It's finally Spring in the East and the rocks at the Shawangunks are drying out. Time to get out an rock climb! Unlike the West, which has enjoyed 2 month of climbable weather, the East has been locked in -20C temps, snow dumps and high winds. But the weather is finally turning for the better.

Anyone joining from Montreal can join the ride heading South of the border on Saturday morning (Mar 28), leaving at 5:00am from Vieux Montreal/Ville-Marie. Otherwise, meet in the West Trapps parking lot at 10:00am Saturday morning. Climb Saturday and Sunday, heading back North to Montreal starting at about 5:00 or 6:00pm Sunday evening.

Area Summary: The Shawangunks, in New York state, are West of the town of New Paltz, about 1.5 hours North of New York City. The area offers a unique style of climbing, all trad, up horizontals and many a steep roof. Very different (and sandbagged) style from Squamish rock. The climbing here is the "Best of the East" with thousands of climbs available. A huge range of everything from 5.3 to 5.13. Note that the grades are stiff in the Gunks! Don't expect to jump from Squamish 5.10 to Gunks 5.10; you may be in for an  unpleasant (and pumpy!) surprise!

Here's the Mountain Project description - http://mountainproject.com/v/the-gunks/105798167