Coincidence on the crossing

The Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in NZ and the largest in the north island. This stunning mountainous region provided much of the dramatic scenery for the Lord of the Rings films.

With a clear weather report we drove through Taupo and straight to Base camp in Turangi. So it was jangles off as we'd signed up for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. A one way 18.5km/7-8 hour trek graded

challenging which took us through old lava flows, emerald coloured lakes, steam vents and hot springs. All fantastic sights, and on completion it was easy to see why this hike is considered the best day hike in NZ.

As the hike is one way, and in the name of enterprise, we arranged transport through the campsite as they did pick ups to the mountain and most importantly, would scoop us up at the end of the hike.

So the alarm went of at just after 5am we were up and at 'em and on the bus for 6am. As we pulled into Mangatepopo drop off zone all passenger's thoughts were on the next 7 odd hours all praying that the
weather gods would reward us for getting up at the crack.

The walk took us to Soda Springs, up the devil's staircase (clue is in the title, a complete thigh burner) and at the top entered the South Crater. Here we had a clear view of Mount Ngauruhoe (one for another day). Then onto Red Crater Ridge, the last big climb of the day.

Whilst savouring the view at the highest point on the crossing, Red Crater at 1886m, a couple asked if we could take their photo. Sure thing, we replied and after a brief conversion, ahhh she, Gilly, was
from Bristol! Gilly was doing the crossing with husband, Charlie. A quick few common subjects covered, travelling, home, sport, world peace, nothing too big given the wind and height we were at so a swap
of email addresses and we went our separate ways both laughing for a moment at the amazement of meeting two others from Brizzle up a mountain in the heart of New Zealand.

At this point all trekkers face the decision 'is the weather good enough to continue ?' as this is the point of no return.  From here we reached Emerald Lake and then into the Central Crater, a welcomed flat section leading to Blue Lake (all inside the volcano crater). It was here at 10am our packed lunch made an appearance. Well with a 6am start can you blame us! Here we got great views of Red Crater.

We then met Gilly & Charlie again at the Ketetahi Hut. Here we had a drop toilet stop (omg they were B.A.D), snack stop and chatted some more. For the home straight we all pushed each other on to get
through the final couple of km's, bantering all the way to Ketetahi, the finish.

7 hours 47 minutes and 20 seconds (including lengthy snack breaks) Tongariro Alphine Crossing nailed and not a blister in sight.

Charlie and Gilly joined us at our campsite that night, which was nice, so supper was a good old natter about things in common; vans and Victorian terrace houses for starters. Also not to miss off they too had spent Christmas in Balmain. All very spooky! They were journeying down to the south island like yourselves so we made plans to meet up at a later date.

Morning came and a few pots of coffee were sank with more chatting and achy muscles compared. As the women cleared camp the men stood around and discussed van conversions, power tools and carpenters pencil sharpeners. Two kindred spirits! It was finally time for us to split up into pairs, us going north and team hippy going south.

Slept with a mozzie last night. Note to self: don't leave window open. We are both sporting 2 bites each to the left buttock.

Comment of the day: It's nice to be nice.