Tuesday 8th May

Catching up with my e-mails whilst stopping in Taupo. Beautiful sunny day, the water on the lake sparkling like so many diamonds... On my way to Napier to re-visit my friends Roger and Ros, who have a beautiful 1920s villa up on the hill overlooking the port. Excellent hosts the4se two!

Oh, I forgot to mention the Waitomo Caves. A two-hour walk through spectacular limestone caves with glow-worm colonies here and there. Part of the subterranean walk took us above a group of black-water rafters. Made me quite glad I decided NOT to take that particular trip: the underwater river is very turbulent and you get absolutely soaked! Simon, you'd have LOVED it!!!

Last Sunday was one of the less brilliant days as I drove from New Plymouth all round the west coast bulge of Mt Taranaki in driving rain. Could'nt even see the mountain!