Blue Ridge Section. In 2008 the Blue Ridge Section continued to hold a series of informal meetings at the Rhodeside Tavern in Rosslyn, Virginia. Two particularly notable talks were given by Sandy Fleming, a long-time AAC member, and by Daniel Ressler and Dave Truncellito, two more recent AAC members.

In May, Sandy gave a fascinating talk about desert climbing in the U.S., both in the national parks around Moab as well as throughout Arizona. Over many trips to the Southwest, he has amassed an enviable list of ascents, including photographic proof that desert towers can be climbed without sticky rubber. In July, Daniel and Dave talked about their first trip to Patagonia, where in the course of a month they succeeded in climbing the North Tower of Paine by two routes and a route on the Aguja de la S in the Fitzroy Massif.

We also held our ‘Not-so-black-tie’ annual dinner in March at the home of Jeanette Helfrich, a previous Section Chair. This event provided an opportunity to socialize with other AAC members and also climbers from other clubs. Section members also participated in Access Fund Adopt-A-Crag Events at Carderock in Maryland and Great Falls Park in Virginia, and have continued to work with the National Park Service to preserve climbing opportunities at these and other nearby national parks.

And of course we went climbing. Section members had successful ascents in South America and Europe and throughout the U.S., as well as on our local crags.

Simon Carr, Chair