ANGY QUEEN of LEAD

The Lake Garda Mountains beckoned, and our objective was the renowned 'Angy Queen of Lead', a formidable 7+ route that promised both challenge and exhilaration. The approach itself was a delightful warm-up, winding through fragrant olive groves with glimpses of the shimmering lake below. Arriving at the crag, the route presented itself as a striking line up the sun-baked limestone, clearly demanding. From the very first moves, it was a test of endurance and technique. The 7+ felt every bit its grade, offering intricate sequences on small crimps that transitioned into powerful, dynamic sections. A particularly cruxy bulge midway required committed moves, the pump steadily building in the forearms. Each quickdraw clipped was a small triumph, a brief moment to shake out and refocus. With every meter gained, the exposure intensified, revealing more of the breathtaking panorama of the azure lake and surrounding peaks – a stunning backdrop to the intense focus on the rock. Pushing through the final, sustained section, lungs burning, I found the last good hold, clipped the chains, and let out a triumphant yell. Perched high above the Italian landscape, the sense of accomplishment was immense. 'Angy Queen of Lead' was more than just a climb; it was an unforgettable dance with gravity, leaving me both thoroughly exhausted and deeply exhilarated, already dreaming of the next limestone adventure.

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