Day 142 Brownies and Guides

I had a lovely lay in this morning. When I did get up I showered and wandered into town. I first went to the post office to post stuff home. It was then lunch time so I found some food and then walked to the isite and picked up some leaflets and a map. I went back to the hostel and planned my time in Napier and booked a city tour for Friday. It was then time to head over to the guide hut for a brownie meeting then after to smothering for a guide meeting. I manage to catch the right bus but managed to miss the stop! So I walked back up the road to find the hut. I nipped into the supermarket to grab a snack before the meetings. I got a couple of satsumas and an apple. I sat out side and ate them then headed over to the hut. It was a cool hut with the guide emblem on the front. I looked around the guide shop for a while and got a couple of badges then headed into the meeting. It was brownies first and they were making a mothers day pin cushion. It was fun to make stuff again and I enjoyed helping the girls to make theirs. It was a lot of fun to be at guiding meetings again. After the meeting the leader said she would take me down to the other guide hut as it was dark and she didn't want me walking. Guiding people are so nice! The guides were having a mothers evening which is were the mums come and they do a craft together. It seemed like a really good idea. I helped bring everything in from the car and set everything up. There were alot of people by the time all the guides and mums had arrived. I helped give the craft stuff out and went round to help anyone who needed it. They were making a basket with a ladybird on. I chatted to the guides and mums as I went round and it was really good fun. After the meeting one of the leaders gave me a lift back to the hostel. I walked into town to find some food and found a fish and chip shop still open. It was nice fish and chips! I messed on the Internet for a while then headed to bed.

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Day 141 Bus to Napier

I ached alot when I woke up this morning! As I fell out of bed I walked like an old woman! I sorted my stuff out and packed most of it away then took dirty stuff and put a load of washing on. I had to check out so I stored my bags in the tv room. While I waited for my washing Ann and I chatted and went on the internet to swop photos. Her bus is at 1pm so once our washing was finished and we had packed it all away we walked into town to get postcards. Back at the hostel I waved Ann off on her bus and chilled watching tv. The only thing on was the news about the fact they had caught and killed Bin Laden. The news reporter got a bit mixed up and said they had killed Obama! I wandered once again in to town for a last look round. I had arranged to visit a pippin and brownie group here and as it neared the time to go I loaded up with my bags and got a map to find the church. Oh my word it was not fun to walk with all my bags and very very aching legs! I found the church easily. It was lovely to meet everyone they were really really nice. The pippins were so cute, they are the equivalent of the rainbows in the UK. The brownie meeting was fun too, they were making poppies for ANZAC day. We swopped badges and I taught them a game we play at guides. I chatted to one of the young leaders called Ashley she was cool and had just come back into guiding recently. I unfortunately had to leave before the guide meeting as I had to catch my bus to Napier. One of the guide leaders gave me a lift to the bus stop which my sore legs were very glad of. I got a drink then waited for the bus. When it arrived I hopped on and it was pretty empty so I got two seats to myself. I plugged into my iPod and fell asleep. When we arrived in Napier it was wet and windy. I walked down the road to the hostel. The guy at reception was really nice and friendly and told me lots of things to do and helped me find the areas where the guides I was visiting are. The hostel was very old fashion building it reminded me of Dolly Hall, the out door centre my parents school owns. I walked down the road to find some tea. I went in to one place that looked nice and they said they may not be serving food. They asked what I wanted and said they would cook it as it was easy, chicken and chips. It was really tasty! Back at the hostel I rested my sore legs and found that my stupid blog had lost two posts!! Ggrr!! I then clambered into bed.

