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Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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After nearly two weeks driving the circumference of the South Island (again), Emmett and I had taken our car on the ferry to Wellington. We drove around a bit on the North Island before making our way back up to Auckland to reunite with C.J. But it wasn’t just a reunion we had planned – after a little over 24 hours in Auckland, the three of us headed down to the lakeside town of Taupo so that we could hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing together.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is arguably one of New Zealand’s most popular hikes. The Crossing is a 19.4 kilometer (12.1 mile) walk through active volcanic terrain in World Heritage-listed Tonagriro National Park. According to a NZ Department of Conservation (DOC) worker who we spoke to later that day, the track is most popular in the summertime when there can be upwards of hundreds of hikers attempting the crossing each day. I was stunned to hear it because the Alpine Crossing was not an easy hike by any means. In fact, it was not only very long for a “day hike” but it was also quite strenuous – but more on that later.

There was a biting chill to the air that morning in Taupo. That fact, that it was cold, was one of the only thoughts that the three of us could verbalize after waking up at 5:30 A.M. As we started our hour and a half drive to the track’s start at Mangatepopo Car Park, there was a low-hanging spooky fog on the trees outside. We had picked that particular day to do the Crossing solely because the forecast had called for clear skies – for once. I have said it before and I will say it even one more time, to access any of New Zealand’s native abundance of fantastic scenery, you are at the mercy of some very fickle weather patterns. Something to do with being an island over 4,000 km from the nearest land mass… Anyway, this was actually the second time that Emmett and I had been to Taupo. We had visited for a few days last September shortly after first arriving in New Zealand and had been interested in Tongariro but had, of course, been thwarted by the weather. Anyway, the initial fog made us concerned that our visibility on the mountain would be similar.

Luckily, as we approached Mangatepopo, the weather cleared and then (even better!) stayed that way for the rest of the day. The sun came over the horizon and we started the Crossing. The first part was deceptively easy and consisted of a well-maintained gravel trail and then boardwalk-style path as we got closer and closer to Mount Ngauruhoe. Also, if Mt. Ngauruhoe seems familiar to you, it’s because you may recognize it as Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings film series.

Emmett and CJ at the start of the trail, the easy bit,

The short boardwalk on the track before the approach to Soda Springs is deceptive: the track only increases greatly in difficulty from then onwards.

We crunched through the icy gravel and up a small incline before we found ourselves at the foot of Mount Ngauruhoe. It was an impressive volcanic cone topped with oxidized iron rocks that gave it a reddish hue. We could see a few miniscule figures loaded with gear making their way up the scree-covered mountainside to the crater. In the summertime, apparently it is possible to make the summit and return as part of a sidetrip from the actual Crossing. Since it was the end of June, aka the shortest days of the year, we reckoned we would not have enough daylight hours to try and do it all. But we certainly enjoyed seeing such a beautiful and dramatic volcano from all the angles below, as we walked on to the South Crater. Also, we were really delighted to find that the sky was clear enough that we could spot Mount Taranaki all the way over on the East Coast, halfway across the country from Ngauruhoe.

The path from Soda Springs to South Crater was one of the more treacherous bits of the Crossing. We had to climb up icy steps with hand chains pegged into the side of the adjacent rock. CJ later told us she had heard that bit was called “The Devils Staircase.” If it had been any icier or the visibility had been any worse, I can imagine that it would be incredibly challenging. Fortunately for us, it ultimately wasn’t even the most difficult part of the track.

The next bit of the journey took us up to the edge of the Red Crater, the very aptly named still-steaming crater that was one of many parts of Mount Tongariro. In fact, technically Mt. Ngauruhoe is part of the larger Mount Tongariro: it’s a parasitic cone. At the top of the Red Crater summit, a friendly DOC sign let us know that we were “halfway” through our hike. I say halfway because I think there estimates are for legitimate hikers because the next half of the crossing took us much longer than the projected time.

