Everything is OK

The morning is crisp but not cold. I'm up promptly at 1AM after tossing and turning with anticipation and trepidation. The sky is black and crystal clear, but there is a whippy wind. Perfect weather for viewing, staying warm, and keeping cool.

Slowly everyone awakes, looking befuddled but ernest.

Not many had a good night's sleep but some of that disappointment was assuaged by the DeLonghi 4 slice toaster. A little bit of luxury goes a long way.

2:39 and we're on our way, with stars above and the lights of KK to the west. The path is an easy but steep mix of wooden steps and wet granite. We all have headlamps so even the darkness doesn't matter. I can even blog, albeit slowly, as I walk

We've passed 3.5km attitude and the steps are steeper. To our right the boulders have changed to walls of granite. The rock climbing here is fantastic with 100s of metres of slab  and excellent boulders long before you reach the pinnacles. The locals are justifiably proud of top-notch talent visiting and laying new routes.

Far to the south lightning crackles as we finally reach a flat bit.

We emerge from the stunted bonsai tree onto an enormous diagonal slab. A series of white ropes zig-zag across the face and then turn straight up. Horror at the sheerness are overwhelmed by memories of batman and robin climbing much harder walls trivially easily. With "na-na-na" ringing in my head I bolted hand over hand to the top. I felt very chuffed with myself. The similar 3 rope climb later on slowed us down but was a fantastic effort. 

We've reached Sayat-Sayat checkpoint with 1/2 an hour to spare. Now for the summit.

Beyond Sayat-Sayat the route is a continuous 45° slab. The constant uphill balancing act got to Gael and she switched gecko mode. But our guide Byron used his hypnotic superpower to help her find her feet again. With his help we were able walk past the highest point in New Zealand holding hands.

Beyond the Mount Cook mark the mountain flattens to a granite slope that connects the many peaks. It was a relief, though Gael was feeling the altitude with every step. She got lightheaded every time she stood up. With my encouragement and Byron's expertise she continued on, rock by rock, step by step. The granite rose up toward the summit as the sunrise coloured the sky. When the first rays of sun touched the summit, we stood there together having conquered distance, uncertainty, rock, and tiredness together. It was the most romantic moment in my life.

So I asked Gael to marry me.