Day 140 Tongario Crossing

I had some mad dreams last night mainly about being blown off the ridge into the crater just like our driver had said yesterday. It was an early start at 5am I got dressed and went to have some breakfast, with Ann, before a long day walking. We got picked up and taken to the bigger bus to the mountains. We dozed on the way to the mountains. The forecast for today is high clouds and lots of wind. As we got close to the mountains the driver told us that if we get to top of devils stair case and wind is to strong or we don't feel safe to turn back and call to be picked up. The forecast for wind speed is for 80kmph! This is going to be a fun walk! As we got off the bus she made sure we had warm clothes. We were one of the first to set off as we were first off the bus I think. The first part was quite flat and seemed ok. We then got to the devils staircase! It was challenging to say the least! I stopped a couple of times to get my breath back. We also rewarded ourselves with some liquorice as we walked for a sugar boost. As we got to the top the wind hit! We had been sheltered from it until now. It wasn't so much we felt unsafe so we soldiered on. Mount doom from Lord of the Rings was one of the side walks you could do but it is really steep and is pretty much a scree slope so the climb would be a scramble up and slide down. The wind was coming in such a direction that made it a bit dangerous to do this part so we skipped it and carried on up to the ridge. As we came up onto the ridge the wind really hit us! It was even stronger out in the open. As I walked I was blown on to my hands and knees! It was good fun though! We took lots of pictures stupid and serious ones and found a sheltered seat to have a quick bite to eat. I got Alaska, the husky I got for a travel companion, out to climb the mountains for pictures. There was some snow hidden under black ash dust, because these mountains are actually volcanos! As you stepped you foot print would have a white outline and looked pretty cool. When we were walking again it was a funny way of walking. Not like silly walks more like zigzagging across the ridge, as the wind gust it blew you over to one side, then it would go and you would nearly fall over but at the same time you had to get back to the other side of the path in preparation for the next gust to blow you sideways again! On the plus side the wind was blowing away from the red crater so my dreams of being blown into the crater would not come true, unless of course I fell in myself. There is another side walk you can do to the summit of another mountain and back to the main path but it wasn't safe due to the wind and mainly the wind direction. We sat for 5 minutes and decided it was best to just do the main path walk and enjoy it than risk the other path. The next part of the path was steep and more like a scree slope than a path. It was fun to walk down as you more slid down with each step each foot moving at least half a foot from where you put it. It was funny to watch the person in front slip down. The wind was still really strong and so in addition to sliding down I was also blown sideways. The views were stunning all the way along the ridge and down the slope. You know the feeling you get when you have finished something like a walk and you het a bit of an achievement high almost. Well I got that even before we had finished! As I neared the end of the slope the green lake came in to view and smell! It is green because it is a sulphur lake and they smell really bad. We did silly photos and then carried on. We then passed the blue lake which looked very inviting for a swim! On the next part of the walk the terrain changed to be more like fields and grass lands. I was a bit tired of up hill and was glad when the rest of the path appeared to be down hill. There was a hut about two hours from the end were you can stay I think as there were beds in it. We stopped here for lunch. As we came to the door who should be walking the other way than the Korean family from white water rafting! We ate lunch and chatted to them then set off again for the final hurdle. This part of the path was very windy and still went up and down which seemed harder. To keep our spirits up I sang guiding songs which also passed the time well. We made good time and reached the end an hour before the bus was due. I was pooped! I guess part because I had carried so much food and water and not eaten even a quarter of it! When the bus arrived we got on and slept most of the way back to town. It was so good to have a shower and put on clean cloths! I chatted to Ann and then booked a hostel for my next place. We then met and had tea soup again! After dinner and some more talking we were pooped and went to bed. I took some pain killers for my knees as they ache abit.


