Ahhh, youth. Here's 17-year-old Pete Whittaker at the key move of Dynamics of Change (E9 7a), a recently completed "last great problem" on English gritstone. The next step? Stand up on that left leg. My leg would simply snap off at the knee if I tried this. 
The other pic gives another perspective on this serious and unlikely move—if Whittaker blows it, there's a strong chance he hits the ground. Tip of the hat for the photos to Hot Aches, which has the whole sequence online.
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Sound of One Knee Popping
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1 comment:
Great effort by Pete Whittaker. I remember at 17 gliding over rock and pulling myself up on one hand. Once I used my knees and my rope mate said, "Never use your knees when climbing. " I replied, " I am not using my knees for climbing, I am down on my knees praying. "
I must say my knees were popping that day.
Then there is a saying in polar exploration which says "if you get into trouble, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton."
Cheers
Bob
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