Taking time again on Tongariro
Last year I wrote a story entitled “Taking Time on Tongariro” whilst walking to the Soda Spring Falls with my daughter Christine Jelley while my son-in-law, Steve Jelley, tramped up, over and down this tantalising mountain for the fifth time.
In January this year Christine and I decided to take our time on Mt Ruapehu while Steve challenged himself to Mt Tongariro for the sixth time.
The plan for the girls was to reach the Taranaki Falls on Mt Ruapehu, return to the Chateau for High Tea. Then we would drive to the base of Tongariro to wait for Steve.
What an astounding surprise we received when we arrived at the road leading to the bae of Mt Tongariro to discover Steve was actually waiting for us!
Long legs such as those Steve possess do have an advantage over the shorter ones Christine and I own when it comes to striding it out on a mountain.
Granted we had only spent about half an hour relaxing at the Chateau. Nevertheless, taking time on Mt Ruapehu certainly has its rewards as I captured so much fascinating scenery during our easy tramp to the Taranaki falls.
Upon reaching our destination, I was envious of the young ones who clambered over the rocks to stand behind these falls.
However, as I was informed the rocks could be slippery from the constant spraying of water, I chose to stay safe and simply just absorb the wonder of nature.
Rumaging for a small bunch of flowers within easy reach to take back to our motel and enjoy their beauty was an enchanting experience.
The moral of this story simply being no matter what your age, size or shape, tramping is achievable for everyone in our scenic country, free from snakes, man eating bears etc.