NZ 'Lord of the Rings' Volcano erupts

[Karlis]

New Zealand lies on the so-called "Pacific Ring of Fire"

A New Zealand volcano used as a backdrop to "The Lord of the Rings" films erupted on Wednesday, spewing a column of ash three kilometers (1.9 miles) above the North Island, scientists said. Source

[Grandpa Greenman]

Life imitating art.

[spud the mackem]

I hope the Hobbits are ok.

[libstaK]

I hope the Hobbits are ok.

I hope it didn't belch that silly ring back out

[redhen]

""It was completely unexpected, there were no warning signs beforehand, a spokeswoman for official monitoring service GNS Science told AFP."

An unexpected party?

[Karlis]

""It was completely unexpected, there were no warning signs beforehand, a spokeswoman for official monitoring service GNS Science told AFP."

That's weird -- a couple days earlier I was reading that the observers were monitoring activity, and expecting an eruption.

[Professor Buzzkill]

That's weird -- a couple days earlier I was reading that the observers were monitoring activity, and expecting an eruption.

That was for Mt Ruapehu, which is a few kms from this one. Both are being monitored ATM and people are being advised to stay away. Ruapehu last erupted in the 90's with spectacular explosions,

[Timothy]

Nooooooo! This is going to cause major upset to the Hobbit-themed tour schedules.

[Professor Buzzkill]

Nooooooo! This is going to cause major upset to the Hobbit-themed tour schedules.

This shouldn't cause any disruption. The only thing that is closed is the hiking track over the mountain, and theres pressure to reopen that.

[spud the mackem]

Is it Sauron back, upto his old tricks again,I thought Frodo and Samwise sorted him out.Maybe we should contact Gandalf,anyone know his cellphone number ?