including large distances.
On our travels thus far, we've met many different nationals. To name a few countries, they include Canada, United States, Israel, England, Wales, Slovakia, New Zealand obviously, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, Romania, India and a few others we don't remember. We continue to be amused, impressed, entertained and fascinated by the different people who all provide something unique in the mix. Should one ever wish to open the mind, forget books (not completely) and travel among the people. We might suggest that you avoid upper-market hotels otherwise the experience and variation will be limited and limiting. After that sentence, we probably have alienated a number of people but no ill-feelings are intended. I suppose it's our nature or peculiarities, maybe idiosyncrasies, that we enjoy people in general, tending towards the hardy and adventurous. Should I wish to live dangerously and alienate my favorite gender, I might add that 'married men' could all be termed adventurous. Not having said it, I have avoided controversy and in modern times, 'hate mail'. (Continued at end)
As we decided to merge two days into one, we walked over fifteen miles on the day. Mount Ruapehu ahead, dominates the region, in the early morning.
The volcano, Mount Ngauruhoe, not as high as Mount Ruapehu but quite staggering when lit by the early sunrays.
Same 'fellow', different perspective. Better known as, but less flattering, 'Mount Doom'.
One more, without mist and clouds, but this time with passion...please.
The editor folds my raincoat, obviously far more competent than me.
The upper-crust stay at the chateau when visiting the park; we however, walk humbly past knowing not to linger or tread on the crumbs. Our then position is twenty minutes after commencing the tramp.
Fascinated by the harshness and yet beauty of the volcanic desert.
Editor returning on Mount Ngauruhoe
Most of the lakes we visit are inviting but not these emitting steam and smelling of "hard-boiled eggs".
More-and-more, these desert type scenes are becoming a favorite view and place.
The boy's looking a little tired, long day.
We drop below the lip of the cone, Red Crater.
The easier but more expensive method of viewing Tongariro's treasures.
'If you see me coming down the street, walk on by'.
Somewhere on Mount Ngauruhoe, soft sand aplenty.
Serene on the surface. Love the steam and mist covering corner of the mountain.
We met a Canadian, Andy MacDonald, on the first day of the first tramp. He was another fascinating person. He had decided to take off five months and travel the two islands that comprise this interesting land. When arriving in the country, a person is subject to stringent examinations of certain items of equipment and food. It matters not that a person may be infested with contagious diseases. It's all about food, boots, hiking poles and other bits of equipment. I thought I was back in the army awaiting morning inspection. Fortunately, we passed the test even though our boots still had a few grains of sand on the soles. We know to bring only sealed packages of food so we were looking good. Andy, fearing the worst, brought nothing but a few clothes with him. Rather than face the Eco-squad and worse, he purchased all his equipment, including boots, in New Zealand—a very cautious approach. One is subject to an on the spot fine of $400 if found with say, an apple. That's for starters.
Another interesting character was Michel, a Slovakian who has worked in many different countries already and is only 34 years old. His sparkling personality makes him easy to relate to while he relates many of his experiences in a nearly easy to understand accent. His lady friend or partner, the delightful Tracy from Australia, was a pleasure to be with as she countered Michel's exuberance slightly. She is a travel consultant about to undertake a few more hikes in order to better understand what her company offers customers as well as to motivate subordinates.
Then there was Katy from New Zealand with newly married beau from India. We met the couple on the first tramp and saw them again the following week on the Tongariro circuit, quite a coincidence. They returned to New Zealand for a second marriage and to introduce her husband to the family. The earlier marriage occurred a few months before in Northern India. We were invited to the latter wedding but were due to be in a different town for the occasion.
Someone who really impressed us was Yves. We met him on the first tramp, had "le café" with him after arriving back at Big Bush, our place of residence before and after the tramp. He was impressive because, inter alia, this mature Frenchman was (is) a gentleman. He exuded a sense of serenity and class. We took to him immediately. When we arrived to commence the Tongariro Northern circuit, we bumped into him again. Fortunately, no one was hurt. We had "le café", once again. His time at the volcanic region was ruined by poor and wet weather. Fortunately, ours was just the opposite with only a few cold patches and a little rain. For Tongariro, that's excellent weather. We have an invitation to join him in the French Alps and although unlikely to accept it, we would probably have a great time with the man. By the way, he is in his 70th year and unfortunately, alone. He is not averse to staying in backpackers' retreats and walking long distances each day.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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