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It was this []big…..
Checked out of the Terraces. $6 bar bill for 2 mint teas. How times have changed eh? We got barred for being too rock'n' roll. Drove into the retail wonderland of Taupo. A-lo bought some tops and shorts then we paused for brunch at one of the cooler looking cafes.Nice and sunny, but still no Alpine Crossing.
As Turangi calls itself the trout capital of the world, it seemed appropriate to give it a go….Annelise dropped me off back at Tui Lodge, where I met up with Ian, the guide. I donned my waders and we set off to a beautiful stretch of the Tongariro Ricer with a series of rapids and pools. Ian patiently gave me some casting tips and took me through the techniques of fishing a fast flowing wide river. (scoffed at the Brits who come over with their lake and stream technique). Took a while to get back into it and then we moved on to another section. The wind was making things a bit tricky, especially the cast upstream into the wind. A couple of hours later the indicator went under, I struck, rod arched at 90degress and a whopper leapt a meter clear of the water. The fight lasted several minutes and after Ian's tutorage, I finally pulled a nice Rainbow to the bank. Ian seemed more excited than I was (not possible) and insisted on posing for photos. Being in an eco mood, I decided he wasn't destined for the grill (would have made it a new record for the most expensive meal of the trip) and watched him swim off.
Had quite a few other bites no more fish. Didn't seem to matter too much having bagged one. Decided to stop at 6 before I got too hooked and met up with Annelise in Turangi. She said the night's accommodation was bit ropey. It was a bit of an anti climax to a great afternoon. When we arrived I realized she had been joking: our huge loft at Oreti lodge had a most awesome view over the whole of lake Taupo. The resort was placed nicely on the shore of the lake with native bush all around. Vinnie had spent the afternoon sunbathing on the balcony and, whilst not admiring the view, doing some studying. Sat on the secluded balcony, with A-lo on my lap, PN in hand and watched the sun set. Great moment!
Annelise knocked up a juicy steak dinner (possibly the best view from any kitchen I have ever seen) and afterwards we sunk into deep leather sofas and watched the 2007 John Travolta classic movie 'Wild Hogs'!
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