Taupo

Had a long hike down to Taupo West Vodafone site today, Lou went to her friends, but Kieran and mum came with me. Again, bit overcast, but still a nice drive through some rugged countryside. After some fishcake and chips on the way at Tokoroa, headed into the wilderness.

With Jan as my navigator it was a bit easier - missed it completely last time I went there - missed it again this time too but we soon realised our mistake. Turned round and made our way up the hill, into the bush line and through an overgrown track up to site. Was a bit hairy to start with, initially thought we wouldn't be able to make it but we barged our way through.

There was a disused forestry lookout at the top of the hill, and the view from the balcony overlooking Lake Taupo was breathtaking, we all stood there for a good 15 minutes just drinking in the view. Poor Paddy got a load of sticky seed things stuck on his fur so he was locked in the van. It was very hot though, with the temperatures touching 30 degrees again, so it was probably best that he was in the shade.

After we returned to the lane I gave Kieran the chance to drive the 4WD. He did really well, taking it about a kilometre with only a little bit of assistance from Jan on some of the difficult gear changes.