LABOUR WEEKEND - RUAPEHU Confirming that the majority are still headed for the mountain tomorrow. A Tongariro Crossing trip is still a maybe on Saturday. I expect DoC and the shuttle companies will have the final say - the forecast is for windy and very cold conditions. So if you think you will go on this trip then full mountain gear is compulsory - waterproof trousers, good parka, balaclava or warm hat, warm under clothing (several layers), gloves. Ski googles may be useful if it whites out. ----------------------- See recommended essentials: tongarirocrossing.org.nz/webapps/i/96914/293446/tongariro-alpine-crossing-must-haves.html Tongariro Alpine Crossing Must Haves The essentials for your trek: Tongariro National Park can be subject to unpredictable weather, and conditions can change quickly. It is important that all walkers carry the essentials for their journey across. Take: • Food and plenty of fluid, especially in the summer months. If you are planning on completing any of the summit tracks, ensure you have additional water supplies. • Waterproof and windproof raincoat and trousers • Strong, sturdy boots (you will be trekking over uneven volcanic terrain) • Warm clothing layers: woollen or polypropylene thermals and fleece • Hat and gloves • Sunscreen and sunglasses • First Aid Kit • Map • Cellphone Due to the rugged and alpine environment, the weather in the car park at the beginning of the track can differ greatly from conditions 1000 metres higher further up the track. Be prepared to change your plans and turn back especially when visibility is poor or strong winds prevail. It is recommended that all walkers take transport to the beginning of the track to ensure operators know when to expect them off the mountain. ----------------------- It will take about 2 hours from Mangatepopo to South Crater. This is the turn-around point if the weather is poor. From South Crater it is another 1 hour of fairly strenuous going to Red Crater and this will be highly exposed to the south westerly breeze/gale. Presently predicting up to 35kph and -3 deg wind chill. From Red Crater it will take at least another hour to the edge of North Crater before there may be some respite from the wind as you descend towards Ketetahi Hut. From North Crater to the car park is probably 3 hours. So it will take between 6 and 8 hours depending on fitness, weather and how much stopping and photographing is possible. Of this close to 3 hours will be on very exposed mountain tops. The footing around Red Crater is loose scree so you need to walk carefully and take your time. You will also be a bit tired by this point so take extra care - an injury at this point of the journey will be VERY challenging especially with the forward weather outlook. The shuttle leaves Whakapapa Village at 8.00am and the last pickup is 4.00pm. Cost is $35 ($25 under 16 yrs). I will make a provisional booking mid morning Friday and post the latest news/views of the operator here. If this does not appeal then you will need to look for lower mountain day walks or rock climbing MTB etc. Sunday - day walks, rock climbing MTB. I will probably be rock climbing and or exploring the lower mountain. Monday - nothing planned. Some rock climbing and an early departure probably. See you on the mountain Friday evening!
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:13:12 +0000
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