David D'Angelo of Serac Films with camera gear.
Helicopter on Bonar Glacier
Bonar Glacier walking towards Colin Todd Hut
Hike towards Mt. Aspiring
Hike along ridge between Mt. Aspiring and Rolling Pin
Michael and Craig – Mt. Aspiring in background
Video clip of Craig and Kelly on steep pitch
View on ascent to Rolling Pin
Video clip of Kelly and Craig on Summit of Rolling Pin
Making our way down the French Ridge
Kelly and Craig truly appreciating their Oakley Glasses – Thanks Scott!
Oh, the pleasure of solid ground
Swing Bridge - Just like the Amazon!
Nick Cradock making his way across a river.
Beginning of Valley Floor – just 4 more hours to go!
Nick Cradock in a “Cream Puff” moment!
Craig carrying out tradition of blowing bubbles.
Kelly Climbing Rapaki Rock outside of Christchurch
Kelly & Craig getting some culture.
Leaving the hotel with gear is much easier than climbing with it. Just ask Dave!
Milo (Guide) and Pilot assisting Michael Brown (with Camera) out of Helicopter
Kelly and Nick roped together.
Our sleeping quarters for two nights. Since we were the first to arrive after several stormy days, our 6 person team got first choice of the 12 bunks. Later arrivals pitched tents around the area outside.
Afternoon hike to check conditions of possible Mt. Aspiring route for following day. Inspite of the seemingly clear sky, it’s determined the snow is not safe.
Early morning ascent with the sun shinning off of Mt. Rolling Pin in the distance
Nick and Kelly climb high while the sun beams of the tip of Mt. Rolling Pin in the distant background.
Craig is testing the latest HydraCoach Hydration Monitor prototype!
Kelly standing in front of steep pitch on Rolling Pin
Negotiating their way up towards Rolling Pin Peak
Looking beyond to massive glaciers including Therma Glacier (below with seracs) and Upper Volta Glacier (above and in the distance)
Living on the edge on our way towards Rolling Pin Peak.
Fellow alpinists from Colin Todd Hut ascending ridge
Kelly inching her way up a steep pitch with rows of crevaces looming in the glacier far below.
Mt. Aspiring in the background
View of our traverse off of Rolling Pin
We stopped to evaluate rappelling down this cliff face, but the crevice and snow conditions below were to unpredictable. Milo waits on receiving end!
After hours of trekking across the crevice riddled Bonar Glacier, the team nears French Ridge Hut.
Kelly starting her descent from the French Ridge Hut to the Matukituki River Valley below.
Kelly, Dave and Milo slipping and sliding down the steep grade of the "Beech Tree Forest," or more fittingly known as "Gloomy Gorge."
Per Nick, “it’s 20 minutes extra to go to the bridge. With a 7 plus hour day in a full pack, we decided to just get wet.
Kelly impaired circulation combined with the cold mountain runoff was only going to compromise her strength and speed in the following hours of hiking out of the National Park. After her thigh-high wade through the first river, Milo and Michael offered a brief lift to maximize her energy.
Milo (eating, of course), Dave, Michael, Kelly, and Nick (check out those legs!) Craig, once again, captured this digital moment.
Shelter from the Rain. Final Destination ~ parking lot! The hospitable Jean Clairmonte, Director of Aspiring Guides, brings healthy and delicious food for the crew to refuel!
In honor of fellow climber, David Roberts of Australia. David suggested and inspired us to travel to New Zealand back in 2001 to climb Mt. Aspiring, something he did after receiving a bone marrow transplant. David passed on in 2003 at the young age of 25 but his spirit lives on.
Television Channel NZ One met and filmed Craig and Kelly for a news story on Organ Donation. They were joined by local YMCA guide, Peter Hitchman.
A little R&R at Kawahi Point Lodge, Rotorua
Maori Hangi & Concert - Very similar to a Hawaiian Luau
Andy is New Zealand's most outspoken champion for increasing organ donation in the country. Andy's 3 yr old daughter, Katie, will likely need a liver transplant in the future. We hope that our combined efforts will in some way help pave the way for increasing her chances.
