등정들 South East에서

A previous ascent (with Azza, years earlier) but no clear memory of it. Hence "flash". For descent, scramble down climbers' left side of pitch 8 buttress as per topo, then rap descent. Started up around 10am. Off rope from last rappel just after sunset (approx. 1710). Not moving for speed, as a first multi for Sophie, and our first climbing together. We lost time for misc. reasons here and there too.

First climb for the season

Far more enjoyable than I'd given it credit for earlier. I'm excited to find out what Left of Ferns feels like (pump-wise) when doing the whole traverse.

I'm strangely nervous, finally logging the tick rather than an attempt. This has been a year-long experience; first tries were 18th June 2023. The process became something of a comfort, and I never felt frustration or undue pressure to send quickly. I feel I've shared a special relationship with the rock, and that in itself is precious to me, rather than the send. I think sending became less important the longer time went on. I'm certain I could have topped it far earlier if I'd gone after it more consistently in mid-2023, but actually the length/depth of the experience has been one of the most enjoyable parts of it. Thanks Jack for sharing bits and pieces of this journey - I'm glad I had your support last night!

Couldn't make the crux move without resting on the rope. 😕

Quick run up it in the sun. Was freezing in the shade.

Cleaning Mitch's gear.

The old fart couldn't do it clean. Needed rope assistance at the top.

Kinda disappointed to not get this first go, but still stoked nonetheless. What an awesome route!!

Pink point felt great, placing gear will be pretty gnarly but I’m stoked to get back and get her done.

Failed redpoint attempt. Forgot all my beta, and forgot how sketchy the undulating middle section was for placing gear. Two sits. Cruised through the crux though, found much better beta through it.

Good first lead and learning, jigsaw falling into place.

The ghost with the most

Managed get the overhang clean but had a little spill at the bottom. Still really gross in full sun.

Footslip at the top prefaced my first winger on gear, maybe picked the best route/spot for it. Now halfway down the route I opted for the easy way out. Also my first climb with crack gloves, and they are in fact aid.

I really enjoyed that.

Repeat to reacquaint myself with the mantle.

Since last sesh and the progress made then, I knew I had to come out sooner rathen than later. I made the drive at 530am before work for this thing. Fumbled my first few goes due to nerves, but I managed to bag it! First of the grade

Did again trying to minimize the moves and matches

Kinda hard to read at first, but tbh it’s a rad climb with heaps of variation depending on how to read

Crimpin, nice, scary to have a rock behind you

Sharp, did try the low variant damn, lots of power required

First top rope solo send! Keeps you busy, it’s a nice climb 😊

for the vid!

Much better when you know the sequence, feels more like a 6.

Awesome line, little bit of crumbly rock but well worth the fun campusy movement. First flash of the grade!