70 Couch Surfers Over Two Volcanos

So I've really left you guys hangin over the past few weeks, what can I say I've been having fun!

About two weeks ago now I decided to take off for the weekend because an uncertain "fish" (see reference previous blog) made last minute plans. Of course, then so did I!
Nearly 6pm already, I stuffed a large pack with anything that would deem me "self sufficient," hopped on a bike, and rode to the edge of town. After a quick chat with a lady at the gas station, she insisted that I stored my bike in the back for safer keeping. I was just going to hide it in a bush somewhere?!? lol

So I quickly threw my thumb out, not quite sure how to pronounce the name of the city I was going to, and I was off.

(I was talking to someone about hitching and just realized that I've probably ridden with over 200 people here in NZ)

I managed to get most of the way to the Tongariro crossing with my final hitch for he day, (I DO NOT HITCH AT NIGHT). I had him drop me off at a crossroads in Tongariro National Park where I'd attempt to finish my trip in the morning. My plan was to meet up with a group of Couch Surfers and do the Tongariro Crossing in the morning, only problem was that they were leaving at 7:30 am. oh yeah, and I didn't know any of them. lol

The night sky was full of shining stars in the dark sky, and the full moon came out and lit up the world once more. I threw up a tent in the native bush, and the landscape, came alive. The agave plants shook with life, and little critters, hedgehogs and bats, rodents, and a chorus of birds made the music of the night. Grinning from ear to ear, I realized, this is freedom.

In the morning, I quickly packed up my tent to throw a thumb out on an empty road. Sure enough, the minute I got there, a car stopped on the side and took me on my way.

Now I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to reach the village before the CS'ers left for the trail head. After giving it a good go, I realized my chances were better to meet them at the trail, though I wasn't sure which end they would start from. I walked along the road way for a while before I came by a shuttle station to the trail head.

Making a quick decision, I decided I had to guess the trailhead 50/50, and would hike it either way. Luckily I was able to leave my huge pack with the shuttle service and take a more reasonable day bag.

Off I went, and believe it or not, I found the CS'ers (thus the title lol). It isn't easy to coordinate that many people, so I give em dibbs! Car load after car load, they arrived.

... to be Continued