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Tongariro Alpine Crossing
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…
- 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).
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
In a world where routines dominate daily life, the story of Meet A Traveling Couple Jo Logan breaks the mould. Embarking on adventures across the globe, Jo and Logan have mastered the art of travelling together while building a life of freedom and excitement. But who are they, and how did their journey begin? Let’s dive into the captivating tale of this adventurous couple, discovering what makes their story so inspiring to wanderlust-filled hearts worldwide.
Who Are Jo and Logan?
Jo and Logan are not just travellers; they are storytellers, digital nomads, and dreamers who chose a life of exploration over convention. Originating from different corners of the world, their paths crossed serendipitously during a backpacking trip in Southeast Asia. From that moment, their shared passion for travel created an unbreakable bond, leading them to pursue a life less ordinary.
Their dynamic partnership thrives on curiosity and adventure. Jo, with a background in photography, captures stunning landscapes and cultural moments, while Logan, a skilled writer, crafts compelling narratives that resonate with fellow travellers. Together, they document their experiences through their travel blog and social media platforms, inspiring thousands to explore beyond their comfort zones.
The Journey Begins: From Wanderlust to Lifestyle
The story of Meet A Traveling Couple Jo Logan started with a shared dream. Both Jo and Logan yearned to break free from the monotony of traditional jobs and explore the world’s hidden gems. They took a leap of faith, sold their belongings, and began their journey as full-time travellers.
Their first adventure took them to Bali, Indonesia, where they spent months soaking in the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. From there, they ventured to the bustling streets of Bangkok, the serene beaches of the Philippines, and the historic temples of Cambodia. Each destination added a new chapter to their story, enriching their lives with experiences that went beyond mere sightseeing.
Transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle wasn’t without challenges. Financial uncertainty, cultural adjustments, and the constant need to adapt tested their resilience. However, their unwavering determination and love for exploration kept them moving forward. They embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, finding remote work opportunities and building a sustainable income stream through freelance writing, photography, and social media collaborations.
Living the Digital Nomad Life
One of the most fascinating aspects of Meet A Traveling Couple Jo Logan is their ability to balance travel and work seamlessly. They mastered the art of remote work, utilizing digital tools and platforms to maintain productivity while on the road. From co-working spaces in bustling cities to tranquil beachside cafés, they turned the world into their office.
Jo’s photography skills opened doors to collaborations with travel brands, hotels, and tourism boards. Her captivating visuals brought destinations to life, creating compelling content that resonated with audiences worldwide. Meanwhile, Logan’s talent for storytelling connected readers with their adventures on a deeper level, making their travel blog a go-to resource for travel inspiration and tips.
Their success as digital nomads didn’t happen overnight. It required strategic planning, consistent effort, and the courage to embrace uncertainty. Yet, their journey proves that with passion and perseverance, it is possible to create a fulfilling lifestyle that defies traditional boundaries.
Exploring the World Together: Memorable Adventures
Travelling as a couple can be both rewarding and challenging. For Jo and Logan, it became the foundation of their relationship, strengthening their bond through shared experiences and adventures. Their travels took them to some of the most breathtaking places on Earth, each destination leaving an indelible mark on their journey.
From hiking the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps to exploring the vibrant markets of Marrakech, their adventures are a testament to their adventurous spirit. They experienced the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights in Iceland, danced to the rhythm of samba in Brazil, and sailed through the turquoise waters of the Greek Islands.
However, their travels are not just about picturesque landscapes and luxury escapes. Jo and Logan seek authentic experiences, connecting with locals and immersing themselves in diverse cultures. Whether it’s learning to cook traditional Thai dishes in Chiang Mai or participating in ancient ceremonies in Peru, they prioritize meaningful interactions that go beyond surface-level tourism.
Challenges and Growth on the Road
While the life of Meet A Traveling Couple Jo Logan seems idyllic, it comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating different time zones, dealing with language barriers, and adapting to unfamiliar environments can be overwhelming. Moreover, the pressures of content creation and maintaining an online presence require constant creativity and dedication.
Yet, Jo and Logan see these challenges as opportunities for growth. Their travels have taught them valuable life lessons about resilience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. They have learned to compromise, communicate effectively, and support each other through the highs and lows of nomadic living.
