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)
