In 1986, German climber Wolfgang Güllich free soloed the route, and the photographs by Austrian Heinz Zak [de] became iconic in rock climbing history.

[5] Kauk's partner, Lucy Parker, told Alpinist magazine that the book was: "a kind of handbook to help guide some of us back to the magic and mystery of life....

[7][3] In 1981, visiting Australian climber Louise Shepherd [de], made the first female free ascent of the route, climbing it onsight with no falls.

[8][9] In 1986, inspired by the photo of Jardine,[10] Wolfgang Güllich traveled to Yosemite, with Austrian photographer and climber Heinz Zak [de], and made the first free solo of Separate Reality.

[13] Güllich said after his feat: "An incredible feeling of joy melts all the tension and I suddenly have the impression that it was not a game of gambling with my life; it was not subjectively dangerous.