Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Towards Mt. Tongariro Summit

Images of a Spectacular day

Hello Mates,

Wednesday 29th

After a night of rest and hike in Whakapapa (we should not pronounce it—it is not ‘pretty’) we moved to Turangi. We’re sure this is illuminating to any reader. Nevertheless, we tackled the elusive Tongariro Alpine Crossing today, the canceled hike of earlier in the week. It’s rated as the best day hike in New Zealand. Should we never hike again, it would be satisfying to know that we undertook this one.
An Incredible 'High'
We ‘walked’ and climbed over twelve miles in all types of terrain, over 7 hours and accumulated elevation gain of 3,500 feet. Please accept the next comment with a ‘pinch of salt’. We are of the opinion that to discover the Garden of Eden, one does not have to pass through this life. It’s here. One just needs to search in the right places.
Slippery Steep Slope
New Zealand has suffered a few mishaps recently as you may have read. What with the mining disaster and earthquakes, it could hardly be reassuring for the Kiwis to endure another drought. It may be early to go on record but after yesterday’s continuous soaking, better times may be ahead. We heard the proverbial collective sigh of relief yesterday following the return of wet weather. After two very dry spells, one last Sunday and the other, the three hours between 9am and 12 on Monday, it was ‘touch and go’. Fortunately, one can always rely on the wind to come through for the locals. The velocity on the Tongariro Pass last night reached 100 mph. We smile when people tell us about the great summer period of December through March in New Zealand. We don’t understand it but we are far too polite to call for further explanation. Today, we were shocked and delighted to welcome the return of the sun without wind.
Eruption? Gulp
Romance at Emerald Pools
To those who have expressed concern about wearing short pants in cold weather, we thank you for your interest. However, it is important that we first find the money for rent and food before luxury items. We also thought our legs were somewhat attractive but there seems to be an element of doubt. Perhaps we should wear them lower like some teenagers we see. (Heaven forbid!) Maybe the real reason is that our editor mentioned that she is ‘wearing the pants’ in our home. We never like to contradict her. (Today, funnily enough, when they were not necessary, we wore them.)
We met many interesting and terrific people on the hike. We approached a family, which included three young kids. The children could show up much of the adult population in their endurance and stamina. Not surprising, the father is a marine based at Camp Pendelton. The young girl told us ‘we live 35 minutes north of San Diego’. Then the little guy of six, Conner, mentioned his birth date of July 14th, same as the fellow in short-pants. Doesn’t sound like much of a story. However, it was a warm experience. We also had exchanges with a few other hikers, which proved to be stimulating. As a Kiwi mentioned and we fully concur, the slopes are filled with nationalities from all over the world—not many locals. The Europeans, particularly the Germans, dominate the trails.
Editor Stepping Up

Hide & Seek above Valley
The accommodation in New Zealand is terrific. We currently have two rooms, full kitchen facilities and a couch in the second room for occasions when our behavior fails to meet our editor’s expectations. We love having windows in all rooms including the bathroom. They might have to drag us out of here tomorrow. Fortunately, we have practised our ‘kicking and screaming’—so we’re ready.
Sulphur fumes at Red Crater
We are continually stunned by the beauty of the natural surroundings here and in so many places. We understate it when we mention that the Western United States is a great favorite of ours. Today, we witnessed volcanoes and consequent damage. The Master has a way of supervising destruction with results that are beautiful in their own way. The mountains were overpowering, the climbs on exposed edges and rocks were very steep but a delight. We looked at the lava rock, lakes, pools colored by volcanic chemicals, steaming earth, wide-open valleys and more. When we sat on the summit of Mount Tongariro, some 3,000 feet of elevation gain, we began to count…our blessings…again. When we returned to the car park, our muscles were tired but our spirits were still soaring way above in the mountains. B’ H’.
Down into the Valley
The pictures, unfortunately, don’t tell the whole story. Maybe they will improve in the future. Today is the second anniversary of our decision to improve the camera equipment we carry. Hopefully, this will be the catalyst for us to spring into action and get rid of our ‘Brownie Box’.
Smoking? No, just letting off steam.

Cheers,
Jenni and ‘Shorts’