art adventures

Missed out ....on Adventure

2008-09-22T06:35:00.004+12:00

Over the last few days I have been completely focused on my interview for selection for the Commonwealth Womens Antartic Expedition.
However after a very lovely meeting with Felicity I was to learn I have missed out. Such disappointment. Yet such an honour to have met her and be a small part in this exciting adventure. The successful candidates both have medical expertise which is a very useful attribute for such an expedition. Felicity was however keen to have an artist on board to record and share the beauty of the ice. But not this time. Oh well maybe next time. Maybe have to plan own expedition someplace.
Take a look at her website and the new candidate

http://www.commonwealthexpedition.com/

Painting with camera - new images

2008-08-10T18:47:00.007+12:00

Adventures are a little few and far between presently due to weather and work. However have been able to escape to the mountains for acouple of little art adventures creating some nice images with my trusty Nikon.

Seems that I have the theme of water with these images,
enjoy.

( Double click to enlarge images)

Mt Ngaruahoe as a backdrop to stunningly shaped and coloured icicles formed beneath the Dome Shelter on Mt Ruapehu

A beautifully sculptured ice formation, smooth curves and delicate lines, recorded here twice with slightly different light angle. Such a delight to photograph. ( Even if my hands became so numb fingers lost feeling)

Small crevasses on Ruapehu slopes, lovely sharp contrasting colours and tones.

Softly hidden amongst morning mist on Ruapehu, towering peaks barely visible

Have been lucky enough to spend some time at Taupo with family and had some nice gently adventures on the mountain bike and hiking.

Beautiful flowing lines on a frozen puddle, discovered on mountain bike ride at Taupo.

Delicate Kowhai leaf frozen within the lovely flowing lines of the frozen puddle.
I investigated the 'terraces' at Wairaki near Taupo, where concrete terraces have been built now with water from the steam power station redirected to flow over these terraces. The heat causing colourful bacteria to grow.
Nice with a long exposure.
And a close shot
The Honeymooners Pool. I recall riding our ponies past all this thermal activity, on our way to Ponyclub when we lived at Wairakei.
Lovely play with light, steam and subtle colours

Lake Taupo in morning mist, a traditional and very often seen image of Taupo

Stream in the Tararuas. Arriving at a hut earlier than we expected when on a weekend hike, had some time to play with my camera. With no tripod was able to instead use a rock to steady the camera to obtain this long exposure image. I also was limited as trying to reduce the weight I carry, I had only the telephoto lens with me, so that is what was used!

One of my favorite shots of Huka Falls. I have tried several times to make a really nice image of the water tumbling down, using long exposure to give the impression of the powerful flow of water that roars through here.

Most have not been successful but this one I like

See more here

Motorcycling in Australia - pt 6 Back to Bright, last days

2008-04-30T18:36:00.012+12:00

Echuca. A small town formally an important port on the mighty Murray river with paddle steamers offering the many tourists leisurely trips. An abundance of cafes and specialty boutique style stores, a very popular spot for travellers.

However having visited previously and my desire to discover places new sent my riding north across the river back into NSW and beyond.

Click map for enlargement.

So on my last leg of my journey and trying to deny the fact that shortly the bike must be returned and work awaited back across the ditch, I needed to get back into the outback as much as possible.

North of Echuca is Deniliquin, the Ute capital of the world. Alot of farming stations in this area that support the need and desire to own a Ute.

North of Deniliquin the road became straight again.
The landscape completely and totally flat... and treeless.
Almost half way to Hay the next town, stood a lone tree, or the dead trunk that still managed to stand. As I approached a huge wedge tail eagle flew from the nest, lifting its huge 1 metre tall body into the air to circle high above until I left the area.

Once arriving at Hay, another smallish town, I continued north to a derelict pub 40km out of town. This pub is completely in the middle of a huge unpopulated flat expanse of silence. Apparently it has been bought and the new owner plans to restore and open again. I am thinking a trip back here in a couple of years is needed, to have a drink at the pub.

Half way back to Hay I stopped to enjoy the sunset. As I was a couple of hours too early I sat and became completely immersed in the fantastic environment surrounding me. The huge space is something that soothes and mesmerises me. The quiet, so huge it can almost be felt, only broken by a Skylark singing from some lofty place in the big sky, or the frogs chirping from the recently filled pond, or the clicking grasshoppers and other insects in the grass world. Time seemed to be still and I felt as one with the nature and world around me. How I wished to sleep there for the night and let my spirit feel the night on these huge flat plains.
Sunset came gently and creeping in slowly swallowing the bright light of the day leaving the plains bathed in the golden light of dusk.
The fragile sounds of the day quietening to a almost deafening silence until some hidden evening sounds emerged.
The sun disappearing over the flattest of land, leaving me with extreme emotions from total joy to sadness.
So hard it was to return to human habitation that night.

The following day I headed east across the flat plains. Gradually I noticed the landscape changing. Soon I was in gently rolling hill country with farms and forest.

The beginning of the great dividing range, the mountain country of Australia.

A quick stop at Wagga Wagga, a much too big town for me and then through to Tumut.

Tumut, familiar to me from a previous visit, is part of the hydro electricity production scheme in the mountains. The lakes beautiful, though very low at the present.

Up from Tumut onto the high plains.
Through the alpine areas of Australias highest mountains the road at 1250 metres above sea level and very gusty wind.
Past Mt Kosciuszko and Jindabyne ski area. Wonderful twisty roads, alot of fun after the thousands of straight kilometres behind me.
This area familiar to me and so wonderful to be here again.
Once over the high plains the road descends in lovely switchback corners and winding curves emerging in the rolling hill country where I crossed the border back into Victoria. Stayed a night at Corryong, famous for Man From Snowy River connections.

Waking the next morning, excited with anticipation of returning to Bright, the small town in which I lived and taught in 2002. Fighting the urge to take the quickest route, I headed out onto a previously untraveled gravel road over the mountains.

A wonderful ride up through deliciously scented eucalyptus forest, teeming with bird life.
Good quality gravel road that meandered up into the mountains.
Gradually climbing up higher into the mist and cloud. Temperatures here suddenly lower and actually needing extra clothes under my jacket, a huge difference from a few days ago.

From the top I was able to see Victoria's highest mountain, Mt Bogong, across valleys to the south.

Descending into the valley brought sadness as the evidence of the recent forest fires became apparent. Burnt stark trees standing sadly, bare skeletons on the hillside. I slowly passed through this burnt landscape, the scent of burnt charred embers still lingering in the still morning air.
Stopping to attend to a tear, I was to discover something wonderful.
On closer inspection, new growth was to be seen. leaves starting to sprout directly from the trunks. I was to learn later that this forest was burnt a year ago. Within a year new leaves sprout. The following year the leaves drop and new branches sprout and grow. The tree survives the fire to grow again.

Further on, Dinner Plain high plains and near Mt Hotham, again my heart is touched as I see this very familiar landscaped scarred from the recent fires. Since living here, two huge fires have torn through, in 2003 just after I left and again in 2006.

How long will it take to completely recover? From this devastating fire comes life, many of the trees rely upon the heat of the flames to open seed pods.
However all the wee animals must have suffered terribly.
Up on Dinner Plain some of the areas were missed by the flames. This area once farmed by cattlemen droving cattle up here during the warm months and taking them to lower pastures when the snow comes. Many wonderful little cattleman's hut remain, used now by hikers. A very beautiful warm and sunny place.

Riding down to the valley from Mt Hotham my heart racing as the kilometres were covered.... feelings of coming home overtaking me.

Dropping into the valley and into the little village of Harriettville, all familiar and welcoming.
A short ride along the valley floor, forest covered ridges running alongside. Afew horses and cattle, a salmon farm, fruit and nut orchards. lavender farm, all bringing many memories of cycling and horse riding here.
Approaching Bright the years of being absent brings recognition of new homes built and development.

So setting up camp still feeling emotional about being here, and I hear a voice not heard for 5 or so years. I discovered, camped nearby a hang gliding friend from England, here for the summer flying. Bright being one of the best places for this activity.

