Hug A Tree

It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.

J.R.R. Tolkien—LOTR

As exchange teachers from the United States we (Allison and I) were fortunate to chaperone the year  eleven and twelve geography trip (10th and 11th grade) to the Tongariro National Park this past weekend. Allison is a Bio teacher and of course you know I am a Social Studies teacher. States such as ours Indiana and Iowa, don’t have the same opportunity and resources with which Westlake has been privileged. It is so wonderful and valuable that within four hours the students can be immersed into an experience where they can apply what they are learning in the classroom.

Where the lake and volcanos are (red dot)

Sunday: Day 1

Woke up bright and early Sunday morning packed, ate, and headed out the door with Allison. It takes about 5 hours by bus to get to the park but on the way we made a few stops along the way…

First stop - bathroom break in HOBBITON! I am not really into Lord of the Rings but this who trip kind of highlighted some of the movie… in the city of Matamata (renamed Hobbiton) They filmed the Shire. We didn’t get to go see the farm but Allison and I did run over and take some pictures by a Hobbits house and the sign.

The whole area we were in is by a lake called Lake Taupo - OH MY GOODNESS this lake is stunning!!!! I want to take Jeff back when he visits! The lake is actually a crater from a volcano but the water is so blue and there are surrounding volcanos and mountains - honestly I could stay there forever. 

We then stopped at the Volcanic Activity Center at the park; here they were able to learn about volcanic formation and activity within New Zealand. The class even got to experience an earthquake simulation – super fun!

We also watched a film over the recent earthquakes in Christchurch. Really interesting information - New Zealand was earlier part of the super-continent of Gondwana (history/geo lesson time), along with South America, Africa, Madagascar, India, Antarctica and Australia. The rocks that now form New Zealand were nestled between Eastern Australia and Western Antarctica. Because New Zealand straddles a plate boundary, it is tectonically active. The East coast of the North Island is being compressed and lifted by this collision, producing the North Island and Marlborough Fault Systems. The East Coast of the North Island is also rotating clockwise, relative to Northland, Auckland and Taranaki, stretching the Bay of Plenty, and producing the Hauraki Rift (Hauraki Plains and Hauraki Gulf) and Taupo Volcanic Zone (where I was this weekend). The East Coast of the South Island is sliding diagonally towards the Alpine Fault, causing the Southern Alps to rise about 10 mm/yr (although they are also worn down at a similar rate). The Hauraki Plains, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Marlborough Sounds, and Christchurch are sinking. The Marlborough Sounds (where my favorite wine is from) are known for their sunken mountain ranges. As Wellington rises, and Marlborough sinks, Cook Strait is being shifted further south. Sorry for the geography language…back to non-teacher me…

We then stopped at Huka Falls for lunch. WOW this is just a beautiful area! The water is so blue and the falls are beautiful! It made me want to go rafting (but I would honestly die)! It was a nice little walk around the falls. We then made our way to Park Travel Lodge. It is a great place for backpackers and visitors in the park. Allison and I were prepared to stay in a room with students but there was an extra room – yay for us! We had a good dinner of Lamb and vegetables with some ice cream for dessert! After dinner we chatted with some of the teachers and bus drivers about America, NZ, and education in general. Great conversation and wonderful company.

half of the group 

Monday: Day 2

Today was the day! All of the students and teachers woke and had some breakfast. The students had to measure some of the vegetation in the beginning of our hike – in the Mangetepopo Valley so we were able to spend about 1 hour with them before heading off! The students did more surveying of the land all day while we were able to tramp around – how lucky are we?!

before we took off! 

