Thursday, August 03, 2006

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Beacon Rock Update 7/25/05
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Hi,

We've had two busy weekends out at Beacon since the opening and wanted to post a couple of points.

1) The free parking pullout to the east of the main [pay] parking lot has limited space, if you are the first ones out there on a weekend please do not park parallel to the road - park diagonally facing Southeast to make the most of the space.

2) The anchors with light gray slings are brand new with two independent 1" webbing slings slung in a figure 8 with two 50kn stainless rings through the X in the figure 8; this configuration allows them to equalize across both anchors and automatically adjust to rapping in any direction. They need no additional slings and cordage - and in fact, adding slings will just screw up the mechanism. Please do not add any slings or cords to the new anchors as it's a hassle to go remove them. If you have any questions about the anchors or see anchors you feel have a problem email to Beacon.Rock@AvaSys.com

3) The cracks around the belay stations aren't ashtrays, please don't fill them with your butts (to who ever was on Young Warriors Sunday at the top of the second pitch...).

4) Jim Opdyke has restored the lost arrow piton that was traditionally near the top of the first pitch of the Southeast Corner if anyone wonders where it came from...

5) There are lots of ledges and rap stations with smallish gravel at Beacon - especially so on routes all across the entire Souteast Corner and faces - please be cognizant of the movements of your feet and rope across such spots as it can really rain down on folks at the base. Even small stones can do damage so bring a helmet - particularly on weekends for sure or anytime you're venturing off the beaten track...

Thanks all...

Joseph Healy
Beacon Rock Climbers' Association.