MOUNT RUAPEHU
We have been in the central plateau of New Zealand's north island for just over a week now. For the first week we shared a ski lodge with various school friends of mine and their partners (Brent & Lisa, Alaster & Liz, Brendon, Dean & Ariana) but now we are staying on our own in a small chalet on the edge of town. So far we've both skied 5-6 days although a few of those have only been half days. It is typical spring snow conditions right now with firm snow in the morning, softening by lunchtime and quite slushy by the end of the day. With the school holidays now over we're looking forward to another three days of skiing with no queues before catching the train back to Wellington this weekend. So far we have spent all of our time at the Turoa resort on Mt Ruapehu but we may try and get around to Whakapapa, on the other side of the mountain, before we leave here.
Unpacking at the Turoa parking lot
The view from the Turoa parking lot
Getting ready for our first run
The Moro race T-bar
Beautiful view heading down - no crowds!
Sara at Turoa
BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
It's hard to believe that only four weeks ago we were lying on a remote island in Malaysia - now it's impossible to venture outside without long underwear on. By the end of next week, we are due to arrive back in Dallas to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. The first year has been a whirlwind experience - we both quit our jobs, flew to Europe, caught the train across Russia and China and backpacked through South East Asia to New Zealand.
