Rob near 'Mount Doom' from Lord of the Rings on the crossing - this is where they filmed many of the Mordor scenes
Me at the lip of the red crater - this is a very 'live' mountain - there is thermal activity everywhere - just to my left and out of the shot is a whole series of smoking holes letting out sulphuric fumes - signs of the volcanic activity not far from the earth's surface. Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mount Doom) even had an eruption in September 2007.
The Emerald Lakes.
Spectacular, stark scenery in this volcanic landscape - not much grows near a volcano!
Me and Rob in the stinky mud baths at Hell's Gate - one of Rotorua's most active thermal areas. The sulphur from the mud smells like rotten eggs - the whole town is saturated in the stench - there are fuming gas puddles everywhere
The world is a marvelous place - so many wonderful things to discover. Next trip? Probably back to New Zealand - the South Island - to walk in the mountains there. They are truly awe-inspiring.
Okay, Zoe, I want to hear more about the mud baths! Ha! There must be an enticing benefit to get you in there!
ReplyDeleteLoved your upgrade experience, especially that it was Rob who realized it! Reminds me of my dirth paths and gravel drive desire. lol
Hi Jeannette
ReplyDeleteThe mud baths claimed all sorts of healing properties - helping with arthritis, rheumatism, etc. Also - some of hte local wise Maori men used to bathe in the very hot pools (up to 60Celcius - body temp is 37Celcius for all those Farenhiet users) because he claimed it helped him with his clairvoyance.
The mud was pretty suffused with all sorts of minerals, coming straight as it did from the earth's belly - lots of magnesium.
It was pretty slippery and slimy, but a very cool experience!
Z