American Alpine Club - Atlanta Chapter

The North Carolina High Country is the place to be this time of year. Y’all have fun out there!

I’m happy to report that you can all sleep better knowing that our existence is indeed going to be saved by the next generation. This group of young climbers from Georgia Tech and University of North Georgia are proof that we are in good hands. Thanks for helping us all sleep better, y’all!

Pictures from our “Lead Climbing” clinic at SandRock. We worked from “up to down” starting off in ground school as we studied anchors, cleaning/lowering, clipping hardware and technique, and lead belaying. We then got on some rock utilizing the “mock lead” strategy - everyone got multiple reps on the rock and the belay! Thanks to our teacher, certified guide, and Education Chair, Jeff Mekolites.

It was a great day and a great night. Personal highlight: sitting around the fire late into the night learning from everyone about Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, “plant rot,” and even how to win a firefight in the jungles of Singapore (from a 24 year old veteran of Singapore’s mandatory public service, a sniper, mountaineer with experience in the Himalaya, engineer, and GaTech student) - I don’t think I saw a phone screen ONCE all day.

Y’all, I’m telling you, the kids are alright.