Wonderland

This is our 1 year anniversary since leaving the states and starting our Great Adventure around the world. The past year has been an amazing experience. It’s hard to believe year 2 can be as wonderful. Guess we’ll find out!

After a quick overnight in Wellington, it’s a nice sunny day for a drive. A quick stop at Annie's Bakery for coffee and a goodie and we're back to dairy country, honey farms, more mountains, countryside and beaches. We are heading toward New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland near Taupo and Rotorua with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in.

Part of The Ring of Fire that circles the Pacific Ocean, NZ is home to a healthy amount of volcanic/geothermal activity. The Māori used geothermal energy for heating, cooking and therapeutic purposes. European settlers discovered the charm and healing benefits of these warm, mineral rich thermal springs. Several "health spas" were set up in the Rotorua area from about 1870. The main use of geothermal energy in New Zealand today is to produce electricity, providing around 17% of the country's electricity.

Rather than being pampered at one of the deluxe spas, we were looking for a more natural experience. We were quite happy to find several free walks along bubbling mud pools and boiling ponds – and some uncrowded places to take a dip in crystal-clear waters perfectly heated by nature along with a superb massage provided by current or small waterfalls to relax those tense muscles or even to just soak our feet in. Wish this was in my back yard!

We were at the right place at the right time to watch the fastest boats on water compete at the New Zealand Powerboat Champion Races on Lake Taupo. Sparkling Lake Taupo is the largest freshwater lake in Australasia (Australia, New Zealand and some neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean). It is roughly the size of Singapore and is the crater of one of the largest volcanic eruptions earth has seen in the last 5000 years. Also known as the great inland sea of New Zealand, it is the perfect place for these fast boats to compete.

Another purpose of our adventure around the world is to find great craft breweries. Found another good one, Good Geprge, making good beer and good use of an old church building.

I think our general health and happiness has improved here.
XOXOXOXO
Gma & Gpa