[jubjub]

Well, it was a lovely forecast for today, so we decided to catch the ferry over the Rangitoto Island.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/asjohnstone/IMGP0535.jpg

We stepped off the ferry, onto an island of lush greenery and black volcanic rocks, and proceeded to head straight for the top. Now the signs say, will take about an hour, yeah right, we thought, and strode off into the sunshine..... All went well for around half an hour, fairly easy walking, gentle upwards incline, so far so good.

Well, we reached the 20 mins to go sign about 10 mins ahead of the suggested time frame, and thought hey, we are nearly there!!! Nope, the last 20 mins were tough, steeper and rockier, you do need good tough shoes for this one! But we made it, very tired, however the views made it all worthwhile.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/asjohnstone/9b287ec0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/asjohnstone/IMGP0543.jpg

After resting for a while, and basking in the winter sunshine we headed downwards, now don't be kidded downwards is as bad as up because it is quite rough underfoot and you need to be careful, but an hour later we were ready for the ferry.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/asjohnstone/IMGP0554.jpg

We headed back home for a well earned takeaway and hot baths. My feet feel like they have been beaten with baseball bats, but would definitely go back, maybe to do a different trail, there are several around the island.

[Singel]

What a breathtaking views from the top of this young volcano :nice1

Sally, thanks for sharing these photos with us. :clap

It's a nice and warm day (18 degree) , my hubby was mowing the lawn in short and t-shirt. He told his mother in Holland and she could not believe that he could do that in the middle of a winter.

:cheers
Ivy

[Smiler]

Hi Jubjub

Thank you so much for sharing these. Brilliant :nice1

Our first full day in Auckland saw us whizzing over to Waiheke, just because we could!!!

We hired motorbikes, again because we just could and rode round the island. We can't wait to come back and do it again. ;)

It's not the same riding round Hayling, Canvey or any other 'island' near here.

Thanks again for the stunning pics.

Deborah