28th Nov 2010 - A First Encounter with Boiling Mud
From Taumarunui to Turangi - pretty much exactly 40 miles. Got going ok at about 10.15am and set off speedily. My map didn't show that there is a fair old col, or saddle, between Taumarunui and Turangi - after a few kms our speed slowed considerably and we sweated our way uphill in blazing heat with, in my case, a steady drip of sweat into my eyes from my 'does not drip into the eyes' sun lotion. It culminates in some fine views at the Waituhi Lookout. You can see Mt Ngauruhoe from the high parts of the road - used as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings film. That is the one with snow on. Wonderful downhill, followed by a few kms until we came to Tokaanu Hot Springs. At Tokaanu Hot Spring it was $6 each to lie in hot water... This is very pleasant after being soaked in sweat on the hills in high temperatures (we showered before we got in - otherwise the pool would have been a slick of sun lotion, sweat and the various insects that collect on the passing cyclist. We also did a little walk that takes you past opalescent boiling water, hot bubbling mud and brightly coloured algae growing on high temperature sludge. Impressive. Finally to Turangi where we hauled up at the Riverstone Backpackers, $30 each for a bed in a dorm, which is ok and all the more so since it's a green and friendly place with a small garden and, urgently needed, a washing machine.
From Taumarunui to Turangi - pretty much exactly 40 miles. Got going ok at about 10.15am and set off speedily. My map didn't show that there is a fair old col, or saddle, between Taumarunui and Turangi - after a few kms our speed slowed considerably and we sweated our way uphill in blazing heat with, in my case, a steady drip of sweat into my eyes from my 'does not drip into the eyes' sun lotion. It culminates in some fine views at the Waituhi Lookout. You can see Mt Ngauruhoe from the high parts of the road - used as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings film. That is the one with snow on. Wonderful downhill, followed by a few kms until we came to Tokaanu Hot Springs.
At Tokaanu Hot Spring it was $6 each to lie in hot water... This is very pleasant after being soaked in sweat on the hills in high temperatures (we showered before we got in - otherwise the pool would have been a slick of sun lotion, sweat and the various insects that collect on the passing cyclist. We also did a little walk that takes you past opalescent boiling water, hot bubbling mud and brightly coloured algae growing on high temperature sludge. Impressive. Finally to Turangi where we hauled up at the Riverstone Backpackers, $30 each for a bed in a dorm, which is ok and all the more so since it's a green and friendly place with a small garden and, urgently needed, a washing machine.