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Reticent

Pictures by QT Luong

The Reticent wall was considered in 1999 to be the most difficult big-wall route on El Capitan, and therefore technically one of the most difficult routes in the world. In the spring of that year, Ky-Van and I came along to take photos of Valerio Folco and Tom McMillan at the base of the route. I then hiked to the top of El Capitan and rapped down to photograph the last two pitches.

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Valerio Folco takes a break from hauling bags. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco belaying Tom McMillan. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco ascending the rope. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco getting ready to lead a pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco leaving the belay. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco leading the third pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco leading the third pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco leading the third pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Ky-Van following the third pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco and Tom McMillan on the crux pitch (second to last). El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco leads the long and complex crux pitch, taking more than half a day. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco at the belay, Tom McMillan cleaning the crux pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Tom McMillan leaves the belay on the last pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Tom McMillan leaves the belay on the last pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Tom McMillan and Valerio Folco on the last pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Tom McMillan and Valerio Folco on the last pitch. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Sorting the gear at the top of the wall. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Valerio Folco and Tom McMillan with gear at the top of the wall. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Taking a break while going down the east ledges. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

Going down the east ledges. El Capitan, Yosemite, California ( color)

All text and photos © QT Luong. See conditions for use of images.

All the 20 color pictures of Reticent are on this page

Washington Column

Reticent

Yosemite Big wall climbing

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