Tongariro conquered!

News has just been received that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has been conquered and Mount Ngauruhoe has been climbed. Speaking from their Base Camp, Margie and Diane gave details of their trek and the emotional meeting with Sherpa Catriona and Edmund Easton after their completion of the first ascent (of the day) of Mount Ngauruhoe. The early start (6.00am) ensured clear paths and no avalanche risk, but also meant that path finding on Ngauruhoe was tricky as there was no one to follow.... The descent was long and tiring as expected, but Diane pushed the pace and we got back in time for the early return bus. Some very happy campers that evening as we ate a hearty meal at the Park Hotel where we had stayed last year when we did our initial reconnaissance for the crossing.