Leap Year Lizard

Today is a day that only comes around once every 4 years, so it seems appropriate to do something special on it. This afternoon I made another trip down to the Lizard with Martin to have a crack at the 4 star route, 'The Cull'.
I first visited the Lizard about a year ago and was dangled (against my will) off the top of The Cull by James Forbes. He was working the route at the time in preparation for the lead and seemed to take great pleasure in watching the horror on my face as he lowered me off the top, hand clenched around my knot with knuckles as white as snow, to have a go at top roping it. I attempted to climb only the upper third of the route and upon reaching the top swore I would never want to lead it.

As the summer passed my confidence grew and I was becoming much more used to the exposure of Cornish sea cliffs. I scraped my way up a few more E2's and then made it up a couple of E3's and suddenly my mind was wondering back to The Cull. A little bit of coaxing from my friends and it wasn't long before I was heading back down to The Lizard.
This trip was different to the first, the sun was shining and I didn't feel anywhere near as nervous as I lowered off the top to have a practise run. The only problem was the huge swell battering the bottom half of the route and completely engulfing the belay ledge. I would be unable to lead it this time but I came away happy, knowing that I could do it.
Due to poor weather, large swells and belayers only being available at high tide, it was another 6 weeks before I could get back on the route. This time I got in a quick top rope before the light disappeared. I was lucky to be on it at all considering it was the middle of December.
Frustration was setting in and I had started to feel like the route was going to be an anti climax as I had only wanted to top rope it once or twice and then go for the lead straight away. I had almost forgotten about the route and then the end of February arrived, the weather was unusually warm and the tides and swell were just right. It had to be done today.
I raced down to Helston and picked up Martin and headed for the Lizard. Whilst Martin was setting up the abseil, I warmed up by doing some bicep curls with his Lizard warm up rocks. 15 minutes later I was sat on the top of the crag, more pumped than I have ever been. My affair with The Cull was over and I felt bloody relieved.