bird's nest and cornice. It was a beautiful day and the weather couldn't be better.......Ah, Climbing season! Thanks to Mitch Hyman for Leading this trip and many more!!!!!!!!

A heart felt Thanks to ALL!

Last night we enjoyed a wonderful show by Hans Florine about speed climbing in Yosemite.

It got me all PUMPED UP for climbing this summer season!

I want to thank Simon Carr and Jeannette Helfrich of The American Alpine Club, Carolyn McHale and Wendie White of She Climbs, Lorne Parker of Virginia Climber and Charlotte Bonilla of The PATC/MS, for putting on a great show, and specially, all the volunteers who distributed flyers all over the Washington area.

Also I want to thank Syl Mathis of the National Cathedral School Voyageur Program for providing us with a great venue.

Our Webmaster, Up Rope editor and jack of all trades Vincent Penoso, who finished (under the gun) our wonderful Mountaineering Section display.

I am sure we will use it again on upcoming shows.

Thanks again,

Ozana Halik PATC/MS Chair

Apres Slide Show

That's Hans on the left.

Meeting a deadline

Display Sign Language

Hans Florine Show

The Hans Florine Show was an utter success. The glue was still drying on the Multi-media endeavor we called an climbing display, as the throngs of the eager and the curious filtered into the auditorium. This picture is the result of an orchestrated effort by the entire staff at the UPROPE complex and the PMC's very talented Graphic design firm of Bold Face Designs.

A presentation by Hans Florine tooks us into the mind of a world class speed climber as he battled to set speed climbing records against the very best in this class.

An articulate speaker, Hans, very graciously shared his zest for climbing with the audience, who were captivated by his riveting accounts of his acheivements.

Many speakers on a circuit have a time frame for a presentaion. They come and They roll through the script, but not so listening to Hans with his relaxed format. This show was a must see look into one of the greatest climbers of the Yosemite valley. I found Hans to be the real deal, genuine, grounded and confident as one would be who has climbed big walls and has returned to earth to mingle with mere mortals.

Seriously if you have the opportunity to catch Hans Florine, You will be inspired to start timing yourself running up the stairs at work; it was a real treat. He will be in Boston shortly for the same presentation and a 3 day climbing clinic at a local gym.

This Climbing show marks a milestone for the PMC. Our club chair, Ozana Halik, as was mentioned at the meeting, has revitalized this club. The last meeting we had was an absolute BEEHIVE of activity, plus we ran out of pizza because of the member turn out. His idea of having an information booth increases our visibility as a climbing club at these functions to swell our membership! Good Onya Ozana!

Gear left at the April Meeting

Climbing Gear Left at The Meeting last night. Email to identify. No questions asked.

This weeks slide show (Weds. 4/13)

I will give two short slide shows;

1. Successful summit bid of Mt. Stuart's N. Ridge, N. Cascades. One of the NA 50 Classic climbs.

Climbers; Lee Jenkins, Ted Plasse & Kurt Ferstl.

2. Attempt of the 900' water ice route Stairway to Heaven (WI4) near Silverton Colorado, March 2005.

Climbers; Lee Jenkins and Simon Carr.

Hope to see you there!

-Lee

Carderock Wednesday is Tuesday this week

Hi Yall! The Season opener was a great time!

Many new members were present; all in all, about 20 of us made it and it was nice to see we survived the winter!

The water had dropped and was not a problem.

This wednesday is the monthly meeting so we typically climb on the tuesday!

So, bring your gear, get here early and set ropes up for the PMC; there were other groups there scarfing routes.

Consider marking your climbing gear so it can catch with you if you happen to leave it at the crag and becomes "booty".

Friends of Seneca Work Party April 23,2005

William Wright <wwrightsr@COMCAST.NET

We need about 5 more good workers for the work day on the 23rd of April.

Free camping at the Seneca Shadows Campground for workers, Fri and Sat. nights.

Free dinner on Sat after work. Mandatory safty meeting on Sat at 8:00 am in the old parking lot.

Call me for details at (703) 860-3752, we will be doing stone work and construction of a sign.

