Holidays are so nice---especially when you are in NZ!

I have been told that I have been a bit slow about updating my blog. I need a secretary to come help me with my correspondence. Anyone keen on coming over to fill this spot! Seriously though I apologize about keeping you in suspense about my comings and goings! Mostly my life in Masterton is not very exciting---just normal everyday work! But after working my butt off for the last 2 months I finally got a 2 week break for Easter.
Easter weekend I traveled to Otaki (which is on the west coast of NZ) with Gwyn and her family to an Easter camp. This was basically a family camp on Easter weekend. It was fun to be back at a camp environment with Gwyn, since this where we first met and got to know one another. It was also fun seeing the kids enjoying the camp atmosphere. The theme of the weekend was Sherwood forest. One of the nights we all dressed up in costumes. There were plenty of Robin Hoods and Maid Marians running around, along with a few monks thrown in. They even did medieval dancing one night which I thoroughly enjoyed. The speaking team was a father and son who did a great job of pointing us to God and his Word. Very encouraging. It was a great way to start my time off.
On Monday I started my road trip up north. I was a bit nervous to drive on my own since I tend to get lost and I am still getting used to the idea of being on the "wrong" side of the road. But thankfully I did fine on my way up to Taupo which is in the middle of the North Island. Lake Taupo is the largest lake in NZ. It is 160 km around the lake. This was my first chance to stay in a hostel. It was a cool experience to be surrounded by travelers around the world. It made me realize that I am not the only one traveling around this beautiful country!
The next day I went to Huka Falls which is close by the town of Taupo. I also went on a jet boat. That was quite the rush. The boat goes up to 100kmh and then does a quick 360 degree turn. I was holding on for dear life! I ended up getting soaked. The driver was trying to get the Australian wet, but got me instead!
After that I went on a nice relaxing walk called Craters of the Moon to dry off. This is a spot where they have a lot of geothermal activity consisting of geyers, steam vents, and bubbling mud. It was like another world.
On Wednesday my friend from Masterton drove up to meet me in Taupo and we headed for the Tongariro Crossing. This is an all-day hike which is one the Great Walks in NZ. It is 19.4 kilometers long (equivalent to about 12 miles). We started at 8:30am and barely made it back to the bus before it took off at 4:30pm. This is an alpine hike so were above the trees most of the time. The reason the hike took us so long is that my friend convinced me to climb Mt Ngauruhoe (which is over 7,000 ft). This is the same friend from work who convinced me to climb Mt Holdsworth when I first entered the country. I am starting to wonder about her judgment! Anyways it was a beautiful hike, but I didn't have the energy to make it to the top. And I don't want to hear any of you comment that I am getting old! After making it back to town we enjoyed relaxing at the Taupo AC baths and sliding down the water slides. At least I still had the energy to do that!
On Thursday morning I went on my first sailboat on Lake Taupo. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. It was pretty cool. Next time I want to learn more how to actually sail the boat. This time I was content to just sit back and enjoy the ride!
After that I headed out of Taupo up to Rotorua to spend time with Heather Weldon. Heather and I used to work together at Providence. She moved to NZ a couple of years ago and has been enjoying the slower pace of life over here. She has continued to use her skills as an OB/GYN surgeon.
I was excited to find out that she has a place right on Lake Rotorua. It is a cute lake cabin which has been very relaxing. Yesterday I spent most of the day just relaxing at the cabin. I finally got out in the afternoon to go kayaking on Lake Tawawera. And then today I just went to a museum in town and then got an Aix massage. This comes from France and is a technique where they spray water on you as you get your massage. I highly recommend it---it was just what I needed after my long hike the other day!
Well it is getting late and my hosts are already sleeping, so I should probably get off my computer and get some rest. Tomorrow we are doing some more sightseeing in the area. There is so much to do in Rotorua---I just need some more vacation time!