Paradox Sports was able to secure three sponsored climbs with the largest peak project in the world, Mammut 150 peaks project. After climbing on Mt. Baker with this amazing group I was asked to assist with the Castleton Tower project. My role in this event was to be support only as the goal was to have Pete Davis (congenital arm amputee) and Sean O’Neil (paraplegic) to the top of the tower. Pete was to lead two of the 4 pitches on the tower. One of the biggest challenges of this project was the approach. It takes about an hour and is a steep, scrambling approach.

I arrived in the area the day before this project was to start meeting Pete in the valley. It was so hot that we decided to drive up to the La Sal mountain range about 20 minutes up from the valley to escape the heat. It was really awesome to hang with my friend again. The next day we traveled back down to the valley, established our camp and headed out to recreate. It was a day of climbing, swimming in the CO river, and chilling in Moab. What fun! We arrived back at camp in the evening where the rest of the team had assembled.

The following day was spent shlepping loads up the hill to stash at the base of the route. There were over 12 ropes and associated gear including extra water. I took a load up went to swim in the river... repeat. At this point I was still not sure if I would have a chance to climb the tower but it was a great to help with this and see the teamwork that goes into pulling off a project like this.

That night sitting around the camp I met a couple of guys who were helping with the project but like me were not a part of the project. We decided that we were going to help get everyone to the base and get them started then circle around to the north side of the tower and climb the North Chimney. Thats exactly what we did.

There were 13 people including camera crew on the Kor-Ingals route and 7 of us on the North Chimney. The climbing was great! It was very difficult for me right off of the ground as it was very right foot intensive crack climbing. As we moved up the crack was still there but there were more face holds for fee and I could lay the crack back a bit. I have been trying to find a picture of my favorite part of the climb but have been unable to do so. Near the mid section of the last pitch the route steps over the chimney from one part of the tower to the other. There is nothing under the climber but air. It was a great view!

Once on the top we waited for the core group to summit. When everyone was up there we had about 20 people on top. The highlight of the summit was seeing Sean in his wheelchair (Yes they hauled it up in a haul bag) doing wheelies on top of the tower. It was a long day... Everyone finally made it down to camp at around 10 pm.

I was very introspective on this trip. This trip happened the same week as my car crash 6 years ago. I thought a lot about where I have been and where I am going. I thought a lot about the nurse case manager who told me to get new hobbies and was grateful that I didn’t listen to her.

I stayed in Moab for a couple of days after the climb enjoying all that the area has to offer including great hiking and canyoneering. Thanks to Russ and Pete for the awesome canyon experience! We found native American relics and swam through slot canyons. What an amazing trip and I can not wait to get back to Moab!