First 1st Ascent!

[skinsk]

I did my first 1st ascent-- long overdue-- yesterday. I went climbing with Mike Reynolds, an expat Brit whose climbed in Vietnam since 1999. He'd scoped the route, a 5.8 arete near Haiphong (where he lives) in northern Vietnam. He graciously allowed me first crack-- super nice as it was the nicest line around. Daunting start that was a little tricky, so I am rather proud of myself for trying (I had been kinda practicing my trad). . . and getting in good pro. . . not too much, not running it out either.

All in all, I am psyched! Definitely something I'll do more of! Photos (http://www.koreaontherocks.com/photoplog/index.php?n=833) in the international (http://www.koreaontherocks.com/photoplog/index.php?n=834) photoplog (http://www.koreaontherocks.com/photoplog/index.php?n=835)!

[shanja]

Sweet as Sonia! Goodonya for sending the rote, it looks pretty nice in the pics, that rock really as clean as it seems? Congrats. Hope all is going rockingly well there i Vietnam. Best wishes from u in Hong KOng Travellers Louge, en route to Oz, Jake and Kyung Ah

[skinsk]

Oh enjoy the summer south. . . lots o'cool Ozzies here (there everywhere).

definitely some loose and dirty areas. . . oh well, that what a 1st ascent is, hunh? One pretty scary wobbly block. One really bad piece of foliage. . . but all in all, about the nicest line in the place (Mike promised to do some gardening and maid service!)

I have to hand it to him. . . as he pointed out the line in passing. He'd been contemplating it, but wasn't sure of the top. After a few trad routes, I kinda thought I could, and committed as though I knew I could.

The crux turned out to be the bottom-- the part we could see. . . it was a lot more awkward than it seemed-- hands in the corner crack, feet kinda stemming and backstepping out. . . I ended up pulling a few extra moves before getting a good piece. I am really proud of my mental work. . . I just pretended I was confident, and I ended up getting in some great pieces! 2 threads, 2 cams, a nut and a hex, all really solid. To be honest, I thought a bit of atoning for Daedunsan when I was climbing!!

see ya (on the trad) this spring. . . rock on in OZ!!!

[ricardo]

did he laugh when you racked up the hex? ;)
good job sonia!

[skinsk]

It was Mike's hex. . . I roared when he pulled it out (well, I told him the story) his rack is older than mine!!