After a brief jaunt up the Red Crater’s edge (see above) we found ourselves facing an incredibly steep downhill slope covered in ash and tephra. This was definitely the hardest part of the Crossing, since it was impossible to get solid ground underfoot as you scooted down to the Central Crater of Mount Tongariro. Of the three of us, I in particular kept getting vertigo-like sensations because of the imposing nature of the descent. Have I mentioned before that I grew up somewhere incredibly flat? It’s not in my Florida-girl nature to feel comfortable on steep descents. So I just took my time trying to be as sure-footed as possible – potentially to the chagrin of mountain-siblings Emmett and CJ, though they graciously never mentioned it.

When I finally made my way to the bottom, I was rewarded with a fantastic view of the turquoise Emerald Lakes just off of Central Crater. Apparently, the lakes get their brilliant hue from minerals leeching out of the rocks below Red Crater. Whatever the case may be, they are pretty dang photogenic. I mean, just look at ’em:

After exploring the area around the ice-coated Emerald Lakes, we made the delightfully easy trek across Central Crater. This path was one of my favorite parts of the entire Crossing because the views (which had already been awesome) were the best of all. From across the Central Crater looking back, we could see not only each iconic peak of Tongariro National Park, but also an old lava flow from the Red Crater’s explosion.

From the end of Central Crater, we got one last alpine view: that of the acidic Blue Lake. Quick aside but – is it just me or does it seem like Kiwis love giving things obvious names? North Island, South Island, Blue Lake…? Anyway, it was a lovely light blue that paled (haha…ha) in comparison to the Emerald Lakes but was lovely nonetheless.

After Blue Lake, we got yet another lake view. We rounded a bend on the trail and found ourselves face-to-lake with Lake Taupo. Taupo is itself an old caldera from a supervolcano that erupted just this side of 30,000 years ago. In fact, the area underneath Taupo is still geothermically active as evidenced by fumaroles spewing steam around and across the lake.

The rest of the path is a hangry, frustrated blur, if I’m being honest. We took a zig-zag path down the hillside into native rain forest, which was quite unexpected. By then we’d seen all the different sights there were to see and kept thinking each turn might be the end but it never was. We still had at least an hour’s walk in the forest until we finally reached Ketetahi Car Park at the Crossing’s end. Add that to the fact that I had only had half a granola bar and a carrot to eat and you get a real grumpy gal. I think we were all pretty demolished by the hike by then because the three of us barely spoke. I just kept thinking that if I saw another set of gravel steps in the woods instead of a carpark, I would cry. I nearly did when the steps continued on… and on… and ON. Finally, we did make it.

My frustration was not relieved by finishing, though. I’m sure that Emmett and CJ would say the same. All day, we’d felt pressure to finish the Crossing by 4 PM when it began to get dark (that my friends, is one of the reasons we had an inadequate lunch). Not only that, but we also didn’t have a transportation plan. Our car was parked at the Mangatepopo Car Park nearly 30 kilometers away. Yes, you read that right: further away by road than the hike through the mountains that we’d just done. Emmett and I had previously had a lot of luck hitch-hiking in New Zealand so when we planned our Tongariro Alpine Crossing experience, we figured we could catch a ride with someone back to our car. When we got to the car park, though, we realized that this was not nearly as feasible an option as we had first supposed. First of all, hardly anyone else had a car parked at Ketetahi, as most people aren’t big cheapskates like we are and had splurged for a transport van from one of the many companies in the region offering such a service. Secondly, though we had finished with an hour till sunset, walking out from the car park to the main highway was going to take half an hour minimum. And then we’d be left to take our chances on a wintry remote highway in the dark. Yikes. We were all feelin’ a bit stressed until a very congenial dude with a truck gave the three of us a ride back to our car. Bullet dodged. Thank you hitching karma.

