…and so it was! Most folks went on the Tongariro 22km hike across the volcanic landscape. The early mist lifted for them and a fine time was had by all. A common theme is to re-name places, peaks, falls etc, after the Lord of the Rings or Hobbit characters and scenes from the films.
Which is all double Dutch to me having never seen the films nor read the books (Frank Herbert’s Dune and Asimov’s I Robot and Foundation novels were my choice). So my engagement, and desire to engage, with the conversation is limited.
“Fancy going with us to Gollum’s Pool? Short drive and a waterfall”. Gollum is a character – I think I prefer the tradition name Tawhai Falls. They are really pretty – the sound of kids jumping in (against the rules I suspect), laughing and having a great time, filled the air.
Annoyingly there were also people taking photographs – getting in the way of mine! Plenty of time though and rather than pose for Gollum selfies I preferred to just watch the mesmerising bubbling, gurgling, water churn along it’s blue cast way.
Back in town nothing was happening. Not even tumbleweed could be arsed to put a show on. Suited me fine as I wandered the deserted streets for the 10mins it took.
And then rest. Tomorrow we start a chunky stage of 4 days to Wellington which looks great fun.
Travelling reflections 