A single photo just can’t show how huge Tāne Mahuta is.
Today we aim to visit Tāne Mahuta, a tree that stood on this land for 1,000 years before people arrived and is still standing strong.
Stewart Island named a Dark Sky Sanctuary
The Whangarei Basin is a lovely spot on a very hot Saturday morning. The market stalls had variety.
Hah, haven't seen one of these nice timeline adjacencies since I left Twitter. What will drive you? This Maserati?
Our friends in Whangarei have the most beautiful Belgian Shepherd dog. About 5 years old. 🐶
We were suddenly presented with these two huge sculptures on a hill as we rounded a corner (but couldn't take photos till we were down the hill). Absolutely stunning, along with others, including the one like a deckchair. By Kaipara Harbour, and a highlight of the day.
As we crossed the Bombay Hills yesterday farmers were harvesting spring onions. What a stench! I’d hate to live downwind of that.
We had a good night in Auckland with a friend, but today we head for our ultimate destination: Whangarei. It’s only another 3 hours I believe, traffic willing.
We stopped along the Desert Road (just before the best viewing spot…) and I hauled out the good camera with the zoom lens for a couple of shots of Mt Ruapehu. Amazing to think we can sometimes see the very top of this from our kitchen window.
Huntly coal fired power station looks good. We also saw a train load of coal arriving. Time for this one to cease production.
We stopped at Oruatua on the East side of Lake Taupo for the dogs to have a walk.
Ruapehu was looking fine as we drove the Desert Road.
A couple of hours driving brought us to breakfast at Taihape. They’re still waking up here.
Quail chicks Day 7. They seem to be exchanging baby fluff for feathers. Photos: yellow chick and stripey chick looking patchy and scruffy. 🐦
Today Fliss, the 6 day old stripey quail chick, is modelling for us. What a looker! Flop’s photos didn't turn out so well. 🐦
Angel Wings. Photo: a white Royal Spoonbill takes flight from the lagoon at Waikawa Beach. 🐦
Well, at almost 11pm I’m finding it hard to believe that 2019 is about to begin. Best wishes for this new year about to launch. May we all find peace and fulfillment.
These baby quail, born 5 days ago now, remain unbearably cute. Photos: yellow chick peeking out from under mum’s wing; yellow chick makes a blade of grass look huge; watchful mum with stripy chick head-down in front of her; stripy chick head-down eating.
We went to see The Favourite recently and the film has stayed with me. It’s intense, unusual, and features Queen Anne and her two courtiers Sarah and Abigail who vie for the Queen’s attentions and the power that comes with that. All rather bizarre, but amazing acting.