Day 51 started with work for Julie and for me. I spent the morning meeting with a lawyer I had been corresponding with regarding some research issues. However, by lunchtime, work was done, and we were up for an activity. We decided to do a short hike up nearby Rainbow Mountain.

Like Rotorua, the mountain is in a volcanically active area, something that we could see almost as soon as we started the hike. After just a few minutes we passed a lake colored an unnatural shade of turquoise.

As the trail continued, we took a spur trail to get to a higher vantage point.

Along the way, we saw more signs of volcanic activity, like portions of the ground being yellow from sulphur.

In fact, we could feel heat coming from small vents along the trail.

Back on the main trail, the dirt even looked volcanic, as we could see white clay mixed with bright red soil.

An overlook near the top provided views of red and white cliffs. In fact, plumes of steam drafted from cracks in the ground nearby.

At the summit, we had great views. Though the day was cloudy, we could still see far into the distance, all the way back to Mount Doom.

After the hike, we drove 20 minutes or so to reach Kerosene Creek, a stream fed by hot springs. Julie and I hopped in for a bit to enjoy the water.

The warm water felt great, but the area reeked of sulphur, particularly when we were close to the waterfall. In part because of the smell, Lydie, Cassie, and Connor declined to join us. Wusses. Personally, I’m glad I went in. Having seen so much volcanic activity over the past few days, I needed to experience it close up, even if it meant that the drive home was a bit cold and a bit smelly. For me, it was worth it.

-Will