Once there you quiver with aliveness — a kind of exultation even as you wonder how the climb down will go.
By Tony Orman
Mountaineering Book is a compelling read
Mountaineering is not for the faint-hearted. Yet it obviously has a fascination, perhaps the challenge of pitting one’s physical and mental capabilities and capacities against Nature which in alpine situations can be unforgivingly angry.
The author David Vass writes exceptionally well with deep feeling. It’s written in the present tense and I have to admit, that style is one I’m not always comfortable with. However such is the absorbing and particularly in the mountaineering chapters, the gripping nature of the narrative, that I forgot about that prejudice!
One of the country’s top mountaineers
David Vass became one of New Zealand’s leading mountaineers. He lived for mountains. Early on in his beginnings in the hills it is obvious he revelled in the challenge of the climb.
“Once there you quiver with aliveness – a kind of exultation even as you wonder how the climb down will go.”
After leaving school in Rotorua, David Vass moved south to study biology at Canterbury University. “I immediately found myself on the edge of a world that seemed made for adventure. Within striking distance of Christchurch there were mountains, rivers and coastlines in abundance to explore.”
A major fall in the Darran Mountains
He recounts his early trips into the hills, climbing peaks and caving and white water rafting before moving into mountaineering becoming one of New Zealand’s leading alpine exponents. Moving to Wanaka and loving the high country, he focused on Fiordland’s Darran mountains. But in 2015, escaping from a storm, David fell in the dark of night, ending up with a broken neck and other severe injuries.
He was rescued, survived and recuperated, although confined to a wheel-chair.
“I nearly found the solace of death among the mountains the night of my fall and it would have had a certain rightness to out, to drift off into the baroque theatre of the storm, surrounded by the mountains of what had become my home ground. However I’m still here and living. Most physicality is beyond me now, but there’s much to look forward to.”
He adapted by positive thinking.
“The mountain journey was worth it in itself, and this journey I’m on now will be worth it too. I’ve finished with the mountains now, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s time to move on and I’m beginning to see how.”
The terrifying accident and his admirable and amazing adaption is told with feeling. The excellent writing is heart-felt and engaging and makes for a striking memorable read.
Highly recommended.
Not Set in Stone by David Vass is published by Potton and Burton, RRP $39.99