Ed Hillary 1919 - 2008

Before kids, before the mortgage, even before getting ahead seemed important I had the mountains - they had everything I needed as I sought to find a place at life's table.

With climbing expeditions to Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan consuming 8 glorious years of my life as a young man I was introduced to lives well lived and lonely cold deaths - sustaining me, even today.

And now he is dead, a mighty Kauri has fallen.

The mentor to a generation of Kiwis and father of the Sherpa people. Closest thing to royalty we have, even graced our $5 note while he was alive.

Unheard of.

So before I post my first mediation piece for 2008, indulge me - please.

Let me tell you why, after my month in the hills, I am passionately, hopelessly in love with this young and fragile, too small to be important, look at me/look at me! wee country of ours down here in the South Pacific, with nothing between us and the yawning expanse of Antarctica.

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Thanks Ed, live forever.