I’ve never been much of a climber, but I like to hang with a bunch. There was a big ol’ hang at Pilot Mountain May 6th and 7th, for the Carolina Climbers Coalition’s NC Climber’s Fest. Early birds got cinnamon rolls whose sourdough starter goes back 100 years, but everyone got a bluebird day to grip and rip some quartz, bust ass mending trails, and learn the basic principles of climbing rocks.
In the evening shadows of the Big Pinnacle, we toasted the night. We had the privilege of using the same stage at Jomeokee Campground that had welcomed legends Lester Flatt and Willie Nelson to welcome our small and passionate community. Tired hands and tired minds found their way from the light of the fire to the nest of their tent. By the time the day was done and I hadn’t even put my hand on any rock. That’s ok, I had met a lot of cool people who did.
All photos by Garrett Bethmann
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