Taupo by Megan

This afternoon at Taupo we decided to go to see the Aratiatia dam. This is a massive dam, and 4 times a day the water gets released down the hill and creates loads of powerful rapids. Just before the water gets released an alarm is sounded, and 8 minutes before it gets released a countdown clock appears. The water is used to make electricity. The electricity is created by hydropower when the gushing water turns turbines. The gates closed after 15 minutes. While the water was running, the small lake at the bottom flooded, and the water came half way up the cliff. It was amazing.

There was a rope on the side of the cliff as a way for someone to escape if they got trapped in the rapids. We went on a five minute walk to get to another viewing point. This time you couldn't see the dam, but you could see the rapids going down stream. I wouldn't want to be trapped in that!!

Next we went to a place named 'Craters of the Moon'. This is a place were thermal activity is visible. We saw some massive craters. There were also loads of holes where lots of steam broke through the ground. It smelt like eggs due to the gases that were released. We also noticed a power station that makes electricity. The steam is used to turn the turbine. All the steam made it look really pretty.

Emma and I thought is was smoke at first and that it was bad for the environment, then we found out it was just steam. At one of the craters, some mud was bubbling as it was so hot.

When we walked around we got very hot and sweaty due to the steam. It was very interesting! Lastly we went to a spot on the edge of Lake Taupo where we had been told that natural hot water gathers creating a hot pool. At one point if you put your foot in the water, it burnt you!! There were some other kids in the pool. It was a lovely temperature. Surprisingly, after I had been in the hot pool and went over to the lake, the water wasn't too cold; it was actually quite inviting. We think it is because some other hot streams were running into the lake.

I have learned some things today, and in addition to this I had fun doing the parasailing! (See Emma's blog)