The Tongariro crossing is a 19.4km hike up an active volcano and down the other side. We signed up to the shuttle service which meant we could park our car at the finish and get bussed to the start. As he dropped us off the driver told us a girl had gone missing the day before despite being part of a group. The search and rescue helicopter was up most of the day.
I think this hike must be the most challenging I've ever done. Besides the distance there were 2 major ascents (one part had chains in the rock to assist you climbung up), there were parts covered in icy snow and just over the summit there was such a loose surface that each step caused a slide of about 6" and most people fell over at least once. On the way down we saw the steam coming out of the volcano - I hope you can see from the picture. It was a magnificent walk and worth the effort. The jacuzzi back at the resort certainly helped the aching muscles.
No comments:
Post a Comment