Die Geister die ich rief - Verlorener Turm

The Lost Tower, a monolithic sentinel of rock piercing the sky, is a place where legends are born and limits are tested. Our sights were set on ‘Die Geister die ich rief - Verlorener Turm’ (7+), a route whose very name, 'The Ghosts I Called - Lost Tower,' hinted at a challenge both physical and psychological.

The approach alone was a pilgrimage: a long hike through rugged terrain, the air growing thinner, the silence deeper. As we geared up at the base, the rock felt cold and unforgiving. The first pitches, while not the crux, immediately demanded respect – a series of moss-kissed cracks and slabs that tested our warming-up, setting the stage for the true 'ghosts' to emerge.

The middle section, where the 7+ grade truly declared itself, was a masterpiece of vertical artistry. Delicate footwork on tiny edges, sustained technical sequences, and precise handholds on improbable features forced a laser-like focus. The exposure grew with every metre, the wind whispering tales of past climbers, their triumphs and struggles echoing in the vast emptiness. This was where the mental game truly began: managing fear, trusting the friction, and pushing through the growing pump.

Reaching the airy summit of the Lost Tower was a profound release. The panoramic views stretched to the horizon, a breathtaking reward for the sustained effort. It wasn't just a battle against the rock, but against self-doubt, against the internal 'ghosts' of hesitation and fatigue. The careful abseils down felt almost meditative, a slow unwinding from the intensity of the ascent.

Leaving the Lost Tower behind, we carried more than just tired muscles and a few scraped knees. We carried the indelible memory of a climb that lived up to its evocative name, a true test of skill, courage, and the unwavering spirit of the mountains.

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