"“If I knew it all then would I do it again? Would I do it again? If they knew what they said would go straight to my head What would they say instead?” ~ Billie Eilish / Finneas 2.16.2020~Castle Tower, Highland Range, 4.5 miles, 2,000’ gain, legit, scary, exposed class 4, 7.5 hours of strategy, SOLO! I had extract all the courage that exists in my soul to climb this Castle alone. The fear and adrenaline were intoxicating. I cannot express in words how proud I am of myself..... My approach is the shortest (with legal access) and best way to get to the Castle as I parked a quarter-mile BEFORE the wilderness boundary. The Castle climb was terrifying especially because my webbing was in a weird spot and at an awkward angle. I used an Arborist throw line to set it up....then I had to face the climb. It wasn’t easy for me. Near the top I had to over-stretch my leg to climb next to drop offs that will make you poo your pants. I did this with a hamstring injury so it made things more difficult. My descent wasn’t a rap but I had my harness set up for it to guide my down-climb. (Munter hitch on single strand)...Amazing day I will never forget and I did it with a bike helmet and sneakers..." — paula.raimondi • Feb 16, 2020

"I've been up 7x, by two different routes for approach, the same route for the summit block. The rock is crumbly, and there are two attention-getting sections. Bring 140' of rope for a safe rap from the traditional, SW station. My first time we brought no gear save a 10' sling to aid descent off the horn." — hwstock • Feb 7, 2020

"1.11.2020....5 miles, 2,100’ gain. 2nd attempt. I want this Castle Tower solo and under my own power and ability or I won’t be satisfied. I spent over an hour and a half trying to crack the code. (I spent the week practicing rappelling and webbing organization.) I made it up the first perch but I was overwhelmed by the next section which was around the corner on a ledge. I scooted on my butt around the corner but the rest looked horrible and I was too scared to do it. The Rock is cruddy and I am just not experienced enough to rock climb at this level without webbing protection and to protect it, I have to climb it and set it up at the top. I was completely defeated and cried many tears at the bottom of the Castle today. Leaving and admitting defeat was difficult. Sad face. On a positive note, my summit approach was different and difficult with an overhung class 4 climb I had to do to break through the cliffs. I had to mantle up with my left shoulder and my hand hold was loose and the foothold was on slippery lichen. I was challenged today despite the fail. I took my husbands Durango so I got closer. I could get even closer next time. https://youtu.be/nu04Qb1ROCU" — paula.raimondi • Jan 11, 2020