Ever wonder what Carderock rock was like before every nubbin and crimp was worn smooth? Come find out! We’re planning a trip to Vaso (Herzog in the old days) Island to climb Knubble Face, Salad Bar, Chairman’s Chimney, and more.  The tallest climbs are about 70 feet and almost all of them are directly above the river; truly beautiful climbing!

We are limiting the trip to 12 plus 2 leaders. This is not a trip for beginners – unless you buddy up with a more experienced climber; you should know how to belay from the top and how to rappel. Some trad is possible, but most of routes are best top-roped from above.

We’ll meet at 8am in the Carderock parking lot – it’s easier to get the boats in the water when the paths are not full of climbers. We’ll use whatever water craft people have to ferry across the river between Carderock and the island, we should be at the top of the climbs by about 9am. After a day of climbing, we’ll head back to Carderock in the late afternoon, probably around 4pm. Make sure you bring lots of water, food, bug spray, etc.  In case it’s not obvious, there are no facilities on the island. 🙂

Please, please, please don’t sign up unless you can make it. This is a popular trip with a lot of logistics (who knew you’d need a boat to go climbing??) and planning for the leaders; trying to manage who’s in and who’s not at the last minute adds to the already long “to-do” list.

If the river is too high to cross safely, we will cancel the event!

Contact Brian oldmanbim at gmail.com if you would like more information, and please copy Carol carolclayton at gmail.com (just so she doesn’t feel left out).

Things to bring:

• Your gear
• “Necessities” – there are no port-a-johns on the island
• Brush – unless you’re likin’ the lichen
• Sunscreen/bugspray – the climbs are almost all in direct sunlight and there are more than a few ticks
• Food – lunch, snacks, we’ll be there all day

A few last things:

• Experience: This trip should not your first time outside.
• Vasoirgins: Not to discourage previous Vaso-ites, but if you haven’t tried Vaso before please join us! It’s a whole different world across the strait from Carderock!
• Reservations and Cancellations:
  Because of the logistics, this trip is more complicated and so more work for the trip leaders.
  • Please do not sign up for this trip unless you are committed to coming. Apocalypse, traumatic life event, and the ilk might be considered extenuating circumstances.
  • If you are not able to attend for reasons outside your control (apocalypse, etc), please cancel your registration
    so someone can have your spot. If you can’t make it the morning of the event, please text either Brian or Carol so that no one is waiting for you in the parking lot.
• Hobbyists-at-Large: Please note that none of our trip leaders are professional guides but only enthusiastic hobbyists. Crossing the river and climbing on ropes are inherently dangerous and you do so at your own risk. You are responsible for yourself and your own safety at all times.
• Be Prepared: Please bring as many “Vas” related puns as you can; for example:
  • Vaso-dilation: Excitation of pupils when seeing the Vaso’s pristine rock for the first time
  • Vaso-ectomy:  Being completely cut off from the outside world when you really need to pee, forgot your sunblock, etc
  • Vaso Deferens: Being submissive and respectful when viewing the awesome rock on Vaso