Snowy Lumps

My students were off doing practicums today, so we were able to take advantage of a glorious morning and go for a drive around the local country lanes. We drove towards the fringes of the National Park, which is a short drive out of town, and came across a great vista.

Iain looking lost. "If only there were some landmarks around..."

Mount Taranaki

Mount Ruapehu

Normally you can easily see Mount Ruapehu from Wanganui (where they did all the Mordor stuff in LOtR - Mount Doom is just behind it), but Mount Taranaki (where the Last Samuri was shot, NZ film buffs!) spends a fair chunk of its life under clouds, however we could see them both from the same spot today.

Nestled in the hills where we stopped was this place. I think I've found my dream home. Imagine waking up to those views every morning?! It felt in a world of its own out there, but in reality was only 20-30 minutes out of the city. So you could easily commute. Wonder how much they want for it?

Iain's dream home

We're off star gazing on Friday night at the local observatory, with some folks from our quiz team - also hoping to brain wash them into playing a few board games with us. This should make up for missing Beer & Pretzels this year. :)