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Day 139 River Rapids

As I ate my breakfast this morning I chatted to Ann and we decided to to the big walk tomorrow called the tongario crossing. It is an all day thing and is dependent on the weather so we have to wait to book it until this evening to see what the weather forecast will be. I was supposed to be picking up my painted turtle tomorrow so I went to ask if she could post it to Christine's. Once I had sorted that I walked round town and bought a few things. I met up with Ann who was looking for some thong to do this afternoon, as was I. She had been looking at quad biking and I at whitewater rafting both of which need two people to go ahead. We decided to go whitewater rafting as Ann has never done it before. We looked round the shops some more for a birthday present for Ann's niece. Then back to the hostel to get ready for the river. The van picked us up and it was an hours drive to the centre to get kitted up. When we arrived a Korean woman and her two daughters were coming too. We put all the gear on and it was quite a few layers as the water is really cold. It was a further 10 minute drive to the start of the river rapids. We carried the boat down to the water and jumped in. I did get wet feet and it was freezing! Ann and I were at the front which is I think a fun place to be as you get to plummet down the rapids first! It was really really good fun we stopped on the way to jump off a rock into the icy icy water! My arms and legs were numb so fast! The littlest korean girl screamed so loud as she got out of the cold water. She also bounced into the middle of the boat every time we went over a rock or bump! There were 65 rapids all with random names most of which I can't remember now! Sorry. We were on the water for about 2 and a half hours. They gave us a waterproof camera so I took many many pictures. You can buy the cd of them at the end and it's the same price wether you take 10 pics or 100 pics! The more the better in that case. We carried/dragged the boat up and onto the trailer and hopped in for the 2 minute ride back to the shop. After peeling off all the wet clothes and getting dressed I snuggled in next to the patio heater they had in the shop! They gave us stuff to make sandwiches yum they were nice. They also had liquorice all sorts! Double yum yum!! After I was full of food and our CDs were ready we went back to town on their bus. The driver seemed nice and told us about the crossing walk we are doing tomorrow. He was beginning to worry me saying about the wins blowing the wrong way and people getting blown in to the crater! Back at the hostel we checked the weather for the walk, it's good so we booked the bus to get to the start. We then headed to the shop for provisions. As usual I got alot! Back at the hostel we made our sandwiches for tomorrow and made tea for tonight. I had 6 sandwiches, 16 cereal bars, 3 apples and a bag of apple liquorice! I then had a shower and sorted all my stuff out for the walk. I got abit distracted talking to Dan on the phone and got to bed about 11pm. I set my alarm for 4:45 as our pickup is 5:15!


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Day 138 Royal Wedding

Today is the royal wedding day in the UK. I got up early a today I have booked to do a skydive! Sorry Mum!! I got picked up and taken to the airport. They gave us options of packages dependent on if you want pictures or video or both. I decided on the full package incase I only ever do it once I'll have as much documentation as possible. I saw Louise as I was getting kitted up, we had to take all our jewellery off. The first load went up, jumped and landed fine. I was quite reassured by this. After a bit of filming we loaded into the plane, it was a little plane and we all just about fit in. The view was amazing as we flew up to the right height. 15000ft is alot higher than I had thought. As we got near to 12000ft we began to get ready ad got clipped together and given oxygen masks. Then the tandem guys began to make hand gestures at each other, I tried to ask what they ment but got no answer. Once they had finished with their hand conversation they said the wind had got to strong and it wasn't safe for us to jump. We would have to go down in the plane and land normally. The landing was a bit rocky but ok, we had a nice scenic flight! We stayed in all our gear and waited to see if the wind would die down. While waiting I chatted to Louise. After about 40 minutes the wind was still to strong so it was cancelled until further notice. I booked in for the next slot and then went back to the hostel to get some food. I ate or more inhaled a sandwich and they came to pick me up again. The wind had died down and so we kitted up quickly this time. The wind gust over 25knots so once again we waited to ensure it was safe to jump. We loaded into the plane finally and I was the last one in, there was one more person with us this time so the plane was definitely full to capacity as my camera guy had to sit on the floor! As we took off I realised that last one in ment first one out! Oh well better to get it over with I think! I was glad we had done the flight earlier as my view now was pretty pants as I was sat right by the door. Once again as we got close to 12000ft my tandem guy began to strap is together and gave me the oxygen again. Surprisingly I really didn't feel to nervous. We got to height and they opened to door it was cold and windy! My camera guy got to the door and held on backwards. We shuffled to the door and put our legs out, it felt like we would be blown out sideways as the wind caught our legs. I smiled for the camera and then on three we fell! It was so cool! 10000ft free fall! About 60seconds! You really have no concept of how far or fast your falling as you aren't falling past anything. I couldn't stop whooping! The camera guy floated around taking pictures and video, at one point he was below us falling back first which was very strange to see. At 5000ft we pulled the parachute. It was a strange feeling, and of course I would look up before it is fully unfolded! On the video you can see the moment I look because you see my face drop! One thing I noticed was my teeth were really cold from smiling the whole way down. We floated for a fee minutes and he said let's make it a bit more comfortable and unclipped the hip straps. God I thought he was going to unclip the lot! We did a practice of the landing position with legs up and then floated down and did a few spins as we descended. As we came into land there were people waiting to collapse the parachute, we nearly hit them and it was funny to watch them
scatter like ants! I had my legs up and just as we got to earth he said stand up and I just stood as we stopped. So so cool! He asked if I wanted to do it again, I said not right now! Once everyone had landed they had us jump up and down and fall on the floor. We then went and took all the kit off and sat down to watch the video. I was first on as I was first out, it was a really good video. I got the DVD's and picture CDs and we all got a T-shirt! I said goodbye to Louise and went back to the hostel on a high! I wandered into town to try and book something to do tomorrow, the whitewater rafting didn't have enough people interested so wouldn't be going ahead as of now but she said to come back and check tomorrow. I once again wandered in town and decided to go to the ceramic cafe and paint something. Everything was quite big and I dint really had much time. I spotted a small turtle one and decided to do that one. It took me a while to decide on the colours to do the turtle but eventually I got some once ones and I quite enjoyed just sitting and painting. I finished just as the shop was closing, she said it would take a while to fire and I could pick it up on Sunday. I walked down to the lake edge and took some pictures as the sun wet down. It was beautiful. A woman giving out church magazine on child abuse and homelessness started talking to me and gave me a pile of magazines. I wandered back to the hostel and again had soup and rolls for dinner and chatted to Ann, she had done a bungy jump today and loved it! We decided to get in the tv room early to get. Seat for the wedding. First though we went to pak and save to get bubbly and chocolates for the occasion. We got mini bottles of bubbly and lindor chocolates as they were the fanciest ones we could find. When we got back we got good seats in the tv room, well beanbags right in everyones way but hey! As we watched they seemed to be showing the same thing over again, it turned put the two Spanish girls who kept changing the channel had it on the wrong one and we were watching an hour behind! We flicked over to the right channel just as the bridesmaids got out of the car. It was a lovely service and Kate's dress was beautiful too. I stayed up until they had kissed on the balcony. Then went to bed as it was very late.


