the Tongariro Crossing

Warning, this post could get long! One of the highlights of our trip up to Taupo was the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is considered one of the best one-day walks in New Zealand, so we had to check it out!

We started bright and early, around 7am...yikes.
The sun was beautiful in the morning against the mountains. It was one of the first days of spring that casual hikers were allowed to go out, so the trail wasn't packed. (we soon found out there was still plenty of snow on the ground)

The terrain was so different from what we've seen in other parts of New Zealand. Very dry and desert like. Almost like the moon?

Like I said, there was still plenty of snow on the trail. Some of the trail markers were buried several feet down in the snow with only the tips sticking out. It wasn't until we were home and I was looking at pictures online that I realized how much snow there really was. Fortunately the sun kept us pretty warm despite the breeze coming across the snow.

Above, we are walking through a large crater, and below is on the other side. Check out the people in the bottom left corner for some perspective.

And after that climb it was time for lunch :) We were surrounded by three active volcanoes at this point, which is crazy.

Then we decided to add a little detour...climbing to the peak of Mt. Tongariro.

Along the way... I just think the colors are beautiful.

And we made it to the top to a great view of Mt Ngauruhoe (in the background).

Then we decided to take the "shortcut" back to the main trail. Only our "shortcut" turned into a "longcut" because it was a sheet of ice. We ended up with a few cuts and scrapes, but finally made it across!
Just in time for some fog to set it. But we were able to see the red crater, below...

And the emerald lakes, which were unfortunately still frozen over.


Then we started our trek down...

Which took much longer than these pictures give credit, but it wasn't as interesting as the first half :) We did end up by a nice stream and waterfall! Very different from the desert as the beginning of the walk.


And we survived! 8.5 hours, and 19.4kms later :)

the lighthouse

Sunday was a beautiful day. Despite the worry of tsunamis the morning before, we woke up to another clear day, with some sun! After church, the Moores invited us over for a delicious "supper", which was fantastic because A) we're out of food, B) we always really enjoy their company, and C) Sandy is an amazing cook!

Afterwards we headed out to Eastbourne for a hike we have been trying to do, but have had some cold and rainy weekends the past few weeks. But! To take advantage of the rare sun we were having, we decided to go for it.

We realized at about this point we had forgotten sunscreen...a no no in the south pacific...but we continued on!

Eastbourne is on the opposite side of the bay from Wellington, and the hike actually took us to the edge of the bay, where it meets the Cook Straight. Because it was a pretty clear day you could actually see the south island, but it wasn't cooperating in the photos. The coast in this area is fairly rocky, and really beautiful.

Then we started heading up...and there was a peek of the lighthouse in the distance.

And we made it to the top! I'm so glad the colors turned out so beautiful. It was really stunning with the blue water, yellow bushes, and tall tan grass. This is looking out from the lighthouse to the bay.

And the lighthouse! And Ryan :)

My man, taking on the world.

And us, looking across to parts of Welly.

Overall it was about a 10 mile hike, so we were a bit worn out by the end of the day. But, it felt so good to get outside and enjoy some of the last days of "summer". Everyone at home can start rubbing it in now that it's getting warmer at home, and colder here :)

boo winter.

Fall at the Art Museum...

punkins

Or that's what all the little kiddos at the patch called them :)

Well, it's that time of year. Pumpkin carving time! Aren't the fall leaves beautiful??



Happy soon to be Halloween!

frisbee golf

Our new unemployed hobby.

the day we rode the Monon

On my first day off of work, I talked Ryan into riding the entirety of the Monon Trail. Turns out we rode about 30+ miles which is pretty cool. But it was a great ride, and something I've wanted to do since we moved here to Indy.

Our trusty bikes!

We stopped for burgers about half way through

And we finished!

Holy cow what a ride! Great first day of unemployment, tomorrow the real work begins :)

the canal

We have had some beautiful evenings lately! I'm sure those of you in other parts of the country have as well, but here is my tribute to the nice Indiana fall evenings. Last week I took a long walk around the canal right before sunset to just walk, pray, think, and get out of the house for a little bit. I happened to grab my camera, and snap a few pics of things that just stood out to me that evening. Nothing spectacular, just simple beauty, thanks for taking a look :)

I love this old church, we used to live right across from it, and I loved that it was part of our view every day.

Water hitting metal at the north end of the canal

The sun reflecting off the fountain

purple flowers.

I thought these looked pretty neat with the sunlight

There were lots of vegetables at the urban garden

And this sunflower is fading, a sure sign that fall has come.

Mini Golf

Last week our city group had a fun night.  We went to Rustic Gardens, and played some mini golf!  Now, I wouldn’t share just any putt-putt place with you on here, Rustic Gardens is very unique.  Literally mini golf, with real grass and everything!

We had a great time, and the course was definitely a challenge.  I, unfortunately, came in last because of a very ridiculous wishing well.  Check it out sometime, they are open through November!