Long Time, No See...

WOW! A long time since my last post, huh! New Zealand has its share of modern amenities, but broadband Internet connections in farm country isn't necessarily one of them. Getting back closer to a city or large town has its advantages, although the beauty of the rural areas is a sight to see.

Mt. Egmont. or Mt. Taraniki (depending on who you are and what you were brought up saying - I prefer Mt. Taranaki) is a dorment volcano on the west coast of central North Island. It is one that Sir Edmond Hillary braved and you are only allowed to the peak with proper support and equipment. We had a short bush tramp near its base, but forgot our ropes and carribeeners, so we didn't brave the slopes.

I was treated to a visit to a Marae nearby and was welcomed by Wendy, a friend I had meet a week and a half before during my visit to Auntie Olive's traditional Maori healing school near Wanganui. It was nice to see her familiar and smiling face and to meet the elders who had come there for her mirimiri healing.

A little further on down the line, we had a moment to wander around the observation area at the Te Apiti Wind Farm where the energy harnessed by the wind supplies electricity to the Manawatu region. The "wing span" of the turbines is said to be larger than a 747 airplane and makes an impressive whoosh as it spins.

Yesterday, I got on a horse for the first time in about 15 years and I am paying for it today! It was fun though and gave a new perspective on the area from horseback. Pete, my pony, was a slow-poke at first, but eventually got to a trot to play catch-up to the other horsies.