What to Know If You’re Considering Doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing…

  1. Be prepared for weather changes!!!! 

    A) Consider adding a buffer of a few extra days in the area to your plan if you really want to do this track. I’ve heard of so many people who had to wait a bad patch of weather out until the Crossing is safe to undertake. It’s one of the reasons Emmett and I didn’t do it on our first visit to Taupo last year. We only stayed two days and the weather was abysmal.B) The track is 19.4 kilometers across alpine terrain. As you can see from my post above, we were incredibly fortunate to have excellent, clear weather on our hike. Also, if you can tell from our pictures: we really layered up on clothes. I personally started the day with a rain jacket, sweater, a hat, mittens, two pairs of pants, two pairs of socks, and sturdy boots. While I shed various items of clothing throughout the hike, I also ended up putting some back on as the sun began to lower in the sky. At a minimum bring a rain jacket, a hat, a warm base layer, and sturdy shoes (even in the summertime).

  2. Check the DOC Tongariro page for updates on weather and volcanic activity.

    Often if it’s deep into the winter months of July, August, or even early September, DOC will recommend that you not even attempt to do the Crossing without a hired guide (approximately $195 NZD per person). Oh yeah, they also recommend CRAMPONS and ICE AXES. And there could be AVALANCHES. Yes, true winter on Tongariro is a whole ‘nother ballgame. Please, though, no matter what season you go, check out the DOC website to see if there are any warnings that apply to your hike. They also have even more practical recommendations on what to bring with you.
  3. The track is definitely doable but Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not easy if you’re not particularly athletic. Emmett, CJ, and I are all in pretty good physical health but are not in shape. We all felt sore for nearly a week after the hike. And the next day? Phew. I definitely had shin splints and Emmett busted up his knee somehow. The DOC website says they estimate that the track will take between 5.5 or 7.5 hours. It took us about eight hours exactly, with lots of stops for picture-taking. But no lunch break.
  4. Bring plenty of food and water. We had enough water but not enough snacks/lunch, which was foolish and led to unnecessary hanger. Plus, if for some reason you get stuck and have to wait for a rescue ‘copter – you would probably want food & water in that scenario.
  5. Tell someone where you’re going!! Whether it’s a friend or family member back home or the staff at your accommodation, let someone know you’re attempting the Crossing so that they can call the rescue service if you don’t make it down the mountain before nightfall.
  6. I highly recommend doing the track in early winter, like we did. We were able to do the Crossing before any significant snowfall (so no paying for a guide or rental gear) but it was also low season so we didn’t have any of the insane crowds like I’ve seen in friends’ pictures.
  7. You should probably go ahead and pay for transport back to your vehicle with one of the numerous adventure companies around Taupo & the National Park. Unless, of course, you have friends who also have a car and you want to leave one at Ketetahi and take the other to Mangatepopo to start.
  8. If you want to experience all the stunning sights but don’t want to bother with figuring out the whole vehicle debacle, you could definitely hike to the Red Crater or even the Emerald Lakes and back to Mangatepopo and not feel as though you missed much. Nobody told me that the last hour (two in our case) is repetitive forest views. If I had a chance to go back, I’d also love to have enough time to summit Mount Ngauruhoe, so consider planning that into your Crossing.
  9. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you could stay in either of the huts on the Crossing. Be sure to book ahead online as they can fill up fast. OR you could do the longer, multi-day Tongariro Northern Circuit trek and have a chance to see more of Mount Ruapehu and the National Park.
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Bus Conversion Phase 3 Wall Install: Key Steps and Expert Tips

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Bus Conversion Phase 3 Wall Install: Key Steps and Expert Tips

The important chore of wall installation usually takes the front stage in the third phase of a bus conversion project. This phase turns the shell of the car into a livable, aesthetically pleasing living environment. Correct wall installation helps not only appearance but also insulation, structural stability, and general comfort. From preparation to completion, this article offers a detailed guide to the process together with useful tips for a good bus conversion phase 3 wall install.

Preparation and Planning

Thorough planning and preparation are absolutely vital before starting wall installation. First, a comprehensive architectural blueprint should be completed specifying where utilities including insulation, plumbing, and electrical wiring will be located. Enough time also must be set aside for tool and material gathering.

