March 10 - 4:30pm

I did not know what I was in for when I took a bike out to explore Taupo today.. I was able to find a church to go to, so that was good. Not too far to ride to. And then I biked from there to the hot water beach of Lake Taupo. The beach was not a pretty sandy beach, and I was wearing my church dress, so I just waded in the water a moment and continued on. The man at the hostel told me how to get to the Huka Falls and Hot Water Stream from the Spa Thermal Park. He said there was a nice biking trail. And it could take an hour or so to get to the falls. Perfect. A little exercise, biking, swimming, waterfalls.. Yes.
Well, my poor body hasn't been on a bike since last summer, and this trail was a real mountain bike trail. I have never been mountain biking, nor really understood the thrill, until today. And now I know. I respect you mountain bikers. It's hard, and scary. First of all, I'm wearing my Toms shoes and a cheapo helmet, my jean shorts, and bungy jumping t-shirt.. All of the real mountain bikers who passed me looked at me like I look at snowboarders who ride in jeans. Or I just thought they were probably judging me.
I started out a bit of a mess, but once I figured out what the bike could do I was much better. Only stopping to walk a few times.. Like ten or fifteen times.. And it was so hot today!! Hottest day I've experienced here. I kept going, finally getting to Huka Falls. So cool!! The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, an amazing color, like all New Zealand water - green, then ice blue as it turns into the Huka Falls, and white foam, so much white water! Some of the biggest, most powerful falls I've ever seen. Worth the long, hard bike ride. I bought myself a well-deserved lemonade ice pop from the snack bar there. It was the most delicious, refreshing thing I've ever had.
After taking a few dozen photos I headed back the same way I came on Old Trusty - that's the name I gave my bike. The way back was hard, but not as hard as the way there. Both ways had their ups and downs, so luckily it wasn't all uphill or downhill the way back. It was really a great adventure. But my butt hurts so bad! Should have brought my cycling shorts..
Made it back to Spa Park. It was just a few minutes to the Hot Water Stream from there.That was cool, because there was the river, and a geothermal waterfall flowing into it. Lots of people there, between the falls and the river, choosing their desired temperature to sit and soak. I chose a cooler section, because I was so hot from biking! But moved closer to the falls after a while. Quite refreshing, sunny, peaceful, I'm really glad I decided to explore outside the city center and get to see such amazing places. And try mountain biking! Which was so fun! Only a few close calls. No accidents. A blister on my thumb though. If Tom decides that he wants to start marketing his shoes to mountain bikers, I can be the spokesperson. Me and Old Trusty.