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I just finished a 3-day, 50 KM hike through Tongariro National Park. Here are some notes I took on the hike.
I'm sitting in the first hut on the northern circuit hike. There's no phone coverage here. Than God for that--otherwise i'd be reading Facebook.
The walk in was tiring but fun. It was only a three-hour walk, so I took a 90 minute detour to a nice waterfall. After four and a half hours hiking with my pack, I'm fairly exhausted, but not overly-so. And I got to the hut at four o'clock--quite early!
Right now the hut has just a few others, mostly sitting quietly reading. I'm guessing that several more will arrive throughout the evening.
I have been hiking alone, but met a nice couple from Houston (of all places!) and a Swiss girl by the waterfall. After heading towards the hut, I enjoyed many hours of solitude, crossing paths with others only very occasionially.
My thoughts turned to a question I was asked the other day. I forget who asked, but after describing my world travels to someone, I was asked which place was the best.
I thought it an odd question. It's not, really. But it occurred to me that I am unable to choose. Places, like people, are so complex and varied that I couldn't possibly pick a 'best.' I can certainly identify places--and people for that matter--that I do not like. But the ones o do, the ones I REALLY like--how could I possibly choose a BEST one?
At my wedding, I had no best man. I had three best men. Some people thought I was being ridiculous, or just weird for the sake of weird. But I stand by that choice, and today I still couldn't choose a best amongst them.
My thoughts also turned to relationships and what it is we value in them. I'll touch on this just briefly. (I have to preserve the battery power of this silly phone) What is it that you value most in a relationship? Two things that I value are trust and fun. Fun simply meaning how much I enjoy being around the other person. I think those are two very important things in any relationship. Different relationships require different amounts of each. For example, trust is much more importan to me than fun for my relaionship with my mother. Whereas, for an acquantance at work, the opposite might be true.
What other qualities are important to have in a relationship?
Perhaps I'll think more about that tomorrow.
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Well, I didn't think about much today. The hike was phenomenal. Up, up, up a(nother) 1000 metres. It's amazing how quickly things change here. Much more quickly than I'm the Rockies. I got into a cloud about halfway up and couldn't see too far in front of me. Met up with a group of Canadian and chatted most of the way up past sulphur-spewing vents and loose scree.
It's amazing how yesterday, my heavy pack felt like such a burden, while today it just felt like part of my body--despite ascending such a steep slope.
I've traveled about 15 km today and I think I have about 10 more to go before I get to he hut. That will leave me with just four hours of walking in the morning to complete the circuit.
Feeling good. Now, onward!
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Whew, made it to tonight's hut. That last bit of the hike was exhausting, but beautiful. I probably should have eaten before setting out, but I thought i'd save my appetite for the freeze-dried chicken tiki masala I have (it was quite good!).
The hike went across lots of exposed hills where I spotted a beautiful rainbow right in front of me (pics later). Then I entered a heavily forested area with nice trees, mushrooms, and a very steep trail. At this point I was exhausted, so I listened to Radiohead and it lifted my spirits.
I arrived at the hut to find it abandoned except for a gaggle of young ladies--two Canadians, an American, and a French girl, all being trained by an older Kiwi guy to be a hut warden. I'd love to chat with them some more to see what brought them here, but they are so far fairly busy with training.
It's 6:30 now which means just 90 minutes 'til bedtime. I'm looking forward to it; I'm exhausted from a very long day.
Hmm. Long day. I think perhaps I'll break open that small bottle of Scotch I brought. More to tomorrow!
Oh, also: it's raining now. But so comfortable in the hut. Go New Zealand National Parks! Did I mention that they build and service these things via helicopter?
And poof, I'm done! The hike today was only about four hours. Then it took another two hours to get a ride back to town. People kept stopping, but they were only going a short portion of the trip. A got a ride out of the park from a French couple, then a German guy picked me up and took me down the road a bit. Finally, a nice Israeli couple took me the rest of the way to the town of Turinga.
So, my overall impression after my first 3-day, long distance backpacking trip? Tiresome and "long" at times, but overall, I love it! I wish we had huts at the parks in The States. I guess I'll just have to carry a tent when I hike this summer. Who's going with me?
I plan to go to Auckland tomorrow, and then Sydney on Monday if I can ever get my flight itinerary straightened out with the company. It has been a challenge.
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