Traveling overseas for work is always a long journey. I try to always add some extra time at the end of my work trips to experience the country I’m in. Last year along with fellow workmates, I climbed Mt. Hood in Oregon with Darren and Craig, skied with Heidi at Mt Ruapehu, and hiked Mt. Helene’s with David. But, the real mountain event was still missing…
New Zealand is the country of my dreams. Especially the South Island and the Southern Alps as it is a region which offers it all in one (mountains, wild nature, the ocean, great people, wine, and good food). In my previous trips I visited NZ in winter times only. I did some mountain biking and hiking with Max, skiing with Heidi, but no mountaineering. As mountain guide, I decided I would really like to experience climbing in Southern Alps.
When a meeting was set in New Zealand for March, it was clear that finally the chance was here for me. Even though March is end of the climbing season in the Southern Alps, it was still a good chance to do some mountaineering. Firstly I tried to find a climbing partner (or partners) within Icebreaker, but everybody had something else to do. I decided to contact the famous guide organisation Adventure Consultants in Wanaka. They offered me the possibility to join one of their expeditions. Before I arrived in NZ, it was not really clear exactly what we would be doing, but all looked promising.
During my stay in Wanaka for work, I got a very positive message from Adventure Consultants “one client has booked a climbing trip to Mt. Aspiring and you can join the trip as a second (shadow) guide.” This was wonderful news. I spent a fantastic 5 days climbing Mt. Aspiring and Rolling Pin (small summit beside Mt. Aspiring). We had great view from the summit of Mt. Aspiring and it took us 2 days in heavy rain to get back to the civilisation.
Now looking back I can say it was definitely one of my best times from working perspective. And I was lucky to add some extras as usual. (Sea-kayaking, racing in the Mototapu challenge, and climbing the summit of Mt. Aspiring).
Branislav Adamec (Gabo) – General Manager, Icebreaker Eastern Europe
