Ski Weekend

Well Howdy Everyone!

I've just returned from a fantastic weekend full of adventure.  I have, for the first time in my life, snowboarded down an active volcano... in August!  Myself, along with two other Americans (Eric and Matt) and two lovely Kiwi ladies (Rose and Andy) left Thursday night and drove to Te Kuiti and stayed the night at Andy's house.  We got up early and drove the rest of the way to Mt. Ruapehu.  Mt Ruapehu is the highest mountain on the North Island, which last erupted in 1995.  There are two ski fields on Ruapehu, Turoa and Whakapapa.  We went to Whakapapa, which is the largest ski area in New Zealand.


This is a shot of Mt Ruapehu



This is a picture of the neighboring mountain, Mt Ngauruhoe.  If it looks familiar, it because it was used as Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings.


This is (L to R) Myself, Eric and Matt.  Great guys.


I have loads more photos, and I encourage you to go Here to check them out.
For those wanting a snow report:

There was a meter and half base, but this means something a little different here.  The terrain was totally different than what I am used to.  There were no trees, but instead giant rock outcroppings and gullies created by the violent volcanic activity that formed both the mountain and the islands of New Zealand.  There were times that I wished I had a helmet because of the rocks.  A bad decision could mean sailing off a cliff ( I mean real big scary cliffs).  It's early in the season, so the snow it's at its best.  It was icy in the morning and slush in the afternoon once it warmed up.  I, however, am not complaining because I'm pretty sure that that snow here is better than what I might find back home.

After 2 days of skiing and fun we heading home via Lake Taupo.  Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake and was created by a huge volcanic eruption in 186 AD.  Cultures from around the world have the eruption recorded in their histories because its effect was truly global.  We saw the Huka falls, pictured below.

Lake Taupo:


Haku Falls:

We also went the "Creator of the Moons," which is a area of geothermal activity similar to Yellowstone.

Once again, check out the complete set of photos Here.

I miss you all and hope you're having as much fun as me!