Mt. Doom...Looking for Frodo

The package we did at Adventure Park Lodge & Motel included two nights, two breakfasts, a packed lunch for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (Mt. Doom and Mordor) and dinner.  Because there was heavy rains on Sunday and more forecast for Monday, Lorraine was concerned that we would have rain for our 12+ mile alpine crossing of Tongariro, an active volcanic mountain area.  But we were fortunate and only a light misting at one point in the crossing.  We were on the way to find Frodo…we found Mt. Doom and Mordor!!

At Doom Trail Head - on at 9am done at 3:30

Mt. Doom - You can see Frodo way at the top left.

Kelly and Mt. Doom

Mordor

Steam from the active volcanic action!

We hiked up from the other side and down this side....you can see people way on top.

Red Crater and Mt. Doom behind

Back to the Motel for relaxation, dinner and early bed!

Touchdown in New Zealand

I arrived at Auckland International Airport about 7am Sunday morning (December 4) and quickly found myself in the bio-security check line, since I had brought used hiking equipment and boots into New Zealand.  The New Zealand government is very particular about the possibility of foreign “bad stuff” finding itself walking into the country on someone’s boots or hiking poles. But if you don’t declare that you have potential bio-security hazards, you can be fined $400 on the spot.  My boots were checked and I passed (I had washed them before packing them).

After exiting the International Terminal, I got a day room at the airport hotel (1 minute walk from the terminal), took a shower and quick nap – with Kelly due to arrive from Afghanistan within the next 6 hours.  At 2pm, I walked over to the terminal to await her clearing customs and baggage check. 

Apparently, in the mix of the crowd, I missed her exit and she exchanged US dollars, walked around a bit and then was asking for directions to the hotel when I finally spotted her.  It was so good to see her.

We got to the hotel where Kelly unpacked some, showered and freshened up.  We then checked out and caught the shuttle to the rental car location.  While we knew the cars were smaller than in the US, we were surprised at the one they gave us.

Sitting on the right side of the car to drive and driving on the left side of the road is a bit mind blowing.  Going straight was no problem…it is turning that you have to remember which lane to end up in.  A couple of time I turned into the wrong lane (right one in US) and Kelly had to remind me to “Get on the other side of the road!!”

We drive about 4 hours to National Park Village where we were staying for two night at Adventure Park Lodge & Motel.  Our room was grand and quaint with a separate bedroom and three beds, as well as kitchenette.  Lorraine, the owner, greeted us in wonderful, Kiwi friendly fashion – making us feel like old friends.  Then off to bed for the next day adventure in search of Frodo!

One Step Closer to the Southern Hemisphere

Left for LA this morning (afternoon after delay) and arrived to Santa Ana windstorm - worst in over a decade.  Short shuttle ride to my hotel with two large duffles and backpack.  Fortunately, the duffles have straps to carry on my back.

Luggage to New Zealand

Will stay overnight at this hotel and back to LAX tomorrow for my flight to New Zealand.  Still waiting to hear from Kelly as to when she will arrive in NZ.  I have some final bits of work to do before I go to the airport.

Prep for New Zealand Hike

On December 8, Kelly and I are going to hike Avalanche Peak in New Zealand - a 5,900 foot peak that is accessed by a trail that starts at 2,600 feet and gains more than 3,000 feet in about 2 miles.  In preparation for that hike, I did the Turtlehead Peak trail today in the Red Rock Canyon just west of Las Vegas.  Turtlehead Peak trail gains 2,000 feet in 2.1 miles over mostly loose gravel/rock and scree with some Class 3 scrambling required.

I set off at 7am this morning and made it back to my car at 10:30am.  The trail was tough both up and down.   Enjoy the pictures!!!

Turtlehead Peak (on the left)

The trail ascends to the left of the Peak up to the saddle

Steep trail meanders up the gully to the saddle.

A little shade at the top of the Peak.

The trail back down is treacherous - steep, loose dirt, sandstone and rock.

A Bit Anxious

Hmmmm.....seems I'm a bit early for my flight.

Waiting for To Go

Fifteen days and the plane will lift off from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on the first leg of my trip to New Zealand, where I will meet up with my oldest daughter, Kelly, for two glorious weeks driving, tramping, viewing and just plain having fun. She will be flying in from Afghanistan on her R&R. So very blessed to be able to spend time with her.

In the meantime, I am finishing up work projects, submitting proposals for new projects, packing and re-packing bags for both Kelly and me, last minute travel shopping, Thanksgiving dinner, a three day convention in Vegas and one final packing before departing on 1Dec.

Should be a fantastic trip! I expect to post stories and pictures along the way. Hope you follow along in the pre-planning and trip itself.