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Technically true, but collectively nonsense

If you are still in the gop, you are either an extremist yourself, or in bed with those who are.

This really is a full service blog.

This year has been the longest three days of putin’s life.

If you still can’t see these things even now, maybe politics isn’t your forte and you should stop writing about it.

“Facilitate” is an active verb, not a weasel word.

“Everybody’s entitled to be an idiot.”

I have other things to bitch about but those will have to wait.

After dobbs, women are no longer free.

You know it’s bad when the Project 2025 people have to create training videos on “How To Be Normal”.

Sometimes the world just tells you your cat is here.

This must be what justice looks like, not vengeful, just peaceful exuberance.

In my day, never was longer.

“What are Republicans afraid of?” Everything.

Text STOP to opt out of updates on war plans.

Washington Post Catch and Kill, not noticeably better than the Enquirer’s.

The press swings at every pitch, we don’t have to.

The lights are all blinking red.

DeSantis transforming Florida into 1930s Germany with gators and theme parks.

They love authoritarianism, but only when they get to be the authoritarians.

Whoever he was, that guy was nuts.

Roe is not about choice. It is about freedom.

They punch you in the face and then start crying because their fist hurts.

You are here: Home / Photo Blogging / On The Road / On The Road – Paul in St. Augustine – Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2

On The Road – Paul in St. Augustine – Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2

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Paul in St. Augustine

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best day treks in New Zealand, and it’s considered one of the top 10 day treks on the planet. It’s a one way 12 mile trip, beginning at an elevation of 3700 feet above sea level. The summit of the trek is at 6200 feet, and the trek ends at 2500 feet. Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and in 1993 became the first in the world to receive a cultural World Heritage designation from that organization.

On The Road - Paul in St. Augustine - Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2 6

Ketatahi Carpark is the destination. Hiking time is seven to eight hours.

On The Road - Paul in St. Augustine - Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2 2

The trail began with a slow increase in elevation.

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As the ascent began, the trail became narrower.

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The Devil’s Staircase is the most difficult part of the ascent, climbing about 700 feet in slightly less than a mile.

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As you twist and turn your way up the Staircase, the scenery–and the weather–change dramatically.

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The next part of the trek is through the South Crater of Mt. Tongariro. A nice respite from the previous hour’s worth of climbing, with also a glimpse of the climb ahead.

On The Road - Paul in St. Augustine - Tongariro Crossing 1 of 2

At the time of this trip, mid November is the middle of spring, so the weather changes rapidly.

Reader Interactions

7Comments

  1. 1.

    annamal

    My grandmother celebrated her 80th birthday by walking Tongariro with the family, it was amazing.

  3. 3.

    stinger

    Fascinating! I love the “restfulness” of the South Crater portion (and the implication that there are other craters). Also, way to go, annamal’s grandmother!

    Looking forward to the follow-up set of photos, Paul!

  4. 4.

    JanieM

    Wow, that’s an amazing landscape. I like the way you’ve given us a sense of how it changes as you go on. Agree with stinger about annamal’s grandmother!

  5. 5.

    dnfree

    We were on a tour when we went to New Zealand in 2017, but it was a beautiful two weeks of varied and gorgeous scenery.  But we felt mild temblors while we were there and saw the damage in Christchurch. Thanks for sharing this hike.

  6. 6.

    way2blue

    So South Island?  The landscape is sparser than I would have imagined—reminds me of the Scottish Highlands.  Thanks for sharing.

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