So catching up with another hang gliding pilot, they decided to fly. I accompanying them to the launch site and drove the vehicle back down, stopping often to feast on the best blackberries ever.

So after the flying John suggested we take the motorcycles for a ride up the tracks through the forest. Up to a lookout over the town. A bit much of a challenge for me but great fun.

Mt Buffalo in the background, another wonderful hiking area and launch site.

From Apex lookout a wonderful view of this lovely little town, Bright, surrounded with wilderness.

So with a visit to the school and the warmest welcome imaginable by staff and my previous students, it was very hard to leave this little haven.
Remembering the leaving day 5 years ago, I had the feeling I would return, and that feeling prevails. When the time is right I will be in Bright!

Until that time it was a bit of a dreary ride across the state to return the

motorcycle. Caught in rain and high wind on the final 2days I was almost ready to hand over my trusty friend Bluey. So many beautiful places that touched my very soul. Generous friendly people that restored my faith in humanity some. So many challenges and unexpected experiences that I was able to overcome and adapt to. So much achieved that I dreamed about and more that I did not expect. So much personal growth, believing in myself knowing I can have adventures alone and am accepted by others in unfamiliar environs. So much enjoyment, every day every moment I absolutely loved. Even those frightening times riding in the sand and feeling out of control. Such fabulous memories and images. Yet of course a sadness for ending my days of freedom and adventure.

So now 3 months back and well and truly into my wet, windy, cold Wellington life.
However I am starting to dream again, where to next...............................

Motorcycling in Australia - pt 5 Mungo National Park

2008-04-13T19:01:00.028+12:00

From Burra I headed to Mildura and the gateway to Mungo National Park. In 2002 when living in Bright, Victoria, I planned to visit Mungo but never made it, so was very excited to share its treasures, and many treasures there are...

(click map to enlarge)

Mildura seemed to me to be just another biggish town with my much avoided fast food stores. Oh for the little towns with out Mc Ds and KFC !!

Just out of Wentworth west of Mildura I found some beautiful sand dunes. Stunning with the evening light. Another photographers dream location.

The patterns of the sand I found mesmerising and incredibly seductive, I just can not get enough of this wonderful textural and colourful world

Such a wonderful simple landscape with so much passion and awe.

In detail so fragile and delicate hidden mysteries and secrets

Reflecting and holding the last light of the day, creating wonderful pattens and smooth shapes.

So very quiet and peaceful was this spacious place. My heart in love and my spirit at such peace here. I felt like I had arrived. For so long I had dreamed about being amongst dunes and surrounded with such space. Being here is beautiful with its spiritual aura engulfing me in its beauty.

Waking early next morn with the dream of Mungo consuming me

With some information gained from the Aboriginal guide I decided to take the slightly shorter and less busy, dirt road to Mungo. Needing to take fuel I again tanked up with 5 litres spare and set off.

However after much harsh riding through rough corrugated hard packed surface and then soft bull dust and sand , I discovered my spare fuel
tank had shaken off and lost on the road.
Thankfully I was to meet a lone farmer on the road checking his fences or something. He kindly offered to fill my fuel tank to allow me to continue to Mungo and make it out to the nearest fuel station at Pooncarie.
Such kind souls these tough Aussie farmers.

So on to Mungo. The dirt road often catching me with the soft sand. Hard slow going for me in incredible heat. Upon arriving I set up tent after a chat with the two Aboriginal staff at the information centre. I decided to take a rest before the sunset tour. But had a problem. With the doors of the tent open the persistent flies harassed me and with it closed the 50degree heat was too much to bear.
Thankfully Rod one of the rangers arrived to talk me into taking one of the air conditioned shearers quarters units for the night. Believe me it did not take much convincing!!

So after indulging in cool environs and relaxing serenely I braved the never ceasing heat to join the tour.

Graham our Aboriginal guide is a wealth of knowledge on the Aboriginal, archaeological and geological history of this amazing place. Once, about 40,000 years ago this area being a lush lake area sustaining Aboriginal communities living on the shores. The layers of silt and sand that gathered over the years has now been eroded exposing the secrets of the past. Graham pointed out black circular areas among the white silt, which are the fossilised remains of camp fires from thousands of years ago.

Grahams knowledge and connection to this great land was very passionate and inspirational. His perception of the disgraceful treatment of the earth hit home with me as I completely sympathise with his view. I found him to be a very inspirational man indeed.

And what an inspirational place, so full of history and spirits.

See more images here

And so very beautiful with stunning colours and shapes.

After the most memorable night at Mungo under the glorious stars so vivid and radiant I headed out to the main road and up to Poonacarie to fuel up. Then back through Mildura and south.

At this point the bike started to demand attention. Running rough I drained some of the fuel line and cleaned the spark plugs hoping for an improvement, which seemed to work. However a little further down the road the front tyre started to feel very strange. Such luck it was that I was only a couple of km out of a little town where I was able to find a place to repair it.

From here I travelled west back towards Adelaide, not that I had any intention of visiting the city. However I did have a desire to check out where the Murray River meets the ocean. So all the way down to the bay I rode. Through another Wellington and unbelievable it was more uninviting the the previous one, and incredibly windy!

This whole area being very windy and to me unattractive I did not loiter long.

Consulting the map I followed the Murray back north towards my destination of Morgan, a small town on the Murray River kept alive I think by the many 'shack' owners who visit weekends and holidays. The Murray River I found to be impressive in its wanderings, cutting its way through high cliffs and lagoons which sheltered a multitude of bird life. I, about this time, was getting the idea of kayaking the length of the Murray from the Great Dividing Range to the ocean. Would be fun I think!

Upon arrival at Morgan I decided to fill in time, as I was due to meet my cousin, one of the 'shack' owners, that evening. So I took a ride out into the countryside on the search for Mt Marys pub where I was told I could get the best meal ever. The company I was keeping in the pub where I acquired this information, was lacking in stimulating conversation, so I decided to try my luck at Mt Mary.

Mt Mary was once a busy town with its own school, post office and the railway carting trees from here to Morgan to fuel the paddle steamers. However now the total permanent population numbers 2. The barman and his lovely wife.

These cheerful people run the pub and provide fantastic meals.

As dusk came I decided to take advantage of the light and photograph. This is when I discovered the dear of Blue bike would not run. So it was parked up and I was invited to join a small partly of folk on the porch for a drink and chat. Turned out two of the group had grown up here 60 or so years ago, and the wonderful stories they had to tell!

What a wonderful evening with these friendly genuine people.

And the bike..............well a young guy happened to pull up in his Ute. Brian one of the locals organised the bike to be taken back to Morgan for me.

And the next day I picked it up from one house pushed it across a road and down a bit to Kerv's house.

Kerv is one of the memorable characters from this trip. Motorcycle mad, with a shed full of classic to brand new bikes including a Wasp side car dirt racing bike, old Honda side car police bike, 1200BMWGS and various others. After meeting him for a few minutes a couple of things became apparent. He is passionate about motorcycles and he knows his stuff. So with a little help from bystanders he soon found the problem, dirty watery fuel and a dirty tank. He had it sorted shortly after.

I am not quite sure about what he thought of this silly little kiwi wandering around in the desert in summer ! But he treated me with much respect as a fellow motorcyclist and I feel very privileged to have met this very interesting, energetic and passionate man. He tells me he is having his 3rd 21 birthday next January.
So on the day I needed to leave these lovely kind people he decided to ride with me awhile. First stop to Brians block out in the bush, down a dirt road.
Brian is one of many people I met who have become concerned for the environment and making efforts to retain its naturalness.

He provides water for a group of young wild emu who have become tame to humans and provided me with a really good close up look at these fantastic birds. Stroking their bodies I discovered they are bony creatures with the hugest thighs you ever seen! No wonder they can run so fast.

So it was again I was to leave a place and people with a sad heart, but one full of warmth with faith in the human race after spending time with down to earth decent people who extended such kindness to me.

Another character I was to meet around this time at my camp site was this Major Mitchell Parrot. He delighted me for an hour or so playing on the wire. Spinning around the wire hanging upside down with just his beak, or one leg. Flying back and forth to the tree. He was just so full of love for life, delighting in being .

