Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Jackson Butte to the Top

 In the middle of Jackson Hole is a castle like looking rock formation called Jackson Butte. There are two bit odd things about Jackson Butte. You wouldn't imagine it's hollow inside and second there shouldn't be a way to the top, but there is, fraught with danger. Daughter Heather has showed up with four kids and Beth, friend and neighbor in San Diego with her son Ethan, and Jax and I. Ethan and Tiago take the trials bikes out and the rest of us pile in the new six seater.



 
We're going to hike up to the bowl inside Jackson Butte and then make a right hand turn and try and get through the tunnel that has been created from rock fall and erosion. Ten plus years ago I climbed up through the tunnel and got on top. The next time I went out there a large rock had fallen and was blocking the entrance being held up by a smaller rock you had to step over to climb. Now it's all changed and there are many more rocks in it and all ready to tumble taking out anything in it's path. We have to climb this carefully mostly one person at a time because if the lead person knocks a rock down it crushes everyone below it. It's a difficult climb and we are way up there.



Tiago and Ethan think they can make it and Tatiano elects to wait at the bottom of the last big obstacle as a relay should something happen on top.



Beth and I retreat and I stay at the outlet in case I have to scramble to the top if I can after a rock fall.
Ethan and Tiago make it to the top and take a picture down into the bowel inside Jackson Butte and a design they found on top.






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