A boy who dreamed of big mountains
New Zealand is often referred to as the land of the “long white cloud” and during my two weeks of climbing I saw many variations of that long white cloud.
At times there was not a cloud in the sky, at other times there was white out conditions in the mountains due to violent storms. During my first week in the mountains we had a storm that raged for three days…
Winds were howling and gusting at up to 180 kilometres per hour.
The aim of my visit to New Zealand was to learn more of the craft of alpine mountaineering, and to attempt an ascent on Mt Aspiring, the Matterhorn of the South.
Mt Aspiring
And whilst disappointed we had to turn back from the summit of Mt Aspiring due to deteriorating weather, the experience gained over the two weeks under the expert guidance of Richard Raynes and Steve Moffat from Adventure Consultants, was invaluable.
The focus now switches to my expedition to Nepal in November this year and whilst it is some months away there is little doubt that time will pass quickly…
So there’ll be plenty of long hikes with my backpack, something I relish, and of course climbing in my own back yard, the wonderful Blue Mountains.
I have just been looking at the climbing photos of the past of couple weeks over a cup of tea and here are some of my favourites…
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- Southern Alps, New Zealand
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- Mt Aspiring viewed from Bevan Col
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- Mt Aspiring – viewed from Colin Todd Hut
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- The Buttress – Mt Aspiring
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- Mt Aspiring – The weather thwarts a summit
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- Baz climbing Mt Bevan
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- Baz – Climbing in New Zealand
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- Rapelling down Bevan Col
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- Meteor Peak
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- Meteor Peak
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- Tasman Glacier from Meteor Peak
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- Baz – The Landy
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- Tasman Glacier – From Graham’s Saddle
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- Moonlight Peak
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- Mt Aurora
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- Baz – Mt Aurora, Southern Alps, New Zealand
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- Baz traversing Mt Aurora
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- Baz traversing Mt Aurora
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- Dream Big Baz…
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- Descending through Bevan Col
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- Franz Joseph Glacier – Centennial Hut
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- Franz Joseph Glacier – Centennial Hut
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- Centennial Hut, Souther Alps, New Zealand
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- Colin Todd Hut, Southern Alps, New Zealand
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- Colin Todd Hut – Hut Life
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- Sunset over the Tasman Sea – Centennial Hut
i always look forward to your posts…thanks again :}
Stunning photos!
Beautiful pictures!!!
What a way to feel alive!
And what a great place to feel alive!
That is such an amazing opportunity to be able to do what you do! This is so great!
Thankyou Maddie, yes a great opportunity. Dream big, so big it scares you, that’s my approach… Take care!
Incredible photos documenting an incredible experience! Do you ever look at these photos and say “I can’t believe I did that”? Btw, I like your updated blog pics too.
Sometimes. I must say I started writing my blog so I could go back and reflect, and it will be a great record of my climbing journey, heaven forbid if I get to some of the mountains I want to….
And I trust you are well…!
That I am (well). It’s been abnormally cold in this part of the world this winter, and although I love winter hiking, I’m ready for some slightly warmer temps!
Really stunning photos. It looks like it was a great adventure. Good luck with getting ready for Nepal.
Thankyou…the real fun is in the journey!
Looks like an amazing trip! Great pics!
It was fantastic, thank you!