Finns First Trad Lead

In this captivating photograph, my friend Finn embarks on his inaugural journey as a trad lead climber, ascending an unclimbed arete. In a bid to save time and satisfy our sense of adventure, we opted to tackle this particular arete, believing it to be both stable and straightforward. Little did we know that this climb would be an unforgettable lesson in the unpredictability of the climbing world.As Finn advanced, he soon discovered that the entire route was a conglomerate of loose and unstable rock, a climbing nightmare often referred to as "choss." At one point, a wayward rock tumbled down, requiring me to sprint out of its path.Despite the unexpected challenges, Finn's determination led him to the summit. However, upon reaching the top, the quest to find a suitable anchor point proved elusive. After some exploration, a sturdy tree came to the rescue, and we both ascended to complete the adventure.