Ascents of Whistling Kite

Learnt a lot, this rig is epic. Classy, technical sustained face climbing. Thanks to everyone who supported me!

So, so happy to come full circle this particular journey that has so much meaning because of Duncan and his role in my climbing and life. 10 days, but split by 17 years. So crazy. In this instance, the grade of the route has no meaning to me. But with few repeats it's probably important to at least contribute an opinion. Two of the seven previous ascentionists have suggested 31 for a pre-placed gear ascent. I'm happy enough to agree with that, noting that when this route is led placing the gear, which I see happening soon, I feel 32 is deserved. [19]

No wind at the cliff but at least dry. Almost fell off the start. Did fall on crux 2 and decided to throw out my beta for something new with one shot remaining. Didn't go to top. [18]

Overnight rain and drizzle in the morning. No wind. 85% humidity. Burn 1 shaky to ledge, fell on crux 2, then climbed from the bolt to the top clean in the worst conditions. Almost as proud of this effort as a clean send. - Burn 2 more confident. Fell crux 2, then for some reason my boots just started visibly sliding off the holds [17]

Hot, 15-17C and 65%. Zero breeze. 2x TR burns both with 1 fall at crux #2. Very good considering conditions. [15]

Commencing the campaign. 2 working TR burns. [13]

First time back on after 17 years. A bit of an exploration following Duncan's funeral to feel that connection again and consider if I want to commit further. [11]

Chucked a TR on this to see what is need to send this. Ended up doing all the crux moves with the help of Duncan's YouTube beta. Very cool sequences. Feels doable.

Shame about the ledge. Climbing to the ledge is ok, off the ledge is great. A very hard crux (that I couldn't do) leads to the top face crack that is amazingly awesome at about 26. I tried this briefly after I did BCT and it made BCT feel like walking down the street.

There's a few tricky bits on this route. w/Simon and Monique

First day at Frog!!! w/Duncan Steel

So Happy

Warm up. [5/9]

Fell on 2nd crux. Too warm now, next year. [6/10]

ONE FALL just lost mt balance and grabbed the rope for 3 seconds. Did 5 times with one fall just didn't come my way

Warm up shot. [4/7]

Fell at the top. You're kidding! [5/8]

1st lead. To ledge clean. Dog to top. [1/4]

2 falls. One at foot stem move. One at top. [3/6]

False start [2/5]

Warm up. Muiras. [0/2]

1 fall 2m from top. [0/3]

Dare to dream.

(2nd shot) Got moves - 6 falls