Sunday, March 10: Cooler and variably cloudy
Walking: 7.6 km
Paul’s
There was time for a little real shopping (bread, cheese, sausage – the latter two for the tramp) and some of the window variety (mainly to see whether a dollar shop had screw-capped 100 mL containers – have seen some by Sistema, but they appear very bulky) while waiting for the weather reports. Not going to be easy for the tramp, with showers or even heavier rain forecast.
Also started having a look at Taupo and found a place that looked quite nice. Will have to make a list for tonight so that I can see what needs to be done most urgently.
Slide Show
Click on the image to stop/start the animation
After lunch the Pukekura Park was on the program: Got a couple of bracketed pans done and it seemed a quite pleasant way to spend the day. There is also a model railway that you can ride on just in front of the entrance. Unfortunately some larger part of the park was fenced off for some event, and that made walking around a bit restricted. Also there would be a nice shot of one of the bridges with Taranaki in the background, except that the mountain was covered in cloud.
Interactive Map
Back here I made my list, then it was out to buy an AC adapter that I had seen for $2 (the other one that I had – apart from being heavier and bulkier – had a broken contact where the wire connected to the ports and was therefore unrepairable). Also got a couple of toothbrush head covers which promise not only to take up less space but also to be better protected against breakage.
Then it was time for a hokey-pokey – giant ‘single’ scoop for $2.5. Had a look at the clock tower to get an idea of how it might be photographed through the mirrors of the art gallery opposite – something for a night shot which I could do when I’m back.
Got the computer running with the new adapter, recovered the AUS/NZ plug from the old extension & threw the latter into the bin, then requested a booking for Taupo and booked the bus as far as Rotorua. Will see about accommodation there when I’m back.
Went out to Peggy Gordon’s Irish Pub, 58 Egmont St, for their Paddy Burger ($22) with the lot and a Guinness. Barman was from Dublin & knew the Oscar Traynor Road. Food was very good, likewise the beer. Did take a bit of time coming, but I was in no hurry.
