Oct. 24-25, 2009 - Table Rock, NC
The rescheduled weekend trip to Linville Gorge was once again threatened by rain. But this time we weren't taking no for an answer! Denmark, Gary, Cathi and Chuck drove out to Table Rock after work on Friday.
Cathi and Chuck arrived first, and started setting up their tents in a light shower. Denmark and Gary arrived a few minutes behind, but in the dark and the fog they walked right by Cathi and Chuck without either group seeing the other. Just as Cathi and Chuck got the flies on their tents, it turned into an all-out downpour. Unfortunately, the insides of Denmark's and Gary's tents got a good soaking before they could finish setting up camp. Everyone retreated into their tents for the night.
When dawn broke Saturday morning, the rain had stopped and the sun was shining. The two groups found each other in the daylight, and everyone set out their wet things to dry. After a good breakfast, we got geared up and headed to Table Rock to see what was dry.
Chuck and Cathi reached the east face first, only to find the whole thing running with water. Since the westerly wind was blowing harder on the south and north faces, they doubled back to the south face to check out Cracker Jack(5.8). Undeterred by the water, Gary and Denmark went to the east face and climbed Peek-A-Boo(5.5) all the way to the Lightning Ledge, and then scrambled to the summit. After finishing the first pitch of Cracker Jack, Chuck and Cathi rappelled back to the ground. They then scrambled to the far right end of the south face and climbed Two Pitch(5.4) to the summit.
Gary and Denmark hiked down from the summit and back to the south face to get on Cracker Jack. Meanwhile, Chuck and Cathi hiked around the west side of Table Rock, through the Devil's Cellar, to the north ridge. Gary did an admirable job on lead, battling through the soggy off-width and chimney on the second pitch of Cracker Jack. Meanwhile, Chuck and Cathi were blasted by cold winds on North Ridge(5.5). Happily, both parties reached the summit without incident and began the hike back down to camp. Although we hadn't seen each other since departing in the morning, everyone ended up back at the parking lot within a few minutes of each other.
The strong wind made Saturday night feel a lot colder. But a warm fire, good food and good company made for a wonderful evening. We all went to sleep with the wind roaring, hoping it would die down by morning so we could climb without freezing.
Sunday morning we got our wish. The sun was out, the wind was calm, and it was a beautiful fall day. After breaking camp and a quick breakfast, everyone headed to the east face of Table Rock to see if it was dry. And for the most part it was!
Chuck and Cathi started the day by climbing the first two pitches of Jim Dandy(5.5). They then rappelled back to the ground. Denmark and Gary also started the day on Jim Dandy, but continued up the third pitch to the Lunch Ledge. Chuck and Cathi hiked a little further down the cliffline and started up Cave Route(5.5) to the Lightning Ledge. Meanwhile, Denmark and Gary climbed My Route(5.6) from the Lunch Ledge all the way to the summit. When Chuck and Cathi reached the Lightning Ledge, they continued up Champ's Route(5.7) to the summit.
Denmark and Gary made it back to the parking lot first, and headed for home after leaving a funny note on Cathi's car. Chuck and Cathi made it back about an hour later and started the drive home in the mid afternoon.
Thanks to everyone for such a great weekend.
