I had traveled to Taupo on the North
Island of New Zealand in 2004 in hopes
of hiking the Tongariro Crossing which
has been described as the single most spectacular
one day hike in all of New Zealand. Unfortunately,
dense clouds and rain made the hike dangerous
and not worth the risk due to the low visibility.
Instead I decided to hike through the
woods bordering the spectacular Wairaki
River. The river is an amazing turquoise
blue color in some places and dark blue
where it becomes quite deep. Periodically
one comes upon hot water bubbling out of
thermal vents which flows into the crystal
clear waters of the river.
Rain showers came and went as I hiked, but
my disappointment at the rain was reversed
when I came upon these flowers speckled with
droplets. I think that the photograph was
well worth the risk of digging my camera
out of my backpack in the rain. |
