Ascents of Diablo by peta barrett

If I hadn’t woken up to find that today was potentially the last day for climbable weather at this crag in the next fortnight, I wouldn’t have climbed today... first shot to get the draws on.

As my first shot (and warm up) felt so bad, top rope lap to find the feet etc. still feeling pretty blah

Really did not expect that! Feeling as crap as I did, I really had to focus on my breathing to push the anxiety away. But it felt pretty good. Nearly stuffed up the ending but down climbed and sorted myself out. Throat was sore by the end so I must have yelled at some stage but otherwise, it went pretty easily. Finally!!!!

Warm up to get the draws on. First shot is always terrible.

Freezing but still too bright in the sun. Probably the coldest day I’ve been on this. 3 degrees. Tr mainly to mark out the feet.

Working out the clips. Really only one that I needed to extend. Headgames with clipping off glassy foot scratches, but they stayed on.

Last shot. Actually got passed first crux but then blanked out on a foot move and just took rather than trying harder. Bolt to bolt for next two bolts then clean to top, including the sketchy foot hold clip. Feeling a bit fluey so didn’t have another go. Feeling confident though. Got my head around the nasty bits, now I just need good weather. The area keeps getting heavy rock saturating fog.

What do you do when your partner is sick and your starting to get unfit? Laps of course! Although getting the rope up in the bright sun was interesting. Could not see any of the footers in the blinding light. ... interesting...

Being only 2 degrees, my fingers we’re loving it. Still can’t see the feet... even with chalk....

Didn’t see that coming.... but the light is changing, half in shade now. Can see the feet. Certainly made a difference. Still can’t work out how I’m going to clip though. So far can only unclip above the draw.....

And again! Ok, no more tr after today. Good to get a bit of mileage/endurance without the stress though.

Feeling the fatigue now but good to get the feet engrained into my brain....

X3. 2 points where I’m coming off. Good to get back here though, it’s been too cold!!!

X3. 1st shot seemed impossible. 2nd and 3rdshot, now that I know where the holds are, only 2 rests. Crimpy and sharp but possible.