Day 43

Today was a bit of a non event sort of day. It rained overnight so I was pleased to be in a cabin. The campground is full of rabbits that were eating outside my cabin this morning. I had a leisurely start, packed up and walked the 4 km back to town. I left my pack at the I centre and bought a cheap day pack for the crossing tomorrow. I also bought a bit more food then went for a walk to where the Ongarue and Whanganui rivers meet. I filled in time before catching a bus to National park. It was pretty hot and humid. At National park I booked in at Manowhenua lodge, a very flash backpackers. The air is definitely cooler here. Tomorrow I have an early shuttle booked to do the Tongiriro crossing. I am just taking a day pack and my Camel back. I did the round Tongariro walk, I think it took us 4 days with Tobias and Johannes over 20 years ago. It was stunning but steep in places and the Ketatahi hut that we stopped in and watched all the day walkers pass by like ants on a trail no longer exists. I think it was taken out by an eruption. I hope tomorrow is clear but not too hot

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