Their journey also brought moments of vulnerability and self-discovery. They faced fears, confronted uncertainties, and grew individually and as a couple. By embracing discomfort and stepping out of their comfort zones, they evolved into more compassionate and open-minded individuals.
Inspiring Others: Building a Community of Travelers
Through their travel blog and social media platforms, Meet A Traveling Couple Jo Logan has built a community of like-minded travellers who share their passion for exploration. Their honest storytelling and relatable experiences inspire others to pursue their travel dreams, regardless of societal norms or limitations.
They believe in empowering others to travel authentically, encouraging their followers to seek meaningful experiences rather than superficial checklists. By sharing travel tips, destination guides, and personal anecdotes, they provide practical advice that helps others navigate the world confidently.
Their influence extends beyond social media, as they engage in public speaking events, workshops, and collaborations with travel organizations. Their mission is not only to inspire wanderlust but to foster a sense of global citizenship and cultural appreciation.
The story of Meet A Traveling Couple Jo Logan is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be explored. Their journey of love, adventure, and growth inspires others to break free from conventional norms and pursue their passions unapologetically. Through their storytelling and digital presence, Jo and Logan continue to inspire wanderlust, connecting people through shared experiences and a love for the world’s beauty. Their adventures are far from over, and their legacy as modern-day nomads continue to inspire the next generation of travellers.
The World Sheep Shearing Championships 2017 was an amazing assembly of worldwide international shearers and wool handlers. Held every few years, this exclusive event honors the art, speed, and accuracy of sheep shearing while advancing industry knowledge and cultural interchange. Both contestants and viewers would find the 2017 edition to be very competitive, with amazing performances and unforgettable events that stayed with them.
The Significance of the Championships
History of the World Sheep Shearing Championships
The World Sheep Shearing Championships started in 1977 when the inaugural event aimed at showcasing professional shearers’ talents. Since then, it has grown to be a much-awaited rivalry attracting worldwide interest.
Cultural and Economic Importance
The wool business as well as agricultural systems all around depend on sheep shearing. The Championships highlight not just this talented trade but also help to promote respect for rural customs and workmanship.
Host Country for 2017
Venue and Location
Renowned for its strong sheep farming legacy and world-class wool output, Invercargill, New Zealand hosted the 2017 Championships.
Why New Zealand Was Chosen
New Zealand’s robust sheep farming sector and past record of producing elite shearers made it a perfect host for the event.
Competitive Categories
Among the several divisions offered in the World Sheep Shearing Championships were:
- Machine Shearing: Where participants swiftly and precisely sheared using electric tools
- Blade Shearing: an old method needing great endurance and ability.
- Wool Handling: Emphasizing the creativity involved in organizing and getting ready fleece for processing
Notable Competitors
Champion Shearers
Top shearers from nations including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom were drawn to the event. Notable names included:
- Rowland Smith (New Zealand): An experienced rival distinguished by unparalleled speed
- Gavin Mutch (Scotland): a past champion with very strong technical ability
Rising Stars
Rising stars also proved the future possibilities of competitive sheep shearing.
Highlights of the Event
Record-Breaking Performances
The Championships produced several records highlighting the amazing speed and accuracy of top rivals.
Memorable Moments
From thrilling endings to demonstrations of sportsmanship, the tournament offered fans many unforgettable events as well as for the competitors.
Behind the Scenes
Training and Preparation
To develop their abilities and increase their stamina required for the fierce competition, shearers undertook demanding training.
Equipment and Innovation
Emphasizing efficiency and animal welfare, the newest developments in shearing technology were presented.
Impact on the Wool Industry
The Championships highlighted best practices and encouraged invention, therefore helping to promote the worldwide wool business.
Media Coverage and Public Engagement
Local and International Media
The event attracted a lot of media attention since reporters and broadcasters from all around captured the scene.
Social Media Buzz
The event became hot on social media as attendees and supporters posted their stories.
Community Involvement
Local Support
Embracing the Championships, the people of Invercargill welcomed guests and rivals and provided hospitality.
Cultural Performances
Celebrating New Zealand’s legacy, traditional presentations and exhibits gave the event a cultural component.