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Day 137 Huka Falls

I woke up after a very nice sleep and after a shower finally chatted to the other person in my room. She was from Wales but now lived in Christchurch and was a doctor. We chatted for a while then I went to see about doing a skydive! I booked in for the 1pm slot and suddenly was very nervous and excited! There are quite a few skydiving companies but I chose Taupo Tandem as Louise, who I went to school with, works there. As I had time to kill I went and wandered around town again I picked up a few leaflets of places to go around Taupo. I nipped in to the flight centre to see about going to Fiji, the woman was very helpful and I got a booklet to look at options. I grabbed some lunch as I thought jumping out of a plane with an empty stomach was not the best idea. I then had to wait to be picked up. The girl in reception said the van had been round today so to wait outside and they would come. I waited and waited and yes waited some more! Eventually I went back to the office and asked them to call. The wind was to strong to jump so I booked in for the first slot in the morning. As there was still the whole afternoon to kill I got a map and set off to walk to a waterfall. I think it's the longest waterfall in New Zealand. But then again I could be lying! It was a nice walk and I stopped along the way to watch a bungy jumper. It was a good walk, but due to the heavy rain they had a couple of days ago that closed roads and felled trees, the path was blocked in a few places. Well not really blocked as I still managed to climb through and over the trees. I did get sap everywhere though even in my hair as my ponytail got caught on a branch as I climbed through. I could hear the waterfall for ages and thought I had missed it. Eventually I found it and it was beautiful. The water was so blue and white as it went down. There were a lot of people there as you can drive down to it. I took a good few pictures then asked the guy in his booth the way to the honey bee hive place. He gave very odd directions but I set off in full faith and was soon halted but trees again. In one that had fallen there was a nest with nothing in it. I walked off the path and up onto the road, it was as I walked along the road I saw a sign that the footpaths were closed due to fallen trees! I walked along the road from then on and came to a helicopter place and nipped in to check I was on the right path. I found the honey place easily due to the huge bee hive sign just a bit further down the road. It is free to get in which is always good. I looked round and saw all the bees in a hive with a glass side it was really cool there were loads of them! They had free tasters, and let's be honest who can resist! I tried honey wine and honey whisky, they were both quite nice. There was also ten different kinds of honey to try! Of course I tried them all, oh except the peanut butter one! I can't remember which one I liked most but they were all pretty nice. I tried honey comb too which as it turns out is very good for your mouth if you chew on the comb wax for a few minutes! Once I was done browsing and tasting I was going to walk to another information centre place about volcanos but it was nearly closing time for them all so I got them to call the shuttle bus for me. I waited outside for the bus. On the way we dropped someone else off and get a car seat for the driver's child. She dropped me back off in the middle of town, I went to the supermarket and got soup and rolls for dinner then headed back to the hostel. The soup was really tasty and the rolls were lovely! Once again I had custard and apple for dessert! I got talking to a woman called Ann, and a guy called Adam. We chatted for ages until late at night then went to bed with the agreement we would catch up tomorrow.

