New Zealand 22 Red Crater and Emerald Lakes

 
We saw that the path continued up and we were in it at this point so we decided to keep going. The payoff was Red Crater and Emerald Lakes. They were very nice, but truly, not worth it. After we ate our last snack we decided to head back. We saw the "trail" along the ridgline and it seemed well traveled so we decided to do it, why not? I will tell you why not. For one thing, it took us to the summit (this was not in the plan) of Mount Tongariro at a staggering, heart-breaking 6,600 feet. It was pure hell.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 21 What Mars Is Like

 
Finally pulled myself together and made it the rest of the way to the top. When we got to the top (what we thought was the top), there were no scenic views, no beautiful vistas, just desert-like mountain. It must be what Mars is like. And to add insult to injury, the people with the heavy laden packs were halfway up the adjoining mountain volcano, Mount Ngauruhoe. People actually hike to the top of this thing (three hours return) and continue on the original walk. No, thanks - we had just climbed 2,300 feet in an hour.

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

New Zealand 20 Eyes Began To Burn

 
As I struggled up, barely moving, people were wizzing past with not a care, carrying huge, heavy laden packs. Obviously, they had done this before. About halfway up, my eyes began to burn as if they were on fire. I soon realized that my sun screen was sweating into my eyes and I could see nothing. 

Matt was very sympathetic, he helped me wash them out but it took awhile (and he was using our precious water supply...but that's okay right, because we had enough?).  

Matt and Cynthia (to be continued) 

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)