“… psychologically I feel that I want to lead this route now. A fall from the end of the crux is possible for sure. But only if I make an incorrect judgement [when] leaving the shakeout before it. This impending moment is weighing on my mind. Ticking... like a clock. I wouldn’t say I dread it. In fact I look forward to it more than anything. It’s what I am looking for—so I get it...” —Dave MacLeod, July 26, 2008

Two days later, on June 28, Black Diamond athlete Dave MacLeod got what he was looking for when he made the first ascent of Echo Wall, a route he feels is harder than his acclaimed Rhapsody (E11).  He posted this report on his website after his monumental first ascent of one of rock climbing’s hardest headpoints.