During most of the climb on the Nose, however, all but the very hardest passages, I was truly free soloing. The transition from daisy soloing to free is scary. I have to constantly remind myself, now I'm safe. Now I'm not. It's tough mentally. But you never forget, never think you're clipped to pro when you're actually attached to nothing. You're fully aware during those long stretches when only your hands and feet finding the right holds keep you from taking the big plunge.