Note, some of these crags are closed for raptor nesting. Please check on the most up to date status with the park if in any doubt.
BETA PHOTO: West face.
Description
First route left of Wendell Spire. Svengali heads up the middle of the first buttress on alligator skin and good cobbles. Awkward first move. Not my favorite climb here.
IMHO, this stinking thing is every part of the 11a rating. The second of the 2 overhangs you must negotiate has all kinds of tempting cracks on top that LOOK positive until you actually try to pull up on them. I'm glad no one was taking a video of me humping and grunting up that son of a...
I also got shut down on the second overhang. I finally made it with a throw for the better holds above the sloppy crimpers. There used to be a small sandy ledge just under the second overhang. After I pulled through the overhang that ledge busted off and sent me scrapping back down the rock. Classic Castlewood! I've also pulled a couple of cobbles off the lower section. Just be heads up.
I loved this climb, but ran into the same problem with rock blowing out on my. This may be a 5.10 this year, but will be a 5.12 by the time all the holds are gone.