Essential Materials and Tools

  • Materials: Framing studs, plywood panels, insulation, adhesive, screws
  • Tools: Measuring tape; circular saw; level; power drill; clamps

While having the correct tools guarantees the efficiency of the installation, acquiring premium materials guarantees durability and lifetime.

Insulation Installation

Control of temperature inside the bus depends on appropriate insulation. Among the several insulating materials available are mineral wool, spray foam, and foam board. Insulation installation requires simple steps:

  1. Clean the Walls: Make sure the bus walls are rust- and dirt-free.
  2. Measure and Cut Insulation: Perfectly fit insulating pieces into wall cavities.
  3. Secure the Insulation: Hold insulating in place with framing studs or adhesive.

Good insulation reduces outside noise pollution in addition to controlling temperature.

Framing the Walls

Wall panels require the structural support found in framing. Usually involved are the following actions:

  1. Mark Frame Positions: Calculate and note where horizontal and vertical studs will be placed.
  2. Cut Studs to Size: Make sure every piece is precisely trimmed to fit snugly.
  3. Install Vertical Studs: Start with attaching vertical studs, fastened with screws or brackets.
  4. Add Horizontal Supports: Using horizontal studs at strategic intervals, strengthen the structure.

A perfect wall panel installation depends on a level and correctly positioned frame.

Panel Selection and Cutting

Both appearance and durability depend on the correct kind of wall panel chosen. A common choice is plywood because of its strength and adaptability. Before being fixed to the walls, panels should be precisely sized and cut.

Steps to Cut Panels Accurately:

  • Calculate the width and height of every division.
  • Note the panel for cutting.
  • Clean, straight cuts call for a circular saw.
  • To eliminate coarse surfaces, sand the edges.

Panel Installation Process

  1. Position Panels: Starting at one end of the bus, sandwich panels against the frame.
  2. Secure Panels: Attach panels tightly to the frame using screws and adhesive.
  3. Align Edges: Make sure panel edges are securely fitting and straight.
  4. Check for Stability: To be sure panels are secure, gently press them.

Tips for a Seamless Installation:

  • Holding panels in position and fastening them with clamps will help.
  • Check alignment often using a level.
  • As necessary, leave openings for outlets, utilities, and wiring.

Electrical and Utility Considerations

Make sure all plumbing systems and electrical wires are properly installed before totally sealing the walls. One could find advantages in building access panels for the next maintenance. Good preparation at this point helps to avoid later rework necessity.

Finishing Touches

Extra actions can be done to improve the look and use once the wall panels are set in place:

  • Fill Gaps: For any obvious spaces between panels, use caulk.
  • Sand the Surface: In getting ready for painting or staining, smooth the panel surface.
  • Apply Finish: To get the right look, select wood stain, wallpaper, or paint.

Practical Tips for a Successful Installation

  • Test fit for every component prior to last attachment.
  • Mark areas of the frame and panels to keep them ordered.
  • For future use, note measurements and layout ideas.

Common Challenges and Solutions

  1. Misaligned Panels: Correct alignment problems with a level and clamps before panel security.
  2. Insufficient Insulation Coverage: Verify measurements to prevent errors.
  3. Utility Interference: Advance utility route planning will help to avoid disputes.

Maintaining Wall Installations

Regular maintenance guarantees that wall installations are aesthetically pleasing and safe. Check often for damage indicators including warping or moisture problems. Early problem addressing helps your bus conversion walls last for more years.

The Bus Conversion Phase 3 Wall Install of the bus marks a major turning point in turning a vehicle into a pleasant place of residence. Following a methodical approach, being meticulous, and including professional advice can help you to successfully finish this stage of your project, so laying the groundwork for the next ones.

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Street Food of Guizhou Province: A Culinary Journey Through Unique Flavors

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Street Food of Guizhou Province: A Culinary Journey Through Unique Flavors

Discovering Guizhou Province street food offers a wonderful taste sensation along with a cultural background. Tucked down in southwest China, this area is known for its aromatic, sour, and spicy cuisine that has thrilled residents as well as visitors. This post will transport you on a gastronomic adventure, stressing must-try foods and the energetic Guizhou street cuisine.

