Tongariro crossing

Today was the day I did Tongariro crossing. 4 years ago I was at the same place at the same time, but they told me the weather would suck so 'don't go'. The weather of course didn't suck.
This time I wasn't taking no for an answer. I booked my tickets to Taupo, checked the weather forecast and what do you know, it was cloudy with fine spells today! So even though I was sleeping mostly on a night bus from Wellington and had a short 'nap' at the hostel, I was ready at 5.30 to begin the adventure! I was so excited I couldn't even sleep on the way to the starting point.
It was just beginning to dawn as we began our trek across Tongariro national park. Crowds of people were rushing to the top which definitely took away a lot of the charm. The other thing was the steep climb at the beginning of the track, namely at 7.40 in the morning. I can do it. If those obnoxious British teens can, so can I.
Luckily the crowd thinned at the bottom of Mt Doom (I can't spell the original name of this mountain, sorry guys). Later it thickened again at the very annoying part of the track where there was just gravel on a steep slope. Slippery, dusty, dangerous. But the view! Emerald lakes! Red rock! Mysterious volcanic formations! Yes!
By the way, this was my first time climbing an active volcano and it was quite exciting.
At three quarters of the way the fog began to roll over the mountain tops and it got cold. Then it got sunny again. And cold. And very hot a moment later.
The descent was half annoying, half fabulous. It was annoying, because it was so goddamn long and tiredness began to kick in. The fabulous part was the views, the geothermal steam coming out of the mountain, curvy track, heather everywhere, then lush greenery. Really nice.
However, overall, Tongariro didn't really impress me. I was expecting a lot (perhaps too much) as it is supposed to be one of New Zealand's Great walks. It is not bad, but I much preferred the unadvertised Tekapo track. And I am from Slovenia, there are hundreds of spectacular walks over there.
Anyhow, one tick off my bucket list. Wait, two. Tongariro and climbing an active volcano. I'll continue ticking off a couple more once I get to Australia.
That's it for today, kids!
Yours truly,
Ajda