In 2018 a couple from Melbourne Australia (John & Jill) together with two friends from the USA (Heather & MJ) joined Ann & Graeme on a Barge and Bike adventure on the Danube River.
We called ourselves the “Blue Baggers” after the colour of the pannier bags on our bikes.
Six years later plans fell into place for 5 of the 6 of us to be able to get together in Taupō. (We were disappointed that MJ couldn’t make it)
What followed was a week of experiencing what Taupō could offer through the eyes of our visitors. We enjoyed the experience as much as they did.
It was fun just catching up.
We boarded the Ernest Kemp for an afternoon cruise to Lake Taupō’s Maori carvings.
Huka Falls is a must-visit stop while in Taupō
Then it was back home for a cup of tea and to meet Baxter.
Went for coffee at a local café
We spent a pleasant afternoon in the Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
We got together a few bikes and headed out on to local cycleway which brought back memories of our shared Danude River ride.
John and Graeme decided to go a bit further afield on the bikes and headed back to the Waikato river and the Huka Falls.
We rode home via the Redwoods and stopped at the local boating club for a beer
Next morning Ann, Heather & John joined with Paula for a cold water dip in the lake.
We found the hot water creek very pleasant. You could swim from the cold of the Waikato River into the warm of the Otumuheke Stream.
Then, after the proverbial hugs, it was time to head home until the next time
Smith's Journeys 