Recently, Touchstone released the logo for their newest climbing gym designed by Mark Fox. Dogpatch is Fox's fourth identity he has created for Touchstone.  Fox designed the logos for the Studio, Metal Mark and the former Class 5.  Fox took some time to talk about the designs he has done with Touchstone.

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From October 21st until November 4th, Touchstone is offering a 0 Initiation Fee- just use your social networking. Share Us. Tag Us. Tweet Us. Pin Us. Check In to the best gyms in California.

The state of our public lands, our national parks, and the places we climb concern many people including legendary climber Lynn Hill. In this video, Lynn addresses the issues of the environment we live and climbing in as the election approaches.

The fall weather arrived. Perfect cool days with beautiful leaves on the ground make for great climbing days and amazing experiences. An important part of being a climber is being a steward of places we get to climb. The gorgeous crags can be overrun with litter and debris if we neglect to take care of them. The Access Fund made a funny little video about litter. Next time you head to Indian Rock, Yosemite, or Castle Rock make sure to pick up after yourself. Grab those little pieces of tape, the bar wrappers, and any extra trash. Keep climbing areas beautiful.

On September 12th through the 16th the World Climbing Championships took place in Paris, France. Over 500 athletes representing 60 countries entered the competition. Jaime Quintana, a Mission Cliffs climber for the past 3 years, headed out to France to represent his home country of Peru in the comp. Quintana works as an IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) and AMGA (American Mountain Guides Associations) guide leading climbing expeditions in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru during the summer.

Quintana talked to the Touchstone blog a bit about his experience.

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Recently, the Children's Hospital Adaptive Sports Program stopped by MetalMark. The climbing at the Fresno gym is an integral part of the program, which recreational and athletic experiences for those with disabilities. Based out of the Central Valley, the program takes disabled people of all ages and health impairments and encourages them to take part in athletic activities and exceed expectations.

During the last visit to MetalMark, 12 kids got to climb through their various handicaps.  The kids climbed out of their wheelchairs, walkers, and leg braces and had a ton of fun. Approximately 15 volunteers, came in, took the belay class, and facilitated and encouraged the kids in their climbing.

Katie Walker, who wears a prosthetic leg and climbs regularly at MetalMark, volunteered to encourage the kids as well.

The program scheduled another visit for the middle of November. The kids are definitely excited as it is a great opportunity for them to get an incredible experience.