Three low-wattage luminaries: left to right, Pete Barry, Aat Vervoorn and Bruce Jenkinsin on Tasman Saddle. Photo: Aat Vervoorn collection
One of the best books on NZ mountaineering covering the 60s and 70s, is Aat Vervoorn's 'Beyond the Snowline.'I love this quote from his book: "Mountaineering is merely one among many mediums for self-realisation. What makes it exceptional is that, in mountaineering, it is difficult to credit yourself with spurious motives or convince yourself that your efforts actually matter to mankind. Halfway up a mountain face, with the glacier falling away below and around you sweeping buttesses of ice and rock which bring you face to face with weakness and fallibility. it is hard to pretend you have willingly exposed yourself to the danger that shoots you through with fear in the belief it will benefit society, or meet the pathetic animal needs that drive your body."
What is it like to be on the summit of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook?
Click on the word video to see this amazing solo climb by Greg Duley of Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain just a few weeks back.
When I was much younger, I climbed Aoraki three times. The first in 1968 by the Linda route, then on Christmas Day 1971 I did the east ridge with Chris Timms, descending into the Hooker valley. Then in 1973 I did a guided ascent with 64 year old client Vern Leader, and fellow guide Aat Vervoorn. Some photographs of various climbs of Aoraki.
All photographs by Bob McKerrow
An aerial shot of Aoraki Mount Cook taken in 2016
Just approaching the summit of Aoraki. 1973
On the summit ice-cap
Aat Vervoorn (l) with 64 year old Vern Leader on a Grand Traverse of Aoraki Mount Cook.
East Face of Aoraki Mount Cook
Aoraki Mount Cook from the west. Taken from Hokitika.
On the East Ridge of Aoraki Mount Cook with Chris Timms on Christmas day, 1971.
