Tuesday 21 July 2009

The Desert Road

When we left our house to head up the island there was thick ice on the car. We travelled through sun, fog and cloud and then we came to the Desert Road. It was spectacular. I love the road at any time but had never been through it in the middle of winter so it was great to see it in all its glory.



Mount Ruapehu



Mount Ngauruhoe

Cassia and Maia enjoying the snow!



If you see in the foreground of the above picture there is a grey grainy scree on the ground (I'm not a geologist so bear with me for the right words!). When you walked on it it crackled and your footprints left this on the ground:




It was like little ice needles under the surface of the ground. I've never seen anything like this before and it was fascinating and beautiful to see.


If anyone knows the correct term for this phenomenom then I'd be much obliged!

5 comments:

Heart Felt said...

Nothing like the Desert Road on a fine day - stunning photographs. Sorry can't help you with your query, but it's very interesting. xx

Kylie said...

Wow - this is amazing! How incredibly beautiful are those ice things?! Thanks for showing this :) K

Cat J B said...

Gee, those photos make me yearn for my home country, so beautiful!

Pom Pom said...

Abi, I'm so glad I found your blog. I really like the New Zealanders I've come across in blogland! I have a real soft spot in my heart for mums who take their kids out on field trips. The deep appreciation you have for your place in life is meaningful and powerful. Please keep posting.

Jem said...

Wow what stunning photos! xx