Around Taupo
Trip Start
Nov 04, 2007
1
10
32
Trip End
Dec 06, 2007
Taupo,
New Zealand
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
On every holiday there is a point beyond which no human being can be expected to endure. Of course, that point is then passed and left 200km behind as you writhe in agony sliding uncontrollably but inexorably towards the conclusion of the journey. You come through it battle scarred: wounded. But you come through it. Perhaps today was that day. Let's hope not. The catalyst was so insignificant. But perhaps that is the point of a catalyst: a small spark can burn fiercely. Or something like that.
It all started innocently enough. A morning of washing and screaming kids.
Then after a lunch in the town, we headed over to the Craters of the moon walk. The guidebook says it is free but don't be fooled. Apparently, the number of break-ins in the carpark has necessitated a cover-charge to 'watch the vehicle'
The jumping pillow
. But it is a per person cover charge, including children, and applies even if you don't have a car. Now don't get me wrong: I don't object to paying for things, but if the stated rationale is faulty, it just gets my goat.Well, there was lots of steam coming from the ground and one pool of bubbling mud. A bit depressing for $10 and an hour and a half of my time. But I don't want to sound too down about it. Maybe it is just with the perspective of hindsight and what happened next that it feels a bit off.
After finishing the craters, we had five minutes to make it to the releasing of the Ariatiati rapids from the pond at 4pm. We made it - it certainly was a good show.
From there, we back-tracked to Huka falls, where we enjoyed a good show of more water going downhill quickly.
Soon it was time for dinner and we enjoyed it immensely in the common kitchen. Gavin showed Yasmin how to use a bottle opener, but unfortunately this led to a smashed bottle. As Deb was getting the cleaning equipment, Gavin entertained the kids to ensure they didn't sit in glass, as it was feared Mckayla might find this initially appealing and/or amusing. However, some smart alec arrived and asked if anyone was going to clean that up. Numerous retorts instantly sprang to mind - the best of which was 'I'm just preparing to lick it up, but I couldn't find the sauce'. However, a simple 'yes' was all that escaped from the lips.
But not even this could prepare us for the drama that unfolded as it was discovered that Mckayla's Little PeopleŽ pussy cat had gone missing. Deb spent two hours looking for it - and is still wondering if she's checked the engine housing enough times. This could be the moment when the handle comes off and the holiday goes to hell in a hand basket. The pussy cat is gone. Do you understand the significance? I don't. More tomorrow. We might even go and buy a replacement. But stay tuned. I will let you know every detail of the purchase if we do.
