New Zealand 19 Straight up

 We were bouncing along feeling light as a feather and then....I couldn't see the trail. There were plenty of people milling about and they didn't seem concerned but I could not figure out what had happened to the trail. And then I looked up. Straight up.

The trail path took us right over the damn mountain ridge to the base of the volcano. I was more than a little surprised but I took it well. After all, I had been walking non-stop for weeks before we left (on the beach, at sea level) and fancied myself to be in good shape. Let me tell you, the climb was absolutely grueling.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued)