Pilot Mountain Clean Up

The Crew Who Rode in The Beast

On Sunday Nov. 25th, a small group of us went to Pilot Mountain State Park to help with the clean up effort.  The objective was to push off any rocks from the top of the cliff, so they wouldn't fall on the trail at a later time.  The burn took a serious toll on the top part of the cliff scorching numerous pines and turning the ground into a fine, black soot.  This soot was easily sent airborne as we combed the cliffed for loose rocks, and soon we were all caked with a thin layer of black dust, not unlike coal miners.  The dust filled our noses, ears, and on several occasions I found myself hacking and sneezing.

The debris was cleared mostly by tying into natural anchors and rappelling part of the way down the cliff to dislodge precariously balanced rocks before they decided to take a plunge into an unwary hiker or climber below.  By noon or so, we had mostly finished and were told that we could climb!

Teflon Toes

I was able to climb the following two routes on top rope.

• Gentle Ben (5.10a)
• Any Major Dudette (variation to left with roof) 5.10?

Bill Webster put in some bolts on a route to the left of Gotta Wear Shades called Teflon Toes.  It's rated a 5.11, but I'd like to try it.

I can't wait for Pilot to reopen, but it might be a little while longer.  While at the bottom trail, there were still some smoldering spots, and I left smelling like a campfire.  What a sight we must've been walking into Finnagan's smelling like a camp fire and looking like coal miners!