almost there...

that's the thing about new zealand, everything is mad close. and in fact, it seems like my postings haven't gotten there yet, as i never finished the journey up north... nevertheless, we'll get back to that northland pilgrimage at some juncture on the path...

...this weekend, these three phd students from the university of waikato (know them?) and one english student made the journey to tongariro national park, new zealand's first national park. more than eleven years ago with a posse of carleton college students, i had completed this epic one day 19 kilometre crossing, through a wide magnificent saddle situated between two active volcanoes. although hamilton is three hours from the park, the "are we there yet" was wondered and mumbled as we initially couldn't seem to find the free d.o.c. campground where fires are permitted...

...eventually mon frere from bordeaux, a skilled navigator, found the road less travelled and my two european colleagues led the way for pedro and i...

...the drive was worth it and he hike even more so, though mimicking pirates and structural problems would mar our detour... more on that later... for now, some scenes to tongariro and making our way together to emerald lakes and past mt. ngauruhoe... ...some fotos from the future to the past...

love and health to all...