Hezká chvilka

The sun dappled through the pines as we approached Vypravěč, the imposing sandstone tower that held our objective: 'Hezká chvilka', a modest-sounding 5+ that promised more than just a pleasant outing. Rack jingling, I eyed the line. Its name, 'Nice Moment,' felt almost ironic given the reputation of Czech sandstone climbing – often demanding and mentally taxing.

The first few meters were classic friction and balance, testing the confidence in our sticky rubber. Protection, as expected, was found in carefully placed slings around hourglasses, demanding a keen eye and a steady hand. The crux, a delicate slab leading into a shallow corner, required precise footwork and a commitment that belied the grade. Each move felt deliberate, a silent conversation with the rock.

Mid-route, a small, airy stance offered a fleeting pause, a chance to take in the vast green canopy below. Then, the final push, a series of satisfying but thoughtful moves, brought me to the sun-warmed summit. Clipping the anchor, the relief was palpable, quickly replaced by pure elation. The panorama from Vypravěč's summit was breathtaking – a sea of sandstone towers bathed in golden light. Indeed, the climb itself was a challenge, but reaching that airy perch, surrounded by such beauty, truly transformed it into a 'Hezká chvilka' – a beautiful moment etched in memory.

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