tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66250860734355515632024-03-13T21:13:34.709-07:00SilverSpikes PhotographyA New Zealand Photoblog - exploring the scenes, textures, and patterns of everything New ZealandBeverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-91350152285269743922013-01-07T23:25:00.001-08:002014-07-07T20:17:13.512-07:00ANZAC Whangarei<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.silverspikes.blogspot.com" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img alt="arrow right" height="75" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2297103388/" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img alt="next" height="75" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/var-obplatformtype-1-var-obdemomode.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img alt="arrow left" height="75" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a>
.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-33350827287123582632012-02-14T16:24:00.001-08:002012-02-14T17:07:53.579-08:00Dung Beetle<div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><div><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GwWKFPI3-Sg/Tzr-QwhOkGI/AAAAAAAAAzM/DEzcGH3_D44/s400/Dung%2Bbettle.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709155041501155426" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Seen fighting off would be </span>thieves<span style="font-size: 100%;"> on a road in Kruger National Park, South Africa.<br />This is known as a roller dung </span>beetle<span style="font-size: 100%;">. Once it had successfully fought off<br />the offenders, it rolled the ball of poo it had created off the road -<br />perhaps for a family dinner!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Check out more information on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dung_beetle">Wikipedia Dung Beetles</a></div><div style="text-align: center;font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Or check out this video on <a href="http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/40538-nasty-by-nature-dung-beetles-love-poop-video.htm">HowStuffWorks</a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.silverspikes.blogspot.com" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2297103388/" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.co.nz/2011/03/awaiting-tsunami.html"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a>.</div></div>Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-63485111735546847492011-03-12T22:53:00.000-08:002012-02-14T16:21:28.574-08:00Awaiting the Tsunami<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5522104358_e47933799c.jpg" width="500" height="269" alt="IMG_0706_2" /><br /><br /><br />The after the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami the warnings were out for the entire Pacific Ring. We saw with horror the events in Japan, and after the Christchurch Earthquake, our hearts bleed for Japan too. We looked out to sea, waiting for signs that the Tsunami might affect our bay. We saw the sea churning at Ocean's Beach, but saw little evidence in our quiet bay - except for the Terns and the Oyster Catchers. All hugged the shoreline, grassy banks, and rocky outcrops. The sea told them a story we would have missed...<br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.co.nz/search?updated-max=2011-03-12T22:53:00-08:00&max-results=1"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-16968224270317389922010-04-24T02:33:00.000-07:002010-04-24T03:05:09.917-07:00Ode to a Dunny<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mvr_U6I3NZI/S9LBLLo3SuI/AAAAAAAAAu4/5vqQxcGpFGc/s1600/mime-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 559px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mvr_U6I3NZI/S9LBLLo3SuI/AAAAAAAAAu4/5vqQxcGpFGc/s400/mime-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463641695800740578" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />It has been a while since I took any photos seriously or even blogged. Recently I was given a tripod and today - mid April - I was once again on the deck bbqing. Fantastic. The air was warm, the breeze was gently and the moon was rising. Since building our house we have become less and less aware of the original building that used to be the only building on our land - the true, kiwi, dunny. Today it was lit up by the moon and the glow from the house. It was something we just couldn't tear down when we built. I couldn't decide on the mood I wanted to reflect, as I see so many moods in the bush and landscape around our house. So this is my salut to the Dunny.<br /><br />Might have to use it yet as this winter begins after a summer of NO rain and the drought is setting in.<br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.silverspikes.blogspot.com" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2009/06/night-by-fire.html" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2009/06/night-by-fire.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a>Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-16135519388800232702009-06-27T01:18:00.000-07:002012-02-14T16:23:42.526-08:00A Night by the Fire<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3664926594_af587c9f79_b.jpg" width="610" height="420" alt="IMG_0101" /><br /><br />I have no historic, geographical, biological information about this - it was just a wonderful night with a fire in the brazier, a cool wind drifting up from the sea, and marshmallows to toast, burn, blow and devour. A night to remember with the family by the fire.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.co.nz/search?updated-max=2011-03-12T22:53:00-08:00&max-results=1"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2009/05/wasp-eats-caterpillar.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-87712149969211579012009-05-04T20:54:00.000-07:002009-06-27T01:52:35.518-07:00Wasp Eats Caterpillar<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/3503459482/" title="Wasp by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3503459482_d62ddd7f93.jpg" alt="Wasp" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Wasps have become a huge problem in New Zealand. Our indigenous Monarch Butterfly has suffered as the wasps sting the caterpillar to death or eat the larvae. We now see more wasps flying around our neighbourhoods than bees. What do wasps DO anyway? How do they contribute to our environment and eco-system?<br /><br />Its been a while since I had time to take photographs and post them. However this opportunity arose as I sat for a cuppa on our deck - next to a wasp. The wasp was totally unperturbed by my presence and went on eating while I took a range of photographs. The lens was a little over an inch from this greedy creature.<br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.silverspikes.blogspot.com" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" width="100" height="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2297103388/" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" width="125" height="75" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2009/01/hot-stones-russell.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" width="100" height="75" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-38396554532604222362009-01-13T13:13:00.000-08:002009-01-13T13:48:24.303-08:00Hot Stones - Russell<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3195181970_a61d3e17af.jpg" width="451" height="500" alt="IMG_0321_2" /><br /><br />After the cool of the <a href="http://www.northlandnz.com/destinations/east_coast/bay_of_islands.htm">Bay of Island</a> waters, a sauna under the hot pebbly beach was just the ticket on a cool New Years Day.