View of the Tasman Sea from partway up the mountain.


Well, it was not exactly the summit, but damn close! The smile here is genuine. I did a little free soloing over easy, yet icy terrain to gain this point, so later I became unhappy again facing the slick downclimb. Unfortunately, no picture of me peeing my pants is available. On a funny side note (speaking about peeing ones pants), I did attempt to relieve myself while on the top, and a sudden wind gust caused me to pee all over my leg. I laughed out loud before the wetness got cold, then it was not so funny anymore.

On the way up Taranaki. Although I look happy in this photo, I'm faking it. Well, I guess I was pretty happy to be standing still. At this point, the hike was only hard when I was moving. Its funny how hikes work out that way.