Tag 132 - creepy

09/09/19

- Alex

Since we didn't manage to work on the blog yesterday (library closed), today we combine this aspect with making a little distance and dash to the next place on our route. During the drive, we continue listening to audio dramas and after some time we arrive in Turangi. We drive straight to the library and ONCE AGAIN we find closed doors - renovations. Feeling somewhat frustrated, we sit back in our car and ponder. Following an undefinable inspiration, we abandon our entire plan to drive towards the east coast and instead decide to head towards the west coast - it's funny how such a small thing can have such an impact.

The route to the next sleeping spot is adjusted so that we pass by Tongariro, a volcanic massif (highest mountain in the North Island: Ruapehu 2797m). Although the peaks are covered, the base of the mountain and the plain in front of it still offer an impressive sight. (By the way, the 'Mount Doom' from Lord of the Rings is located here. A hike through a part of the mountain takes eight hours and unfortunately is not possible for us at this time due to snow and ice).

We arrive in the next small village and spend the afternoon in the local library. It is the most uncomfortable one so far. Strange people, small and stuffy. Nevertheless, we are grateful for the chair, table, electricity, and Wi-Fi.

We continue driving (we spend most of the day in the car) and, again due to lack of alternatives, we go to a place that is described as 'creepy' on the internet. When we arrive there, there is already a van parked and the place seems almost full to us. The outdoor toilet is hidden a few meters in the adjacent forest and could easily serve as a set for an 80s horror film. The forest itself is incredibly dense, very green, and seems to absorb everything that is not used or maintained daily. When it gets dark, another campervan joins us on the now crowded spot and we are glad not to have to stand here alone.

- Alex