today, thanksgiving in the states, mk and i hiked the tongariro crossing. supposedly the best one day hike on the north island. we woke early, 5:30am to catch a bus to the trailhead. getting to the trailhead was a feat in and of itself. our bus was supposed to arrive at 5:40am. we are standing outside, the cold morning air biting our cheeks, at 6am....no bus. michelle called the company and reported that they had already come and gone from our hostel, but they'd turn around and be back for us shortly. so, the bus arrived....we're on our way. nope. we find out that a bus ahead of us has broken down and we have to pick up the passengers. so 10minutes down the road about 20 more people pile onto an already crowded bus. we
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