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Day 136 Arrive in Taupo

I got up and shoved last bits in bag then set off for train station with Christine. I got a few funny looks being the person with a huge bag on the morning train. It was pouring with rain in Wellington, we grabbed a drink and waited for the bus to arrive. When it did a said goodbye and jumped on. I got a seat at the back by the window window with room for my bags. I slept for a while and listened to Harry Potter on my iPod. As we came close to a lunch stop I was woken by I cold rush of water down my back. As it turns out the aircon leaks and often pours water down on you at the back. There was nothing the driver could do, and I was drenched! Maddening! I had to sit further over with no seat belt, needless to say I was glad when we got to Taupo. I walked up to the hostel and checked in. It seemed nice even if I had booked into a 8 bed room to meet people and I was the only one in there! I asked reception if anyone else was coming and they said not until tomorrow. I grabbed a map and went for a walk around town. It wasn't huge at all and you could walk round in about 30 minutes. I went and got food from the supermarket and headed back to the hostel. I had chicken skewers and a baked potato for tea. Then warm custard and an apple for dessert. I went and chilled in the tv room and they were watching the rainman. It looks like a really good film, I must remember to watch the whole thing one day. Someone else had come into my room but I didn't see them at all. I went to bed and was freezing cold! I miss the electric blanket at Christine's!


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Day 135 Lost Purse

I have to say I am writing this alot later than it happened and looking at my notes today looks like a short and slightly boring day so I apologies now! I got up earlyish to talk to mum. I then messed around on the Internet for a while avoiding packing my clothes for my time away. I did eventually get my behind into gear and pack. I was happy everything fit in so well, this I wad later to discover was due to the fact I was not taking everything with me! I had to walk into town in search of some light trainer type shoes. The only shoes I have are flip flops, walking boots and trekking sandals. Oh and evil shoes that rip holes in your heels! I spent ages in warehouse trying on lots of pumps style shoes. Some light blue denim ones were most comfortable but looked pants, I am not to bothered about aesthetics but they really did look stupid with dark jeans. I eventually found a pair of grey ones that fit ok and went to pay for them. Now this bit is funny! I was stood in the queue to pay and could t find my purse, PANIC! I then remember taking the purse out and putting it on my bed, were it stayed as I left the house. Pants!! I stowed the shoes behind some others as I had spent to long finding ones that for to risk someone else buying them. I walked home picked up my purse and walked back to the shop. My hiding place had foiled everyone and I was successful in purchasing the shoes. Woohoo!! I went to Margaret's and helped prepare dinner. We ate, watched some tv then headed home as I was getting the bus early in the morning to go to Taupo.


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Day 134 Anzac Day

When I woke up at 5am to go to the Anzac parade it was pouring with rain! I had not slept well either due to the hammering rain. I got up and met Christine on my way to the loo. She had called Margaret and made the decision to for go the parade due to the rain. So I went back to bed and slept really well until 10am! We lazed around in our pyjamas and I made us both poached eggs for breakfast. Now as is always the way with poached eggs the ones I made Christine were perfect. Mine however were less than perfect and insisted on sticking to the pan! Rude! They were tasty once I finally got two to behave. We watched the Anzac parade on tv and it was interesting to watch. Pretty much the same as remembrance day services. After a shower I backed my pictures up to my hard drive. Christine suggested going to the cinema so we looked up what was on and decided on a new Zealand made film called My Wedding and Other Secrets. The cinema was really nice, it was kind of old school and had two seated sofas and tables between, really comfy. The film was very good I would recommend it! We stopped at pak and save for food and drink on the way back. We watched PS I Love You as we ate dinner, I had forgotten how much I liked the film. Over all a good Easter Monday/Anzac day!


