Don't Crush and Rush
Do Send and Spend
Do Chill and Swill
The Access Fund recently wrote about a study examining the economic impact of climbers on the Red River Gorge region of southeastern Kentucky. In short,
rock climbers have a significant economic impact on that region.
There is a lot I would like to say about my own personal motivations to build outdoor community at/in Harpers Ferry but these things don't amount to much more than hopeful ideas. What's impactful is how climbers (you) interact with the people and resources of Harpers Ferry and surrounding area. If you rush in, crush your climbs, and rush home (
The Crush and Rush) you miss out on a lot of "things" (people, community, and experiences) and those "things" miss an opportunity to build a relationship with you.
While Harpers Ferry is not a Red River Gorge and our region is not southeastern Kentucky, economic impact is significant to any rural region. The areas surrounding Harpers Ferry have some great local establishments worth a visit. Explore your opportunity to build unexpected relationships and to have unexpected experiences and know that in doing so you are making an impact on local people (ie economy).