Sustainability and Animal Welfare
Prioritizing sustainability and animal welfare, organizers set policies guaranteeing moral treatment of sheep and environmental responsibility.
Economic Benefits
The Championships created economic possibilities and greatly enhanced tourism, therefore benefiting the local economy.
Legacy of the 2017 Championships
The accomplishment of the 2017 event established a legacy that motivates next generations of shearers and advances ongoing wool industry innovation.
The World Sheep Shearing Championships 2017 celebrated history, skill, and worldwide friendship rather than only competition. The event demonstrated the ongoing relevance of sheep shearing and wool handling on the global scene employing outstanding performances, cultural interaction, and industry developments.
A great window into Vanuatu’s language and culture, Tok Tok Bislama 2 presents Bislama is the lingua franca for this Pacific island nation as a Creole language taken from English. Examining Tok Tok Bislama 2’s cultural and social relevance, this paper explores its background, development, and relevance.
The Origins of Bislama
Bislama originated in the 19th century when English-speaking colonists engaged with plantation laborers from Vanuatu and other islands. The necessity of a shared language resulted in the development of Bislama, a fusion of English vocabulary with regional grammatical rules.
Evolution of Bislama
From a simple pidgin utilized in trade, Bislama grew over time into a completely fledged creole language. Bislama joined English and French among Vanuatu’s three official languages once the country acquired its independence in 1980.
Linguistic Features of Bislama
Vocabulary
English provides most of Bislama’s vocabulary; influences from French and indigenous languages abound but English is the basis.
Grammar
Bislama stresses context-based meaning and uses a basic grammatical framework with little verb conjugation unlike English.
Pronunciation
For English speakers, bislama pronunciation is rather straightforward to acquire since it’s phonetic characterizes.
Cultural Significance of Tok Tok Bislama 2
Bislama is a national identity and unifying symbol, not only a language. In a nation where more than one hundred indigenous languages are spoken, Bislama helps Vanuatu’s people to feel belonging and closes communication gaps.
Social Impact
Community Engagement
Bislama is quite important for local media, religious rites, and community events.
Education
While official schooling mostly uses English and French, Bislama is widely spoken in informal environments and community conversations.
Media and Communication
Bislama is widely used in radio broadcasts, publications, and TV shows to reach a larger audience around Vanuatu.
The Role of Tok Tok Bislama 2 in Tourism
During their contacts with residents, visitors to Vanuatu frequently come across Bislama. Knowing a few important words will help them tremendously enjoy their trip and create close relationships with the local people.
Challenges Facing Bislama
Language Preservation
The preservation of Bislama is threatened by English and French predominating in official environments.
Modernization and Globalization
Vanuatu’s growing ties to the world community run the danger of foreign languages overshadowing Bislama.
Efforts to Preserve Bislama
Educational Initiatives
Maintaining Bislama in schools and community centers depends much on programs meant to advance the language.
Cultural Festivals
Celebrating Vanuatu’s linguistic diversity, events usually include Bislama as a major player, therefore stressing its significance to the country’s legacy.
Learning Tok Tok Bislama 2
Essential Phrases
- Hello: Halo
- How are you?: Olsem wanem?
- Thank you: Tank yu
- Goodbye: Tata
Tips for Language Learners
- Practice speaking with native speakers whenever possible.
- Listen to Bislama radio programs to improve comprehension.
- Use language learning resources designed for Tok Tok Bislama 2.
The Influence of Bislama on Vanuatu’s Legal and Political Landscape
Often employed in political demonstrations and legal debates, bislama guarantees that statements are understandable to all people, regardless of their level of education.
Comparing Bislama with Other Creole Languages
Similarities
- vocabulary borrowed from English shared
- simplified syntax
Differences
- Special cultural manifestations particular to Vanuatu
- variances in use and pronunciation
The Future of Tok Tok Bislama 2
Adaptation to Modern Needs
Bislama has to change with technology and include digital communication and social media into new settings.
Community Support
The survival and expansion of Bislama depend on ongoing assistance from the Vanuatu government and local populations.
Tok Tok Bislama 2 captures the rich cultural legacy and strong people’s will, so transcending mere language. Understanding and respecting Bislama helps one to have better awareness of the rich history and culture of this particular Pacific country.
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