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| Huka Falls passes an incredible volume of water through a narrow channel, generating huge amounts of energy for the local power plant. And it's pretty! |
| Erin's Journal 01-16-03 New Zealand Today we left Turangi early, as we wanted to get our stuff moved into our new hostel before our kayaking appointment in Taupo. The drive up to Taupo was a short one, mostly bordering the huge lake, with pretty views. The weather was even better than the day before, and we were both anticipating a great kayaking session. We checked into the Sunset Hostel just outside of town, and were less than impressed. It was very small, not in itself a problem, but there was no room in the fridge for anyone new (we shoved, and made room), and the kitchen smelled BAD. Oh well, just one night. So we left our bags in our room, put on our bathing suits, and headed into Taupo a little early to grab lunch and a waterproof camera. Both tasks were easily accomplished, and we met our guide for the kayaking right on time. There was a group of about 10 of us, and 3 company employees, and we rode down to the boat launch in a friendly tight group in the van. When we arrived, they handed out boat skirts (to keep most of the water out of the kayak) and life vests (for those who freak when dunked, like me), then gave a quick demo on proper paddling. We loaded into our 2-man kayaks, with me in control of our boat due to the short leg-room in the back, to Glenn's nervous comments that it would be good for him to practice letting me be in charge sometimes. Doesn't he realize, I'm always in charge in the background??! We had a wonderful time on the lake. The day was clear and sunny, warm enough that the little splashes from the paddles didn't chill us, and calm enough that the waves were easygoing and fun rather than boat-flipping. We paddled about 45 minutes around a small section of bays before arriving at the carvings, where we were disappointed to learn that the Maori cave-etchings were done in 1979, rather than an authentic 'hundreds of years ago!' Oh well, they still looked pretty cool! The 2 kayak guides in their single kayaks took turns giving information about what each of the depictions meant to the Maori, but soon we had to get out of the way for a bigger boat coming in to show more tourists the stuff. We paddled to a nearby strand of beach and took 'afternoon tea.' After tea and cookies, most people went for a quick swim, but I heard how cold the water was (and felt), and just waded in to hip-level to watch the baby fish in the shallow, amazingly clear water. I even stumped one of the guides, as I identified 2 types of little fishies, when I'd already asked him if there were more than just trout in the lake (he'd said a big NO, so what were the little black ones then?) Anyway, it was a nice interlude, and we went back for more cave etching explanations before heading slowly back to the bay where we'd loaded. I think Glenn was a little disappointed that a 4-hour trip only included about 2 hours of actual paddling, but I was tired when we got back. We drove back to the hostel and cleaned up before thinking about dinner, and took the advice of the hostel proprietor about where to go for a good, reasonable meal. He had good advice, and we ate at the Mole & Chicken restaurant. The outside terrace was a little cool at 7:30pm, but still very nice for a meal of seafood and salads. We even shared a chocolate & Kahlua mousse cake for dessert! Then we ran on into town and did our email duties for an hour before heading to the hostel and straight to bed! Tired! |