Where There is Water You
Will Likely Find Rock!
Ever notice that many of the places paddlers
go you will also find rock climbers? The same natural forces
that create nice waters to run also tend to leave above them
nice rock to climb. The best example by far in this area is
the Obed/Clear Creek watershed.
Similarly, boating and climbing tend to attract folks with
similar personalities and traits; physically active people,
desiring challenge and
some risk, with a love and respect for the outdoors.
The general public’s perception of people
involved in extreme sports is a very real issue for both
boaters and climbers. Only through a two prong effort,
involving responsible stewardship of the wilds by user groups
and an effort to educate the average person about our sports
can we hope to preserve places like the Obed and our ability
to enjoy them.
The National Park Service is currently
generating a Climbing Plan that will involve
studies to determine how much climbing, where, when, and
how, is compatible with preservation of the unique
ecological resources of the Obed cliffs,
and with the feeling of remoteness and wilderness of the
gorges. Our prime interest is the preservation of the unique
resources of this Wild & Scenic River.
As part of the Festival planners effort to
increase an environmental awareness of the Obed among users
and others, why not check out what some other folks have been
doing just above you as you navigated your favorite river run?
At the Festival in Wartburg on Saturday, April 7th,you will find a bouldering
wall in CBC Adventures (across from the Courthouse) and a portable climbing
wall from The Climbing Center at RiverSports in Knoxville on the Square.
We'll have an information booth where you can find out more about climbing in
the area and sign up for trips on
Saturday throughout the day to the real rock for climbing and
rappelling!
If you are interested in
climbing on Saturday before the Festival @ 2 PM please email Frank
Harvey (first come first served). Trips are planned for 10
AM, Noon, 2 PM and 4 PM with up to six climbers for each
trip. No experience is necessary and you should come
aware with an appreciation of the fun of climbing and the need
to climb with due care for yourself, your partners and the
environment.
Gear will be provided and experienced climbers
will be with you to see you have a fun, safe and environmentally
friendly experience. Conditions permitting, this will take
place at the Lilly Bluff area. There will be no charge for the trip but a
contribution to the Festival would be appreciated!
Silent Auction items will include a guided climbing trip for up to four for a
day. All these activities and items are courtesy of the Festival, The
Life Development Center, The Climbing Center, CBC Adventures, and local climbers.
If you have any questions or suggestions,
want to express your interest now in trying climbing, or want
to be involved in helping out, please contact Frank
Harvey at (865) 986-6618.
Stay "afloat" with
the TP Festival activities, plans for camping and any schedule
changes by subscribing to the Tennessee Paddle News. It's
free.
