THE terrain above Cobra Crack emits a constant trickle of runoff that makes handholds slick. Before each attempt, Berthod dries the entire length of the climb with a propane blowtorch.
Rappelling down, he blasts heat into the crack before setting aside the torch. He has just 30 minutes to climb before the seeping begins again.
Come to think of it, maybe seeing that IS worth the price :-) |