CityStrides Thursday: 10 Complete

Tawhai Falls

Taranaki Falls

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

CityStrides and Segments

Well, this did not live up to its name as "The World's Greatest Day Hike." 

Kinda knew it would happen eventually, just kinda hoped it wouldn't have been today. Weather was uncooperative, and while I've definitely hiked in worse conditions all around, never in a foreign land. Pressed my luck while also playing it safe. 

First of all, legs are not happy with me right now, I'll get that out of the way. Early miles were very much so runnable, just not for me right now. Misty in the parking lot, so much for "few showers" from like 2-4pm. Quiet though, only a couple other cars in the lot.

Start was fine, long sleeve and t-shirt with my tights, headband, and light gloves. Really been enjoying the watch window on the rabbit long sleeves I picked up a couple months back. If you look at the map, you'll see a 7500 foot volcano (which starred as Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings) just south of the middle of my hike. I never saw that mountain. I was planning on hiking up it, but walked right past the trail without knowing. Probably for the best.

Stopped at Soda Spring on the way out to save me time later, always best to do add-ons early to make the return of an out-and-back as short as possible. Saw a few others heading out, but didn't think much of it. This kinda weather isn't for everyone. Once I started getting to "the hard part" of the hike, yes there was a sign, I started seeing more people, guided groups. One of the guys asked me where I was headed and I said Blue Lake (about 10km each way) and he said no way. He informed me roughly where he made it to and the conditions, and I kept going. 

Made it further than anyone else this day, I can promise you that. Found a large snow field (first picture) which is likely where the guided groups turned around. Visibility was limited, a few hundred feet at best, temps weren't great, but not super cold, and wind was annoying, but again not too bad. I had layered up with my windbreaker and mid-duty winter gloves which were the most aggressive pieces of clothing I brought. Did not use the crampons, as I didn't find the snow "that" bad. I've done Prezi's in worse weather, I've done Pemi's in worse weather, I've done a half dozen other hikes in worse weather. Higher winds, colder temps, less visibility, more snow. BUT, that was in New Hampshire, not New Zealand, and I was a bit more prepared on those occasions. 

Kept checking my watch saying I'd turn around at the turn for Mt Doom which I rolled right by. Then decided I'd make it to at least 5600' elevation. Got through the snow field, and went up the first ascent from there. Hit an outcropping with some bare ground the wind was getting worse so called it there, just shy of 5 miles out. 

Coming back down was a bit interesting as I ended up taking off my glasses because the wind was right in my face and with the misty precipitation I just couldn't keep them clear, so while shorter range, I could see better without them on. Kept them off for about 1.5 miles until the snow was pretty much gone and the wind had settled a good bit. Did a little bit of running once I put my glasses back on, and caught a couple of the guided groups. Spoke with another guide and told him where I turned around and he figures that was about the freezing line today, so while I can't be sure, ground conditions may have been worse had I kept going.

All in all, this pretty much has to be the lowlight of New Zealand. While I skipped Ben Lomond on Monday, still did a pretty cool hike with some amazing views. The volcanic rock down low today was cool, but I couldn't even see the mountains I was walking between. If I wanted that, I could have gone to the Whites literally any weekend this past winter or spring. 

After day one here, I already planned on making a second trip before my visa expires in 3.9 years, but this confirms that I have no choice but to come back, and maybe spend a few extra days. Definitely will be in the summer/ fall time frame (New England winter), so if anyone is interested, drop a comment and I'll let you know. Likely be in a couple years, nothing too soon.

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Jacob Wormald

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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CityStrides Thursday: 10 Complete

Tawhai Falls

Taranaki Falls

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

CityStrides and Segments

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