Dust and snow swirl around making it hard to see. The temperature has dropped and the wind has increased. My fingers burn and tingle as blood struggles to reach my tips. I lay back off the rock and move up hand over hand delicately placing my feet in the fist size crack. My heart pumps as a try to focus on the valley floor. I can't seem to maintain a focal point because of the varying terrain. The valley floor is over 1000 feet below. I am on the second pitch of Castleton Tower in Moab Utah. The day before I climbed Ancient art a tower with a spindly finish and a summit the size of a pizza box. Dont believe me, check out the photo and take notice of the rope blowing in the wind. The wind was a challenge on all of the climbs but especially on sunday during the attempt on Castleton. I have another picture of me leaning forward off my heels and the wind is all that keeps me from eating the dirt.
Moab is a special place. It is no surprise that filmmakers have used this majestic place for the last sixty years. The land is filled with beautiful landscapes, scenery that photos cannot do justice, and an awesome peacefulness that both calms and chills all at the same time. It's a Mecca for the outdoor/adventure community and a destination for many family road trips. The desert can capture your heart, stop your breathe, and make you feel more alive than you ever have before. The landscape can be explored by foot or four by four, traversed on a bicycle and ascended by climbing the impressive canyon walls and towers that define this magical place. And if the desert is to daunting, the La Sal mountains, which rest to the east, keep a close watch on the valley. The snow covered peaks are a stark contrast to the dry red desert and steep canyons. An impressive display of Gods incredible creation.
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