Thanks to all the Volunteers - who responded to our call to help repair and restore climber's paths and staging areas at Pinnacles National Park. With less than a weeks notice (after the government shutdown) climbers came from near and far (Boulder, CO; Tucson, AZ and several CA areas: Yuba City, Oakhurst, San Francisco & Peninsula cities, the East Bay plus the Monterey Peninsula, Marina, Salinas and King City! We attracted a few "drop-ins" too - weekend climbers who were drawn to our energy and saw our purpose. Fair to say - everyone had a good time... while creating some great results. All are looking forward to next year's Appreciation Days - the fellowship, teamwork and (of course) climbing!
Thanks to Pinnacles National Park and Staff - for hosting this event and allowing us to support them in their work and dedication to preserving the Park's resources for all to enjoy. The careful planning by Trails Supervisor James Bouknight kept over 60 individual Volunteers busy right up to the last minute (climb time was 3pm daily). Good to see Gavin Emmons, Raptor Biologist up and around (Gavin shot most of the photos below) and Mark LaShell, Chief Ranger & SAR Coordinator - who gave his day off to help heft loads and swing a sledge hammer. Not to be forgotten is Karen Dorn-Beppler, Superintendent - who is a strong supporter of Volunteer programs that benefit our newest National Park... and one of my favorite places to climb.
Thanks for your continued support. Due to many offers and interest, we are formulating a program to further develop and practice skills while completing projects started this October. We envision a new wave CCC - the Climbers Conservation Corps - to meet this challenge and support further restoration and maintenance projects. Our format will balance volunteer work and climbing with a few "work-a-day, climb-a-day" weekends scheduled this Winter and Spring. Space will be limited to 8-10 climbers on an advanced sign up basis.