We can certainly learn alot from these wonderful creatures. And how cruel it is to lock them up in a cage denying them the freedom to dance to life as this little guy was.

These elegant Ibis also charmed me with their beauty

And on my was back through Mildura ,toward Echuca I took a little break near the river, and was entertained and amused by these lovely local aboriginal lads showing off.

So into Echuca I ride caught in a rather heavy thunder storm.
Treated myself to a hotel room for the night and consulting my map decided to check out Hay, one of the flattest places in the world apparantly.

So that will be in the next and final instalment of my wonderful adventure....................

Motorcycling in Australia - pt 4 Flinders Ranges

2008-03-21T14:01:00.017+13:00

On to Flinders Ranges, then south through to Burra.

( click on map for enlargement)

Heading out of Broken Hill towards Petersborough noticed the landscape change considerably. Seems to be on a down hill slope the whole way . Not sure of the altitude of this area.

Still many old stone buildings in the area and strangely sea shells in the soil on the road side.

First sight of the most well know landmark in the Flinders Ranges Wilpena Pound. The road runs along side it on the way to Wilpena Resort, where I was to camp for the next two nights.

What is seen here is the wall of the Wilpena Pound rising up above the surrounding flat lands.

Decided to take a closer look at the Wilpena Pound so early next morning before the heat became too intense, took a flight on this little Cessna for a birds eye view for this unusual geographical feature.

As the plane ascends over the area east of the Pound, the other ranges are in view. Fantastically beautiful forms and patterns here in the morning light.

And the picture postcard view of Wilpena Pound itself. Sometimes assumed to be a meteorite crater similar to Tnorala, or Gosse Bluff in Central Australia. However it was actually formed the same way as New Zealands Southern Alps, by plate tectonic pushing up rock. However this area, unlike NZ has been subjected to hard erosion for millions of years to create this land form.
The road can be seen bottom of picture.

Another view of the ranges in the Flinders area. The valley running from top to bottom of photo has a road which I was to ride the following day which goes through two fantastic gorges.

Absolutely magic seeing this area from the air. A great way to get a very good picture of the whole area.

I just love the folded hills and the patterns formed. Have many great images from the flight.

After the flight went for a walk up into the centre of the pound where the settlers tried to grow wheat. The harvest unsuccessful and depleting the soil of all nutritional content so nothing will grow there now. It is only a small area but very obvious from the air. Remaining is still the homestead and the most beautiful dragon flies I have seen for a long time.

Just look at that face!

click on image for close look!

Following morning set off to ride through Bunyeroo and Brachina gorge through the ranges and out on to the west side.

A very good road most of the way with occasional rocky parts and in wetter times ford crossings to negotiate. However a slow trip due to my continuous stopping for photos and to look around. And the temperature is rising!
The road follows the tops of the hills and winds its way towards the gorge

800 year old trees, not many of them but those here are truly impressive with their size and strength to survive this dry hot land.

Under all that gear, yes I am sweltering! But I just felt I needed to wear the protective gear, just in case.

The bike getting abit of a dust collection now too. The camel bak is priceless here as I am able to drink and ride simultaneously!

Spectacular landscapes here. These rocks are 570 million years old!

A fascinating area that I feel the will to return to, and spend more time investigation and just soaking in the atmosphere here. It had an almost spiritual magical feeling here, the age of the area is clearly felt and seen. I absolutely love this area. And full of wildlife, roos, wallabies, lizards and tremendous variety of birds.

A handsome little shingle back lizard. One of many I was to encounter on the travels. They are also known as stumpy tails and have a defence strategy of curling into a semi circle with head and tail close together. Prey are confused as to which is head and tail apparently. Cute wee dude!

The only other travellers seen that day in the gorges. A lovely couple of photographers, working on capturing bird and yellow footed wallaby shots this day. I was to discover that the big white thing in the back of the truck is in fact a fridge full of cool drinks, which they kindly shared.

However they did have to fight me off as I tried to climb into that haven of coolness!

The strata of the rock clearly seen in this shot. Evidence of the tilting and protruding of rock from plate tectonic activities.

Once out of the gorges and on the west side of the ranges I headed back toward Hawker a wee town with some fantastic art works, including a huge panoramic painting of the Wilpena Pound. A magically and brilliant piece of work from the artist Geoff Morgan.
Along the ride more deserted stone homesteads from a time when the first settlers came in an abnormally wet year when they were able to farm this area. However those year have not repeated and the farming and families no longer here.
This shot has the west wall of Wilpena Pound in background.
By this stage I was actually starting to feel a little unwell from the heat and long slow day. Dizziness, lightheaded and stomach cramps along with an inability to gain breath alerted me to the fact I may be suffering from some form of heat stroke.

However I noticed some very beautiful ruins just out of town so dragged myself out of the pool to go and photograph on sunset with the beautiful golden light. Check out that over heated face!
Still sweating and unable to cool at 8.30pm. I believe the temperature was the high 40s and only cooled to high 30s over night.
The illness I felt continued for the next couple of days also and no matter how much I drank I still felt thirsty and dehydrated.
This country is extreme for sure.

Hey but the shots are good! Worth feeling a little unwell for. Such a spectacular light. More images at my gallery

Despite the relentless heat I love this part of the world. The huge blue sky and gorgeous red dirt somehow feels so very good to me, and makes me feel very alive and close to nature.

Many of my friends the Galah here too.

So left Hawker and slowly wandered south, back into more farming areas with treed hills and sheep.
Stopped off at Clare which did not appeal to me with its fast food restaurants and abundance of vineyards, so on to Burra. Burra touched my heart. A small old mining town overflowing with historic buildings and friendly people, and great cafes! Here I decided I needed to trade in the trusty XT which by now I have grown to love, for a 4 legged friend. So went riding with the Burra Man. Apparently he has featured on the TV show Outback Jack. However I think I burst his bubble a little having not ever seen it. But what a wonderful day on horse back. A lovely little horse. Shes a little gem.

Horse cam............and they think they have a drought in NZ!

So from here I headed back east to the border to Victoria and to visit Mungo National Park and one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

But that's the next story.......

Motorcycling in Australia pt 3 - Menindee!

2008-02-23T18:27:00.001+13:00

Menindee famous for its lakes, bird life and water sports, I was really looking forward to visiting.

(click to enlarge map)
( pink -my route, yellow -mail run)

Only 113km from Broken Hill, but with a late start and the heat already intense. The road started out being a little interesting with a few windy curves and some crests and dips to ride over. However this was not to last and soon back to the long stretches of straight flat highway.

Arriving at a small side road close to Menindee and where I estimated the first of the famous Menindee lakes would be, I took the side road which was posted as Sunset Strip. I came upon a deserted group of homes. Looking very much like a small settlement of holiday homes. However as I was to find out when I approached the lake and rode the bike down the boat ramp...the lake was dry and the holiday homes empty. No water here, no birds , no boats just a big stretch of dry land.

So on to Menindee and fast becoming very hot. Menindee a small township on the Darling river seems very quiet when I settled in the shade of a tree to consult my map and decide where to from here. The plan was to take the dirt road to Pooncarie another hundred or so km further. However due to the heat, mid 40s, and risk, if I had problems out on the dirt road, I was reconsidering my plans.
And along came the local postman and offered his block by the river with shelter and water, for me to camp for the night. This offer seemed like one of those opportunities one should take......and this proved to be the case. So a little later I was sitting with the daughter of the postman in the shade drawing pictures with cool drinks. That was just the start.
My Menindee camp
First morning and as it turned out for the following five nights that I stayed at Camp Menindee, I was woken by the raucous antics of the sulphur crested cockatoos and Galahs. Flying up and down the river welcoming in the sun with such enthusiasm and clamor. Really no way to sleep in. However the most beautifully spectacular way to start the day, watching the sun rise over the waters of the Darling river, the Lyre bird from across the river adding his voice to the chorus.
So Postman Kev and miss Candace turned up early morn to take me along with them on the mail run. Four days a week Postman Kev does one of two runs. So the station folk receive and have their mail collected twice a week. Must be a bit of a highlight for these folk who live so far in isolation. The big 4 wheel drive truck proved to be the ideal vehicle for these rough roads that alternated from rough corrugations to unstable sand.
So out towards Ivanhoe we go, up and back a track and then along the 'main' road, which just to me looked pretty much like another track. Lots of sand, salt bush and roos.

