The sunrise was pretty this morning and when we set out the sky was blue with a few clouds. As the day progressed it got overcast and cooler 19c. It rained slightly and was  a bit humid.

We travelled up to Lake Rotoramgi, it is about 25 miles away from our motel. The road takes you up into sandstone and silver mud hills. They are steep at times with sheer drops and also large bumpy hillocks. Like Hobbit land!  Or Otis like Tele tubby land!

The lake is completely protected from predators by secure wire fences totally enclosing and surrounding this huge natural area of bog land wetlands. Traps are set for rats, feral cats, hedgehogs possums and stoats; all these rodents were introduced by Europeans in the 19th century. they have multiplied and killed off most of the native birds and kiwis.

Well we walked all around the lake in the bog land forest, very similar to the rain forest but without sand flies, only a few biting insects. the walk took us one and a half hours and I  found it hard going, but was proud I finished it. I was hot and red faced when I got back to the car.

We took photos of the river further along and saw sheep dog trials in action. In another area a group of men were shooting game.  This was along the high Mangamingi Saddle.

After lunch in the nearby town we decided to see the volcano, it is so mesmerising!

It was mostly covered with cloud today, but just as beautiful. We visited the visitors centre. the last time this volcano Mount Egmont was active was 1666. one day it will spew out ash and lava again. it is only sleeping for now.

Lots of love to our grand children, Anona Lilyana Louis and Otis xxx

lily I have sent you a photo on skype!