Diplodokus

The crisp morning air at Blokoblokus was a perfect canvas for 'Diplodokus,' a legendary 6- that snakes up the most imposing face. We racked up, the clinking of gear a familiar symphony, and I stared up at the first moves – a deceptive slab leading to what promised to be a sustained traverse. The grade 6- here felt more like a mental challenge than a physical one at times, demanding absolute focus.

My turn. The initial slab, deceptively easy, gave way to the route's namesake feature: a long, exposed traverse across a slightly overhanging section, mimicking a giant tail, demanding precise footwork and a strong core. My forearms burned as I moved through a series of delicate crimps and slopers. The rhythm of the rock, the cool grit beneath my fingers, kept me moving. Each crimp, each smear, a dialogue with the ancient stone.

Finally, the crux – a delicate sequence around a small bulge, where the holds became minimal and the air seemed to thin. A deep breath, a precise reach, a subtle shift of weight, and I was through. Pulling over the lip, the world opened up: the sprawling landscape of Blokoblokus below, the sun warming my back. Clipping the anchors, a surge of pure satisfaction washed over me. Rappelling down, 'Diplodokus' looked different, a testament to effort and focus. It truly earns its reputation, a demanding yet incredibly rewarding dance on vertical rock.

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