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  • Mangrove Sunset

    Just a wander down the road from me is a muddy beach and forest of mangroves. Once removed, mangroves around the world are now being protected, or at the least allowed to regrown in areas. As well as being host to a massive range of wildlife, they can be of benefit as a buffer, protecting the coastline from storms. I’m always impressed, as a plant, they grow in such a difficult environment.

    Todays image was taken just before sundown. I positioned myself low enough to get amongst the mangroves, but also high enough to get the bright glare of the sun as it started to disappear from the sky. Perhaps the last bit of light before the baby mangroves fall under the high tide level also!

    Taken on my GRD IV & resized for the net.

  • Reborn

    Creatures that go through multiple forms are amazing. Imagine going from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Do they know they are going to make the change? – crawling along on branches eating, then being ‘reborn’ and swooping through the sky. Todays little guy was snapped still on the swan plant that they eat down here. Caught early in the morning, it was covered with dew, and unlucky to appear to have had something nibbling its wings overnight. Warming up as the sun arose, it looked like it was getting ready to take off.

    Taken with the Ricoh GRD IV, on no modes, I love the bright rich colors.

  • Boat in the Bay

    I woke up early this morning. After the noisy people at the bar below our venue last night, the cleaners proved to be just as loud come sunrise. As we were checking out mid morning I wanted to explore a bit more of Gulf Harbour anyway. I wandered my way through the side streets as the sun slowly arose, admiring some amazingly big houses. Being Gulf Harbour is full of boats and launches of all types, it was not overly surprising there was $$ in this area.

    Eventually I ended up on a cliff top looking out to the sea. A beautifully calm day. Here I caught todays shot of a sailboat drifting just off the bay. Aside from the birds (and the cleaner back at the motel) it was dead silent. A great peaceful walk with an amazing view.

    Taken on the Ricoh in bleach mode, post cropped in Gimp 2.8.

  • Sheep in the Park

    Today we took a trip through the Shakespear Regional Park, ~40min north of Auckland. Mid morning the sheep were already up and busy eating the hills of grass. With Ricoh in hand, and its 28mm lens, I got as close as I could to the sheep before they started to run away. I love the wide angle of the Ricoh, but its not always easy getting up and close to things like sheep who chew, stare then run. Just visible in the background is Rangitoto Island – Also in last months ‘Friday Unwind’, what makes Rangitoto interesting is that is essentially the same shape from anywhere on the mainland. Ill post an image of that sometime in the future. I also took a long wander along the Gulf Harbour Marina and got a few snaps I will likely share in the next few days also.

    Taken on the GRD IV, in bleach mode, cropped in post with Gimp and black surround added.

  • Abandoned Ute

    Out on the road writing from a motel today. Today we went up for brunch at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe – a great place to stop for a meal & band, or on the way to Goat Island, about an hour north of Auckland. Whilst walking up a viewpoint track I spotted a ute abandoned on someones farm. I always find it curious farmers seem to run their vehicles until they stop and just leave them there – theres probably a photographic book on that topic alone!

    Taken on the Ricoh and post cropped to remove some of the foreground which had dark shadows. I started taking some images on the Rollei 35 today also, so am looking forward to seeing how they turn out when I finish the film. Staying at an area called Gulf Harbour tonight. Looks to be some good snap opportunities for Sunday ahead!