Month: March 2014

Sky Screamer Launches

sky s 1Auckland’s Sky Screamer – a three person egg shaped cage with a big rubber band on it. Sit down, strap up and get propelled into the sky at something like 200kph (124mph).

Ive been on it a number of times over the years – each time as harrowing as the next if your not overly fond of feeling like your are falling to earth in a mild steel cage. Anyway, today I caught a group of people having a go for themselves.

Sky s 2 Sky s 3 Sky s 4

 

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The Missed Shot

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe missed shot. So often its because one has not brought their camera with them. Other times, its the fumbling around getting ones camera at the ready just as something happens. Today was a bit of both. Arriving home, it was a welcoming sight to see a couple of goldfinch pecking away at my cropped wildflowers. I had noticed one in the morning, so now back with its mate, I assumed they might be feeding for a while. Casually walking back to my camera cabinet, choosing my longest zoom (300mm on the Olympus – 600mm for 35mm format). Back to the window, slowly so as not to scare the finches I crept. ‘this will be a nice photo for the day I said to myself’ (in my head, not out aloud). Alas…the birds had grabbed what they came for and left.

So for today “The Missed Shot” – or “Flowers on the Fence-line”

 

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Chasing Once Was Cyclone Lusi

Chasing LusiA busy day had me heading out late tonight to hunt down the once was cyclone Lusi. Now downgraded and no longer a cyclone, Lusi is still packing a punch in the wind department.

I had bagged my Sony all up in waterproof gear, anticipating a late afternoon shoot, but neither that, or any rain of note happened. Strong winds and long exposures left for more camera shake than I would have liked, and less successful shots than usual (wind gusts are still very strong).

Back home, Lusi is knocking at the door, but I think the brunt for Auckland has past. Lots of electrical outs around the North Island, but no excitement for this shooter.

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Red Sky Morning

Red Sky MorningThe old phrase ‘red sky in the morning, shepherds warning’ (or sailors depending on your upbringing and geographical location) appears to be ringing true today as I await the cyclone that is Lusi on its way to New Zealand.

We have been told to cancel upcoming weekend activities outdoors, prepare for a king tide, massive coastal weather, possible flooding, high winds and power cuts. Its always so surreal when a large storm approaches. The air changes. Things go still. Most animals seem to know something is coming.

I enjoy weather extremes. Within limits. All going well, I will try to get out in some of it and take in the amazing power that is mother nature. Going not so well, I’ll stay inside.

As I write the breeze is mellow. News reports its already picking up at the top of the country, so its just a small wait now…

 

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Chillies in Jars

Chillies in Jar1. Sort chillies into ‘type’ (optional)
2. Clean Jars
3. Slice chillies to allow pickling solution to get inside
4. In a pot, bring to boil 1L Vinegar (white or malt) 1L Water and 1 tea spoon pickling salt.
5.Pour into Jars, sit to cool and store.
6. Later, enjoy chillies!

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