NikosTaskos

Exploring Mount Cook, the Cloud-Piercer

"Το the memory of mountaineers and guides lost to the hills.“

That's what the plaque reads in Mt. Cook National Park, New Zealand. Aoraki/ Mt.Cook, the cloud-piercer, as it is being called by the local Maori, has claimed more than 200 lives since it was first conquered back in 1894.

Numerous alpinist names were permanently fixed on the cold stone; the alpine memorial was persistently staring at the bold peak. Looking at all those names and stories of loss, I couldn’t help but wonder whether reaching the summit really outweighs the risks. What makes this iconic peak so special?

Mt. Cook is long known as a technically difficult climb. It’s no wonder that a New Zealander, Sir Edmund Hillary, perfected his mountaineering skills here to the first to summit Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world.

Read the full story at https://www.mileswithvibes.com/aoraki-mount-cook-national-park/hooker-valley-track-hike-new-zealand/ 🏔.