Sand changing colour as we cross parts that were at some stage and may again be parts of the lake systems of the area. So very dry now, as for the past 10 years Menindee has been in drought conditions. The past 6 years being severe drought. However at times these areas have been covered in flood waters. Around the town of Menindee there is evidence in many trees around the town and river, of previous incredibly high flood waters.

And in the middle of all this sand, salt bush, sparse trees and the odd sheep or cow, will be the mailbox, actually old fridges are very popular for this purpose, of the station home which is out of sight down yet another sand road.
Along the way on the two mail runs we encountered some lovely wildlife like this very handsome Bearded Lizard.
And this stunning Brown snake
And the Emu family that, as I have mentioned before are not the brightest bird in the bush, commonly known as bush chooks, Emus are able to be enticed to investigate any noise that is similar to that of their young. Postman Kev was able to encourage this one to approach the truck by whistling. Makes for good photographic shots!
The second mail run is to Wilcania up one side of the Darling river and return the opposite. The previous night the sky had darkened and turned a fiery pink and red at sunset, streaked with lightning as a storm crossed the plains north on Menindee. Unfortunately not a drop landed in Menindee to ease the thirst there. But it did land further north. On the way to Wilcania the following day we encountered a creek, normally dry, rushing with soil rich water. Such a welcome sight and cause for some excitement for the locals. After I checked out the depth it was decided it was safe to drive through.

Apparently a delicacy that tastes like peanut butter, Kev kindly dug out this grub for me to sample. However with my dislike of eating anything with a face I was hardly going to eat this wiggling huge grub. So I kindly offered it back to Kev and unbelievably he declined!
Flies , flies and more flies. And I did shower the previous night! This sand dune area was just teeming with flies.
This area, which I believe was part of one of the stations was also pretty special. Amongst the sand dunes that were constantly shifting with the wind, are bones and relics from times gone. Aboriginal human bones are easily found laying in the sand. Also huge stones that comes from a place very far from here. Carried here by the Aboriginal people and used to ground food or sharpened objects. More reminders of just how long the Aboriginal people have inhabited this ancient land. Amazing.

And then a very special treat. Postman Kev took me out to meet the Camel people. This was to be one of my many highlights of the whole trip. This couple Kye and Gill had travelled by camel wagon form Alice Springs to here in Menindee. Along the way collecting more ill treated and orphan animals. Now in Menindee, I am not sure if they plan to make it their home. Meeting them and their camels has completely changed my perception of camels.

Having previously heard and I guess blindly believed that camels are short tempered , nasty and spit, I was a little unsure as the whole herd of camels came cantering up toward the yard for the night. One rather large boy running right at me, them pulled up almost on top of me to cover me in camel kisses! He was so freindly and gentle that I instantly fell in love. I walked very happily amongst these beautiful animals in the yard and stroked them as several followed me slobbering me with affection.

Again I see, what I already knew, that it is people who cause animals to be 'bad' by ill treating them. I being brought up on a farm with lots of animals particularly horses, have seen it in horses and dogs. Of course camels are no different. They are intelligent, gentle and beautiful animals. And I am in love with camels.

Kye and Gill have rescued many of these 'bad' camels and through love and gentleness healed their hurts. They are truely inspirationaly people who I very much hope to meet again and spend more time in nature with the camels. Please check out their website

When the heat of the day began to lessen and evening came on, I was lucky enough to accompany Kev and family on the boat on the river. This was also to be a learning experience for me. Oh so different to the rivers of New Zealand. We travelled down river to the weir where the river stops flowing. I found this completely amazing to see. One side of the weir full of water the other completed dry. Alot of water is taken from the Darling river upstream to irrigate cotton that is grown around Bourke and in Queensland leaving less to flow to the lower reaches. Even in Menindee huge amounts of water is pumped out for irrigation of table grapes and household and personal use. Everyone relies so heavily on this river. Since I left Menindee there has been alot of rain upriver in Queensland which has allowed more flow and now it is flowing all the way. That would be so good to see.

The dry bed of the Darling River down stream of the weir

On the boat trips I was thrilled to see and photograph many birds. Mainly cormorants, herons, pelicans, darters and eagles. Some of the images here. I will be putting some more up in the Gallery.

Sunset on the river with the postman and family. We watched the wildlife and the light change from the harsh light of the day to the gorgeous soft hues of evening. Beautiful pastel shades in the eastern sky, the last sunlight touching all with gold highlights. Fantastic.

My stay in Menindee was totally unexpected and such a highlight of my trip. Postman Kev and his lovely family were very generous and kind and treated me like one of the family. Showing me about their little town and environs. Introducing me to other extraordinary people who have chosen to leave the rat race and live a peaceful and quiet life here in menindee. Lovely relaxed people who have the time to stop for a chat. Menindee has a special place in my heart.

So with the sun setting on Menindee for the fifth time while I camped by the river I started feeling I should move on. After all old Bluey had been sitting idle these last few days. Getting into the tent listening to the night sounds I had mixed feelings about leaving. I knew afew tears would be shed saying good bye to these ever so kind people and this lovely little place in the middle of the flatlands. However the trip goes on.........

See more images of Menindee here

Motorcycling In Australia- Pt 2 Broken Hill, Silverton & Mutiwintji N.P

2008-02-10T17:38:00.000+13:00

Silverton, Broken Hill and Mutiwinji National Park.

Arriving in Broken Hill was for me attaining one of my goals. This place of big skies, red dirt and heat along with its reputation as an artists mecca, has attracted me for months. Now here, some getting to know this stunning place was in order. Hence afew days, I spent here. Also Lance spent some time here repairing his bike for the ride back to Sydney, as he was unable to accompany me any further.

So to Silverton and the Mundi Mundi plains, about 25km north west of Broken Hill.

Now able to ride without all the gear is a refreshing break from the fully loaded bike. Nice to wear lightweight long pants too!

Silverton and its pub are interesting and historic places. The site of many movie sets including Mad Max.

The replica car from the Mad Max movie give tourist rides around the area. I think my little Bluey bike is better!

All the buildings here built of beautiful red stone are the remains from a time when Silverton was a bustling mining town

Sadly many of the buildings now deserted and becoming ruined.

A very dry place. However recently with the storms this area had over christmas Silverton experienced pretty major flooding.
Beautiful colours, textures and a very lovely sense of peace and history surrounds Silverton and its old buildings. Left over memories of a different time.

Truely an artists and photographers paradise with the lovely vibrant earthy ochres and burnt siennas contrasting with the brilliant blue sky and soft greens of the salt bush.

A very stunning place

Local artists have added to the character of this little pretty much deserted town.

Peter Browne and his very distinctive VWs and gallery.

It seems to me where ever I looked I saw art, natures art and that created by the human hand

Back to Broken Hill. A mining town

with plenty of evidence of this. A little green oasis surrounded with the dry hot desert full of saltbush and sand

and mystery.

Art features highly in Broken Hill.Again the inspiration of the natural environment reflects in the paintings I saw in the numerous galleries around town. One of the highlights for me was visiting the Sculpture Park on dusk and watching the light change from brilliant to firey orange and red to such a gentle wash of pinks and pastel colours. Fantastic. In fact I loved it so much I visited again afew days later.

'Tiwi Totems"

The Tiwi people of Bathurst Island have a long tradition of carving burial poles. The sculpture represents atraditional burial pole with motifs of birds, fish and tortoise.

Artist Gordon Pupangamirri -Bathurst Island

"Bajo El Sol Jaguar"

The sculpture is based on the music of Jarge Reyes. Duality; Sun and Moon: Night represented by the star Venus, mouth of the Jaguar that takes the sun at night to protect it. Day represented by the circle created by the sun.

Artist Antonio Nava Tirado- Mexico City

"Nhatji" Rainbow Serpent

Two serpents travel north. The footprint is adeality being both theGod Gullawirra journeying from Broken Hill toMutawinji and Fred Hollows stepping into the afterlife. The hand stencils represent three generations of the Bates Family .

