Jasmin goes to the snow

Today I am very excited as I am going off on my holiday. After my breakfast and packing the rest of my things into the car, we said Goodbye to everyone and set off. I did want to go down to my school to say Goodbye to my friends, but we needed to head away.

I enjoyed my long trip down to Taumarunui. Lillian and I had set up the back of the car with my cushions and things that would keep me occupied. It was nice – I had plenty of snacks and I loved just looking out the window and seeing all the nature, and thinking that would be a cool place to go and explore.

I arrived at Kelly’s Motel and I loved it. I had a whole house with a big decking out the front. I went and spoke to Maree, who was there, and she was very friendly. I unpacked everything; I had a big bedroom and it was nice. I was happy because McDonald’s was just across the road. I could see the river too. I wanted to explore the river bank so much.

I went and had lunch – YES, at McDonald’s – then back to get ready. I changed into my warm ski gear and headed off to Mount Ruapheu. On our journey down towards National Park the weather started to close in, and the clouds covered all the mountain so I couldn’t see it until I was nearly there.

I started getting giggly and excited when we were driving up towards the Chateau. I was asking, “Where is the snow?” As we were driving up the steep winding road, I could see the rocks all covered with snow and ice, and then I saw snowflakes falling onto the car windscreen. I just wanted to hop out right there and then, but I had to wait a little longer.

I arrived at Happy Valley and it was snowing. I was so happy! I got out of the car, and all I could see was snowflakes falling on me, and when I walked my snow boots made a crunching sound, and I saw people skiing. I picked up the snow and was throwing it at Lillian and having a lot of fun. I went and had a good look at the ski shop before I headed over to the lifts. I wasn’t able to go up the mountain because it was very dangerous and windy. So we hopped on the lifts to go down to Happy Valley, and that was cool fun.

We saw a lot of people skiing. I was asked if I would like to go on a snowboard, but I was afraid I would crash into people. Lillian said she would come with me to steer it but I didn’t want to. So I made a snowman instead; it was very cold but fun. After, I went inside and had a lovely hot chocolate in the café while I continued to watch everybody outside. I noticed the weather would change quite fast, snowing then clear. I went back outside to explore – I picked the ice crystals off the rocks; it was amazing, the feel, touch and smell of everything around me. I loved just being there and seeing the snowflakes fall on my face – I had my mouth open so I could taste it.

Time was getting on, and the snow was starting to become quite heavy, so both Lillian and I went back up on the lifts and headed back to our car. It was covered by snow so I helped clear it away. We left and drove back to Taumarunui. I was very tired and fell asleep on the way back to my hotel.

I have had a very long day but so enjoyed the snow. I want to go back there again.

I awoke to a lovely fine day and ready for my next adventure. I had my breakfast, then went for a walk across the road to the riverbank and explored under the trees. When I came back I started to pack up, went and thanked Maree for having us, and then we left.

I travelled through to Turangi, and on my journey I saw the bush and beautiful views of the mountain, as it was lovely and clear. I stopped at a lookout point called Waitahui. We drove to the top and saw snow on the grass and ice on the stairs. So I had to tread very carefully to reach the top, and the view was amazing, but cold, brrrrr.

I continued on our journey to Turangi , on the southern side of Lake Taupo. I stopped and had a rest and something to eat before I started exploring along the shore. I collected my pumice and I loved it – all different sizes of pumice stone too. When I was ready, I drove on to Taupo. The scenery was just stunning.

We arrived at the motel and unpacked. I was upstairs and had my own spa bath; I felt very lucky. I could see the mountain very clearly and said, “I wish I could go back there.” I then chilled out a little before heading off to De Bretts Thermal Pools. Once I got there, I was happy to just relax in the mineral pools, it was lovely. I meet couple of young ladies from England and was happily talking away to them. I went on the hyro-slide, and it was so cold getting out of the water. But it was fun to go down both the slides. I relaxed and waded in the pool, and under the jets – it felt so relaxing for me. After my swim I went and had a drink at the cafe.

I was keen to go and explore along the Lake front looking for my sticks, so we finished our drinks and off I went for an early evening stroll. It was a long walk, but I enjoyed it, picking up bits of driftwood, although there was not so much pumice stone on this side of the lake. Once I finished and my bag was full, we went for a drive. I wanted to go to the western part of the Lake. I enjoyed driving and looking at all the new houses and new subdivisions being developed. It was getting dark so we headed back into town.

I went looking around the shops and found a place where I wanted to eat. Yes, again chicken, my favourite. Because it was my holiday I could eat what I wanted. I was feeling quite tired after that and so drove back to the motel. I ran my spa bath, but didn’t like the sound of the jets so I just had a relaxing bath instead. I was feeling very sleepy by then, so I chilled in my bed.

Gosh, I awoke the next day feeling pretty tired, but happy too, to be travelling to Rotorua to meet up with my other staff. We packed up the car and had breakfast out. I had one last look at the mountain, wishing I could go back soon. I will be back!!!!