10.02.2020 Feast or famine....

Well yesterday's blog was definitely the feast and today's, readers, I am afraid it's the famine! A beastie from Craters of the Moon must not have liked my "underwhelmed" comment from yesterday as he bit me - actually felt it when it happened. Despite immediate attention with Anthisan I ended up with a raging red swollen area which is at least 4 inches in diameter and very painful. Kept me awake most of the night watching the full moon for what seemed like hours. So I have had an easy day today with a visit to the pharmacy who's given me something to reduce the swelling and the pain. Still managed to get the old steamer out this afternoon to see the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings which were completed in 1989. The main carving which is one that looks like it's something out of "indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom" is Ngatoroirangi was a great and powerful high priestess and the surrounding smaller sculptures surrounding it depict tapuna (ancestors) and kaitaki (guardians) - all very important to the history of the local Maori tribe.. The sculptures are only accessible by water and the trip also allowed me to get a bit more up close with the mountains in the distance.

Well it was going to have to be very good to beat yesterday wasn't it? Moving on from Lake Taupo tomorrow morning. Heading for those mountains - Ruapehu and the Tongarino National Park for a bit of walking I hope. I'm not going to attempt the Tongarino Alpine Crossing which is around 20kms and goes past two active volcanoes, gianta lava fields, a bright red crater and emerald green lakes - sorry folks. - I know my limits. But believe that there will be plenty of other walks to keep me busy.

Not sure when you will get the next update but will let you know in the usual way.

Just hope I spend the night watching the moon again:):)