First of all, we would like to thank each and every one of you who have so kindly either commented on our blog or emailed us with your love and thoughts. You have no idea how much it means to us. We haven't been gone from Canada 5 minutes and yet every comment, every email and every hug means so much to us. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Keep 'em coming!
We spent our second day in Roto very casually; Bob was off to shop for new sandals (Chaco's preferably and difficult to find) since his busted a gut, while I sought an internet cafe to upload photo's. As you probably have noticed, I found that cafe. It was the most peaceful place and the owner the most awesome man (Jeff) who brought me the best coffee and helped me with the upload. I could have spent days there never mind 2 hours. Some difficulties with the photo's so not as many on the entries as I would have preferred. Now that I know what to do, I promise that when I have another opportunity (we are now at a campsite and have limited functionality), I will be quicker and have more for you to see.
We found a fabulous farmer's market very close to our camp and watched people (our favourite hobby) and wandered among not only the stalls, but also the geothermal pools that were everywhere in the park where the market is held. What a sight! Spirals of sulphuric smoke and all the wonderful produce batched together. It was surreal!
This morning we left for Lake Taupo, found our camp location, checked in then left on a hike that took us to the most beautiful falls imaginable (I'll think of the name later since I left my diary back at the van). It was a good workout and so beautiful. Because this area is set in an area where the earth's crust is so thin, we are surrounded by pools that are at boiling point and these pools drain into the cold rivers that are a brilliant jade colour. As we hiked, we could not stop staring below us into the river, having never seen this shade anywhere we have travelled. Oh yes, it's called Huka Falls!!
Returning to the camp, we settled into the naturally heated pool, right beside our campsite. It was beautiful! The temperature was 38C and the swimming pool adjacent was around 28C...all heated naturally. We met (in the pool) a lovely couple from England who have been travelling for a year. Their travels included Ontario and Quebec so we had much to talk about. They had a lot of information that will help us as we travel.
Back to the van, a huge beer then a stir-fry with local produce. It was sooooo good.
In season: strawberries, asparagus, tomatoes, avocado............feeling a little envious yet? Ok, I'll resist the bragging.
Almost time to go nite nite......tomorrow we are off to Napier, art deco centre of New Zealand.
Almost forgot; did I mention the wondrous scent of this beautiful place? We can't quite describe it and Bob and I have discussed it forever (alright, I'm embellishing again since we've only been here just over a week)...all I can think of is sweet smelling pine. So beautiful! We catch it everywhere and it still stuns us with it's beauty. We think we've found the tree responsible (I pinched the needles and it sent me heavenward) however don't know the name.
Enough!
Namaste! Sharon
2 comments:
Hello travellers! I miss you guys, but feel that I am with you when reading your blog. I forgot to give you Merryne's number....99403383...she mentioned to give it to you. I have been on roads as you have mentioned and it sent shivers up my back when I read your adventure ( and I had an Aussie driving!)...great job in driving dad!
Question: Is the clutch pedal still on the left and the gas still on the right or are they reversed too?
Also, if you can give us some hwy numbers, it is easier to follow you. When you are in bigger towns, even street names of some of the places you go to would help as we can see some of them on Google Maps. Have fun. Wish we were there. Elliot & Jan.
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