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!!!!!!!