'Firewall'

 
It is my last chance to master that boulder line. This early morning, eight attempts have already been fruitless.
 
The most used fingertips are sore; some of them bleeding caused by continuously pressing them into the barely recognizable holds while seeking the next big under-grip.

Micro-rails like just a few climbers, let alone love them; the strength is slowly declining; yet in the afternoon I have to go to Appenzell, being a parent myself, I can't miss the party, organized for little Viviane.
Then, the all "relieving" ninth attempt brought finally peace to my mind, I was so sure that I could hold that grip-combination.

One of the problems was created by the nearness of the ground, here, the legs have to cross sides twice, in a very acrobatic manner, without touching the floor or loosing the powerful grip of the fingertips on the gneiss-crystalline morsels. It was not before passing the tricky middle phase till I realized that I really could do it. Even a little "step-break-off" exactly where the micro area changes to the easier passage, on which I have failed before, couldn't knock me off.

The condition of the fingers after ascending the Firewall let you sense how the boulder got its name.


Details
Area: Dischma Valley
Sector: Hof (courtyard)
Wall: Mutterseele (mother soul)
Name: Firewall
Ratings: 8a+/8b bloc
Marks: Black
Exposing: East, towards forest
Comments: There is some storm-timber on the block, still the line can be climbed
 
Link: Bouldern im Dischma