The Influence of Geography and Culture

The cuisine of Guizhou is much shaped by its varied terrain, which features mountains and rich vegetation. The taste character of the area has been shaped by its proximity to adjacent provinces like Sichuan and Yunnan, therefore producing a harmonic mix of strong and sour flavours. Furthermore, the province hosts a number of ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Dong people, who provide Guizhou’s street food scene with distinctive cooking methods and ingredients.

Signature Street Food Dishes of Guizhou Province

Spicy Rice Noodles (Mifen)

A mainstay of Guizhou’s street food scene, men is This meal calls for soft rice noodles presented in a savoury broth flavoured with vinegar, garlic, and chilli oil. Pickled veggies, beef slices, and peanuts are among the toppings that improve taste and offer a nice combination of textures and flavours. Almost every street corner features men’s booths, which are the preferred supper among residents.

Sour Soup Hotpot (Suan Tang Guo)

One cannot talk about Guizhou Province’s street cuisine without including its renowned sour soup hotpot. This meal is composed of tomatoes and a sour broth created from fermenting rice. Meat, tofu, and vegetables—cooked straight in the bubbling soup—are among the several foods diners can pick from. The end effect is a filling dinner ideal for cold evenings.

Grilled Skewers (Kao Chuan)

A popular street snack in Guizhou, grilled skewers provide a great range of ingredients including chicken, beef, mushrooms, and vegetables. Before grilling over an open flame, these skewers are marinated in a mixture of spices including cumin and chilli powder. Their crispy texture and smokey scent make them an appealing delicacy.

Tofu Balls (Dou Hua Yuan)

One unusual item often seen in street markets all throughout Guizhou is tofu balls. Deep-fried till golden brown, these balls made from soft tofu combined with herbs and spices are usually presented with a fiery dipping sauce, they give every mouthful a taste explosion.

Pickled Vegetables (Pao Cai)

Street cuisine from Guizhou mostly consists of pickled vegetables. Fermented with chilli and spices, cabbage, radish, and other vegetables create a sour, crispy side dish that accentuates many foods. These pickles are a handy lunch on the run since vendors sometimes sell them in little bags.

Sour Fish Soup (Suan Yu Tang)

Another famous meal highlighting Guizhou’s passion for sour tastes is Suan Yu Tang. Fresh fish cooked in a broth created with pickled vegetables, tomatoes, and chilli peppers. Locals especially enjoy this meal since the acidic and hot tones produce a harmonic balance.

Experience at Street Markets

Street markets in Guizhou are hive centres of activity where sellers show a rainbow of snacks and cuisine. Grilled meat, boiling soups, and freshly made dumplings smell tantalisingly in the air. Wandering these markets provides a sensory feast since the lively environment and friendly encounters with vendors produce an unforgettable encounter.

Cooking Techniques and Ingredients

Guizhou Province’s street cuisine is distinguished by its use of regional foods and age-old cooking methods. Common techniques to improve the taste of the meals are fermenting, grilling, and stir-frying. The unique taste of the area is usually created by ingredients including pickled vegetables, garlic, and chilli peppers.

Cultural Significance of Street Food

Guizhou’s street cuisine represents the cultural variety and customs of the province rather than only a gastronomic pleasure. Many recipes have been handed down through the years, therefore honouring the legacy of many ethnic groups. Street food events also offer a forum for socialising and unite people over common meals.

Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Guizhou Province

  1. Explore Local Markets: To taste real flavours, go to well-known street markets such Guiyang Night Market and Qingyan Ancient Town.
  2. Embrace Spicy Flavors: Guizzhou cuisine frequently has plenty of chilli, thus be ready for strong and hot flavours.
  3. Interact with Vendors: Talking with street food vendors might help one learn about the background and cooking techniques of recipes.
  4. Prioritize Hygiene: Select booths with neat and maintained configurations to guarantee a safe dining environment.

