After sheltering-in-place for three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with travel restrictions severely limiting our trailer camping excursions, the San Mateo Public Health Department eased up and we made our first trip this summer. Lassen Volcanic National Park was our destination; healthy forests, challenging peaks, and fascinating geology just a five hour drive from … Continue reading Lassen; the Under-Appreciated National Park
Swimming With Whales, Tonga Style
(Disclaimer: this post is not about an “electric travel” but what we experienced was certainly “electrifying”! So there.)There are only two places in the world that I am aware of where it is legal to get in the water with whales and you have a very good chance of seeing them up close underwater; in … Continue reading Swimming With Whales, Tonga Style
Why I Like New Zealand
To close out my series of posts about our three weeks on the North Island, here is my list of what I like about New Zealand, from the most fundamental to the “Oh that’s nice” experiences
To Kitekite Falls on a Manicured Track to Protect the Kauri
In the modern world of 7.7 billion humans, and growing, sometimes we have to make beautiful wild places slightly less wild to protect and preserve them for future generations to enjoy.
A Giant Dune and a Massive Tree
We started the day with a plan to hike the Te Henga Walkway along the coast near Bethell. And then of course, stuff happened...
Piha Beach Walking: Wind, Sand, and Surf
Surely this is one of the most scenic beaches in the world...
Hiking With the Kiwis in the Waitakere Ranges
No, we didn’t see any Kiwi birds, but we did have fortuitous encounter with a friendly bunch of Aucklanders at the start of the Comans Track.
Great Lake Trail: the W2K Track to the Headlands
The Great Lake Trail on the on the north shore of Lake Taupo is actually three different trails, two of which start in the small town of Kinloch.
To Huka Falls and Back to Otumuheke Hot Stream for a Geothermal Soak!
Having a soak in the Otumuheke Hot Stream, in Spa Park near downtown Taupo, was definitely on our list of things to do.
Huka Falls to the Aratiatia Rapids: the Power of Water!
Two very popular attractions in the Taupo area, Huka Falls and the Aratiatia Rapids, are both part of the longest river in New Zealand, the Waikato River. They are connected by the 7km Aratiatia Rapids Track. I found this description of the track to be very informative. That writer advises starting from the rapids end, which makes sense because … Continue reading Huka Falls to the Aratiatia Rapids: the Power of Water!
