Fossil

I heard rumors that fossil sand dollars could be found hiding in the cliffs around Waipataki. I was very excited. I've always had an interest in fossils and how they become stone and where they end up. The above beauty was on top of a newly fallen chunk of cliff. What always amazes me me is how this sand dollar is possibly millions of years old yet looks the same as one that has been recently washed up on the beach. I could see many other specimens higher up the cliff. This is interesting because another rumor I heard was that Waipataki beach was the epicenter for the 1931 Napier earthquake. This suggests that one possible reason for the fossils being so high up the cliff is through ground uplift. Or it may also be the ocean level dropping. Whatever the cause, we are lucky to be able have a glimpse into the past.

Cameras

I always find it a challenge to to cut down on the amount of cameras I take away with me. I was very controlled this year, I got it down to a mere eight! These pics are of Kirstin with two very different image recording devices. The top one, a smart phone is made of mostly plastic, despite its fiendish and fun capabilities, Im sure it won't last another few decades. The bottom pic is an ancestral heirloom, a German made Paxette used by her parents to record their children's process growing up. I find this intriguing. To me this is like a time machine that has had thousands of events funneled through the lens and somehow there may still be residual memories lurking in mechanisms.

Pig

Penelope is the camping ground waste disposer. This was the most active we saw her, nestled on her bed of dried cabbage tree leaves. I feel it's a little heartless having a roasting pan in her enclosure.
I sense one day parts of her may end up in a similar one.

Beach Girls 2

The sea came up a bit rough after the monsoon. Sadly all the fish evacuated the area. The weather was very warm which encouraged a few of us to bound into the ocean. The undercurrents were extremely strong.and even when only up to your knees, just about dragged us out. Helen and I didn't last long. Kirstin who is a strong swimmer frolicked for ages. I felt it would not be the time to hum the music from 'Jaws' Several days later, the sea was still rough and a young women was dragged out and several blokes who went to her rescue got into a bit of strife as well. The local rescue helicopter made an appearance to whisk the victims to hospital, happily everyone survived.

Beach Girls 1

Kirstin and Helen (in green) testing the water at Waipataki. Just before headed off on our holiday there were reports of  biting insects hiding in the sand waiting to gnaw at exposed flesh causing extreme itchiness. The recommendation was to stay below the  high water mark. Thankfully none of us were ambushed by these so called 'Mt Manganui Maulers'. Note the dark skies in the background. Later that night when Grae, Ben and I were night fishing, lightning was observed out to sea, then within seconds it was behind us waiting to deliver the heaviest monsoon rain ever. The fishing was soon abandoned. I have never been so wet!

Fish

These are two of Grae's victims. The top one is a Yellow Eyed Mullet, a very abundant species that can be found in close to shore and in tidal streams and rivers. The bottom one is a Piper that was snagged as it swam past the lure and was stabbed by the treble hook on the end of a 'Hex Wobbler'. I have a moral dilemma with fishing, on the one hand I enjoy the gadgets and gear, I also enjoy the thought of what I might catch, especially in the ocean, where it could be many different species. The thrill of winding in the line and seeing what has has been caught is a rare and exciting occasion. I do however feel huge pangs of guilt at the suffering I inflict on the fish. I do as much as I can to safely and respectfully release the ones I'm not going eat.

Napier Holiday

We were invited to join our dear friends Kirstin and Grae and family on their annual holiday back to their homeland, Napier in the North Island. We spent nine fabulous days exploring and relaxing.
One of the great lures the area held was the thought of reeling in herds of huge edible fish. Rumours of massive Kingfish and huge Snapper queuing up to snaffle our bait and hook themselves were being spread before we left. Our first destination in the Hawkes Bay was Waipataki Beach. The ocean was calm and very fishy looking when we arrived. It wasn't long before our rods were out. Family pride was at steak the fishing trophy was ours for the moment. Sadly Grae emerged as the one who managed to snag the most fish. The largest caught was a Red Cod of about 30 cm in length. It was very delicous.
The Drawing above was done by Grae and Kirstin's daughter, Helena. I feel she was bribed with chocolates to come up with such a biased and cruel representation.