30.05 New Zealand: Tongariro Northern Circuit: Interim images from perhaps, one of the great experiences.

We have included eight pictures to introduce Tongariro National Park, a premier region of North Island. Arguably, it is one of the great places of the natural world and contains a number of superb hikes. Although we've visited it before (a few times), this is the first time we've undertaken the Northern Circuit. One other thing to be aware of is that the weather is extremely erratic. Full sunshine for a few minutes is fortunate, for a whole day, it's rare. Many visitors to the park come away with sights of thick clouds, wet clothes and reason to return. Some even doubt there are mountains present because of the frequent covering.

Jenni mentioned that on Tuesday morning at sunrise, she witnessed the best sight ever—the red rays reflecting off Mount Ngauruhoe. We have a number of pictures attesting to this spectacle, to be displayed later. I could not help wondering whether her comment excluded the sight of her husband proposing many years before. One can hope.

Back to Tongariro. One year, we were forced to cancel our planned tramp (trek) of the circuit because of 150Km-per-hour winds. Another time we spent the period soaked by rain and battered by high winds. The weather ensured our return once again. Take a look at these eight pictures which are a framework with which we perceive Tongariro.


Jenni heads toward Red Crater after spending some time on Mount Ngauruhoe, at rear. ("Mount Doom").




We descended from the highpoint (rear) to take a seat overlooking one of the chemical-filled lakes.




In a rare opportunity, we witnessed an incredible view of Mount Ngauruhoe at sunrise. This was a truly unique experience. We stood mesmerized watching the interplay of sun, mountain, steam and clouds.




Climbing towards the top of the craters, 'fully-loaded'.





Arguably some of the most beautiful scenes, harsh volcanic desert.



Where there's smoke there's not always fire. In this active volcanic region, the land surface appears dead and is anything but, underneath.




The picture does not reflect the steep gradient of Mount Ngauruhoe as we struggled in the soft soil. (See picture of the cone above to gain more accurate gradient.)




Standing above the bottom lake on the way down a slippery slope. Thermal vents provide a haze.



Over the next blog or two, we'll deal with fascinating experiences, challenges, endurance, amazing landscapes, harsh weather and interesting people from all over the world.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey