Walking Maunga Tauanui

Climbing Tauanui

Oh my gosh! That hill is HUGE.  I begin walking up the steep slope, my legs are already wiggling like a jellyfish and i’ve only just started.  My legs are aching, my mouth is dry as I swallow and my heart feels like the wheels of a train zooming along the railroad tracks fast and unstoppable.  I want to stop, I’m going to stop!  I grasp onto the fence like my life depends on it and take a deep breath in and out, in and out.  Maunga Tauanui is steep, and this slope feels never ending.  Step by step I focus on putting one foot in front of the other.  I’m trying to ignore the burning pain in my calves but it’s hard and i’m getting tired.  I can feel sweat slowly dribble down my back and face like dew on a window.  I breathe in and out.  Everything hurts - my legs, my back, my heart and lungs even my arms feel heavy and the wind isn’t helping.  It feels like it’s pushing me back down the maunga.  

It’s not until I approach the bend, I welcome the cool crisp breeze  and take in the beautiful sight of Roto Kereru.  It’s waters seem cold and freezing but as I look closer there’s so much beauty.  The water is glistening and sparkling like diamonds. I wish I could stay here forever, even dip my toes in its freshness but I have to keep climbing.

Heart pounding, legs screaming, back aching and lungs burning I just want to sit down and stay where I am….halfway between Lake Kereru and the top.  I feel parched and reach for my water bottle in my bag.  Maybe that will give me some energy?

When I got up  by the Crater I looked down with my eyes open wide and I couldn't believe how steep down it was and how gigantic and wide.

Then i got up to the top I  felt the beauty wind and seen  the stunning view and then i drop to the ground because I was so tired i didn’t want to leave.  

….THE END….