Time seems to have sped up these last few weeks in New Zealand.  Kai is donning the New Plymouth Boys’ High uniform again and Year 12 is off to a good start. He’ll be writing about his daily life and a recent holiday in the next post.  I still volunteer at the public health unit but hope a formal position opens up soon.   Des’ work days are full and he hasn’t had much time off.  However, looking back at February, there’s not much to complain about!   It was a gorgeous weather month. 

On Valentine’s Day, Des and I hopped down to Ngamotu Beach for an open water swim.  We warmed up with a stroll along the breakwater jetty.  It was a fishing day and boats chugged in and out,  reminiscent of Port Aransas.   But the water colour was amazing and a few distinctive volcanic features (Mt. Taranaki and Paritutu Rock) set it apart from any place in the world.  

We also continue to discover new walks and trails just minutes from our house.  One trail started from a main road and meandered through high grass and pastures and appeared to lead down to the ocean. Luckily we tread cautiously and just as the trail turned sandy we realised we were standing on a wee cliff!  The beach was a good 20 meters straight down. 

 

On February 28th I flew back to Lake Taupo for my “girls” birthday trip.  The other big event in Taupo was the New Zealand Ironman.   There were heaps of people running,  biking and swimming along the lake.   Frankly, it was a madhouse of cars and bikes that afternoon.  But easy access hikes are always nearby and I found one quickly.  Lake Taupo was formed by a volcano that cratered then filled with cold mountain runoff.   Warm, active thermals still bubble up all around this area.  Spa Park Thermal Pools is a tourist attraction,  beautiful swimming spot and start of a well traveled hiking trail.  I continued past the pools for a few kilometres to  view the mesmerising Huka Falls before turning back. 

At 5:00pm the Earnest Kemp, a miniature steamboat, launched for a cocktail cruise around the lake.  I met a very witty and friendly German named Carina.  Her English was near perfect and this was her first time visiting an English speaking country.  She traveled NZ on her own for 2 months. As “single cruisers”  we were happy to chat the whole time.  Although terrified she booked a skydiving adventure the next day.  She survived and sent me a photo!

A couple of long time friends from California were in the middle of their own New Zealand adventure and  we met up on the North Island.   They were ready for something on the water after trekking for 6 days on the Milford Track on the South Island.   At the other end of Lake Taupo are a set of river deltas and some of the best fly fishing in the country.   We booked a rafting trip down the main Tongariro River.  This was a first for me.   I wish I had more photos to show.  The towering cliffs along the river were covered in lush, green vegetation and ferns. Our guide, Jimmy,  was terrific, and finessed us down 60 rapids on the 2 hour excursion.  Wow, it was so great to spend time with Kathlyn, Margaret and the gals.  It was hard to say goodbye…the fun was just getting started! 

 

Cheers!