Last time Nay and I came through New Plymouth Taranaki the
super mountain was totally invisible behind all fog and clouds. True to form it
was once again elusive behind the clouds and rain…but this time we were after a
much closer look.
The summit of Taranaki was off limits due to heavy snow for
the last 500 meters or so, but the smaller mountain alongside it would take us
up to Fanthams Peak at above 1900 meters from where we could hopefully get a
view of Taranaki through the fog.
6am start, bright and early to be greeted by over 3202 steps
up the track for the first hour and half followed by a final ascent up a
volcanic lava field of gravel and small stones loosely clinging to the steep 50
degree surface of the mountain.
Lets assume your house has 20 steps in its
staircase. Right, now get up out of your chair and walk up them 160 times
(spray yourself constantly with the garden hose to simulate rain). At this
point you’re half way to the top. Now find your nearest 450 meter sand dune and
walk up that in trainers (still with the hose on)…at that point you’ll feel
somewhere close to how we felt when we eventually reached the hut at the summit
after 3 hours. Now go back down again...
More fun was to follow. Coming down the volcanic gravel
presented the chance to try out a new sport – Lava Skiing. Digging your heels
in you could get some good momentum…until you’re foot got wedged under a heavy
rock and got a mouth full of volcano.
Jed sums up the feeling as we leave the mountain…
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