Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from it. So, I’m a Cargo Transportation Manager, right? And today was just a wild ride in Mount Cook. Like, who knew this little slice of paradise could throw so much at me?
First off, I wake up to the sun shining bright. I mean, Mount Cook is stunning, with those snow-capped peaks and all. I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was anything but chill. I grab my coffee from the local café on Pioneer Drive. Best flat white ever, by the way. I’m feeling good, ready to tackle the day.
Then, boom! My phone buzzes. A shipment of gear for some climbers got delayed. Ugh! I’m like, “Seriously? In the middle of peak season?” I can’t have my reputation go down the drain because of some lazy freight company. So, I hop in my truck and zoom over to the docks on the other side of the lake. The view of Aoraki is breathtaking, but I can’t enjoy it. I’m too busy fuming.
I get to the docks, and guess what? The shipment’s still not there. I’m about to lose it. I mean, come on! I’m standing there, looking like a lost tourist, when I spot a seagull eyeing my lunch. I swear, that bird had the audacity to swoop down and try to snatch my sandwich. I’m like, “Dude, back off!” I’m wrestling with this bird, and it’s just cawing at me like it owns the place. I finally shoo it away, but not before it leaves me with a nice little surprise on my shoulder. Great.
After that fiasco, I finally get the shipment sorted. But then, I hit a snag on the way back. Roadworks on State Highway 80. Are you kidding me? I’m stuck in traffic, and it’s like the universe is laughing at me. I’m just sitting there, staring at the mountains, thinking, “This is not how I pictured my day.”
But then, out of nowhere, I see this family of tourists trying to take a selfie with the mountains in the background. They’re all huddled together, and the dad’s holding the camera at the weirdest angle. I can’t help but chuckle. I mean, come on! It’s Mount Cook! Just point and shoot! I roll down my window and shout, “Hey, just aim for the peaks, not your feet!” They all turn and laugh, and for a second, I forget about my stress.
Finally, I get back to the office on Mount Cook Road. I’m exhausted but relieved. I sit down, and my phone buzzes again. It’s my boss. He’s like, “Great job today!” I’m thinking, “You have no idea what I just went through!” But I smile and say, “Thanks!”
Then, I decide to treat myself. I head to the local pub, The Old Mountaineer. I order a burger and a cold one. As I’m munching, I overhear some locals talking about the best hiking trails. They mention Hooker Valley Track, and I’m like, “I need to hit that up soon.”
By the end of the day, I’m feeling a mix of emotions. I’m tired, but I’m also grateful. Mount Cook is beautiful, and even with all the chaos, it’s home. I mean, where else can you have a day filled with seagulls, traffic jams, and stunning mountain views?
So yeah, that was my day. Just another crazy, emotional rollercoaster in Mount Cook. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!