The Valley

 The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's most spectacular “tramping tracks,” and is considered the most popular one-day tramp in New Zealand. The Tongariro National Park has been acknowledged for both its natural and cultural significance. The crossing passes over the volcanic terrain of the multi-cratered active volcano Mt Tongariro, passing the eastern base of Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt. Doom in Lord of The Rings) which can be climbed as a side trip (no thanks). The track used to be a 19.4-kilometer (12.1 mi) walk, but due to the eruption on this past November, the track was change to 24.5-kilometer (15.2 mi) track.  The new track still has the beautiful "moon like" volcanic landscape, unusual geological features, visible volcanic activity (hissing/steam – super cool) and views of the surrounding countryside below. The Crossing was amazing and it was so great doing a hike with Allison. We were able to take breaks and admire the view without any rush to get to the top. The hike was much different than those in Colorado and out East – we basically climbed up volcanic rock the whole time with some stairs “devils staircase” built into the volcano. It was a rough “walk” up but heading back down was a breeze!

We had signed up for the 3:30 transport back to the lodge but since we had a nice long lunch we caught the 5 pm transport back. The van was so dusty and nasty I think my clothes will never smell good again… we got back to the lodge ate some pasta and headed to a needed good nights sleep.

the valley

oh we considered it.. and we went for it.. 

the crater 

me and mt. doom

Mt. Doom loves IU! 

Walking back  

Did it! 

Allison just chilling in the bushes - waiting to be picked up! 

my tired body... 

beautiful weeds called Heather

exhausted. 

Tuesday: Day 3

After breakfast and cabin inspection the girls loaded up their luggage into the bus we headed to a popular ski resort in the winter months, a town called Ohakune. This ski resort is on the side of Mt. Ruapehu (an active volcano). It is definitely the Kiwi style to just ski on an active volcano – whatever happens, happens!

Overall the girls had 12 different sites to measure ad survey. The aim of this part of trip (day 3 and day 2) was to investigate the effect of altitude on climate, soil, and vegetation. The students set up numerous quadrants within the Mangetepopo Valley as well as on two sides of Mt. Ruapehu. Inside these sites the students tested and recorded information with which they will be able to study the relationship between altitude and the previously mentioned variables. This coming week the students will be reviewing their recordings and research questions.

Woke up early to see the sunrise over Tongariro

The ski resort

 Bit Chilly 

 selfies with a student :) 

"Doing work"

We then took a walk in a climate where it looks exactly like a rainforest (they had to survey here too). It was so beautiful and so lush. Some of the girls were lagging and complaining so a teacher and I went around and made them hug the trees – we said it would give them more energy.  It was so funny seeing all the girls doing it but it really did get them into a better mood. One said “instead of your morning coffee – hug a tree.”

Before leaving the region the classes were also able to stop at the Tangiwai Memorial – This disaster happened when the Whangaehu River bridge collapsed beneath a Wellington to Auckland express train at Tangiwai on the North Island. With 11 carriages carrying 285 passengers and crew, 151 people died, making it the worst ever rail accident in New Zealand. The accident had been due to a lahar a mudflow from the Mt. Rupaehu volcano — of an unforeseeable magnitude that had removed a bridge pier minutes before the train started to cross. After the accident an early warning system was installed. This lahar usually happens when there is an eruption and people are on the look out after there is one.

The memorial is beautiful, there are even some berries growing around it so it was a nice snack as well J

Then we left the park and headed back to Westlake – imagine riding back in a bus with 40 giggly girls… no sleep for Cassie.

I am so fortunate that I am able to go on these types of field trips. After multiple bus stops, bathroom breaks, and tree hugging the students were able to apply their classroom knowledge to make conclusions regarding altitudinal zones. I am so grateful to be a part of these classes and learn more about New Zealand’s geography. The students and teachers were so kind and willing to share their knowledge and allow me to work alongside them. Even more exciting news – I get to chaperone about 3 or 4 more field trips!!! They are mostly just 1 day trips but it’s exciting!! I think the Zoo is next J

Miss you all back home. Hopefully I will get to catch up soon. I am planning on spending my Easter Holiday (we have Friday through Tuesday off) at the Bay of Islands with Brittany and whoever decides to join. Three hours North of Auckland – beaches, dolphins, water, bars, and a good time are calling my name! I leave Friday morning but hopefully will have some Internet at my hostel! I will try to keep you updated! Sorry for such the long post! If I don’t write till next week – HAPPY EASTER!

Ps. I was asked to do a video blog for the school – once I get started I will share the link!