On Sunday, we started the day by going to an "Indian" Festival in Rotorua.
Here's Mike and his daughter Kate deciding what "Indian Food" they are
going to eat for lunch. Reg in the background checking out some
of the Indian costumes.
I saw these three ladies and asked if I could have my picture
taken with them, they started peeling off clothes (much to my surprise)
to pose for the picture.
We were then off to Lake Okataina which is located about 40 minutes outside of
Rotorua. The lake was formed by volcanic craters about 3,500 years ago.
The name Okataina means the "lake of laughter", a shortened form of the original
name Te Moanak-Kataina-a Te Ranngitakaroru. (I am sure the name was shortened
by some New Zealand Department of Highway Signage employee who just couldn't
fit in on the road signs). Anyway, the name and its meaning relate to an incident where
Chief Ranngitakaroru and his warriors were resting on what is now a submerged rock.
It is said that one member of his group referred to the lake as a great "ocean". This was seen
as a great joke among the other warriors. Their laughter echoed around the lake and now
remains enshrined in its name!
On our way for a walk around the lake on a beautiful path.
The lake is used by boaters and fisherman - lots of trout!
One part of the hiking path is called the "Path of Reflection". Because of the heavy foliage
and the proximity to the lake, it is said that if you look closely enough, you can
see your reflection in the woods. If you "click" on this next picture, to enlarge it,
and you look closely enough you can see my face in the woods.
I am actually taking the picture. I took a several pictures
of the sign that explains all of this, but when I looked at the pictures later,
there was no sign (obviously a reflection!)
And finally today, a friend of mine wrote me and told me that I
am starting to look like Burl Ives with my beard! I told her that
she must be older than I am to remember "Burl Ives"
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