Artist Badger Bates - Broken Hill

"Horse"

People must be aware of the nobility of the horse. At Stalin's requist all the Georgian horses ( a special European breed) were slaughtered. In some respects Jumber's work is a tribute to them.

One of my personal favourites!

Artist Jumber Jikiya- Rustavi ,Georgia

" Facing the Day and the Night"

A momumental head that at dawn looks towards the sun: behind the dove of the night symbolises the night and symbolises the night nad darkness. To one side the Wedge Tail Eagle symbolises spirituality, height, strength and freedom. The hands are those of the sculptors.

Artisits; Catherine Mould, Badger Bates and Herbert Shiner

"Thomasina"

A water bird neck upright catching a fish

New Years Day and very pleased to say hangover free!

So with the extra fuel needed for this day trip and litres of water and power aid, I set out to Mutawinji National Park, 130 km north east of Broken Hill. Most of the 260km return trip being on dirt roads.

The road in an interesting condition. After the recent storms the roads have been sludgy mud that has then been dried in wheel tracks, which tend to unbalance the bike a little when the front wheel becomes stuck in them.

Also in places under a hard crusty surface was very fine 'bull dust' that sends the front wheel sliding from side to side. So with the ever present intense 40+ heat and the road I sure went through alot of water on my ride out there.

Again not another vehicle in sight. Really not the place to come off and become injured. Absolutely no shelter or water for a very long way.

However Bluey and I make it out there with no dramas, just afew incidents when my heart was in my mouth as the front wheel slid to left then right. I did think we were going down a few times!

So arrived at Mutiwinji National Part to find a completely empty camp ground, not a person in sight. In fact I hadnt seen anyone since leaving Broken Hill.

However the welcoming party were waiting in the shade of the camp BBQ area . Apostle birds, many of them. These birds are real characters and highly social with a large vocabulary of chattering and chirps.

So hung out with the Apostlebirds for an hour or so then Lance arrived in the rental car and we had a bit of a wander around the gorges and caves in the area.

Patterned dust after the soaking from the storms.

Mud dried to cracked patterns

A dry creek bed showing evidence of the recent flooding waters that would have rushed through here recently.

A beautiful gorge.

Aboriginal art in a cave at the park

Road signs indication cattle and sheep along the road. However none did I see.

Road closed. A real outback sign.

From here I set out to Menindee, where a totally unexpected and most treasured little adventure took place. But thats the next episode.......

Motorcycling in Australia pt1- To Broken Hill

2008-02-04T19:00:00.000+13:00

On a cold, wet, windy Wellington day...... I decided I needed some heat and sun. The idea formed to go for a motorcycle ride....... .to the outback and the red sands of Australia.

40 or so days and 9000kms later, I retell the adventure

(click on map for enlargement)

My school closed for the summer holidays at midday here in Wellington NZ and within 24 hours I was on the train out of Melbourne to Castlemaine to pick up the bike. Australia here we come!

Next day on the road on the trusty XT600 which I obviously named Bluey. First day out saw Bluey and I clock up 625km and a very saddle sore bottom. Hence a purchase of a rather luxurious sheepy seat cover.

First night at Yass, NSW,and my first waking to the chorus of racous squawks and screeches, a real specialty of the Australian parrots and cockatoos. This morning wake up call became a regular occourrance with the up side being I was always able to get out on the road early to beat the heat. But no sleep ins allowed!

Second day took us further through NSW, dropping by at Goulburn and visiting the memorial to the first motorcycle TT and GP racing in Australia, which was here at Goulburn. The first Indian motorcycle being sold here in 1905.

Sydney my destination for the day loomed ahead. Actually Manly which meant a much anticipated ride over the harbour bridge. However to my dismay I missed the turnoff somehow and ended up sandwiched between a car and huge truck in the harbour tunnel. Not alot of fun ...and feeling very vulnerable.

Acouple of days in Manly with friend Lance and his brothers family. Enjoying fine food and wine.
Boxing Day out on the road with Lance accompaning me for afew days on a rented Triumph Speedmaster.

Great to get out of the city. Travelling North along the Pacific Highway, a nice stretch of windy curves along the Ku-Ring Gai Chase National Park. The road overlooking the waters of Broken Bay.

Headed inland past some very little cutsie settlements to where the road followed the Hawksbury River

Again a nice curvey road, tree lined with the beautiful river along side.

Further along we were to encounter the first of, for me anyway, many ferries. Wisemans ferry was quite a novelty, and a nice opportunity to look around and enjoy the river crossing ...and it is free!

The road climbed steeply after the river and then more gradually climbing up into the Blue Mountain National Park at 990m. Here as evening was approaching we started scouting out for a place to stay. Riding through very beautiful curvey roads surrounded with towering gums

Venturing down a small side track off the main road we found a perfect camping spot, high in the Blue Mountains. With the last evening light we set up camp and got dinner going. Wasn't until the following morning that we noticed the very obvious 'no camping' sign. Oh well

Have to say I do not think Lance was very impressed with my cooking efforts. Never the best even in ideal conditions, I tend to prioritise nutritioal value over asthetic value or culinary pleasures. Still he did not have alot of choice! The red wine did help out a little.

Started the following day with a bit of a walk up the mountains to marvel at the fantastic rock sculptures and beautiful australian bush.

Lance jumping for joy at not having to work for afew days. Or was it because we would soon be heading for a cafe for a real coffee?
A short stop at Katoomba and then through some very lovely rolling countryside out towards Bathurst. Perfect horse country and there are sure alot of horses out this way. Really green and fresh here. Awesome riding too with nice long sweeping corners, gentle hills and nice coolish conditions. Actually this day we were cooled by a very short sharp thunder storm shower.

Bathurst!

Amazingly steep track and so much fun it must be with a powerful engine to play with . Old Bluey just didnt do it

And on the road again. The speedmaster!

Next stop Parkes, passing through Orange, and a very shabby Wellington. The first of two Wellingtons I was to find. This one was definately not worth stopping.

Parkes the site of the great australian movie " The Dish". Just had to get 'the' photo with me, the bike and the dish. However did involve riding into an area that looked a little like a prohibited area. Ah well.

Dubbo for the night. A beautiful cool calm morn with mist rising.

From Dubbo the landscape began to change dramatically. No more the rolling hills and sweeping corners. Now the introduction to straight, flat roads. The vegetation diminshing and becoming sparse and stunted. Low

native grasses becoming more evident.

Huge fields of grains also becoming the norm. No more horses around this area and very little evidence of other stock being present.

From Dubbo to Nyngan, where I really starting to experience straight roads. On to Cobar where we only just managed to stretch the fuel as both bikes going on to reserve tank. However the old XT being more fuel effiecent. About 20km out of Cobar we were met by some of the local riders I had contacted via the Adventure Riders website. A relief considering the fuel situation and a

really nice welcome to this beginning of the outback.

Our host Bill owns a very powerful and deadly KTM. The Paris - Dakar bike. This bike having actually raced in the Paris Dakar along with the big race across the Australian outback. Very amazing machine and so very tall!

Bill having taken a fall from this beast was unable to join us for a ride that evening. However his mate Wilson was kind enough to show us around a bit.

With a 140km ride up to Mt Grenfell Historic Site to take a look at some aboriginal rock art. 60 or so km on the dirt.

Yes I had found my red dirt, which I set out to find.

Fantastic fun riding on this road as the surface was really good and I got more confidence. The larger front wheel and light weight of the XT making it more fun for me.

Only road hazards being the odd sheep, goat or roos and emus. The later being the most unpredictable in my experience. Roos tended to hop directly out of the way whereas old man emu sometimes didn't seem to know where he was at and ducked and dived across the road in all directions. Something to do with the size of its eye being bigger than its brain!

However on this ride only afew roos on the road to dodge

And I found my red sand!! This is what I came here for!

It is such a beautiful colour!

Further up the road yet more red sand .........

And more red sand......

From Cobar the landscape again flattened out and became sparsly treed.

