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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Tuesday 6 December 2022

Question was, would I fit!

 5th December

Today three things were planned, First to do a tree top walk at Redwood, second go to the Okere Falls and third to explore Rotorua. No booking was necessary at Redwood, just turn up, pay the $37 each which included the night time walk, and wear sensible shoes. We had to be able to walk swing bridges for 600 meters, there would be no going back, and of course not be afraid of heights. Hardly a soul about at 9 am, we had the place to ourselves, lovely because we could take our time

Loads of cars parked but not for the tree walk.


We were not quite the only ones on the swing bridge. Maintenance men, swinging from their harness and repairing the pop rivets.



Oh, and there was a good view of the Toy's top. All looked to be okay.

Took about an hour to get around the treetop walk, and then it was off to the falls, back along the SH30 for about 30 km. Didn't quite realise it was that far back otherwise we probably would have done it yesterday before going into Rotorua.  We also hadn't realised that three falls were in the vicinity. two within walking distance of each other and the third a short drive up the road.

Tutae Falls

Okere Falls

Trout Pool Falls


A cave was by Tutea Falls, one that could get you to another viewing platform. Only trouble, we didn't take a torch. I took photos using flash to make sure there were no hidden holes, the roofline was low, very low and when I saw what I would have to crawl through, I did wonder if I would fit!



No problem for Ian

A tight squeeze indeed.

 Always steps whenever we go waterfall hunting. This time I counted 340. Some were ridiculously high, Clambering down wasn't too bad but going back up....I needed a hoist! At Trout Pool Falls I wanted to follow a track to see if I could find any Trout. Ian stayed behind, thought I was mad, actually he was right! Anyway when the track fell away sharply I decided it wasn't for me after all,

 So back to Rotorua we went. Stopped at Sulphur Point and yes it did stink of rotten eggs. but hardly a boiling mud pool to be seen, boiling water yes but even that was few and far between. I know it's been 5 years since we were here last, but it makes me wonder what has happened during that time for the mud pools to disappear.





 

Found a pool venting steam at last.

We decided to walk into town, go visit the souvenir shops. Ian wanted to replace his hook necklace, It is believed to bring prosperity, good health and safe travel across water, very fitting considering our lifestyle


.A Christmas tree stood in the heart of the town, the first we have seen in North Island.


 And this is the museum of Rotorua, magnificent. Shame it wasn't open.

 

I don't think I fancy eating here

Check out the pigeons!

And this seen at the treetop walk

Off to see the treetop lights tonight. Starts at 8.30 pm, hope its a good show.

And wildlife




4 comments:

Jenny said...

If you are heading south via Taupo, Craters of the Moon at Wairake is well work a stop. It used to be free, but I believe it now has a small charge.

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Thanks, Jenny, as we are now strapped for time (the ferry crossing to South Island is on the 12th, and we want to revisit Marilyn and David before we go) we have decided against it. Xx

Dave Gibb said...

The lack of the sulphur smell was probably because of a lack of rain, when I lived in Rotorua we always knew when rain was coming because the sulphur smell was really strong, probably the same reason the mudpools have dried up.... It always seemed that if it was fine elsewhere in NZ it would be raining in Rotorua and if there was rain all around NZ then it would be dry in Rotorua!! It seemed that if it hadn't rained for three weeks around the place then the farmers would be crying for drought relief...

PS Glad you get the inverter sorted... When you get nearer Christchurch we will try to meet up...

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

That could explain it Dave, thanks.

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