A mountain called John – Part 2

The sign says it’ll take one hour and 45 minutes in total. I’ve got that to spare.

I’m going to do a walking up a mountain thing!

Up the stairs I went, the One Ring clenched firmly in my palm.

But how easily I was distracted by the view!

Once I got to the southern summit I just sat there, staring at the area around me, so far below.

I felt a sense of accomplishment and I was overwhelmed by the view.

The Southern Alps looked majestic. Clouds covered the very tops of the mountains and I couldn’t help but imagine being drawn to Sauron’s Eye atop one of the peaks.

It was an experience

The longer I stayed, the darker the sky became and the fiercer the wind blew. It began with deep groans, then rose to tormented wails as it sliced between the rocks all around me.

I stood against the onslaught as steadfastly as I could, imagining myself a warrior against a ghostly enemy. I tried to shout it back – I’m still alive! I’m still here! – To my surprise, it came out in Japanese.

I was moved to tears. I was alone as a human, but more deeply connected to the natural world around me as I’ve been in a long time.

Still, as energised as I felt, my strength was hardly enough against the pummelling, frigid gusts.

Before long, I retreated to the shelter of a nearby ridge and became myself again. I sat for a time and stared back towards Lake Tekapo, soaking up the experience.

I felt something up there on Mount John’s southern summit. It began as a hike to pass the time and it became so much more.

At the very least, I learned why people go on holidays. Truly. It’s something I never quite understood before.

Now, I’ll be one of the many, working hard to make time to seek out more of these incredible experiences.

And finally, so as to not have to end on too deep a note:

Tomorrow, it’ll be time to leave Lake Tekapo and seek out different experiences.

The Met Service says Lindis Pass won’t have such severe gusts as it did today – up to 56kph steady with gusts over 100kph 😳

I can’t wait to find out what it’s like in the morning.