And we're back...

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So we got back to Taupo yesterday from our 3 day tramp on the Northern Circuit in Tongariro National Park. The entire park is a World Heritage Site. Aside fron the first day of the hike, which takes you up and over a volcano, the second two days are pretty flat or as the brochure describes (undulating terrain). We did do the hike with 40lbs packs on our back, so I feel a nice sense of accomplishment after this hike as well. Also most people just do the one day crossing, so they get to carry light packs. The scenery was very odd, almost felt like being on another planet. Since I just posted another blog I am just gonna post alot of pictures in this blog. Even though they don't do the scenery any justice.

For more pictures checkout Brian's blog...
www.travelblog.org/bloggers/travelgoon

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Photos

The Start
So I'm looking wide awake even though we got up at 5am.

Still Smiling...
Haven't hit the Devils Staircase just yet.

On the first day.
Before the big accent of the firstday, just goofing around and enjoying the scenery.

I just really like this one
Something about the water on the grasses that gets me.

The clouds burning off
It was foggy when we started at 9am, but then the clouds started to burn off and the sun began to win the battle.

Another nice view
One of the three volcanos in the area.

After Climbing the Devils Staircase
Looking good even after the climb.

At what you think is the top
So you think your at the top but then you notice you still have to go up.

Red Crater
Once you're really at the top you get a great view of Red Crater. The picture doesn't even come close to showing how rich the color was.

Blue Lake
I was lazy after the climb so I didn't hike all the way to Blue Lake , but this was the view from the top.

Emerald Lakes
Just stunning...need I say more.

And again
Just a close up

The way down to the first Hut
We walked down this giant lava flow, was completely crazy.

The view in the afternoon of the first day
I love being in the mountains

The valley floor
The valley was covered in these small patches of little white flowers, looked really cool.

We're finally there
After hiking for 6-7 hours we finally arrived at the first hut. That night was a goonfest, we met all these 20 somethings from Wellington on a long weekend. We had a blast partying the night away with them.

Day 2
Short 3 hour hike on day two so we left at 1 in the afternoon. Yes we crossed that nountain the day before.

Comments

[Hi 5 Dave]

Awesome
Well done matey, the photo's look beautiful as always.

[Pamela]

Crazy Hike...
Cool emerald lakes and volcanos, and nice pics once again. That hike looks insane, i hope your taking a break after that! Im feeling guilty about sitting on my couch for the last three days :) talk to you soon, im gonna go check out Brians blog. Love you.

[JFinkelstein]

Alan I'm proud of you. My best to Mosk.

[Jeanine]

After your call...
We had Roll N Roaster roast beef sandwich, cheese fries, mozzerella sticks, chicken tenders and lemonade. A lot for two small people. I heard from someone in my office that the Lord of the Rings tour in New Zealand was really beautiful. The water there looks really cool. Oh, you lost weight!

[Kenny Z]

Your back?
Oh...not back in new york...just taupo. thank goodness. i got scared for a moment there. please take a few minutes with brian, breath in deeply, and appreciate just how wonderful your life is at this very moment. CHEERS!

[Mat H]

CHILI
Tonight's the superbowl. I need some of your chili.

[ron waitzman]

dreaming
Wow Alan...the scenery is truly breathtaking what an incredilbe land to go from one extreme to another in some ways not that dissimilar from the big island of hawaii the big news in rockaway is the demise of the diner and in nyc the demise of the 2nd ave deli stay well....

[John Snipe]

Little buddy!
Yo, how's it going bro? Sorry I haven't been in touch for a while, have been a bit down after getting back home! Raratonga was awesome, you should check it out if you get a chance. Your trip looks awesome dude, I'm very jealous. Keep the blogs coming and let me know when you're gonna be in England! Laterz.. oh, say hi to Brian and Bryan for me, I haven't got time to chec their blogs today as well