Joe's Tale Of Survival
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|January 7, 2019

The Grandmother Of Seven Recalls The Killer Climb.

Julie Jacobson
Joe's Tale Of Survival

There are two maps pinned up on a wall in Jo Morgan’s expansive lounge. One – a large map of the world − shows, in heavy, black felt tip, the places she and husband Gareth have visited on their now annual motorbike adventures.

The other, smaller and more detailed, highlights a section of the Southern Alps. To the uninitiated, the image is one of inhospitable snow-capped peaks, deep bleak valleys and Lord of the Rings terrain.

Jo points to one of the jewellike markers glinting in the late afternoon light that’s filtering through the picture windows of the Morgans’ Oriental Bay, Wellington home.

“There,” she says, “that’s where we were.” Mt Hicks was the 22nd of 24 peaks Jo had promised herself she’d climb by the time she got her Gold Card. On October 31, the grandmother of seven almost died, her lower body buried metres deep in an avalanche that claimed the lives of guides Wolfgang Maier (58) Jo’s “other half” who had been with her on all of her previous climbs, and Martin Hess (50).

It’s also there that Jo, in shocked silence and with the growing realisation there was nothing she could do for her two companions, found herself reaching for her phone to take a photograph of the sunrise.

“It seems bizarre now,” she recalls. “There was no response to my shouts to the guys, and there was a despair realising I was trapped and couldn’t help locate them. But then there was this glorious sunrise that seemed to give me a sense of peace. My phone was around my neck, so I got it out and took a photo.”

Jo’s is a remarkable tale of survival and, as she says, incredible luck. It’s also the tale of a woman determined to live life to the full.

Esta historia es de la edición January 7, 2019 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición January 7, 2019 de New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYVer todo
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 minutos  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 16, 2024