UPDATE: This event is now closed. If we haven't received your payment by 9 pm on Wednesday 5/21, your RSVP will be changed to "No." If you haven't yet paid, you must be willing to join the 9:00 am Via Ferrata group and able to get there on time. No more substitutions or new additions at this point. Any refund requests will be processed after the event.

As part of our Memorial Day Weekend in West Virginia, we'll take a day trip to Nelson Rocks, home of one of North America's few Via Ferratas. This mountain-climbing system, suitable for almost anyone regardless of rock climbing experience, originated in Italy during World War I; the soldiers needed a more secure way to navigate the Alps. There are over 400 Via Ferratas in Europe, and their use is growing throughout the world.

A Via Ferrata is a fixed system of cables, ladders and bridges. You wear a rock climbing harness, and are securely fastened to a cable at all times. We will receive instruction on how to navigate the system. Each group will have two guides.

Nelson Rocks is an unusual rock formation in the Appalachian Mountain Range. When these mountains were formed over 230 million years ago, the impact of the shifting of the Earth's plates caused a riverbed to upend itself at a 90 degree angle. What's left are two giant "fins" of Tuscarora quartzite. The Seneca Rocks, near our campsite, are similar formations.

The cost is at the group rate, and includes PayPal fees and harness rental. I've tentatively reserved two slots for us, one at 10 and one at 11 am. they can handle 15 people per hour. It would be great if the backpackers can go first, so they can be on their way; we'll sort all that out when we get there.

For those who don't want to climb, join us anyway and hike the preserve. There are quite a few trails on the property. Entrance fee for hikers is $5 per person. Nelson Rocks Preserve is about half an hour from Seneca Shadows Campground. Rock climbing is not currently available at Nelson Rocks.

Gear:
Wear heavy/sturdy hiking boots and layers. A small daypack is recommended for water and snacks. Harness rental is included in the cost; there is no discount if you'd like to bring your own. Helmets are optional and available from Nelson Rocks at no additional charge.

Disclaimers:
See the Seneca Rocks Campground Camping trip for info on overnight accommodations. We are also hosting a backpacking trip in conjunction with this trip. Yes, you can come down for the day for the Via! If you'd just like to stay one night, Saturday night would be the better option; please let me know and we'll work it out.

All climbers need to sign a waiver from Nelson Rocks; I'll have copies available.

The minimum age for Via Ferrata Climbers is 13; all minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent on the Via.

Please read Get Out Philly's General Release of Liability, Good Member Policy, and our Event Guide before participating.

Please RSVP Responsibly.

When the event fills, all "Yes" RSVPs will be changed to "maybe" until payment is received. To join the waitlist, please post a comment below.

Paid & Official:
1. Andrew (BP)
2. Doug Adam (BP)
3. Jessica's guest
4. Jessica (BP)
5. Roc (BP)
6. Amy V (BP)
7. Val (BP)
8. Dave #2 (BP)
9. Amy (BP)
10. Heather Leah (BP)
11. Wei (BP)
12. Kristen (BP)
13. Cy
14. Cy's Guest
15. Melanie

Group 2 @ 11:00
16. Keith (C)
17. Amy F. (C)
18. Erin (C)
19. Erin's guest (Chris) (C)
20. Zac (--)
21. Debbie Carter (--)
22. Kristin (C)
23. Ellen (C)
24. Tom Jaggers (C)
25. Debbie M. (C)
26. Patrick (C)
27. Kevin (C)
28. Seth (C)
29. Jessamine (C)
30. Ed (C)

NEW TIME SLOT: 9:00
1. Nancy's guest (BP)
2. Nancy (BP)
3. Emily (BP)
4. Adrienne *earlier!*
5. Staci

Bringing Harnesses:
Jessica
Jessica's Guest
Jessamine
Kristen
Andrew
Val
Dave Raab
Wei

Links:
Nelson Rocks Preserve
Via Ferrata (from Wikipedia)