On 4th of October 2009 Harald Röker could do the first ascent of "Walk of Life"  ~8c/c+ (Starzlachklamm, Allgäu)

In the beginning I could somehow not really enjoy the first ascent of this route. It was just another first ascent of a climbing route and furthermore the determining try felt almost easy...

Only now, some days later, I get aware that this route represents something really special in my climbing career. In the first I feel a deep gratitude that it was granted me to climb such a hard route in the already a bit sophisticated sportsman-age of 39 years and moreover such a hard first ascent. Gratitude also, that I can call this the "best" climbing year of my more than 32 years lasting climbing activity. 11 first ascents between the grades 8a and 8c/c+, amongst these some routes in the range 8b to 8b+ and also some repetitions of routes in the 8th grade as well as 22 more first ascents between 4c and 7c+.

The fact that such a success as the ascent of "Walk of Life" often depends on irreducibly small factors came strongly to my mind after I had climbed this route. On one of the last possible days with good conditions and without work-related appointments the 4th and therefore last try of the day was the successful ascent. For me personally simply the final touch for an unbelievable climbing year.

That things can go completely different had to take a good friend of mine this year. Despite beeing in exceptional shape the aims he fixed for climbing have not meant to be. Furthermore some other things happended which faded sport far into the background. At this place I want to wish him all the best for the years coming!

Harald Röker