Often the colour of the sand changing from red to white and back agian.
From Cobar the next 'town' is Wilcannia. With a fuel stop roughly half way at Emmdale at a general store where the owner, an elderly gentleman runs the fuel, diner and shop on his own. He wasnt having a good day and grumbled to me about locking it all up and going out back to watch some tele. I am sure glad we got our tanks full of fuel before he actioned this thought.

From Cobar the temperatures are gradually climbing, so this day we were riding in full motorcycle protective gear in heat 42+ degrees. Bit of a change from afew days before I left Wellington, when it was 13C.

So its becoming a real challenge to maintain enough fluid in the body even with a camelbak. The rate of sweat was incredible. Never before have I had sweat running into my eyes travelling at 110km/h.

I tried raising the visor on the helmet hoping to allow some wind chill factor. Unfortunately the heat from the road and engine rushed straight up into my face burning my eyeballs!

So we got to Wilcannia about half way to Broken Hill. Wilcannia is a sad town to me. Once a very busy place,once an important port on the Darling River now the beautiful stone buildings stand empty, gradually becoming sadder and more neglected. Steel bars and barbed wire preventing entry.
The local general store again reinforced with steel bars and grates, being the gathering place for many of the local aboriginal young people. These people seeming to me to be lost souls. Stuck between two cultures and not fitting in either. Evidence of alcohol abuse making for me, this place a very sad one.

As much as I wanted to stop and photograph the buildings here, the heat was getting to me and the desire to keep moving very strong.

More kms of dead straight roads, flat landscape in every direction. Seering heat from all directions and mirages in the distance.
Very easy to understand how one could perish out here within hours, with insufficient water, wandering aimlessly in hope of the mirage being a huge fresh water lake as they seem, instead of a cruel trick to the eye.

This whole area once a huge inland sea, hence the pale coloured silty soil that holds fossils and secrets of the past.

Nearing Broken Hill, rises appeared in the distance being actually low ranges.

The wind picked up and caused many willy willy or whirl winds to spiril towards the sky as they raced across the flat lands, occasionally crossing the road at the moment one is riding past causing a sudden wind change.

Riding into Broken Hill was much relief as the heat was tremendously draining.

But for me making it to Broken Hill was special for more than the promise of a cool swim in the pool. For months now I have been dreaming and imaging being here in the outback, at Broken Hill. A centre for artists due to the astonishing colours and textures, the huge vastness of the landscape and the big skies.

My heart is happy arriving in Broken Hill , here at last and ready to share in some of the secrets of this out of the way place.

Introduction to Hutt Valley Tramping club.

2007-12-03T18:34:00.000+13:00

So the old knee feeling a bit more stable and stronger decided to venture out with the Hutt Valley Tramping Club. After all been talking about it for long enough.

So how did the day go...? Lets just say had to wait til today ( Monday) to get enough energy to blog it!

All started with a meeting at Rimutaka Forest Park car park at 8am, well a little after by the time we got through the gates and boots on.

Five of us seemed to march along the easy track to the Orongorongo stream together. All going well, lots of chatting and time for me to get to know the others a little.

Trip Leader showing how to not get boots wet, as we head up river crossing a couple of times before the grunt up Goat Steam. At about this point I was starting to wonder if I had taken on a little more than I could handle, a bit of a habit of mine. But chose not to think on it any more and just kept climbing , puffing and sweating.

Terrain leveled out and the magic of the forest overcome any thoughts of turning back.

'So where are those elves hiding.'

'I wonder what the rest of the world is doing right now'

Traversing across toward South Saddle inspired thoughts of magical forests and creatures, feels so far from civilization, such freedom.

South Saddle just behind that tree with the first of the humps up to Mt Matthews.

South Saddle. The trees reflect the ferocity of the howling westerly winds this area is exposed to....thankfully not during our visit.

I am sure Mr Frodo and Samwise passed this way on their epic journey to Mordor.

'The trees have eyes Mr Frodo, they are watching us...'

'So we take that ridge over there..'

'No no, this steeper one over here'

Trip leader and Mountain Man discuss the route down, again seems we will not be following the main track.

' I am going down that steep ridge...'

Trip leader seems to be conjuring up some plan for the descent...wonder if it has anything to do with scratchy leather bush and stinging nettles.

After much bantering and heckling we approached the summit and became surrounded with a soft covering of cloud, just enough to keep the temperature comfortable.

As height increased so did the views through the clouds. Looking down into the Wairarapa gave some reality and satisfaction to the height we had gained.

Of course the encouraging updates from the Trip leader consulting his altimeter, also kept us going. '100 m to go ....now 98m....oops now back to 105m....

Stark beauty, the old trees still maintain a presence.

The climb much rewarded with the stunning view from the 941m summit Mt Matthews. View of Lake Ferry and the gorgeous coast line, not the mention the Lake Ferry pub, Mountain Man assured us he could see.

A lunch break on the top then begins the 'hard part' according to Trip Leader. A bit of a bush bash along the ridge north west of the summit til we find the spur.

And then, in the words of the Leader , the ' interesting part' of the climb down the spur to the rocky river below.

Again evidence of the prevailing winds in this area, and the steepness of the descent.
After a bit of a slog down the river, and much clambering over rocks, fallen trees a hut emerges from the trees.

The HVTC hut, a very original slab built hut which gave the impression of a vast history and full of stories.

A quick stroll across the river to Bains Hut and a team shot to finish the adventurous part of the trip. Left to trudge the couple of hours back along the river and Ororongorongo track to the car park arriving at the car around 7pm. A big day and I think slower than expected probably due to my wobbly knee and slow descent.

Parting shot.... cool evening light reflecting from the stream. Calm and still ... much as the spirit is after a challenging and exhilarating day in the Rimutakas.

Needless to say I will be joining this group again on adventures.

A superb experience, body, mind and spirit well satisfied.

Thank you team!

BMWs in the family

2007-11-26T20:36:00.000+13:00

Cousin Peter and my brother Gary returning from the Burt Munro rally in Invercargil, called in for a cuppa today. So decided to join them for a ride out of town, up the Paekakariki Hill road. A favourite windy road for motorcyclists and a good way to avoid the heavy evening traffic.

Our three BMWs parked at the top of the Paekakariki Hill.

Such a beautiful sight!

So only afew weeks to go until my Aussie trip. getting excited!

Naenae Festival - chalk art

2007-11-26T20:32:00.000+13:00

Naenae Festival on Saturday brought the people out to shop, listen to the bands and do chalk art. Probably not such a successful chalk art project as the Petone one, but all the same a nice project.

Afew of the local littlies came to get things started. Not sure about the guy with the bat, do not think he did much drawing!

Tony, came to add his expert touch after his exhibition opening the previous evening.

A fantastic sunny Naenae day, very hot and bright. Beautiful conditions to be adding colour to the pavement.

Memories of Dad and Wainuiomata south coast

2007-11-18T20:05:00.001+13:00

Having recently picked up some of my dads orchids from his home, am very delighted to see one of them in flower.
Memories of my visits finding him in the shade house pottering with his beloved orchids. Among his possession, now with me are exercise books of information about individual plants and varieties, accompanied with numerous photographs.
Seeing this plant in flower gladdens me that I also share his passion for orchids, that I have inherited some of the qualities of my dad. Yet I have a huge amount to learn to be able to care for these precious plants adequately.

More I have to learn if I am ever to come near the marvels he created within his garden,
still I marvel at the apple tree he had grafted with several variety of fruit on the one original plant. He did the same with a pear tree. Must be fabulous at harvest time.

So with my special dear friends visiting from the Naki this weekend was an occasion for much celebration. Actually a little too much and the injured knee suffered as a consequence. Not too worry. So a gently trip to the beach was in order and time spent studying in detail the beauty nature has on display there.

The drying kelp such a delight of rich colours and textures.

The Hand intrigued me.

I feel I have been lacking a little lately in adventures due to the wobbly knee.

However just about 5 weeks til motorcycling Australia adventure, so time to recover before that. Not long actually.

