Castle Rock and the Lace Castle

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Castle Rock, viewed from hill to the southeast.

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The fantastic slabs on the approach to the Lace Castle (sticking up at center right). Photo by Elke Dratch.

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The Lace Castle, whose existence was pointed out to us by Sunny Stroeer.

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WInd blowing the grass makes perfect circles!

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To get to the base of Castle Rock we descended the slab left of center. Last year Jonathan and I ascended this slab with no problem. The descent required more care.

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Elke climbing the steepest section of Castle Rock’s face.

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Upper reaches of Castle Rock. Photo by Elke Dratch.

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Upper plateau of Castle Rock.

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Castle Rock Arch, near summit of Castle Rock.

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Katie descending the steepest section.

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Elke on the steep descent.

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Our last climb (5.2; unroped) to avoid the final pouroff. Katie topped out first; we then hauled packs from the halfway point, using the string and biner I use to tether my pole to my pack! The holds were very solid and no one had a problem. This is a little upstream from where Jonathan and I descended when we approached this way last year. Second photo by Elke Dratch.

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