Planning some tramps...

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Well, before I set off into the wide blue yonder again, I thought I'd better put a few photos on....
Christmas was very nice on Great Barrier Island. Just a few people on the campsite and friendly locals to make it even more special.

Met up with Mum and Dad on Dec 29th in Auckland (tearfully at the airport!) and we spent time out on the coast (black sand beaches etc) and then headed on down to Rotorua, Taupo, Napier and Wellington. The thermal areas and the buried village were really interesting - we did spend nearly an hour waiting for the big geyser to 'go' only to discover that it had been going all along!
I think they got the ferry across to Picton OK this morning....

So I'm off to the car auction tomorrow evening and then I will hit the road on Friday I hope. Lake Waikeromoana is the first tramp I will go for then Tongariro (the circuit rather than just the crossing?). I need to get walking soon!

Thanks for lots of Christmas and New Year wishes.
take care and bye for now
Hx

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Photos

Kate
even more glamorous than usual - gone blonde!

In the Blue Mountains - Grand Canyon
looking like I'm in an episode of Star Trek?

Blue Mountains
Did a couple of good daywalks - spectacular views and a storm.
Katoomba v friendly and great vegetarian cafe.

At the Domain - with Maria and friends
Christmas carols in the Domain with Maria and several of her friends and family. Finally felt some Christmas spirit!

The Barrier
Lovely coastal walk on 23rd December before I was subdued by a throat infection. Still good company and kind hospitality made it a very special time.

Great Barrier Island views
Didn't see a soul on this walk!

Beach by campsite
Spent a couple of nights up at Port Fitzroy. Braved at least one cold shower with one of the lovely Lush presents from Sally!

Stocking for Father Christmas
hoorah for Nic, Andrew and Lauren (workers for Santa)

And hoorah for Sally and Kate
plus Christmas tea from Fiona!

Christmas morning continued
not quite sure what Graham was up to here! Many thanks to Graham, Tessa, Katherine and Phil - especially for mince pies, crackers and the use of the chiller for my bubbly...

Port Fitzroy
Hauled myself up nearby hill to get some views

Gooseberry Flat
A quiet afternoon and evening back in Tryphena. And dinner cooked for me! All very much appreciated.

Mangroves not gooseberries
Maybe the people who named this place thought the green fruit of the mangroves looked a bit like gooseberries?

Rangitoto
Volcanic island of Rangitoto - also in the Hauraki Gulf. Island was created a few hundred years ago as a volcano erupted.

Mum and Dad
at the buried village outside Rotorua (Te Aroha I think)

Mum taking shots
Mum started her trip with two cameras - neither of which was working! Fortunately we sorted that out pretty quickly so she is now snapping away...