Tongariro National Park

We are back from our tramping in Tongariro National Park doing the "round the mountain" loop. It was a challenging, rugged six day hike circling the Ruapehu volcano that is one of three volcanoes in this range. Five nights in darling little huts perched in the perfect location for a gorgeous view. The route varied from highly manicured, well maintained to wild and woolly through forest (like little hobbits), desert, and high alpine areas. The weather was fantastic.

We now have tight buns, sunburned lips and sore ankles. Many days I felt like a nimble mountain goat picking my way over the lava rocks and other times like a plodding old nag. This difference was not only dependant on the terrain put also on the previous night's sleep and the number of ibuprofen consumed.

One of our huts along the way. Two out of the five we had to ourselves. This one was our favorite called Mangahuehu

The Mountain of Doom from the movie.

A swinging bridge that was destroyed last year from the volcano erupting and had to be rebuilt.

One of the more difficult descents that we had to pick our way along.

Daddy making pancakes on the wood stove. They were quite delicious with powdered milk mixed with some maple sugar and water for the topping.