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We approached the trailhead at 11,200' to find the Castle taunting us with hail.
Not to be deterred, we continued up the road to see if we could sneak up on some clearing weather. The clouds lifted a bit to reveal the ridges and peaks creased with white.
Our spirits lifted, we continue until the keepers of the Castle began verbally taunting us with thunder and lightning, and flying hail in the shape of livestock. Time to retreat, or 'Run Away...'.
With that plan thwarted, we retreat to the beauty of some waterfalls to plan for the next day's assault.
Attempt 2 (Aug 17)
This time, we approach the Castle in our Trojan Jeep, disguised as a rabbit. The ruse works, the weather is passable, and we ascend up the trail to the start of the snow field armed and ready for battle.
Not to be outdone, the Castle sends clouds up the valley to disguise itself. We get tantalizing glimpses of the peaks around us.
Sneaking up on the summit...
We beat the Castle guards and have reached the summit!
The view of the next quest, teasing us with lifting clouds.
Looking back at the Castle:
Standing at the top of the couloir, or abyss. What is your favorite colour?
We answered correctly, and found ourselves on Cunundrum.
Looking down on the ever expanding lake crevasse.
Others did not think this crevasse was something to avoid, and brazenly took their dog down for a swim!!!
Thankfully, both dog and master (?) made it out safely.
Having successfully glissaded down and around the crevasse, the clouds reward us with some sun on the Castle.
The second glissade was 10X more exciting, as it became steeper than anticipated. After having made it down the first snow slope with only a few yelps, I thought, let's go for the longer glissade on the left (north side) of the valley.
My scream of Castle 'Aaargh' echoed for quite some time (and repeatedly too) as I tried to slow myself down, with little luck.
Thus satisfied with our successful assault of the Castle, and exciting descent, we had pleased grins on our faces!
We hiked off into the sunset, only a little silly and giddy (and maybe smelling a bit like elderberries), thinking about the next quest for the Holy Grail of 14ers.....
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
The crevasse has a bit of a steep incline, and the dog was running around at the edge of it, kicking rocks, and almost fell into it a few times! The owner mentioned how cold the water was afterwards. The dog seemed happy enough though...
em are not horses, em are bloody coconuts 08/21/2008 12:48
Nice picture of the shrubbery (Nee! Nee!) Maybe the first day instead of lightning it was the holy hand grenades! Nice TR Brave, brave Sir Robin (was not afraid to die ....) It‘s been 3 yrs now, I‘ll have to re-rent that classic
Crampons are not absolutely necessary (at this point of the year). I like snow travel and wanted to test the crampons with my leather boots. You can avoid much of the snow if you want.
There are some who call me....Tim? 07/14/2009 09:43
Nice climb! And there was much rejoicing! yay....
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