Yosemite Facelift 2011, Sept 20-25th

Yosemite Facelift 2011, Sept 20-25th

One of my favorite events of the year is taking place Sept 20th - 25th in Yosemite National Park.

Each year, the Yosemite Climbing Association, run by Ken Yager, hosts a week long climber's clean up of the Valley. Each evening after volunteers set aside their orange vests and litter sticks, there are presentations from some of the world's best climbers covering their latest projects and featuring some of the newest and most original climbing films. The event is typically sponsored by New Belgium brewery and provides participants the opportunity to purchase a commemorative mug or glass for $20 that allows the buyer to fill their mug for free for the entire week.

The volunteer work allows the participant complete free reign to clean wherever they want, for how ever long they want, whenever they want. While this doesn't sound like fun, just wait until you see the growing pile of old hats, broken chunks of asphalt, water bottles, and other sundry items begin to pile up over the course of the week. It is nearly impossible to understate the satisfaction derived from knowing that all that waste that would alter and harm the Park has been removed and recycled. It's amazing what the able and willing bodies of climbers are able to accomplish in the span of a few short days!

Needless to say, the event also has a significant impact in the quality of relations between climbers and the Park Rangers. Its also wonderful to be able to wear the YCA vests (some emblazoned with an image of Lost Arrow Spire) and answer tourists questions re: climbing, climbers, cleaning up the Park, etc. Its a great boon for our community, a wonderful way to give back to the Park system, and a great way to honor and show respect for one of the world's most amazing natural places!

The evening events schedule is posted below for your reference. More information can be found on the Yosemite Climbing Association website at: yosemiteclimbing.org.

(Taken from YCA w/o permission...I hope Ken won't mind!)

"All evening programs are at the East Auditorium behind the Visitor Center. Doors open at 6:30pm with shows starting at 7:00 pm and ending at 10:00 pm unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday September 20th:

Josh Helling will show Dangerous Season a film about Yosemite Search and Rescue

Lisa Rands presentation

Wednesday September 21st:

Malcom Daly presentation - Tragedy and Triumph: Defying Gravity Though Post Traumatic Growth

Nicolas Favresse, Sean Villanueva and Ben Ditto will present Vertical Sailing Greenland

Thursday September 22nd:

6th annual Reel Rock Film Tour

Friday September 23rd:

Jim Donini presentation - High and Wild

Mike Libecki presentation

Saturday September 24th 5:00pm - 9:00pm:

Volunteer recognition, raffle and outdoor music by Little Brother. Location to be announced

Sunday September 25th 6:00 pm - Midnight:

Raffle, food and dancing to Little Brother"