Hike 37: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing—A second attempt
Picturesque Tongariro A power greeting from the elements, in the beginning Mount Ngauruhoe—a perfect cone (Made Lord of Rings famous, Mount Doom) Serene editor at visit to emerald pools after drop-down from Red Crater Our editor said that she could do this hike any day of the week. “How about Shabbos?” We asked. That’s when she nearly slapped us. Of course, she wouldn’t but we felt like writing that. We were most excited with her positive attitude as the wind and rain turned us back from completion the previous Monday. Since then we have kept our attention glued to the forecasters, the sky, internet weather reports and Diet C… while getting soaked at another volcano in the interim. We didn’t realize that volcanoes spewed clouds and rained water ; we naively thought they had something to do with eruptions of lava. Live and learn. Jen 'stomps' on rough surface as she climbs—view to side stuns Up early again , do a little work but prepare for the alpine cros...