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Day 133 Easter Day

It's Easter! We had a very lazy morning just watching tv and films and taking our time to have a shower. In the afternoon we decided maybe we should leave the house and so donned out shoes and coats and went for a walk around the area. We walked behind the houses and across a very main very busy road, to the river. It was a nice river and was flowing quite fast due to a lot of rain there has ben recently. I took silly pictures and showed Christine my method for taking pictures of yourself by holding the camera upside-down as this ensures you get more of yourself in the picture. I also took silly pictures of stones with rain drops on them as I thought they looked arty farty. I had agreed to try and cook dinner from
Memory with philadelphia and chicken. It went ok but I was nervous that I had the recipe wrong even though I had tried to google it. I was kind of copying a meal my friend Claire from work made me before I left. It turned out really tasty and the wine we bought for cooking was actually quite good to drink. I had good fun cooking too. For dessert we had hokey pokey ice cream with chocolate topping. Well improvised chocolate topping aka cadburys chocolate melted which did not work but tasted good. Christine gave me a lint chocolate bunny for Easter and I decided to photo document it's demise! I began with the ears! We watched some tv and decided to get an early night for a change since we planned to get up early to go to the Anzac parade at 5am.

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Day 132 Crafty Day

Got up for a Skype date with Dan. I am amazed by how good Skype is. Then got dressed and went to pick Jessica up and set off to Wets again for the chain mail lesson. It was a nice day and the shop was busy already and we were early. I got us a kit each then we looked round. They did a demo on a large screen then we went out into the sunshine to give it a go. It was not as easy as they had made it look! I did eventually manage to get the hang of it. That is after the guy car round and said to forget one of the steps and do it a different way! I thought it was quite funny they would write the instructions then tell you to do a step differently! It took quite a while to do a piece about the size of a credit card. Once we were done we set off down the road towards where Christine was driving to pick us up. There was a craft fair in one of the near by towns so we headed for that. Christine went to get Margaret after dropping Jess and I off. There were so many good things people had made. It wasn't what I was expecting but it was cool to gather ideas from the stalls. I wasn't very controlled and did buy lots quite a few things. There was a free old school photo booth where you put silly hats on and pulled stupid faces. The pictures looked really cool. We grabbed some chips with a dip called aoli which is a really strong garlic flavour. I loved it as I love garlic! It closed around three and by that time I was spent up and had been round twice. We headed home and Christine and I watched tv and chilled for a bit before going shopping for food. After dinner we watched a film called the castle. It was one Jenita had been quoting in Vanuatu, saying "that's going straight to the pool room!". It was a funny film I recommend it! I nipped on the computer and mum was on skype so we chatted for a while until it got late and I went to bed.


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Day 131 Weta Cave

Christine had a brunch with her friends for their mums birthday. She dropped me off at Weta Cave for the morning. It is the company that did the lord of the rings films and many others special fx, including master and commander and avatar. It was a really small shop and even smaller museum! I watched a video of how they began which was quite interesting. When I came out the shop was packed, standing room only! They had a digital drawing demo on for the Easter weekend. I stood and watched for a while it was crazy the picture looked so good I could never do that on a computer! I got a leaflet that said they were doing chain-mail classes the next day. I really want to learn how to make chain-mail! Once I had gotten bored of the demo and looked at the closet size museum I walked down the street to meet Christine. We went to her friends house for birthday cake. I chatted to people who traveled too. The cake was nice. We were the last ones to leave and headed home. It was a nice day the sun was shining so Christine mowed the lawn while I did some washing and attempted to make a variation on the bracelet we had woven in Vanuatu, using ribbon and a wooden bangle. I have to say I was vet impressed with myself! It looked really good and was not that hard! It only made me want to make more things!! We cooked tea and sat down to watch master chef then a film. I text Jessie to see if she wanted to go make chain mail in the morning. She said yes and so we arranged to pick get up. Then to bed I was tired.


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