4/25/13

remains of the tide

I love the marks that the ocean leaves on the sand as the tide goes out. It seems to me that it's a very slow 'Good by'.


wild, wee purples

I found this great flower growing in the thicket beside a river. I don't know what it is, but I thought it was interesting and different. It reminds me of a wild onion. Please let me know if you know what it is.


4/23/13

toetoe

I've seen toetoe (pronounces toy toy) growing wild in many places but I've never seen these gorgeous, diverse colors before. 


Toetoe is not pampas grass, although it's similar. Click here for an explanation.

4/18/13

why I take large pictures

I use the second largest setting on my camera for photos--which is 2592 x 1944. My camera takes great macro shots (20x), but I have the option of cropping to see more details.





steam at tokaanu thermal pools

The steaming hot water was blue and clear enough to see to the bottom of the outdoor pool. The steam from these underground hot springs is harnessed in the bath house at the other end of the property. And, it's sooo relaxing!

Kaimanawa Ranges

I think my 'rural' is a bit different that yours!


4/16/13

4/15/13

taupo moasic

Lake Taupo boasts of the introduced trout that live in the lake.



                  Lake scene / giant trout, 
                                   scaup (duck) with sea gull / natural thermal pool

Natural thermal pool / trout reminder on water grate / heron
                               giant paper clip notice boards


llama, up close and personal




4/10/13

montbretia grow along the roadside



crocosmia x crocosmiiflora, commonly called montbretia, we call it 'that orange stuff'

mussels and foam

taken at Kaupokonui

bird of paradise textured



foamy waters under cloudy sky

I always enjoy walking along the ocean, no matter the weather.


textured roadside scene

This is a typical scene to me, but I thought the texture added a good look.

4/9/13

a rare sight in NZ

This sight may be an ordinary fall view to you but here in New Zealand, it's quite rare. There are very few deciduous trees and we had to take a wrong turn to find this scenery which I consider 'typically fall'.


dandelion seeds

from French dent-de-lion, meaning "lion's tooth"

I find wondrous beauty in the tiny details of these seeding flowers.



4/6/13

panorama at Taupo lookout

This is the first view you get of lake Taupo before you get to town. The clouds are always beautiful.



shoe fence

We have seen a few of these fences with shoes on them around the country. Miranda over at Gorgeous with Attitude has found other NZ fences, including one made of toothbrushes!




wee butterflies

I found these guys on our fading petunias




4/3/13

stormy waters




new plymouth prison

Last month, New Plymouth Prison closed its doors because it is not earthquake proof. It was one of the oldest prisons in use in the country. Click here to read more.






Former death Row cells

last red remains



ABC Wednesday - L

old county offices building

I took this shot last week on our little holiday and put an antique layer on it. I'm quite happy with the result.




lots of pink