Sulphurous solo senior

Whakatane is a very nice place – which is just as well as I had to stay a second day. Awakening to a wonderful t-shirt and beer day, I was anticipating the White Island tour I had planned, but it was not to be. After the heavy rain of the day before, the river mouth was clogged up with mud and so sea access was impossible. However there are some delightful walks around Whakatane, as well as fine coffee and food, so one does what one has to.

After the night at Ohope Beach, the tour was all go. What a unique and interesting experience. I have never been able to walk around an active volcano before – and the gas mask was not for show. At times the sulphurous steam is so intense any attempt to breathe normally ends in a fit of coughing. Loved the whole experience (including being able to do 3 hours on a smallish boat without suffering motion sickness, also a first) and it certainly was worth waiting the extra day even though my hair and clothes still smell of sulphur. Landing on the island from the boat was via a rubber ducky.

Then through kiwi country (see below left, featuring Roma) to the absolute pick of the Top Ten holiday parks (and also the cheapest – no logic there) at very pretty Papamoa Beach in Western Bay of Plenty. Despite the fact that it rained all night and into the next morning, it is now clear and the view from Roma is fabulous. Walking along the beach reminded me of childhood days in winter spent at the shack on the Henley South sandhills. I am learning that kiwi weather is very changeable this time of year with a 3 day cycle that goes a)wit b)grey but fine and c)beer and t-shirt.