Tongoriro Alpine Crossing

What a hike!  It’s 19.4 km to do the whole thing.  The elevation starts about 1100 m and climbs to nearly 2000 m at the highest point.  However, there is some (OK - a lot of) up and down.  John climbed Mt. Ngauruhoe, which is 2291 m.  It’s also the volcano featured in The Lord of the Rings – Mt. Doom!  I only made it about ½ way up.  I was carrying a camera, which kept banging on rocks and I’d make 1 foot forward motion for every 3 feet I attempted!  I am glad I turned around when I did because I needed every ounce of energy to complete the rest of the hike!  

We saw lakes, craters, steaming vents, and lots of lava rock.  The scenery was spectacular.  It’s an amazing place, but the whole while I was hoping the volcano wouldn’t decide to erupt!  There are warning signs everywhere!  We are now back at the hostel, I have a hostel booked for tomorrow night in Wellington.  On Sunday, we are off to the south!  We’re pretty tired but have to go figure out some food for dinner and breakfast…