Tongariro National Park

The big weekend finally arrived.  The one we had all been training for --- Sunday was to be the conquering of the Tongariro Crossing!

David and I boarded the Northern Explorer after busing into downtown Auckland at 6:03 am.

I think I can ---- I think I can

Views of Mount Ruapehu and Mt. Ngauruhoe  from the train.

We met up with our 3 friends at the depot cafe as planned and had a little tea before heading to the Skotel Alpine Resort.  

The motley crew in front of our modest chalet.  Yes David was an incredibly good sport accompanying this group even after the other male dropped out due to a conflict.

And then we trucked on down to the forest station to check the weather forecast and sign up for the morning shuttle.  That's when our trip took a turn --- the projected forecast of gusty winds and heavy rains eliminated any hope of attempting the crossing on Sunday ---- the shuttles would not be running.  We knew this was a possibility but Really?!  Really?!

All those hikes --- all those stairs we had climbed preparing

Being with a group of psychologically-minded folks and an occupational nurse, we reviewed our options and decided to go on our first hike --- Taranaki Falls

Sunday we woke up to chilly temperatures and massive clouds over Mount Tongariro.  Determined to not let our disappointment ruin the weekend, we took off on the Whakapapanui Track which followed along Whakapapanui stream and was a more sheltered bush walk.

After tea we bimbled back to our Chalet just as the heavens opened up and the temperatures dropped.  A pounding rain continued all afternoon and night.  We celebrated not being up on the very exposed crater ridges.  A good dose of brownies (thanks Carol), a group effort crossword puzzle and the game of Squabbles kept us entertained. David was endearingly nicknamed Whakapapa as the afternoon progressed.

A little metal hammer ---- a pink peppermint pig (nicknamed "Peppa") and sharing of gratitudes for the year 2013 took us to lights out and the donning of our jim jams.

Monday began out cold but turned into a beautiful day.  We enjoyed the Silica Falls trek before our voyage back home.

We may not have gotten to do the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing with its craters and mineral lakes but we did get to enjoy beech forests, cascading streams, and waterfalls with a wonderful group of friends on a memorable weekend.