The Big Volcano

I just got back from 8 days in Tongariro National Park. It was a great trip but being 8 days and all, I think I might just relate a couple of stories that are most memorable to me. 

The first day was probably the biggest. I got up early and made an ascent of Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand's largest active volcano. I didn't really climb much of the mountain, I hitched a ride up to a ski resort and from there, I rode the chairlift up about 25 minutes. Without knowing much about the mountain, I took the "marked route" to the top. The long, steep trail to the peak was marked, but as I climbed up, I started to get the impression that I wasn't on the path of least resistance.  When I did reach the peak I realized that I was a few hours away from the place I wanted to be. A quick 3-hour walk across the top and I was at my destination, Crater Lake. It was really cool to see, but it's name pretty much describes what it is. 

On my way back down the mountain, I found myself a little lost and a little alone. In the distance I saw a little trail marker so I made my way down into the valley toward the white marker. The footing was pretty tricky and little rockslides kept rushing down below me, but I finally made it to the marker. Unfortunately, the marker was actually just some white pole that someone had thrown down into the valley. I started to feel a little anxious about how late it was and how alone I was and all of the sudden the boulder I was standing on tilted forward sending me head first into another rock. 

Having been in several bike accidents I am accustomed to having my head in a helmet when I slam it against something hard. Because of this, I initially thought to myself, "thank God I was wearing my helmet." Then a wave of pain shot through my head and I realized I wasn't wearing my helmet. I'm okay though. I got up  and worked my way down the mountain, arriving at the hut just before nightfall.

ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET