Cenotaph Sunshine

Bank holiday weekend, Sunday, Llanberis pass.
Perfect climbing weather. No sunburn, no chill.
This is it. Cenotaph Corner. The big one.
I've told my friends I'm going to lead it,
and I don't even feel like backing out.
Racking up, I relax. No wasted pump allowed.
120 feet is a long way. I'll need it later.
Bridge up. Easy gear. Tat below tech crux.
Poor, but no spare energy to make it better.
Delicate moves, Egyptian, bridge, feeling good.
Now gear, lay away, bridge, jam, nearly there.
This isn't so bad.
No holds.
In situ rope thread, but no holds.
Foot jam, but no holds.
Okay, this could be an epic.
Unless the fingers will do layback moves.
Left. Cross-over right. Reach up left. Hold.
Fingers uncurling with pump.
Move feet up before hands let go.
Reach up right - jug.
Hands completely gone, pull over.
Breathe.

Photograph courtesy of Stefan Krüger