Mount Taranaki Smoke Signal

[ST1]

Taken the same day as my New Plymouth image I posted earlier. You wouldn't think it was the same day, on the morning when we enquired about going to Mount Taranaki they said the wind is too high we would advise against going, I suspect they thought I wanted to climb the volcano!

#1 As close as we got



#2 Smoke Signal

[Shadowman]

Nice shots.

[ST1]

Thanks for taking time to look and comment John.


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[IzzieK]

I really like these...#2 needs a bit of cropping from the bottom, ergo, start from the top of your name. I think it looks better that way. Just my opinion.

[Dave A]

Those clouds are interesting how they form over the mountain. Nicely captured.

Dave

[Tronhard]

Mt Taranaki is a classical volcanic cone, bearing such resemblance to Mt Fuji that it was used as the set for the filming of The Last Samurai. One can climb the summit or take one of the two round-the-mountain circuits.



Having done these tracks I am amazed at how casually many walkers take the preparation for such a trip. Mt Taranaki kills more people than any other peak in NZ. It LOOKS innocuous, but quickly generates its own microclimate that can change from sunny and clear to cold, windy and wet conditions with a total whiteout on the slopes. I have seen the temperature drop over 20DegC in less than an hour.

I have got some odd glances from people wearing T-shirts and jeans or shorts, and sneakers as I pass them. I go up with a full pack containing a map, compass and GPS; an emergency shelter, water, stove and pot, warm layered clothing and a good rain shell, layered hiking gear, boots and using sticks. I DO get appreciative and respectful comments from the Dept. of Conservation rangers, as one person put it "at least I know we don't have to go and rescue you!".