Yet another one under the belt.  Very pleasant ride down to Taupo on Friday night with the stars to guide us (just as well because the main beam went just after we set out from Tirau about 8pm).  Interesting how few (3 actually) drivers picked up that we had high beam on for the rest of the journey to Taupo.A grey ride to Turangi on Saturday morning then even greyer as we started the ascent of the saddle road to National Park.  Our arrival at Taylors Lodge saw Paul (Wanganui) and Norm (Gisborne) sitting chewing the fat.  The digs were open and the panel heaters going full bore which was just as well because it was cool down there.  We unpacked and took off to Ohakune for lunch and to pick up some stores.  By the time we were back at the lodge there were a dozen bikes and things were warming up.  Familiar faces and friendly banter as more bikes arrived.  Dave was already in the lounge getting the fire going and Clifford with the help of some of the girls to do the veges was preparing a sumptuous meal  once more - and for reasons I won't go into 🙄 the meat was cooked over real embers rather than gas ones this year - what a feast.  The rain set in during the evening and was still with us on Sunday morning as we packed up to leave.  For those of us heading north it was a very wet ride all the way to the Bombays with stong gusty winds to keep us on our toes.  All in all a good relaxing weekend, thanks to all who made it so.Malcolm and JeanPS  We talked last night with Pete  Zimmerman and Danielle and the subject of the impending Lahar came up.  Danielle was unaware of Ruapehu's volcanic history and was interested to hear it was an active volcano.  We thought it would be great if we were able to experience the Lahar although from a safe distance - tonights news reports that at 11am today the wall of the crator gave way and it happened.  A spectacular sight for those able to view it and fortunately no serious damage to the surrounding countryside.