January 19, 2006 - page 2

down was a different story. I watched as bodies hurled themselves down the steep incline, most intentionally,
others unintentionally. Unfortunately Chad was the latter.  Thankfully, he survived with a few scuff marks on his knees.  However, his video camera fell victim to the fall; yea for Wal-Mart’s return policy!  Step-by-step, faster and faster, feet touched the rock less and less as everyone neared the bottom.  I’m pretty sure I saw Secor’s hair catch wind and bring him safely to the bottom.

The summiteers regrouped with the rest of the class at Emerald Lakes, and eventually headed out through the “Never Ending Forest,” as phrased by Dr. Workman.  The forest became heaven to many as the descent before it was truly the never ending part of the hike, the constant downhill of the mountain filled with switchbacks making its presence known to our knees. Despite the hurt felt on my knees, feet, and really the rest of my body, the hike was amazing.  It is no surprise to me that the Tongariro Crossing is known as New Zealand’s best day hike, the sights were worth the pain.

Currently, we are on the other side of Tongariro National Park, in the city of Ohakune. Our backpacker is unlike any of

the places we have been yet.  A ski resort in the winter, Rimu Park Lodge is quite a luxury from what we are used to here in New Zealand: for the women, an old Victorian house; for the men, remodeled train cars and a full condo.  Quite the upgrade from the white walls and bunk bed rooms we are