Edika

The crisp morning air bit at our cheeks as we approached the base of Prossetwand, its imposing face still partly shrouded in early morning shadow. Today's objective: 'Edika,' a route whispered about for its elegant line and the challenge of its 7- crux. The first few pitches were a joyous warm-up, navigating solid rock with enjoyable movements, each pull on a quickdraw bringing us higher above the valley floor. The views were already breathtaking, a mosaic of alpine meadows and distant peaks.

Then came the notorious 7- pitch. A delicate slab, almost featureless, demanded absolute precision. My fingertips searched for microscopic nubs, my feet smeared on polished rock, each move a calculated risk, my breath held, focus absolute. The exposure began to feel very real, the void stretching out beneath my heels. Pushing through the mental and physical challenge, the relief upon clipping the anchor was immense.

Beyond the crux, the remaining pitches, while still demanding, felt like a victory lap. We climbed through steep cracks, over airy flakes, and along a final exposed ridge, bathed in the growing warmth of the sun. Reaching the top, the panoramic view was our true reward – a sea of peaks stretching endlessly, the tiny houses in the valley far below. A moment of quiet triumph and shared satisfaction.

The descent, a series of exhilarating abseils down the same imposing wall, brought us back to earth as the shadows lengthened, tired but utterly content. 'Edika' wasn't just a climb; it was an experience, a dance with the rock that etched itself deeply into memory.

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