On the first ascent of NE Ridge of Mt. Clarence King (Grade IV+, 5.7) in Kings Canyon NP. Our prize is looming in the background. We still have seven hours of intense and gripping climbing to go before our unplanned cold bivouac on the summit ridge. Here Pavel and I are simul-climbing at approximately half-way point. On the left side is East Ridge. The mountain on the left side (background) is Cotter - September 16, 2006