Are you the type to make and keep New Year’s resolutions? I definitely am. I love making tangible goals, planning toward them, and then celebrating the achievements along the way. This year, my goals include running 1,200 miles, reading 30 books (two down so far!) and hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand this March. More popularly known as the Walk to Mount Doom, the Tongariro Pass is a rigorous 20k hike across three majestic volcanic mountains, the same ones Frodo and Sam traversed in the Lord of the Rings. Since our trip is only 45 days away, my husband and I have begun our training in earnest by hiking trails of varying lengths and terrains around the Hill Country. We started with Purgatory and Spring Lake Hills; now we’re widening our scope to visit Lockhart State Park. I’ll keep you posted on our progress, and if you have favorite hiking trails you think we should check out, let me know at ccook@sanmarcosrecord.com. I look forward to hearing your ideas.
Celeste Cook Features Editor
