From cyclones to volcanoes...
But first, I wish I could say that living out of a camper/van was Mel's idea but I recall suggesting, "Think about it. No booking hotels for two weeks and no packing or unpacking." Go know we would be living in the space of a typical van with a bouffant hair-do. Actually, it is true - there is no need to pack or unpack, which is a big advantage being on the road. But, the camper/van makes for mighty tight quarters. It does, however, provide us a lot of flexibility in deciding where to stop for the night.
We spent our first few days in the area known as the Northlands. Actually, the Northlands are closer to the equator so the climate is more tropical. We drove from the Tasman Ocean on the west to the Pacific on the east (that too sounds strange, doesn't it?). The woods are a mix of typical evergreens, etc., with a huge concentration of palm trees, Norfolk Island Pines and other tropical plants like Century Plants and Yukkas. We spent our time in the Bay of Islands and took an all-day cruise around the islands looking for dolphins. No luck.
Yesterday, we drove back down through Auckland to the center of the north island. The further south we went, the more the palm trees began to disappear. Everywhere you go in New Zealand, there is a view of mountains or you are in the mountains. If not mountains, than lots of big hills. The camper/van is "life in the slow lane" (literally).
New Zealand is part of the Pacific countries known as the "ring of fire." It contains still-active volcanoes and that's where we are now... in volcano land. We are near a lake named Taupo which was created in 186 AD from an explosion that is believed to have darkened skies and caused blood-red sunsets as far away as Italy and China. The lake fills several of the craters carved by the erruption. It is the country's largest. We are heading for a national park that contains three active volcanoes. Mount Ruapehu last errupted in 1995 and again in 1996. We plan to take a ski lift up Mount Ruapehu (yes, they still ski on the mountain) and hike near the top. Much of "Lord of the Rings" was filmed there.
Incidentally, NZ is incredibly environmentally conscientious. Every campground recyles. Toilets have two levels of flushing and in many places, lights are not left on all day but go on automatically when a door is opened.
Still fighting the crud. It appears to be winding down. Love to all.
Janet
We spent our first few days in the area known as the Northlands. Actually, the Northlands are closer to the equator so the climate is more tropical. We drove from the Tasman Ocean on the west to the Pacific on the east (that too sounds strange, doesn't it?). The woods are a mix of typical evergreens, etc., with a huge concentration of palm trees, Norfolk Island Pines and other tropical plants like Century Plants and Yukkas. We spent our time in the Bay of Islands and took an all-day cruise around the islands looking for dolphins. No luck.
Yesterday, we drove back down through Auckland to the center of the north island. The further south we went, the more the palm trees began to disappear. Everywhere you go in New Zealand, there is a view of mountains or you are in the mountains. If not mountains, than lots of big hills. The camper/van is "life in the slow lane" (literally).
New Zealand is part of the Pacific countries known as the "ring of fire." It contains still-active volcanoes and that's where we are now... in volcano land. We are near a lake named Taupo which was created in 186 AD from an explosion that is believed to have darkened skies and caused blood-red sunsets as far away as Italy and China. The lake fills several of the craters carved by the erruption. It is the country's largest. We are heading for a national park that contains three active volcanoes. Mount Ruapehu last errupted in 1995 and again in 1996. We plan to take a ski lift up Mount Ruapehu (yes, they still ski on the mountain) and hike near the top. Much of "Lord of the Rings" was filmed there.
Incidentally, NZ is incredibly environmentally conscientious. Every campground recyles. Toilets have two levels of flushing and in many places, lights are not left on all day but go on automatically when a door is opened.
Still fighting the crud. It appears to be winding down. Love to all.
Janet
posted by Mel and Janet Muchnik | 1:24 AM
3 Comments:
Janet and Mel, it sounds like you’re doing a world tour of potential natural disasters, including any that might come from being cooped up in a van! I’ve been following the blog with great interest, and have heard Michele and Paula commenting about it in the halls here at GSU. It does sound like you’re having a grand time. Stay well. And when you’re around volcanoes, be sure to wear a hat.
Dan
Weasels! Love the trip; can't wait to see the pictures. I enjoy reading not only your postings, but everyone's comments as well. This is a wonderful way to communicate. We are glad to hear that you are safe (for now). So, cyclones and volcanoes! What's next? Landslides? Keep away from the edge!
Something about your comments regarding you luxury accodations makes me think of two cats in a sack!! Right now this cat would like to be in that sack. Sally
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