William G. Wright Sr. Seneca Coordinator

Drying out, as you can see,

Sterlings and Elsie's

another view

Because of the recent high water levels on the Potomac, the bottom of the
climbs at Carderock were under water. I went to check the climbs today, it looks like the water levels is going down and the mud is drying. So we are going climbing as planned on Wednesday

Seeeya there.
Ozana Halik

CARDEROCK WEDNESDAYS BEGINS April 6th

Remember, That the second wednesday of every month we have a meeting so for that week we climb on that tuesday (the second tuesday before the second wednesday).

Capice?

Photo Contest Entries

People are getting red hot about this Photo Contest.

"So dust off those dusty strings" and show them one more time!

checkoutthesenewestentries

The water is right there. There was an entire climbing group there today.

shot of jan's face

This is at the top of whatever climb towards triple s I guess but never U mind , look how close the water is!

Live Carderock Climb CAM: Could be a slog unless you drop in from above. Jans' face was alright but the area just around the corner and towards elsie's udder...as you can see...is a chocolate mess. I didn't go any further. With the added projected rains for this weekend, it could be a typically interesting start to PMC's climbing season gala.

PIck a Trip To Lead This Season

With the Approach of the 2005 Rock Climbing season which officially begins for the PMC April 6th at Carderock, there remain a number of trips wide open for us to go on.

The same people cannot lead ALL the trips and the word "LEAD" is used very loosely. The leader is primarily the contact guy, the coordinator, the guy we yell at when people are off route along the country side somewhere. This is all very informal as you can see.

Please check out the Proposed trips for 2005 and see if there are any trips you would like to go on and possibly lead. Talk it up. Express any interest on the LIST SERVER and all of a sudden we are climbing! It is going to be another great year !

There are plenty crags around here and people are ready to go! Yippee!

How to sharpen Ice Screws

I found this a very interesting and useful article. Those of you that sharpen your own screws will certainly enjoy it!

Check it out @ http://www.rockclimbing.com/articles/index.php?id=2063

Excellent website on knots

The photo's really help out!

Cheers,
Lee

http://www.ozultimate.com/canyoning/knots/

CARDEROCK WEDNESDAYS BEGINS April 6th

Carderrock Wednesdays is here!
contact Mack Muir

Worthy Cause: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

March 15, 2005

Dear Family, Friends, & Colleagues:

In summer of 2005, I will team up with a group of climbers formed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to participate in a unique event called the Climb to Fight Breast Cancer. Climbers from around the country will participate by climbing a variety of peaks including Mt. Hood, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, or Mt. Kilimanjaro. I will climb Mt. Adams, and in doing so, will raise crucial funds and awareness for breast cancer research. All proceeds will benefit Fred Hutchinson.

In its first seven years, the Climb has raised over $1.25 million for breast cancer research, while generating much needed awareness about the disease. Each member of my summit team is responsible for raising a minimum of $3,000 for Fred Hutchinson. By sponsoring me, you will support the Hutch’s fight to eliminate breast cancer.

I am respectfully asking for donations for whatever you feel you can contribute. Please make your check payable to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), but mail it directly to me, as I am committed to raising the minimum of $1,500 by April 1, 2005 and $3,000 in total to participate in the climb. You may also make donations online at https://ssl.charityweb.net/fhcrc/climb/index.htm.

Mount Adams is an active stratovolcano that towers at 12,276 Feet in the High Cascade Range of southwest Washington State. It is the second tallest peak in the continental Northwest United States. I will be doing extensive training and fundraising this coming spring to help accomplish the 2005 Climb to Fight Breast Cancer’s collective goal – to raise over $250,000 for breast cancer research.

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is on the forefront of breast cancer research. It relies on the private sector to bring in dollars for scientists to develop cutting-edge studies. Traditional funding, such as from the National Institutes of Health, typically does not support these initial research projects. Funds raised through special events provide seed money for Fred Hutchinson scientists and researchers to launch new studies. This seed money enables scientists to develop preliminary findings, a necessary first step before they are eligible to compete for large-scale research awards. Proceeds from the 2005 Climb will directly benefit these types of breast cancer studies, called pilot studies, at Fred Hutchinson.

With your help, and the ongoing work of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center scientists, we will be one step closer to eliminating breast cancer as a cause of human suffering and death. Thank you for your support!

Warmest Regards,


Kathleen Steinle
1524 Swann Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
kasteinle@yahoo.com

Friends of Seneca (Rocks) Workday

The annual work day for Seneca Rocks will be Saturday 4/23/2005. The Gendarme climbing shop, The Climbing shop of Seneca Rocks , will sponsor trail maintainence on the tourist trail to the observation platform, cribbing maintainence on climber trails and possibly transport a box or box material to the backside with emergency rescue supplies.