Sustainable Street Food Practices

Since street food is still so popular in Guizhou, sustainability is starting to take the front stage. Using biodegradable packaging and cutting food waste are just two of the environmentally friendly habits vendors are embracing more and more Helping such projects helps to preserve the gastronomic legacy of the province.

Guizhou Province’s street cuisine is an intriguing fusion of tastes, textures, and cultural encounters. From bitter sour fish soup to fiery rice noodles, every meal reveals a tale of invention and custom. Discovering these gastronomic treasures not only pleases the taste receptors but also increases respect for the rich food scene of the area.

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Bus Build Phase 2 Subfloor Installation: A Comprehensive Guide

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Bus Build Phase 2 Subfloor Installation A Comprehensive Guide

Starting the path of transforming a bus into a movable living place is interesting and demanding. The subfloor installation marks one of the key turning points in this development. Properly made flooring gives your interior a strong basis as well as protection from outside elements. This book explores the nuances of laying flooring in your bus conversion project.

Understanding the Importance of a Subfloor

In a bus conversion, the subfloor performs several important tasks:

  • Structural Support: It provides a consistent basis for interior fittings and flooring materials.
  • Insulation: It helps control temperature, thereby guaranteeing comfort in many different environments.
  • Moisture Barrier: It keeps outside moisture out of the living area, therefore preventing mildew and mould.

Preparation: Laying the Groundwork

Before starting the subfloor installation, extensive preparation is absolutely necessary:

  • Demolition: Eliminate flooring, existing seats, and other obstacles to reveal the metal chassis.
  • Rust Assessment: Look over the metal floor for rust. Sand any corrosion, then add a rust-inhibiting primer to stop more damage.
  • Cleaning: To encourage the best adhesion of materials, make sure the surface is clear of dust, grease, and trash.

Choosing the Right Materials

Durability and functionality depend on choosing suitable materials;

  • Insulation: Thermal characteristics and simplicity of installation make rigid foam board insulation preferred. Often utilized are ½-inch GAF materials with a 3.6 R-value.
  • Subfloor Panels: Usually ½-inch thick, pressure-treated plywood offers a solid platform. Store the plywood flat so as to avoid warping.
  • Adhesive: Choose a premium construction adhesive fit for foam board, such as Loctite PL Premium Fast Grab.
  • Sealant: Aluminum tape improves the moisture barrier and works well for closing seams between insulating layers.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

  1. Cutting Insulation Panels: Cut the foam board such that it follows the bus floor’s contours. Precision guarantees the highest efficiency and coverage.
  2. Surface Preparation: Using a degreaser such as Prep All, clean the foam panels and metal floor to eliminate any particles that can compromise adhesion.
  3. Applying Adhesive: Apply glue liberally to the metal floor in a pattern guaranteed for complete coverage. Arrange the foam panels on the adhesive, firmly pushing to hold.
  4. Sealing Seams: Laying the insulation, seal all seams with aluminium tape to form a continuous moisture barrier.
  5. Preparing Plywood Panels: Cut the plywood to fit the bus walls such that the edges line up. The panels will sit flat on the walls by means of a little recess on the edges.
  6. Installing Plywood: Lay the plywood panels after adhesively covering the top of the foam insulation. Using stainless steel self-tapping screws, securely fasten them so they pass through the metal floor without sacrificing structural integrity.

Safety Considerations

Throughout the exhibition:

  • Ventilation: When applying adhesives and sealants, guarantee enough ventilation to avoid fumes inhalation.
  • Protective Gear: During cutting and installation, use suitable safety gear—gloves and eye protection among others.
  • Weight Distribution: To avoid uneven surfaces or sagging, equally distribute weight over the floor.

A fundamental first step in your bus conversion process is the subfloor installation. Careful planning and execution of every phase will help to create a lasting and comfortable living environment. Accept the process; soon your bus will turn into a comfortable mobile house.

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