North Island Revisited

Yes, I'm back 'up North', making my way in a leisurely fashion up to Auckland for my flight to Sydney at the beginning of April. I've returned to Tongariro National Park, where I did my truly awesome snowy walk in December. Yesterday I walked from the eastern edge of the park to the western end, a track that took me seven hours and led between the bases of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. Hard going at first across desert - very soft sand, tiring in walking boots; but then through bush with rivers running through (lots of sparkling water over rocks, fabulous) - up to mountain lakes - picture 2 - (nice climb to stretch my legs!), past waterfalls and through beech forest. Didn't meet a soul for the first three hours, then very few thereafter. But why is the last half mile always the toughest? When I rule the world I'll make it a law that all walks have to end going downhill... Was very tired by that stage; not as fit as I like to imagine I am!
Since I last wrote, I've met up with Frank (picture 1) and caught up with his travel tales and plans for his forthcoming nuptials - all very exciting, it was great seeing him. I've stayed in a women's hostel in Christchurch, which was a bit like being back at my all girls' school, but very relaxing being able to wander around in underwear and watch girly videos.
I went to Hanmer Springs and thought it would be a laugh to walk up 'Comical Hill'. The joke was on me when I puffed up and around several very steep bends to the top and looked more closely - yes, it was 'Conical Hill'. Must get my eyes checked when I get home...
Went through a place called Crushington - what a fab name - almost as satisfying on the tongue as Glossop.
I've been to Cape Foulwind - shall I say it blew me away? Yes, no point in holding back on the naff jokes and changing the habits of a lifetime..!
Went back to Blenheim where I had the ninth visit to the cinema of my trip, to see 'Michael Clayton'. George Clooney just gets better... sigh...
Great trip across Cook Straits despite howling gale in both Picton and Wellington, and had a brilliant meal of local fish called 'tarakihi' in the evening in Paekakariki.
I have such trouble remembering the names of places here. People ask me 'where did you stay last night' and I say 'in a place south of here, by the sea and a river, beginning with W'. Then they try various guesses, as most places begin with W or Wh (or both - Wanganui can also be spelled Whanganui, in which case it is pronounced Fanganui) - I ask you, what chance do I have?
Another great bus driver yesterday took me to the start of my walk. We had dropped everyone else off to do the Tongariro Crossing, so had about an hour's drive. Another very knowledgable, interesting guy. In that hour we covered travel (of course), children and grandchildren, careers and relationships. Before you ask, Katye, he told me about his very strong marriage of 30 years - it was quite inspiring.
I'm heading off to Napier the day after tomorrow. Calamity had almost struck the other day when I was told that the cricket had sold out. But to my relief that wasn't true and I've got my five-day ticket (at the vast price of $NZ60 - about a fiver a day) and am all set to sit on the grass and cheer the boys on. I shall try and keep a low profile though, as I have been getting 'hate mail' from a few quarters regarding my obviously distracting relationship with Harmy. But hey, I did England a favour, right? They are obviously better without him! I'm looking forward to an exciting climax to the series, and hopefully making some new chums in the process. One hostel owner asked me (tongue in cheek) if I was having trouble getting accommodation, and advised me to change my accent...
Oh dear, my short blog just grew again like Topsy. Sorry, I'll do a nice short one next, promise! Bye for now...

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