Our Anniversary Trip was winding down. But I did have time for a little shopping therapy. Not much really, I was after some cream wide backing for a project nearing completion, and while there picked up two half yard cuts of pink and green fabric for my daughter’s upcoming big birthday quilt. Nicky doesn't like “bright – in your face” types of colours so I found a couple of muted shades for her.
Holiday fabric purchases
You know you have arrived in Rotorua when that “rotten egg sulphur smell” hits your nose. Not all the time, just here and there to catch you off guard. Rotorua is known for the smell, thermal activity, Maori entertainment, plenty of activities and dining places, hot pools and lakes. Believe it or not, there are 18 lakes dotted around the area, with Lake Rotorua on the doorstep.
Our last full day in Rotorua turned out to be a bit of a fizzer, so we had to go with Plan B. Originally, we had planned to visit the Buried Village, a place we had enjoyed 40 years ago on our honeymoon trip. However, when we arrived at the gates, we discovered that this attraction was closed in the beginning of the week. Such a shame – it tells the story of Mount Tarawera erupting in 1886. Over four frightening hours, rocks, ash and mud rained down on the Maori village of Te Wairoa, covering the village with two metres of thick volcanic material. The eruption also destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces. Hopefully, we can visit here on a future trip to Rotorua.
We’ll try again next time
Our Plan B was to visit a few more of the lakes in Rotorua. The Blue Lake and the Green Lake are side by side, separated by a small isthmus, which had a very convenient lookout spot. The Blue Lake, Tikitapu, is named as the place where the daughter of a chief lost her sacred greenstone neck ornament. The lake water appears turquoise blue when seen from above due to the reflection of white rhyolite and pumice on the lake bottom.
The Blue Lake, Tikitapu
The Green Lake, Rotokakahi, is named after the shellfish, kakahi, and appears to be emerald green when seen from above, due to its shallow, sandy bottom. Privately owned by the local Iwi, this lake is sacred, and no swimming, boating or fishing is allowed.
The Green Lake, Rotokakahi
There was one more lake further up the road to visit, Lake Tarawera. You can just make out the flat topped mountain in the background. That is Mt Tarawera which blew it’s top back in 1886 and caused such devastation. The lake was calm, and boat rides are available across the lake in the weekends.
Lake Tarawera
We headed back into town to find somewhere for lunch. Our original plan was to eat at the Buried Village Café, but that didn't happen as the whole complex was closed. Never mind, we found an alternative and enjoyed a burger for him and rosti and smoked salmon for her.
Cafe lunch
And it wouldn't be a holiday if we didn't get the laundry up to date. Round and round and round it went. I must admit that this is the first laundromat we have been to on our travels where we were the only customers, usually these places are full of customers.
It’s that time again
The only hand work I had taken away with me to do was my navy cardigan/jacket. I picked up the stitches around the neck to make the shawl collar, using those new fangled to me circular needles. Thinking I knew better, I didn’t count the stitches as I picked them up and then knitted several rows before deciding to check. Oh dear, much too many stitches! So they got unraveled and I started again.
Knitting the collar
We spent our two week honeymoon here in Rotorua way back in 1983 at what was known as Post Office Cottages, in reality, a block of single story flats. Robin worked at the Post Office at the time and this holiday accommodation was available to staff members at a very reasonable price. He could remember what street they were in, but after driving up and down, we just couldn't find them. Mind you, the flats weren't new 40 years ago, so we imagine they had been demolished and something else built on the site. Never mind, it was worth a try.
Our Anniversary Trip is over, and we had a wonderful time. It was an easy trip home, spreading it over a couple of days. Robin’s knee behaved really well, we weren't quite sure how he would cope with all that driving on the long trip. The weather was quite mixed, there were a few nice days, but we certainly had our share of wind and rain. Gemma seemed to enjoy her time away too. The campers next to us saw we had a Birman and were very keen to see her. They had four Birmans at home!
Gemma in the caravan
6 comments:
Gemma is always up for an adventure! Beautiful blue sweater you are making! Reliving your honeymoon is a fun way to celebrate your special anniversary. Gail at the cozy quilter
I’ve enjoyed reading about your anniversary trip. I’m sure you have many wonderful memories of your first visit there as a couple. Happy Anniversary!
sounds like you have been having a great trip - that scenery you are sharing is so pretty!!
You had a lovely Anniversary trip I see. Very romantic going back to where your honeymoon took place.
God bless.
The road out to Lake Tarawera, I could not begin to add up the times we drove from the end of Spencer Road into Rotorua to work, maybe 2000 over the years.!!! or take the girls to school events, Something magical about that view when you first see the water. The Blue Lake has many summer events held there, one year we watched water ski championships? from memory.What a great time for you to have those memories and celebrate all over again.And the Post Office cottages, guess they were past repair, and now the motel mile has emerged.!!!
Well you have another reason to go back for another holiday
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