1 October 2009

This morning we were up early, and ready for a day of skiing.

On check-out, we discussed with management the extra rate we had paid to have the room to ourselves, but infact didn't work out that way, so he gave us money back (which was good) and apologised for the mix-up.

We then hit the shop called 'Cool Runnings' where we hired our ski gear, and made our way up to the mountain.It was definitely a much better day on the slopes (as it had snowed overnight) and NO rain, to melt the snow.So you see - 'things do happen for a reason' hehe.I was going to get an hours ski lesson, but the price is just extortionate, so decided to take my chances, and blag my way - I mean 'how difficult can it be?'.

Andy has of course being skiing loads before, so gave me a few tips and the basic pointers, and off I went.It was great fun, but man was it tough work.After having quite a few goes on the beginners slope (and had gained some confidence), I made my way up to the 'Lower Mountain' which in actual fact isn't that 'Low' - however less difficult and steep than the 'Higher Mountain' - where all the pro's were.Though saying that there were a lot of 'experienced' skiers on the Lower Mountain.And plenty kids, with NO FEAR.I had to not only watch myself, but also the little daredevils, that just come bolting past you if not cutting you off - which caught me off guard a few times, and well, that was me - crashed down.I managed to almost do the perfect splits, before falling over again (that is a skill in itself I think).

They tell you, that to slow yourself down, you need to push your heels out.Well, this is true, but I was going extremely fast, and whilst trying to 'slow' myself down I lost balance, and just keeled forward.And with that my legs came flinging up behind me, and 'wack', my ski's hit me on the head.I sat there quietly for a while (though in my head, I was not that quiet) but did giggle afterwards, especially after feeling the massive lump it left on my head.

We spent the whole day up the mountain skiing.It was great fun, and like I say just as much hard work.By the end, visibility was slim, and the snowfall was getting heavier and heavier.

When we came down from the mountain the skys were lovely and clear.Andy drove me to the Chateau, where I got some amaising pictures.We then drove past Lake Taupo, on our way to Turangi (which is our next stop), which I could actually see this time (as it was raining so hard on our way to Ohakune).You just can't get over the sheer scale of Lake Taupo, it was beautiful.

Lake Taupo (NZ's largest lake) A vast water-filled crater that's a legacy of a Volcanic blast that trashed the Island and shook the world more than 26500 years ago.And the area is still active with Mt Raupehu exploding in 1995.It's all part of the geothermal thrill of the Taupo Volcanic zone, which stretches over to White Island and through Rotorua.

Once we had checked into our new home for the night.We made our way to Tokaanu Thermal Pools, which was great for the muscles, after our hard days work skiing.