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Vikki Weldon Sends West Coast 5.14

Squamish-based Vikki Weldon has sent Dinosaur Highway 5.14a at Horne Lake on Vancouver Island.

Weldon had attempted the route a few times over the years, but made it one of her main projects after returning from Spain in the spring.

“Unfortunately, it became too hot this summer and the crag was even closed at one point due to fire danger,” Weldon said.

Weldon spent the end of summer in the Rockies, where she sent a number of classic routes. A few of them being Where Heathens Rage, a 5.12c mixed gear route at Back of the Lake, and three 5.13s at The Lookout, including Diamonds on the Inside 5.13b, Spicy Elephant Extension 5.13b and Buffet Royale 5.13c.

“I was able to come back again two weeks ago after a month long trip to the Rockies and spent a couple of days working it out,” Weldon said.

“I managed to one-hang it, which I didn’t expect, but made me determined to send this fall.”

During the first week of October, she came close to sending the powerful and dynamic route that is characterized by having hard cruxes separated by good rests.

Vikki Weldon during an earlier session when photographer Rich Wheater joined to  take a few shots.
Vikki Weldon during an earlier session when photographer Rich Wheater joined to take a few shots. Follow Wheater on Instagram @richwheater

“I came achingly close last week, but fell just short of the top when my fingers got caught behind a knee bar.”

Weldon returned on Oct. 7, despite high humidity and rain. “I felt like I had no chance as the conditions felt terrible and we were climbing in a cloud.

“But, those are always the days when you send. When you don’t think it’ll happen. It felt amazing and I floated past my high point.

“Such a fantastic route. So happy to tick it off my bucket list and so happy to not have to pay for the ferry again for a while.”

Weldon climbed her first 5.14 in 2013 with her send of Eulogy 5.14a/b in Maple Canyon, Utah. Since then, she has ticked a number of 5.14s and repeated difficult 5.13 gear lines. The first Canadian woman to send Dinosaur Highway was Josie Hetyie in 2012.

Be sure to follow Weldon on Instagram @vikkiweldon.

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