Sunday 4 January 2009

Will they find Irina Yun alive today ? I am very hopeful. Monday 5 January 2009


Missing tramper's daughter Liann, 4, waits for her Mother


This morning I received a comment from Irina Yun's ex-parttner Oleg.

She is not Uzbek - she is what we call a "Russian Korean". Her grandparents were expelled from Korean border into Kazakhi desert in winter by Chairman Stalin 70 years ago. And they survived there - with no shelters at all!

Oleg
(her ex-partner)


Here is an extract from the New Zealand Herald that gives an insight into what her family are going through.


"I feel she is frightened, but still alive," said Oleg Amiton, Yun's ex-partner.

The mood was sombre but hopeful at Yun's house in Laingholm, West Auckland, yesterday, where Amiton was keeping vigil with their 4-year-old daughter, Liann

Amiton will fly to Queenstown today (that was yesterday, Sunday 4th) to help the search team.

Yun was last seen on Wednesday, after she left Mt Aspiring Hut in the morning to cross the Cascade Saddle. She did not arrive at the Dart Hut that evening as planned.



A photograph of Irina Yun on an earlier trip in the same region.

Amiton said Yun - an artist, photographer and web designer - was an experienced tramper and not one to give up easily.

"She is over-confident. As far as I know, she would not turn back."

Yun was experienced in alpine sports in her native Kazakhstan. New Zealand's reputation for outdoor pursuits was one of the reasons she moved here five years ago, said Amiton. A year ago, the couple tramped the Dart track, the area where Yun is now missing.

Amiton had spoken to Yun's family, who live in the Kazakh city of Almaty.

"They are worried, but they're a very traditional Asian family; they don't really express their feelings that much."

Amiton praised the close-knit West Auckland community for their help since Yun had been missing. "The community here is very supportive," said Amiton, who is separated from Yun.

He said friends were going to care for Liann as he headed to Queenstown.

Today I am hopeful search parties will find evidence of her whereabouts and I hope and pray she is alive. She has much in her favour. As Oleg says, "Her grandparents were expelled from Korean border into Kazakhi desert in winter by Chairman Stalin 70 years ago. And they survived there - with no shelters at all!"
Genetics are a big factor and her background as a highly-trained yoga specialist, gives her that strength of mind which will aid her survival.

In 1996-99 and for many holidays thereafter, I lived in Kazakhstan, and used to climb with the hardy climbing fraterity that included the famous Anatoly Boukreev, who climbed Mt. Everest a number of times. Knowing that she used to live in Almaty, I am sure she is one of this tough breed of Kazakh mountaineers.

I am scanning the net and listening to the radio for news. Join me in praying for her safe delivery, and if you don't believe in this, spare a few encouraging thoughts for her survival.



14 comments:

Paterika Hengreaves said...

Yes Bob. Like wise. Keep me posted on latest developments on Irina.

Cheers
Paterika

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Thanks Paterika. The more support we can collectively give, the better. There are 6 hours of daylight left, I hope the find her today.

Bob

Anonymous said...

I met Irina recently on an ad she was on as an extra before Christmas. She was really looking forward to her trip. I really do hope she is still alive. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family at this time

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Dear James

Hopes are fading for finding her alive.Let's pray for a miracle.
Bob

Anonymous said...

I have known Ira (thats how she was called) since she arrived in NZ. She stayed with us for a short period in our house in south Titirangi, when she arrived.
Still can't believe she is not with us anymore. She is in my thoughts alot.
A beautiful, proud mother and woman and friend.
In my heart, always.

Love to all the family
Subhan

The past is not
nor is the future

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Deat Subhan

From what I have read and heard from others, she must have been a wonderful person. Having lost so many friends in the mountains it seems the very talented ones lose their lives, while we ordinary ones remain. I pray for her daughter. May she be well cared for and find happiness. You were fortunate to have known her. My sincere condolences to you

Bob

Anonymous said...

For the past couple of months I've had the pleasure of being Ira's indoor climbing buddy. I am not in the least surprised that she kept going despite the weather. I don't think any one that knows her is. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and making the effort to keep in touch. Liann is still waiting. I had the privilege of spending the other day with her. There is hope yet. If anyone can survive this, Ira has the inner strength. There is no harm in holding hope in your hearts. Thoughts are real and every bit of hope helps. I'm not letting go till I have to. Leah.

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Dear friend of Ira

We have to hope in our hearts that she is alive, although the Police say otherwise. There must be hope until there is proof.

I hope all works out for Liann.

Thanks for commenting and my thoughts are with you.

Bob

pharmacy said...

THis is so hard, I'm also praying because this little child being found because I know what it is when a loved person in missed.

pharmacy said...

I also joined with this cause because I think it would be the worst thing could happen me.

pharmacy said...

This is perfect!!

Anonymous said...

Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and I
in finding It truly useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to present something again and aid others such as you helped me.


Take a look at my weblog - acoustic guitar chord

Unknown said...

www0731


coach outlet
ugg boots
pandora charms
cheap jordans
coach outlet
ferragamo outlet
louboutin shoes
christian louboutin shoes
ralph lauren uk
kate spade outlet online








Unknown said...

www1016
salomon shoes
christian louboutin shoes
louboutin shoes
superdry uk
longchamp outlet
coach factory outlet
christian louboutin
longchamp
ugg outlet
coach outlet