On Sunday February 18th, after postponing our trip one week due to rain, we finally made it to Foster Falls, a sport climbing destination just west of Chattanooga near the town of Jasper.

A few of us (Chuck, Tim, Denmark, Gene, and Jim) met at the Marietta Park N Ride at 0700 to start our trek and amazingly Jim Allison actually showed up on time – 5 minutes early, and had all of his gear.   On the way to the crag, Chuck and Tim stopped and picked up Jen Kemper at the Cracker Barrel at exit 290.

We arrived at Foster Falls about 0900 eastern, where we met Reagan and new members Kenny and Kim in the parking lot.

Once we got down to the cliff line, a lot of the routes were running water due to heavy rain earlier in the week, so the search was on for dry lines.

As a warm-up Tim put up Bear Mountain Picnic. Chuck put up Mammy – really Chuck? You put this up as a warm-up!  Denmark put up Story of My Life (P1).

Around 1000 or so the entire Mekolites clan arrived with new dog and hammock in tow. The only item missing was the boom box. Jeff set a few routes and was the proud papa belaying Evan as he crushed them.

During the gorgeous sunny day the following routes were climbed:

  • Afterburner
  • Ankles Away
  • Bear Mountain Picnic
  • Diamond Cutter
  • Dihedral
  • Fish Eyed Fool
  • Gravity Boots
  • Hola Bitch
  • Narcissism
  • Saturated
  • Standing Room Only
  • Therapist

On Standing Room Only, Tim got served again at the crux, but he’s getting close. Chuck really got served and was caught putting his arm through a draw to rest.

About 1400, Ian and Susan showed up and climbed a few routes before trekking back to the parking lot for cold beverages and a group photo.

So as you’ve been reading this I know you are probably wondering – Who won the Sending Chain? There were a lot of worthy efforts, but the winner was the new guy –Kenny (don’t know his last name, but I was told he owns an animal farm). Kenny was one of the most enthusiastic new members we’ve had in a while, wanting to learn everything. So what happens? Chuck says, “I’ve got a plan, come with me, your gonna lead your first climb.” So off goes Chuck and Kenny and we don’t see them until almost sunset at the parking lot. Rumors were going around that Chuck killed Kenny (you bastard!) We need to get Kenny an orange jacket. So, Chuck and Kenny get back at the parking lot with gigantic smiles and legend has it that Kenny on-sighted his first climb – Afterburner 5.5C and then took the big Whip on Gravity Boots 5.7D. Chuck then talked Kenny into one more climb –Therapist and was taught how to clean a route. So there you have it, Kenny was a shoe-in after putting up with Chuck’s Shenanigans.

After Kenny was awarded the Sending Chain we all met at Mojo Burrito for dinner, and then started our trek home, glad that Chuck didn’t kill Kenny.

Oh, by the way, Jim, nice footwork.