Rimutaka Incline

2007-11-11T20:04:00.000+13:00

Due to this torn ligament in my knee I had to cancel the hiking trip had planned for this weekend. Cycling apparently the best exercise to strengthen the knee without risk of further injury. Not satisfied with a gentle ride around the streets of Lower Hutt or Petone threw the bike in the car and drove up to the Rimutaka Incline track. Just have a strong desire for adventure .......
Very interesting and gentle ride up the west side of the incline, gentle gradient and pleasant scenery. Mostly scrub and pines with some native trees trying to make a comeback. The area was subjected to many fires during the years the railway was used. This being due to the large amount of sparks from the fell engines.

Parked the bike on the only remaining original bridge and photographed its beautiful colours and textures

A little further on came upon the first of the four tunnels on the Rimutaka incline trail.
This one at 75metres long is a baby compared to what was to come.

Beautiful sandstone and concrete blocks line the inside of the tunnel. Unseen in such detail by the human eye however with the advantages of adjusting digital camera and tweaking the image with Photoshop, the interior of the tunnel is brightened allowing a nice view of the lining ...and the folk making their way through.

Once at the top the somewhat sad sight of the old engines left to rust greets one. Beautiful shapes and surprisingly small, to me. Covered in a fabulous rich red rust. Beautiful to photograph.

Being fairly ignorant about rust and its impact on different metals I am guessing that the fantastic green is the result of copper.

Lovely contrasting colours and fabulous textures

So now the biggy. The 580 metre tunnel. Again enhanced with photoshop. The tiny spot of light is the light at the end of the tunnel. Important to keep focused on this when negotiating this tunnel. A very weird and unbalancing feeling riding through this. Actually not really to my liking as completely dark, cold and wet in the middle. Next time take a headlight!

Made it to the other end !

This is where the fun begins! 6 km down the east side of the incline, the steep side. This side is not as manicured as the west and way more fun.
It did however briefly flick through my mind as I was racing down the track, that I would have to ride back up again.

Some of the trail looking like the way into Mordor. The track can just be seen left side cutting across the hillside.

On the was back up the last of the four tunnels and the remains of a bridge that nature has washed away.

Have to confess after the ride back up my poor old knee was a wee bit painful. Just maybe I over did it a little. Hey but had fun!

Taranaki and Moon

2007-10-29T20:43:00.001+13:00

Moon seems to have a very strong effect on my moods.
It seems in our daily lives little respect or appreciation to the rhythms and flow of nature is given, yet so vulnerable and influenced we are by the seasons and cyclic patterns.

As I have injured my 'good knee' as opposed to my already scarred and slightly wobbly motorcycle crash knee, I am pretty stir crazy at not being able to get up the mountains or out on the motorcycle.

So looking back to the last time in Taranaki. My very fit and sprightly mum and I headed up to Pouakai hut. Managed to miss the rain and shelter from most of the strong winds but unable to get much view from the top of the ranges. However some lovely gnarly old trees on the way.

All smiles, we leave the car park.
Mum getting slightly frustrated with my constant photographing I think.
Weathered and tortured by the elements, these hardy trees grow despite it all.

Down to the sea to see what I can see.
Who needs a brand new aquarium built on a prime rock pool location in Wellington. One only has to spend time hunting around to discover all sorts of life in all sorts of colours, shapes and textures.

Run away star fish. I was totally surprised how fast these creatures can move when the mood takes them.
A whole new world, one that goes on continuously day and night each and every creature living its life in the way designed, just doing what they do, despite our interference in the world. But for how long will this be. So important it is to let these environs be in the natural state, as unaffected by human impact as possible.

new paintings

2007-10-14T19:00:00.000+13:00

Been working on this one for awhile now. Not really sure about it. But quite like the colours and shape of the Kokako. I want to show my love for our native birds and how being in their presence give my heart such a thrill.
Feel a strong passion for the awesome beauty of these special creatures and a sadness at the destruction of their habitate that has led to their numbers declining so dramatically.
Hoping that others will also feel the love and wonder from the paintings and maybe feel some empathy for them and have desire to help in their recovery.

Would be interested in any comments in this painting.

This still a work in progress but put it up here to see if I get any responce and input from viewers. Wanting to show the joy and passion of dance and movement of the female form. To me it represents flying in the sence of the spirit and soul flying high, living vibrantly and passionately. Pure delight.
Not sure where to go with it yet but just have the feeling it is still incomplete.

Comments ??

mountain adventure #2

2007-10-07T22:13:00.000+13:00

Storm clouds dispersed and Taranaki shone in his fresh snow covering. Seeing this after days of unfavourable weather, causes a quickening in heartbeat and excitement to get climbing. Early morning drive to North Egmont car park a bit of an adventure in itself without the benefits of a four wheel drive on ice. A bit of a slow crawl up the mountain road with the car sliding and spinning at times. Fresh snow down to the car park.

The usual wander up Razorback, this time snow deepening with altitude. Beautiful fresh snow with my footprints being the first, well first human as there was loads of evidence of possum, hare or rabbit and some birds going about their business, using the track as a thoroughfare.

Not such spectacular ice sculptures as I saw last visit. However the lovely ice drips from vegetation under banks caught my eye.

Having a problem, with insufficient light and no tripod I experiment using the flash, which normally I do not like to do. However interesting result.

Further up I find an overhanging cliff coated in icicles all glistening in the light and demanding my attention. Again no tripod, and no flash, just very sore and cold knees and elbows kneeling in the snow!

I find the contrasting tones and shapes intriguing.

Plant life providing a starter from which the icicle grows, also provides rich and vibrant colours, and interesting textures. Look closely here and find a lake shore with cloud or whiter mountains in background.

This wonderful fuzzy little plant totally encased in ice, protected.

All smiles at Tahurangi Lodge with the summit behind. Yet another day and Taranaki did not allow me to summit, due to very high winds. He will let me when the time is right.

Such a different environment to my last visit. The complete ice covered surface of the last visit, this time replaced with deep fresh powder in places, unstable wind blown grapple snow, and small patches of harder slightly icy parts.

Walking across one small face I notice slabs of snow breaking away and sliding off as I go. Interesting and maybe avalanche sign?

Another beautiful day on Taranaki, body, mind and spirit all refreshed and stimulated.

WOW world of wearable arts

2007-10-01T10:32:00.000+13:00

Recently attended this show. A very slick and professional performance of art, dance and theatre. Will be there again in future!

http://www.worldofwearableart.com/ wow site

http://www.stuff.co.nz/videoplayer/112262a21415.html video of this years performance

Some images from previous years

Jan and I with our lovely makeup artist.

Little friend Grace and a performer outside the venue. He was later to appear clinging to a tree lowered from the ceiling to the tune of Its Raining Men. Awesome number, especially when they all got their shirts off!

Old Boys and their Old Bikes

2007-09-23T20:09:00.000+12:00

Actually when I look at it there is a bit of motorcycling in my family blood. I have an uncle who raced dirt track years ago before he has a life changing crash. My cousin has a road style BMW. Both my brothers used to race motorcross when they were young. Both of them sustaining various injuries from their racing and motorcycling adventures. It runs in the family!

My eldest brother has a couple of bikes, one being the big brother bike to my little 650. Another of his bikes is this Yamaha, 1980 something, motorcross bike. He has rebuilt it over the years from a pile of junk that he picked up cheap.

So today off to the Vintage Motorcross race meeting at Waitotara, South Taranaki. Quite funny really lots of older 40+ year old guys and their old 20+ or 30+ year old bikes.

Making the most of the late coming Southerly change I rode the two or so hours to the meeting.

Ready to go.

And they are off!

Started out pretty good and kept up with the field, well maybe the mid to tail end of the field for the first half of the first lap. Then apparently it all turned to custard due to the old Yamaha quiting in mid race. Pushed back to the car and the boys having a look to see what is causing the engine failure. Its back to the workshop to sort out the problem. Look forward to next race meeting.

A couple of random bikes racing that caught my eye.

This old 1970 BSA was definitely my pick of the bunch today. It has the coolest shape, nicest paint job and sounded the best with a big masculine roar. But to top it off, it smelt the best too!

Ngawihi and Cape Palliser

2007-09-23T19:28:00.000+12:00

Deciding to take the bike to work on Friday I was to discover that I was long overdue for a bike fix. Would have been so easy to just ride on by my place of work and continue up over the Rimutaka road. Alas that was not to be on Friday.

