Taupo

From Auckland, I caught a bus heading South to Lake Taupo. I love it here. The weather apparently is relatively mild here year round. There are gorgeous walking and biking paths around the lake that are very flat. And, the lake is warmed by mineral springs from volcanic activity underground. This all translates to prime triathlon territory. Indeed, Taupo is the site of an Ironman competition and many stores in town are dedicated to triathlon supplies. I could easily and happily live here and spend my free time doing tris. I think someday I will have to make my way back and do one here.

Taupo is also known as the spot on the backpacker circuit to sky dive and bungee jump. I did not partake in either of these activities. Intead, I went hiking, so much so that I have been too hard on my feet. My heels are so dry they are giving me problems. I went to the local pharmacy and asked a shop person whether they had any pumice stone. She directed me to a couple options, and then said, "You know that there are heaps of this stuff down by the lake. It floats to shore." It was true. Down on the lakeshore there was a supply of pumice stone that would last many lifetimes. So goes the mysteries of life. Who knew that pumice stone magically floats to shore? What is pumice stone anyway? In any event, it is yet another reason I really liked Taupo.