Catching up

The recap continues as we left Kinloch Country Lodge, our fantastic hosts the Browns sent us on our way and advised that our next destination was a 6 hour drive. At 9 AM we were on our way but first a stop at Arakei Korako, a thermal area which is a good respresentation of the volcanic hot spots on the North Island. The most visited of these is Rotorua, an area we were unable to visit due to time restraints, so Arakei Korako was a good substitute. Down a winding narrow road with sheep grazing in the meadows lies a hidden valley and the a thermal wonderland called Arakei Korako. The steaming mud pools and geysers are on the opposite side of a small lake which is accessed by small boat. Visitors are dropped off and allowed to spend as much time as needed to fully experience this natural wonder. When a return trip across the lake is needed, simply press what looks to be a door bell and the boat is summoned.
for return to the mainland. Arakei Korako is a compact version of Rotorua. As one steps from the boat steaming hillsides create an otherworldly effect. Bubbling pools of mud, silica formations, geysers, colorful mineral pools that steam. are all around. The smell isn't nearly as noxious as Yellowtone. We spent about 2 hours and then set off for Wellington which took a full 6 hours. Our hillside B&B was built in 1906 and was beautiful. Our hosts could not have been nicer. Pam and Peter Churchman have four children with only one left in the nest. We had a room with a beautiful view of the harbor and the use of a kitchen. Exhausted we opted for an abbreviated Miller Time -no hors d'euvres. Then it was off for dinner. The Big Fella had a hankering for a steak and boy did we find the spot for him. Grands was the name of the restaurant and his steak was that and more. The rib eye that he ordered was one kilo in weight and was big enough to feed a large family and a few of the neighbors. Yes, there were left overs enough for a couple of sandwiches and Miller Time. Tastey. My small steak came on a hot stone which allowed me to grill it to my liking -which I did and I ate the whole thing. The Batie brothers never miss an opportunity to have ice cream and this time was no different. I know you are thinking where did they find the room in their tummies for ice cream after that enormous meal. There is always room for ice cream. Whoa this is a long paragraph.