Mt Ngauruhoe Ascent

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MT NGAURUHOE ASCENT Peggy Christianson Thel Desert Road shone beautifullybefore us in thei moonlight. On and on it went endlessly until wep passengers convinced Steve, the mini van driver, that we had actually gone too far. A U-turn saw us retracing our path to the Waihohonu Track, where we were deposited at 11 pm Friday. I fter a gentle stroll we reached the shelter of some tall Beech trees where we camped for the night on beds of soft forest debris (ie. pine needles). The night was mild and pleasant, and since Daniel and Peggy did notl know howi to: set up thetent and they couldn't be bothered trying to figure it out, they slept out in the open air. This was fine until a huge and gentle, but ugly, grub-bug came and frightened them halfto death. Claire, ourl hero, our fearless leader, removed the bug. The rest of the night was uneventful, except for the Mediums, who paid us a visit en route to their camp. The morning was lovely. Claire had our brews made by 6am. By 7:30 we were hot on the trail, or at least plenty warm, as the sun was bright and the On the summit, MtNgauruhoe Claire Silcock sky pure blue Within an hour we arrived at the first After crossing bits of snow and loose of steepice. Once on topofthe rubble hut where we had a snack break. rock, we stopped for lunch on the therewasplentye ofsnow andthe going Shortly after that, back on the trail, I saddlewherer wehad clear viewsofthe was easy, except for the mighty and was momentarily confused and lost plateau below. Gary was kind enough constant wind. awareness oft the task at hand, losing tomake a brew from melted snow and contact with the narrow, wooden our spirits were picking up as our We made our way to the edge of the bridge, and found the right half ofme bodies rested. As Claire promised, crater and carefully had a look in. submerged in a murky and muddy the weather and snow conditions were There were snow and ice formations little stream. I was still confused at spot-on. and plenty of steam. Interesting. We the others' laughter as Daniel pulled took photos. Karyn entertained us me out onto dry land. The ascent took 70 minutes from the with song and dance (Macho Macho saddle. Ice axes, but not crampons, Chick!!!), as any Sensitive New Age We carried on hiking along the valley were necessary. Clairel kicked endless Guys present observed with admirafloor. Far ahead we could see Mt steps for us, which impressed mej pro- tion. Ngauruhoe, the snow-covered, cone- foundly. Upand up we climbed. Our shaped volcano in the Central Pla- packs, left on the saddle, appeared From the top of Mt Ngauruhoe we teau. Between us and the mountain smaller and smaller until only one had awesome views in every directhere were only rocks. Slowly, slowly small, red dot remained. tion. It: seemed to me we could see all wemadet the gradual ascentt tothel base of the North Island. I was especially ofther mountain, taking several breaks Near the top of the mountain, it be- impressed by Lake Taupo, which is along the way. The sun was hot. came very steep and icy. Gary cut approximately the size of Singapore Water was scarce. steps for us on the remaining section (pop. 27 million).

Camp at Emerald Lake, Tongariro National Park Gary Goldsworthy The descent took 10 minutes, racing and cheese. Daniel and Peggy sup- morning was leisurely and we all took down on our bums (a new AIC tech- plied the fruit cake and cream. There time to use Claire's red shovel. nique). I, however, lingered a bit to was confusion over where the smells take in the views. Chocolate fishies were emanating from; Claire? Gary? At 10:30 am we headed out across the for all thel lucky summiters were wait- Sulphur Lakes?? The potentially Central Crater. A short time later we ing back at the packs. beautiful silencewent unheard; could were out of the snow and descending it havel been Karyn's constant chatter- tot thel hot springs below where we had We made our way across South Cra- ing, singing, and nattering which we atwol hour lunch break (unfortunately ter to Emerald Lake, trudging through all very much enjoyed? with no drinking water). the snow, wind, cold, and fog, feeling tired. Sulphur smells were strong. We had a sing-song in the evening Harry stopped by for a visit and re- We decided to camp at the lake on a while waiting for the moon to rise, lated to us the events of the gourmet patch of rock and gravel. It was which it did at about 9 pm. All dinner and his midnight dip. incredibly windy, but the mist cleated tuckered out from the efforts of the and it was a beautiful night, in a very day, Gary's cooking happily making By about 2:15 pm we were back at the beautiful, snowy setting. its way through our digestivesystems, Duchess to meet up with the others. we retired to our wind-beaten tents. Fun was had by all thanks to the good Gary cooked one of the best meals I company, good conditions, and wise have ever had - macaroni with veges Sunday was another clear day The planning of our fearless leader Party Members: Claire Silcock (Leader), Gary Goldsworthy, Karyn Burgess, Daniel Meares, and Peggy Christianson.