News From Fred 65

News from Wellington

Arrived in Rotorua, viewed the area and did the required geothermal park visit. The smell hasn't changed at all in 21 years. Rotorua stinks somewhat also, which I had forgotten. Dylan did a tandem parachute jump from Taupo - a lot cheaper than Rotorua. I said I would do it on my 60th birthday - less time to lose if the chute doesn't open. Travelled today to Wellington. It was raining quite steadily from Rotorua through Taupo but stopped before Turangi. The clouds cleared away at the start of the desert road and the Ruapehu massive was fully exposed with a good snow covering. Funny to see that the Tongariro and Ngauruhoe ascents with walk from the Ketetahi hut to the Mangatepopo hut which I did in the NZ summer of 1983/84 is now classified as 'the most exciting single day walk in New Zealand'. I didn't do it this time as a) I had no time and b) I've left my crampons and ice axe in Scotland - both are stated as necessary with the snow and ice covering at this time of year. Hopefully I'll get in a glacier walk with hired equipment (and guide) at Queenstown. Dylan is going bungy jumpimg there. I'll do that for my 70th. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we are crossing to Picton and driving to Kaikoura where I've booked a whale (sperm whales there so they say) watching trip for Wednesday morning. Then it's off through the mountains towards Queenstown where we arrive on Thursday and stay until Monday. Perhaps I'll be able to load some pictures there. Ilona still arrives in Auckland on Wednesday 31st (she advised yesterday by text that she is enjoying her diving course at Magnetic Island). So then it will be a quick visit to Whangarei for the three of us prior to Dylan and I returning to summertime in Europe. It was 16 celcius in our area today so ... perhaps we'll stay here. Over and out from the North Island.

posted by Fred 65 @ 1:36 AM