Castle shoulder tour

I teamed up with a large group of Missoula's finest to shake out the daylight saving cobwebs and do more exploring in the Bitterroot.  We took advantage of having two vehicles to do a short shuttle from Fred Burr to Sheafman.  In retrospect, one could just do the tour from Fred Burr, but it was fun to go point to point.  The snow was heavy and somewhat forgettable, but both ski runs were good, and it was fun to tuck ourselves under the commanding rock face at the base of Castle crag. I was sick, so tanks to everyone for all the trailbreaking and putting up with all my coughing and wheezing.

Sunrise! (All photos: Conor Phelan)

Stable enough pit above Knack lake.

Climbing to Castle crag.  Spectacular spot.

At the bottom of the Castle crag run.

Nearing the top of the second climb. I had wanted to sketch up the ramp on looker's right,
but time and conditions did not allow.  Maybe next time.

Starting our second run.  John exhibiting magnificent euro flare. 

The classic Fred Bur reservoir view while exiting.

The tour. Up Sheafman to base of Castle Crag NE ridge, down NE shoulder into Fred Burr.  Up to ridge on Northeast flank of Castle crag, down North to the creek. Out Fred Burr.