Mount Cook

Well Mount Cook is a beautiful region, but it can be an unpleasant place. We had a walk up the hooker valley today to see a glacier and then on the way back we stopped by the alpine memorial. A very moving experience, so many young men and women who have lost their lives in the pursuit of their dreams. One tragedy occurred when 4 mountaineers were sheltering in a mountain hut (like a tin shed) from 125km winds. The wind was so strong it lifted the hut and sent it plunging down the valley along with the occupants. There was a plaque for most of the victims of the mountains, one which I won't insult by trying to remember made my eyes water and brought a lump in my throat. Others simply said 'Died when the abseil anchor failed'.

After that we went back to the van to cheer ourselves up by eating a fresh honey roast ham and drinking wine which we purchased on our vineyard trip a week or so ago. Weathers turning nasty for a few days so we're going to head to the coast, we think...