Rick and SP at the bivy. (RMcG)
Preparing to sleep in an uncomfortable slot between the wall on the left and the block on the right (which at least blocked out the light of the full moon...). (SP/RMcG)
SP leading the 2nd crux, pitch 15, which turned us back 30 years ago. (RMcG)
On that occasion one of the original bolts pulled. Here is the copperhead that SP put into the hole - still there 32 years later, and it held his weight... (RMcG)
Higher up the pitch involves some tricky C2 climbing - SP did 3 hook moves. (RMcG)
Looking back down on our bivy site, and the pillar you would crater on if one of the A4 bolts pulled... (RMcG)
Rick pointing out a party on the lower pitches. (SP)
Rick nearing the belay at the top of the 15th pitch - looking ahead at new terrain. (SP)
The upper section of the wall is streaked gold and black - the route follows the soaring crack on the left. (RMcG)
Leading out on mostly-free climbing on pitch 16, on the final traverse of a very diagonal route. (SP)
Higher on the same pitch, once the line has finally straightened and starts making a beeline for the edge of the roof at the top. (SP)
SP at the belay at the top of the 15th. (RMcG)
There are some trees in amazing places high on the wall, and Cloud's Rest can be glimpsed on the right. (RMcG)
SP jumaring pitch 16. (RMcG)
After rounding a roof near the top of the pitch. SP jumaring (RMcG)
Another view of the upper part of the wall, capped by a roof.(RMcG)
Cloud's Rest at the head of Tenaya Canyon. (RMcG)
Rick at the belay at the top of the 18th pitch, only one pitch to go... (RMcG)
SP following pitch 18. (RMcG)
Looking down the whole of the South Face from the top of the 18th. (RMcG)
Rick leading the last pitch (the 19th). (RMcG)
SP topping out at the top of the climb. (RMcG)
Tired but happy - or just relieved? (RMcG)
Rick with Half Dome behind. (SP)
SP at the top. (RMcG)
Rick strikes a heroic pose. (SP/RMcG)
Trudging up to the summit with the haul bag as the sun sets to the right of El Capitan. (RMcG)
Rick and SP after a final bivouac on top of Mt Watkins, with only the walk out to Tioga Road to go. (PB)