Metro NY Section, Gunks Camping & Climbing Weekend, September 26-27

It was a beautiful early fall weekend and a small group of Metro NY Section members gathered at the Gunks campground for socializing and climbing. The bulk of our group took the bus up from Port Authority early Saturday morning and cabbed it to the campground. This is a great way to go if you don't have a car. Our group included new members Caryn Johansen, a recent west coast transplant and Venezuelans Andres & Carlotta Monsalve. Andres told us about his planned trip to Angel Falls. He is going to hike up Auyantepui mountain and rap the full 979 m (3,212 ft) of the falls. Long-time members Andrea Salerno and Michael Schlenker joined as well. Michael gave us a report on his spring trip to Alaska and his attempt of the Cassin Ridge. On Sunday everyone teamed up for climbing, while the kids and I waited for Shayna to finish the 10 mile Pfalz Point Trail Challenge. After the race we returned to the cliffs to join others for some family climbing. I even got in a grown-up route late in the day before heading back to NYC.

We are planning another weekend over October 17-18. It is a great way to meet new friends & climbing partners and take advantage of the newest AAC lodging facility.

- Howard Sebold