Survived the volcano... (Auckland)

I walked to the top of Rangitoto, and it didn'w blow up - woohoo! Actually, it's not really one that even explodes anymore - they think it only exploded once for a long period of time. It was a good thing to do for a half day for sure - I've never seen anything like it, and I even took a piece of the lava with me - is that allowed? Hmm... I hope a customs doggie doesn't rat me out!

Plus, I cheated - I took a tour which is basically a little pully car up to near the top - then you climb the steps to the top top. It was a pretty big climb, though, took about 20 minutes? Sorry Phil - didn't see the cave?

No pics this time, it was similar to the pics from Mt. Victoria. The middle of the volcano was all covered in vegetation - I did see a Kiwi Christmas tree though (Pohutukawa) - that was kinda cool to see it growing out of the lava. Looks like this - thanks Google:


The views from the summit were really pretty - then it was back down to the buggy to get back on the boat. From there, I ate my last Hokey Pokey ice cream cone (sad), and then headed to the airport. I'm now in Sydney, yeah! Tomorrow will be a day full of touristy goodness, though. From what I've seen so far, it reminds me of NYC - big city, lots of people, lots of life - should be a good couple of days.

Anyway, tomorrow is Thanksgiving for me (day after tomorrow for you guys) - so Happy Turkey Day if I miss it!

Miss you all!