The rain almost stopped me from going to hot water beach - I was just so tired and full after dinner that going out in the pouring rain seemed completely impossible. Instead, a bunch of us just bundled up in rain gear, rolled up our pants and got onto the bus. Rupa, one of the girls who I roomed with (Hahei Holiday Accomodations - stayed in a 4 person dorm, in this cabin taken entirely by our group) had one of those forehead lights - which was great as it was actually super dark when we got to the beach. Unfortunately, i forgot that my camera was dead, but some of the other girls also had their cameras, so it worked out ok It was an adventure getting out to the hot pools. We had to cross this cold and rocky stream that came up our calves go up on this sand ledge and then across a cold dark beach in the pouring rain. It was kinda fun though - and once we got there the water really was super hot - sometimes painfully so if the hole you were in got too deep, or if you even stood in the wrong spot. It was too cold outside to get totally wet, though apparently when the weather is nice, it's beautiful at night as houngan lie back and see the stars. And occasionally the freezing cold surf would roll in. The walk back was possibly even colder, but we made it back, and after showering and changing I had a really good sleep.
Right now, just sitting in the bus on the way to Raglan. Actually, just got back in to the bus after popping out to hug the twin Kauri trees. Perhaps not the smartest idea, as they're ginormous and wet. Hugging them is supposed to be lucky, and you also get to make a wish.
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That lemon drink was called L&P for Lemon and Paeroa. We just passed by the L&P Cafe in Paeroa, where I bought a bottle of sugar free ('but still sweet as' - something they say here a lot) L&P. Yum.
Also, what with the rain and then intermittent sunshine there are tones of rainbows around. Another hour till our next stop. Oh, and I'm quite enjoying Natalie's taste in music. Though I still play my own stuff when I'm trying to nap a bit (the first hour or so every morning).
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Another supermarket lunch - Im getting better at this self catering business I'm good again for dinner though - Natalie is turning our leftovers from yesterday into cottage pie.
Just finished a comparatively short walk to bridal veil falls - beautiful view from several Differet viewing platforms - one of which required climbing down (and then back up) about 250 steps. Bridal veil falls. 10 minute walk, followed by like 250 steps up and then down.
Natalie taught us to count to 10 on Maori - though strictly speaking I only really know seven - fetu - which were using to count off. She's been telling us some interesting Maori stories, and explaining what Maori names mean throughout. We just heard a cute one about how the kiwi lost its wings.
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In Raglan. Apparently free wifi at library - will try to post while I'm here.
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