Weekly photo challenge: Forward II

Onwards and upwards

We’re having an idyllic summer … I have never seen the lake so calm or found it as warm as it now is.

Photographed this week at Lake Taupo, New Zealand.

Weekly photo challenge: Forward

It’s a matter of interpretation … forward or back?

Photographed on Papamoa Beach, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

Weekly photo challenge: Following

Sweetening the downdraft

Sorry folks, couldn’t resist this one…no-one wants to follow a pooch with tummy problems!

Photographed at the French Market, Auckland, New Zealand.

Weekly photo challenge: the Kiss

Nothing like a mother’s love

This morning, camera in  hand, I took myself off to Wellington Zoo. I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t been there for years – since my now adult children were little! We’ve had such a gorgeous spell of weather lately and I decided that, in my ‘between jobs’ state, I should see for myself all the changes that have been made at the zoo in the intervening years.

I was not disappointed. In fact, I was totally entranced. I ended up spending the best part of three hours there vowing to myself to make regular visits from now on.

I could ramble on and on about the fabulous events Wellington Zoo offers, but it’s best to check out their website if you’re interested. I was prompted to go today because of an article in this morning’s Dominion Post about a baby Royal Penguin which had been found on Sunday at Tora Beach on the Wairarapa Coast. The sick penguin, after being cared for overnight, was taken to Wellington Zoo. Royal Penguins, the article tells us, live about 2000 kilometres distant on Macquarie Island where the temperatures is around 8 degrees celsius. A far cry from our recent temperatures in the high 20s.

When I arrived at the zoo, I was told that the penguin would be undergoing surgery in the Animal Hospital this morning. The Animal Hospital (called The Nest) is open viewing. The vets (microphones on) operate behind a large viewing window and describe what they’re doing and why. We watched as our little royal penguin friend was gently anaesthetised and and ten operated on. A large group of young school children sitting on the ground in front of the window watched in awe.

We all hope the wee fellow makes it; his chances aren’t that good.

Not far away, all the other animals either frolicked or lazed in the sun.

I hope you like this picture – there were two baby chimps in the enclosure, both being lovingly nurtured by their mothers. There were also some toddlers getting up to normal toddler mischief – they reminded me of my kids!

Weekly photo challenge: Unique

Poetry on the waterfront

You’ll have to come to New Zealand to read the poetic inspirations dotted around Wellington’s waterfront – known as the Wellington Writers’ Walk. The challenge for tourists is to find all the quotes …

The series of large, concrete, typographic ‘text sculptures’ designed by award-winning Wellington typographer and graphic designer Catherine Griffiths are sited at various points along the waterfront.  Each sculpture contains a quote by a well-known New Zealand writer with strong Wellington connections. There are currently 11 text sculptures.

This sculpture features the words of Denis Glover (1912-1980).

from the pen of Denis Glover

Weekly photo challenge: Beyond the Pohutukawa trees

From the summit of the Mount

In New Zealand, the red blooms of the Pohutukawa tree herald the arrival of summer. The theory goes, that the early the flowering, the longer the summer.

This summer the Pohutukawa flowers have been spectacular. So has the summer – intermittently

I took this photograph while climbing to the summit of Mount Maunganui (on the Coromandel Peninsula) early in the morning on New Year’s Day. I was not alone; many other walkers and runners started the year with the same good intention.

I loved our few days spent in Mount Maunganui. Great beaches, great surf, great food -surrounded by beauty. Hidden by the tree on the right hand corner of this image is Tauranga. Mount Maunganui Beach is to the extreme left, with Pilot Beach (lined by Norfolk Pines) is centre.

Pohutukawa blooms below.

New Zealand native Pohutukawa … our Christmas flower

Weekly photo challenge: Beyond the tread

Beyond the footprints on Matarangi Beach – early morning

In this topic, I feel spoiled for choice, so I may just have to post a daily photograph.

This photograph was taken on Matarangi Beach, which is on the Coromandel Peninsula – North Island, New Zealand. I was blown away by the beauty. Early morning walks were my favourite times of day – a time to absorb the air, the sounds and the silence.

Weekly photo challenge: Changing seasons

Although strawberries are at their juiciest early in the season, I’m happy to gorge on them any time!

You’d be right in thinking I’s guided by my palette!

In Wellington, warm summer temperatures and long balmy days are mostly in our dreams. From October to December we are subject to winds and gales of the equinox – still days are few and far between. We get lulled into a false sense of security during three days of glorious weather, and are then sent scurrying for the heater when the southerly gales return.

Today is one such day.

It’s sunny, but the wind seems to be coming straight off the antarctic.

Only a few hours north of Wellington (by car) the trees, vines and furrows of Hawkes Bay are bearing fruit.

I always thought that our berries in New Zealand were the absolute best. On a trip to Europe in 2007, I was proved wrong. In Warsaw, the raspberrries and blueberries were not only far less expensive than here, they had the most magnificent intense flavour.

But that doesn’t really worry me now …

The seasons are changing – summer is on the way!

Weekly photo challenge: Reflections

Swanning around…

It’s no wonder Tchaikovsky was inspired to create a ballet honouring these exquisite creatures.

Photographed on Lake Taupo, New Zealand.

Special photo challenge: Inspiration

Blogger at large

A confusing image? Let me explain …

This photograph was taken at the newly renovated and refurbished Auckland Art Gallery, which I absolutely love. It is stunningly beautiful and houses many wonderful works of art including the above installation entitled Environment III (1973) by Belgian artist Luc Piere (1916-1994). It is made from mirrored glass, perspex and paint. Superb!

Whenever I’m in Auckland, I put at visit to the Art Gallery at the top of my agenda … and Environment III.

It never fails to inspire, excite and delight.