There's really not alot to tell of this here day BUT, I like to put an entry in for each place because it makes a wee dot on the map and that's COOL. We had a long drive to River Valley from Taupo. We drove through Tongariro National Park so it was great to just sit back, relax and take in the sites. Seen the line of three famous volcanoes, one of which is the well known Mount Doom which is still active. It was a bit of a shame the clouds were big and elaborately fluffy and low so we couldn't see it in all it's glory but appreciated it nontheless. We stoppped for a walk to Gollums Pool...supposedly. Sometimes I wonder if the Kiwi Experience is taking the piss out of the gullible, naive tourists. It was a beautiful little spot at the side of a river...but it rang no bells with anyone. I'm no fanatic but I thought his pool was in a dark cave. This was bright and airy...didn't seem like a pace creepy Gollum would reside. Anyway, some fo the boys went for a swim, the rivers were like rapids and we nearly lost a few but boringly, they all made it back intact. Stopped at a little village which had a museum about the park, alright. Headed from here into River Valley. Wyndy wyndy roads. Big valley. Very hippy like little lodge in the middle of nothingness. Seemed to be encouraging the free love attitude with dorms of just 20 matresses laid out in a row, no locks on anything, communal showers with daringly low partitions. Like, you could see everyones heads at least and if you're tall, maybe a nipple. Tiny shacks as outdoor loos. Arrived there late afternoon and Rhona and I went for a stroll. Almost got attacked by this mentalist rogue sheep. Beautiful evening, watched the sunset behind the hills of the valley. Made some dinner and everyone got involved in happy hour at the bar and played some card games and such. Nothing much else to get up to. Nice to relax.

Kate xxx