Taupo tidbit

That's me in the hot springs, next to the gentleman with the camera around his neck.

It seems that I may become a bit of an alliteration whore -- at least until something more interesting comes along.

We arrived in Taupo last night after another beautiful bus ride - the hillsides were polka dotted (with sheep) and the scenery got more breathtaking with each passing kilometer (I'm trying to acclimate myself to the culture here people). We arrived from the north just before sunset and the view was (to sound like myself) totally awesome. The lake streches out before you (well me you silly Americans) with mountains behind and to the right and the town to the left and just in front of the lake. Words really don't do it justice, but I try. (Sidebar - it seems that posting photos will be a bit of a challenge, since many of the hostels and internet cafes dont allow you to upload/download/whatever it is.)

Today we went for a walk just outside of town to a hot springs (thankfully not smelling like sulfur, a nice change of pace) which I got in. It's hard to believe that it's fall here. anywho, the springs were quite nice - hot tub hot and river cold at the same time, with the cold water at the bottom and the hot water wherever the bubbles were/passed thru.

We're off to Turangi this afternoon and the Tongariro national forest tomorrow - it's supposed to be lovely and surreal at the same time - it's the place where Frodo and Gollum fell into Mt Doom (oh yeah those LOTR references are just going to keep coming). then we're off to Wellington and to the south island.

More later (unless the worst happens, let's hope not)