Day 4 - May 11, 2003

happy, happy, happy birthday!

Began to hike part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit today. We are crossing over Mount Ngauruhoe. A very memorable birthday, indeed. Up at the crack of dawn to take a bus to Wapatanaga (or something like that). Started with a pleasant hike through barren area for forty minutes or so, then the real fun began.

Went up the mountain for a while which was difficult due to the mist, but cool too. All of us were moving at a good pace and enjoying the terrain.

But we kept going up FOREVER–seemed like it would never stop. We kept coming up to the top of little ridges, thinking it was the top, but never seemed to get there.

We finally got to a high ridge where the rain and wind kicked up tremendously. It was like something out of a movie. I was literally being moved and picked up by the wind–exhilarating but very scary. The top of the ridge was narrow and the ground beneath up was gritty and could hear it sliding down the ridge as walked.

So cold. Scariest was when Ryan, Kathleen, and I found small shelter behind a rock to put on our clothes. Of course my gloves and hat were at the far bottom of my pack and I had to go through everything.

Crazily, after all of some hardcore native hikers wearing shorts cross us coming down! I really don’t understand how this was possible. All of their skin was entirely red. They didn’t seem nearly as flustered by it as we were.

Kathleen flaked out a little bit and almost started crying. We were all shaking terribly. Ryan freaked out some too, understandably. I’m think I’m a moron who pretended that were invincible and on the Amazing Race.
Stopped for lunch after the Emerald Lakes which were awesome! Hopefully we are going back tomorrow to see them if the weather is better.

Lunch sucked. Problems opening the cheese and nearly got frostbite on my fingers. I led the way after the hut and kept a really good pace.

Finally arrived at Ketetahi Hut. It is great, has an awesome view.

We’ve it all to ourselves got it all to ourselves. Dried all of our stuff over gas fire and spread out. Even have ‘mattresses’ here. Ate rehydrated food and played rummy by candlelight.

Mother’s day today too! Actually missing home a little and want to talk to someone soon. BUT having an amazing time and looking forward to more.

Also filmed my Survivor tape at the hut, so keep fingers crossed.

Sneak peek from Day 5 when we crossed back over the next day…we couldn’t believe thats what we had crossed.

Highlight: Seeing hut.
Honorable Mention: Whole mountain experience scary but worthwhile.
Lowlight: FREEZING during lunch. Had to pull cheese with hand because to hard to cut with a knife.

Random Thought: New Zealand food: Why is it so hard to open?? All fruit bars are too dry and heavy.

Back to Day Three.
Go to Day 5.

Technorati Tags: Tongariro Northern Circuit, New Zealand, Mount Ngauruhoe, Emerald Lakes, hiking

• New Zealand Trip
• New Zealand: Day 5 - Tongariro Northern Crossing
• New Zealand: Day 3 — Waitaupo Hot Springs