Alpine Crossing

The Alpine Crossing

      Cheryl watched the weather reports.  Nate arrived on January 5.  The initial big ticket event loomed ahead---another Great Walk.  But the weather was not obedient.  When Mother Nature and Mother Cheryl disagree, a negotiation ensues.  Ideally Nate could utilize a day to adjust his biorhythms to the time change. Rain and wind were forecasted for the days best suited to give Nate a rest.  In the same manner General Eisenhower called for the troops to rally on D-day, Cheryl mobilized her invasion of the Tongariro.  Nate landed in Auckland.  He spent enough time in Thames to unload his gear.  Then, back in the car.  Liz Ulenburg and friend Janette, neighbors Kari and Nick joined Cheryl, Sam and tired Nate as a formidable expeditionary force.  Sleeping in a ski lodge the night before,  the group moved into position through the gates of "Mordor".



Considered one of the World's greatest single day walks, the Tongariro National Park Alpine Crossing encompasses volcanos Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.  The 19.4 km crossing provides background and setting for Lord of the Rings' Mordor.

                                                                                                       

 Several ecosystems and geologic formations evolved within the park.  Daughter Molly successfully completed the adventure five years ago.  Luke and Tom complete the mission when opportunity presents.
Sam demonstrates  the 3 volcanos, a little bigger than 2 arm spans.











Mother Nature opened her skies.  The decision to charge the mountain worked.  The Expeditionary Force took to the trail where "women glow and men plunder".

Nate and Sam moved like grizzled pathfinders.









Like human ants lined up for spiritual honey, the paths filled, but moved continuously.  Explorers from all over the world moved up and down the park.  Well into the trail Nate encountered the people he sat by on the flight to Auckland.












Turquoise, aquamarine, and azure volcanic lakes sprang along the crossing.  Volcanic rock or volcanic dust layered the paths.

Cheryl takes a moment to instruct the men in proper tramping technique.









Eight hours later the group finished.  Despite the demands, everyone held together quite nicely.  Nate finally did get caught up on a nap.  Everyone's boots and shoes performed with only a few blisters.









With the Alpine Crossing now conquered, Cheryl earned another merit badge.  The distinguished "Our Matron of the Mountain" award!

Sam and Nate peer from another perspective at her grit, while they view the magnificence of Mother Nature under the Equator.

     "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like falling leaves"  John Muir.
     
      "It was amazing."  Sam

                                THE ALPINE CROSSING EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

                                      Nate, Nick, Sam, Cheryl, Kari, Janette, Liz