However come Saturday and that is just what was on the agenda!

Perfect spring morning, no wind, lots of sun and so very mild. Up and out early to ensure a nice clear run over the Rimutaka hill. Awesome fun, and have regained confidence with my tyres holding, after the slip in the wet afew weeks ago.

Bypassed the coffee crowd at Martinborough and headed for Ngawihi. Been here once before and yet was just as taken by the brilliant blue sea, rugged coast and quaint cottages. Again the thought of bringing camping gear and making a weekend of it out here crossed my mind.

Sealed road becomes gravel and a strange pungent smell wafts in to the helmet, strangely familiar but unidentified until I see them............fat bodies, laying like early summer sunbathers, soaking up the warmth ......seals! A seal colony lives on the rocks out toward Cape Palliser.

So once out at the Cape had to climb the 250 steps up to the lighthouse and enjoy the views.

Looking back toward Ngawihi and the gravel road in to Cape Palliser

Looking South to the car park and farm track further around the Cape. Apparently there is a Maori historic site further around there. Do not know any details

Gus the BMW in front of the 250 steps leading to the lighthouse.

Seal colony sunning them selves in the warm spring grass. Ahhh aren't they cute!

Just after the ford with quite fast flowing water. Awesome sculptured rock formations along this coast.

Ngawihi has a substantial collection of bulldozers, to tow the boat trailers loading and unloading boats. A large range of bulldozers from the very little to the enormous. However the following really took my fancy. Babe, Twinky Winky and Kermit, delightful!

A very dramatic coastline.

New Helmet and Old Adventure

2007-09-09T21:38:00.000+12:00

So I have bought one of these HJC adventure helmets. A hybrid between a street helmet and off road helmet.

I ride a hybrid bike so might as well have a hybrid helmet!

Actually motivation is thinking of the hot sun in OZ and thought the wee peak may provide some shade. Took it out today for a test ride. Must remember not to look up into the sky as cruising along.

But seems good so far. Great riding into the sun, peak provide excellent shade from direct sun strike.

I went for the less flamboyant style and choose the plain silver option. Goes nice with my jacket!

Now old adventure. I only put these on here as I have been nagged by some friends to do so. These are a taste of my ride in the South Island last summer.

Gus, the little red Beema, and the Clutha river near Clyde. Here I was hoping to ride over the Nevis pass, but as it turned out was put off by some fears I had of dropping dear old Gus in the fords and getting into trouble. That's the reality of adventure riding alone. If something does go wrong one must be able to solve the problem. Well maybe next time.

Here with friend who along with other friends I caught up with in Queenstown rode down Skippers Canyon. Not for the faint hearted that is for sure. But what an adventure....and what amazing scenery!

Gus parked with Aoraki, Mt Cook as backdrop. New Zealands highest mountain and one of my favourite places on earth, to be near this mountain.

And this is where meeting people on the way can make the most fun memories. Needing some maintenance work done to Gus on the way, I stopped at a very small, very un tourist little town in the Mackenzie area. Got chatting to the grey messy haired old character doing the work on my bike. Next thing I learn about his collection of old cars and motorcycles and have arranged a ride for the next morning!

So who is sitting pretty on the old Tiger Triumph! Had a great old ride up around Lake Benmore and to the lookout at the damn which I was told has some fantastic statistics that I am unable to recall. Something about the huge size of it. I was more captured by this great old machine I was privileged to be riding. It rumbled along feeling close to the ground and very long. Really loved its character and personality, and has sparked in me a desire to one day own an old beast like the Tiger. Amazing how quickly I became familiar with it, even with the opposite gear change. Back on Gus seems strange for the first wee while.

The ride over Arthurs pass always an amazing experience as the scenery changes very quickly. And unbelievably after this photo as I headed East and down onto the Canterbury plains, I was suddenly and most unhappily submerged in cold dense fog. Visibility down to a few metres. Should have turned tail and back to the sun!

Confronting a fear of Hakataramea Pass and what I had heard about it. Some reports favourable, others not. I headed out over the gravel road and farmland to see for myself. Actually a most fabulous ride over some beautiful high country. Such an awesomely huge place.

Happened to meet some other riders at the top of the pass travelling the same direction as myself. So they kindly photographed me going through one of the many fords on the Mackenzie side of the pass. Note the foot out.... sure sign of still not too confident in the water! By the end of the day however I felt much satisfaction at achieving something I really wanted to do and much passion for the beauty of this area of the world. Such a wonderful place.

Spring hiking

2007-09-09T19:57:00.000+12:00

Such a beautiful time of year. Hiking through the bush I spy these wonderful tree fronds, the inspiration for the Koru in Maori and New Zealand art.

Up the Tararua Ranges and through some very damp dense forest. Still very cold with patches of snow on the ground. Such a wonderful place for soothing the mind and breathing the love of life.

After quite a climb through the bush, I emerge onto the ridge that leads up to Alpha Hut. No longer sheltered by the cover of the forest, the cold westerly rips at my hair and pushes me, testing my balance as I make my way along the ridge top. The view down to the Wairarapa to the West is fantastic. I can almost see those gravel roads I motorcycling on from here.

Looking ahead the ridge disappeared in thick cloud which I suspect is concealing snow showers.

It may be Spring but still feeling very wintry up on the Tararua ridges.

Bush walking adventure

2007-09-02T19:15:00.000+12:00

Changed the oil on the BMW yesterday and gave it a good clean. So not wanting to get it covered in dirt today decided to work on my fitness and also sooth my soul with some quality time in nature.
Maps out and day pack ready headed for Rimutaka Forest Park.
Started out along the Orongorongo trail then took the more challenging trail straight up to the ridge top. Really nice climb, got a bit of a sweat up and got the old heart pumping. At the top of the ridge was fascinated by a very strange humming, whirring sound. Thought maybe the aliens had landed but turned out to be some type of wind turbine. Did not get a good look at it due to the trees obscuring it.
Followed Cattle Ridge track down to meet back at the Orongorongo river and bridge. Very beautiful place and looking on the map some huts close by. Have to check them out another time.
Then a gentle walk back along the main trail.
All in all, a very nice pretty easy 5 hour walk.
Body exercised, mind calm and heart happy being close to nature and sharing in some of the fantastic secrets mother earth has to offer. Some nice photographic inspirations along the way.

Beautiful beech forest on the descent back to the main track.
Ferns and kidney leaf ferns seem to glow green in the warm sunshine

Some interesting type of wood moss or lichen growing on certain trees. They are actually the size of a finger nail or smaller. So wonderfully patterned and coloured.

Kereru with such beautiful coloured feathers. So fat and lazy he was happy to sit and pose for me while I photographed him.
I really love the way the feathers all overlap and fit together so well. So perfectly designed with such a appealing patterning and each individual feather a perfectly beautiful shape. Stunning creatures.

Lunar eclipse

2007-08-28T22:00:00.000+12:00

Clouds parted just long enough for the shadow of the earth to be seen crossing over the moon.

Cloud soften the view of the moon.

A very faint tinge of red starting to show on the shadow.

Red glow more obvious.

A definate red glow as the earths shadow crosses the face of the moon. Awesome event to witness!

New painting

2007-08-26T19:37:00.001+12:00

Compeleted this the other day, but now looking at it am thinking it needs more work. Think I need to add more contrast, darken around the birds to bring them out more. Not sure really.

Painting inspired after photographing these Terns I think Fairy Terns on South Coast out from Wainuiomata one day when I took my mum out there.

Very beautiful birds with amazing flying abilities in the high winds out there.

Comments welcome...

Inspiration

2007-08-19T19:01:00.000+12:00

Images such as these photographs and paintings of Outback Australia is what is inspiring me to get out there in it. To soak up the colours, textures and big skys!

So have the bike sorted... have settled on renting the XT600 for the 40 days I will be riding. The idea of trying to arrange sale at the end of a big trip did not excite me so much.

Discovered while searching the net that Broken Hill is a bit of a mecca for Artists. Attracted there by the strong light, vibrant colours and fabulous textures...........I am on my way!