Progress on 8a

I have set a goal for 2012 that I will send my first 13b and then send multiple others.  I have picked several lines in the infamous China Cave and have been working them tirelessly over the last several weeks.  Last night I nearly achieved the dream!  I fell on the upper crux of the Bassoon, which is a direct start to the classic 12b the Oboe.  I pulled through the lower 13b crux and made it to the upper.  There was only one move that kept me from sending and it spit me off!  But the dream is close to being realized!