Quick Update:
As I write, Garry is climbing a volcano called Tongariro. I on the other hand have opted for the quite, relaxing day sitting on the sofa watching the Commonwealth Games.
Garry's view of Mount Ruapehu which erupted 10 years ago!
Below are some of the moments we have neglected to share so far on the blog. Mainly due to time restraints - but here they are:
Dazed and confused in LA: This was the day that because of jet lag and general confusion over the time we arrived at Universal Studios 2 and a 1/2 hrs early! Excellent day though - Back to the Future is STILL the top ride, although the terror of Jurassic park is comparable.
Skull Island Adventure (Tahiti): After a week lazing around on the beach - mainly due to horrendous sunburn - we decided we needed some action. I suggested that it may be good to cycle around the island. It seemed a good idea as we set off, but after 500 metres we started to sweat horrendously in the 35 degree heat (80% humidity). We managed to get half way round - stopping for water/cafe break every 5km - only to realise that we were exhausted. After a long stop and the 5th litre of water we soldiered on. Garry said that he had never been so pleased to see a campsite. We had cycled 65kms!
Shortest day (crossing the date line): We only saw 4 hrs of Wednesday 1 March due to leaving Rarotonga and crossing the date line towards New Zealand. Am I a day older or younger???
The day we met Terry (NZ): We picked up the car that we would come to know as Terry (or El Tel) in Aukland. For $20 (or 8 pounds) a day we had no complaints as it has given us so much freedom. Terry Wogan got the slowest time on Top Gear's race track stating 'slow and steady wins the race'. Hence Terry's name - slow and steady - especially up hills when we have to go into 1st gear. After Aukland we headed straight towards Whangarei via the amazing Sheep World. Our camp site had a pool and spa which we took advantage of because of the scorching heat (still).
Tapotuputu Bay (NZ): The road to the top of New Zealand is unsealed so Garry had great fun hooning (a NZ term) round some of the corners. We spent 2 hrs sand boarding on the dunes at 90 Mile Beach. Excellent and exilerating, but very tiring. We got stuck for 20 minutes in a sheep jam and got to Tapotuputu Bay for dinner, in time to pitch our tent on the beach front and go for a short walk. The campground was a department of conservation one and cost $8. Waking up the next day and looking out to the beach has to be one of the highlights of the trip so far.
Glow worms (NZ): Black Water Rafting sounds a bit scary and Garry and I were more than a little concerned when we arrived at the caving company for our tour. Having never done any caving before - we were unsure of what to expect. Just in case you are ever in the area of the Waitomo Caves and fancy crawling through dark caves, hurling yourselves off underground water falls, floating through glow worm infested caves down water slides on a rubber ring - then Black Water Rafting may be for you. We had a great day and the worms were amazing - like looking up at the nights sky.
This was the classic day when Garry left his washing on the line and only realised when we were 500 kms away! Doh! "At least my bag will be lighter," was his reaction.
This is up in Craters of the Moon park. The ground is hollow and you can feel the earth's activity under your feet. Don't step off the track or you'll end up falling to the center of the earth. H.G. Wells eat your heart out!
