Galavanting North Island Week 2 - 26/4/09

Roads less travelled, tracks heavily walked.
Whanganui River Road - partly unsealed, sand-stone walls, bush, sheep and corners aplenty.
Route 52 - A long 3hours. Sheep stations, angular hills and the occasional metropolis (ahem).
Silica Rapids - sweet two hour walk near Whakapapa.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing - Early (5.30am), frosty start for 23km walk in smouldering and bleak volcano territory. Spectacular and intimidating, but if Frodo can, then so can we (film location of the fiery abyss of Mount Doom). Wrist wearing well, though no particular stumbles.
Te Mata Peak - Fair rugged, and sheep orientated. Notable for a good clamber, big view and a scared Em as she drove up a single lane rode with significant near vertical drops either side. One handed driver took the wheel going back down.
Hot stream dip at Taupo - back to the Waikato River (to sit like a gnome).

Camping it up
Em never has had much luck with camping. After two rain drenched UK trips, so far this week saw rain, gales and frost (Waikanae, Whanganui River Road and Whakapapa respectively). Still, no trees came through the tent, and we didn't freeze in the -2C mountain temperatures (vege thai curry not a mild one thankfully). And thanks to installing Em in a sleeing bag with only her nose showing, I even think she'll go again. Those in the know will be shocked to hear of her donning hiking boots, anorak and rucksack for a 23km walk and 900m ascent (see above and photos for the 09 look). Doon slept with jumper over face. After three days in the tent, the treat of some meat, bed and ale was well received (does any drinking city outside Ireland not have an Irish bar?).

Digs, Drinks & Scran
Wet camp, Christian camp, Windy camp, Frosty camp. Farmstay. Familiar Taupo retreat.
Speights, post-camp ales, chilly-bin water, Rose wine off of Hawke's Bay. Many a vege thai curry, and later in the week some more substantial lamb bangers n mash.

Good Good Friday
Not regularly subscribing to established traditions, this Good Friday involved copious red meat. Official house outing, with entourage – intention of a good walk around the Otari Wilton bush was dashed when the public barbecue was ignited, and the steaks and Speights were gregory'd.