The Haruru Falls

Unusual I know - two blog posts so close together. But I don't think I'll have time this weekend, so here's a brief report for today:

While cleaning, I had to scrub the bathroom again, but at 11 a.m. there was coffee and cookies for free. After that, I baked a cake (carrot cake) with another backpacker for her birthday tomorrow. We're competing against the hostel owner Jack, who wants to conjure up a strawberry cake. Advantage for us: currently there are only green strawberries in the supermarket. The other backpackers will act as the jury - we'll see.

In the afternoon, I focused on my actual goal: the Haruru Falls. So I set off with my two roommates, who were walking the path for the third time by the way. I probably don't need to emphasize everywhere that the hiking trail was beautiful. We also saw native birds (unfortunately not Kiwis). The waterfall wasn't particularly high or spectacular, but still beautiful. I've never been so close to a waterfall before, I could have theoretically jumped down.

In total, we were on the road for about 3.5 hours, so we arrived back at the hostel in the early evening. The sun sets around 6 p.m., so no more walks today. I'm curious to see what the evening will bring.

A success was my culinary discovery of the day: sweet potato from the microwave. Wrapped in toilet paper, the good tuber turned for 8 minutes and tasted wonderful. A real recommendation for all those who like sweet potatoes!

Tomorrow I'll meet Duncan, a local Kiwi from Opua and my Couchsurfing host for the coming week, at 12:30. He wants to take me on a tour, and of course you don't say no to that!

As I said: just a brief report, the one from the weekend will be longer again.