Hello All,

Last night went well. I went back and cooked some Pasta, as I will tonight, ate it and read. I also showered,etc and did some review on Covey’s 8th Habit. Ohh also the people in my room weren’t bad. No one snored

Right now there are a bunch of mid teens outside making lots of noise. This seems to happen often in smaller NZ towns.

Got up this morning at 7:20 and had breakfast, etc. I was waiting for the call to tell me if my trip to White Island had been canceled or not. I went downstairs and waited for the call. Unfortunately it had.

So I left for the geysers/boiling mud park that was just over 2k out of town. I had forgotten that it is slightly tougher to walk in boots than shoes but soon adapted.

I got to the park and realized that it cost $40 to get in with an additional $10 for the cultural experience. I really wanted to see it so I paid. The park was amazing! I first did the exploration of the Maori culture stuff, such as settlement and the local people (Iwi).

Then at 10:15 there was a cultural performance with a traditional greeting. Although it felt very touristy it was still fun and neat. Although I’m pretty sure two of the people were full blooded whites. They made the women go on stage and spin these ceremonial balls on cord and the guys (myself included) had to go on and do the Haka. It was interesting to say the least.

Afterwords I finished the indoor exhibits. I then made my way into the geothermal activity part of the park. It was absolutely amazing! There was bubbling mud and boiling water and steam. Words and pictures really do not do it justice. I am very fortunate I had the opportunity to see it.

I spent the next 3 hours at the park exploring and taking pictures. It was really well done, touristy, but with enough information to keep me happy. As well because it is winter it wasn’t crowded at all. Near the end I got to watch some authentic carvers and weavers at the institutes they had on site. Only 5 Maori students are accepted into the carving institute each year. I found that to be amazing.

I then decided to go and see the Redwood forest that I had heard about at the Hostel. I knew it was far away (about 5k from the Park) but I started walking anyways.

Wow I am having a really hard time writing this. I think it might be because I’m tired, but wow.

Anyways I walked to the Park cutting through another Park that I later found out to be part of a tree reasearch facility. The Redwood Park was also amazing.

I went into the gift shop and was helped by a wonderful old woman who explained the trails and the history of the area to me. I filled up my waterbottle and set out.

The trail was fairly easy and the forest was stunning. Lots of different types of trees and ferns. It was also silent. I took a good 30 minute break on a rock overlooking the trees and the lake. Seriously something out of a movie.

I finished my 90 minute hike through the forest and then aimed to take the long walk back to town along the coast. There was more geothermal activity there all along the waterfront. I promise pictures will be posted when I get back to Welly!

I then sat and watched the birds, there were tons of seagulls, and the sunset and just let my mind take a break. It was quite nice and seems to be a good ending to a good day.

I then made my way to the internet cafe and started writing this. Sorry if this seems somewhat disjointed (it feels disjointed). I have a sudden onset headache.

Anyways hopefully get to go to White Island tommorrow. If not, I guess I will have to find more fun things to do here!

Also apparantly one of the Howard’s daughters is coming off of life support so my prayers go out to their family.

As well Mitchell is going in for an upper GI exam tommorrow, so I hope everything is healthy for him as well.

Until Tommorrow,

-Mathias