The friends of Seneca will provide dinner for those working on Saturday night and provide deluxe accomadations through the forrest service at the luxurious Chateau Seneca Shadows campground.

Sunday will be a climbing day weather and soreness permitting.

Please visit www.climbseneca.com

This is a very fun trip/experience and a way for us to give back to climbing area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION TO SIGN UP PLEASE CONTACT

WWRIGHTSR@COMCAST.NET

Banff Mountain Film Festival in D.C.

The Banff Film Festival is being held at the National Geographic march 7th to 12th here in Washington D.C. visit the website for MORE DETAILS.

Smugglers Notch Photos from John Smith!

I hope y'all enjoy some of the photos I took

last weekend on the Club trip to Smugglers

Notch. If any of you PMC members coulda gone,

but chose to stay home and watch TV, shame on

you! You missed a great time. Just click on

the link. Please let me know if you have any

difficulty viewing the photos.

http://langley.lifepics.com/a/v.cfm?h=CFB251CB

Film Festival-Palooza

http://www.chestnutmtnproductions.com/

The above link launches 4 huge must see film happenings somewhere near you.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival makes a stop this year in Baltmore instead of the National Geographic Society Downtown and proves to be a really fun evening.

Let us know who is going so we can meet and rock the house!

Speed Climber Hans Florine Slide show

You've read about him in Climbing and Rock & Ice, now the Potomac
Appalachian Trail Club-Mountaineering Section (AAC/MS) and American
Alpine Club-Blue Ridge Section (AAC/BRS) are pleased to bring Hans
Florine, The World's Fastest Climber, to DC. Hans will present a
multi media show about his light and fast rock climbing adventures on
the big walls of Yosemite and the 14,000 ft peaks of the Sierras.
Come see this eight-time US National Speed Climbing Champion, and
first World Speed Climbing Champion. Hans has won gold in speed at
the first three ESPN X-Games, and holds numerous speed records around
the world, including his notable ascent of El Capitain in 2 hours and
48 minutes.

Thursday, April 14
7:30 pm
National Cathedral School\'s Hearst Hall
3609 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016
Corner of Wisconsin Avenue & Woodley Road-(near Massachusetts & Wisconsin)

Open to the public.
A donation of $5 or more is suggested.

Local climbing organizations will be on hand: sheclimbs, the Access
Fund, Virginia Climbers, the Voyageur Program, Sportrock and
Earthtreks.

Membership Renewal April 15th 2005

Membership renewal is important. PMC is very busy this time of year editing UPROPE NEWSLETTER mailing lists, club directories and list serve addresses. Don't be left out on a ledge. On April 15th when you start doing your taxes, renew your membership at the same time!

4th Annual Photo Contest for 2005

The categories for this year's contest are as follows:

• Mountaineering,
  

• Ice climbing
  

• Trad climbing
  

• Sport climbing
  

• Mountain Scenery
  

• Humor
  

Photo contest will take place on May 11th 2005 at PATC HQ.

All formats (electronic (the bigger the file the better!), photo, slide or negative) are acceptable and will be printed onto high quality 8"x11" paper for the competition.

The pictures will also be posted to the website for review prior to the meeting. There is a limit of one entry per category per member.

Please submit your entries to:

Andy Britton

8012 Montour Heights Drive

Gainesville, VA 20155

or

Tallandyb@aol.com

Closing date for entries is the April 23 April

but it would be appreciated if you could submit your entries as early as possible.

NB I can return all original material either at the meeting. If you would prefer to have your pictures returned by post please provide an SASE.

Blogs, Crags and Snags

The website attendant (me) added a couple of new features to this website called BLOGS. A blog is a web journal or log that I can post instantly to a site . The ability of old news to dissappear into an accessible archive after a week or every month is great for the visitor that wants to see what news was important 3 months or 3 years ago, or where the club goes on "trips".

I created a Climbers Calender Blog as well. I only got on a roll this evening and miraculously made this thing work after weeks of trying to get it to work on my own website so I created both of them.

I will be moving stuff around here and there until I get a feel for what I am doing. This thing is a little interactive so please feel free to leave a comment if you wish.