"The Final Stroke" (5b).

We made the first attempt to climb the route with Max Polyakov in winter 2009, but various reasons prevented us from completing it. We removed the ropes and left. Now, on April 1 and 2, Sanya Khomenko and I finished the route.

Description by sections: the route starts from the same ledge as "Vosemorka", "Pesnya", "Khokhol cherez zerkala", and goes between "Pesnya" and "Khokhol". The beginning is easy to read; there is a bolt 8 meters above the ledge.

Sokol, "The Final Stroke" route (5B). The route line is highlighted in blue. High-resolution photo

0–1 A small approach, then onto the bolts to a piton, from it up to the right to a crack with grass. Up through a series of cracks, sometimes on a slab. Belay station on a bolt and a hook. 40 m, A3.

From the station, it's recommended to climb to the next bolt without accepting the belay to reduce the fall factor.

1–2 Up to the right on a slab with cavities (anchors, skyhooks), get over the bend, then on a more gentle slab to the station. There's a bolt. 35 m, VI, A3.

2–3 From the station, up to the left through an overgrown crack for about 10 meters, then ITO on the slab in the direction up to the left to a sloping ledge. On it, a station — a bolt and an anchor. 40 m, VI, A3.

3–4 From the station, 4 meters up to the left, then up on the slab to a small ledge, up to the right to the second ledge. From its left part, up through a series of cracks. Station on a bolt. 35 m, VI, A3.

4–5 From the station, up to the left, then up into an internal corner formed by the edge of a large flake and a wall. Up the corner, then up to the right under a small cornice. Through the cornice up to the right, then traverse to the right onto a ledge. Station on a bolt and a hook. 35 m, V, A3.

5–6 Traverse to the right, then through a small wall up to the right, then up an internal corner (here the route converges with "Vosemorka") — exit onto the yayla. 20 m, IV.

Didn't climb straight up because the rock is heavily damaged, and moving right along the ledge looks logical.

Equipment, besides standard:

• more anchors
• fifi hooks help but can be avoided
• 3-4 hole skyhooks
• 3-4 different relief skyhooks

Source: alpinist.biz