<br /><br /><script> <br /> yt_starImagePadding = '0px'; <br /> yt_starFillColor = '#FDF931'; <br /> yt_starDullColor = 'transparent'; <br /> yt_starOutlineColor = '#666666'; <br /> yt_lineBreak = '0'; <br /> yt_starWidth = '21'; <br /> </script> <br /> <script language="JavaScript" src="http://www.yellowturnip.com/scripts/starjs.js"> </script> <br /> <div class="yt_rating_ranking"></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/11/stumbleupon.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-47853442573362363242008-11-04T22:10:00.001-08:002009-01-13T13:17:00.615-08:00Rock Pools<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/3004911132/" title="Rockpools sml by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/3004911132_63aeb04f13_o.jpg" width="550" height="400" alt="Rockpools sml" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.silverspikes.blogspot.com" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/10/italian-feast.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-81446659335761299052008-10-25T13:12:00.000-07:002008-11-04T22:08:54.561-08:00Italian Feast<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2972730302_d65fe7d3f3.jpg" width="550" height="400" alt="DSC05908" /><br /><br />Mozzarella di Bufala<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/09/florence.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-8548079634029318482008-09-26T06:16:00.000-07:002008-10-25T16:09:04.346-07:00Florence<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img alt="StumbleUpon" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Florence by treehousedwellers08, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30642874@N03/2890044736/"><img style="WIDTH: 619px; HEIGHT: 411px" height="420" alt="Florence" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2890044736_c5094ec2e9.jpg" width="450" /></a><br /><br /><br />I am currently catching up with family around the world. My main purpose is to enjoy being with family. The added bonus is a few good photographic opportunities though I am not spending as much on this as I might otherwise do if my family weren't more of a priority. However you can enjoy some of my experiences here at SilverSpikes Photography. Check out <a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/09/var-obplatformtype-1-var-obdemomode.html">Canalling in Wallingford</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr" href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/"><img height="75" alt="arrow right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><a title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr" href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/09/var-obplatformtype-1-var-obdemomode.html"><img height="75" alt="next" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" width="125" /></a><a title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr" href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/09/var-obplatformtype-1-var-obdemomode.html"><img height="75" alt="arrow left" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-56734064118502500422008-09-26T04:31:00.000-07:002008-10-25T16:19:06.536-07:00Canal Boating - Wallingford, UK<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img alt="StumbleUpon" src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><br /><a title="wallingford by treehousedwellers08, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30642874@N03/2890027428/"><img style="WIDTH: 622px; HEIGHT: 423px" height="400" alt="wallingford" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2890027428_c74cec7aca.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />Check out my holiday pics of Italy and England on Silverspikes.Blogspot.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/09/florence.html">Florence</a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/09/florence.html"><img height="75" alt="arrow right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><img height="75" alt="next" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" width="125" /><a title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr" href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/07/storm-wharf_26.html"><img height="75" alt="arrow left" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />. </div>Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-90430233654027458462008-07-26T16:24:00.000-07:002008-10-25T16:12:57.017-07:00Storm Wharf<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/2705221150_2bc6028357.jpg" alt="Storm Wharf sml" height="375" width="500" /><br /><br /><br />This is a mid-day shot of McLeod Bay Wharf - our local fishing hole - during the storm of the decade! As you can see - we all came through fairly lightly. The harbour peaks displayed their white caps in a choppy haphazard fashion, and left evidence of their ventures onto land - however comparatively their wild party was tame to that of the thunderous churning ocean display on the local coastal beaches. You can see more on the storm on our personal blog - <a href="http://treehousedwellers.blogspot.com/">treehouse dwellers</a> - though the photos are less attractive.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/07/midnight-visitor.html"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-73023394829368647072008-07-03T01:21:00.000-07:002008-10-25T16:13:44.660-07:00Midnight Visitor - New Zealand's Uninvited Guests<a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3100/2633571282_134f3fb5b1.jpg" alt="IMG_0091" height="500" width="333" /><br /><br />This evening - we had some biscuit mixture which we wanted to shape. It was all a bit soft, and there was no room for it in the fridge - so we put it outside on the table on the deck - JUST for FIVE minutes...<br />When we went to bring it back inside - THIS is what was on the table EATING our cookie dough!!!!!! He scuttled away up the Rewarewa tree - then posed while I grabbed the camera!<br /><br />Alas no cookies for us!<br /><br />There are about 70 MILLION <a href="http://www.kcc.org.nz/pests/possum.asp">Possum</a>'s to New Zealand's 4million human population. That's approx 20 possums per person - so I guess we can be thankful that we found just 1 eating our cookie dough. Possums were introduced to New Zealand from Australia (thanks mate!) in 1837. They are nocturnal marsupials with sharp claws for climbing trees and ripping bark. Unfortunately our vegetation did not evolve to protect itself from such hungry beasts and their appetite for NZ indigenous trees is killing our native habitat. They also have no predators in New Zealand (although the road kill figures may differ from that). As a result they have become our nations <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/podcover.aspx?id=33422">no.1 pest</a>. It is a crime NOT to run over these critters if you see them ambling across the road at night (not legally - but your neighbours will frown at you if you don't). They are actively slaughtered by the <a href="http://www.doc.govt.nz/">Department Of Conservation </a>and even the fashion industry is cashing in on the possum's demise. Pity our un-neighbourly possom did not see our large possum rug in our lounge. And lastly they apparently have a good sense of smell - (we will remember that next time!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/05/rotorua.html"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-9500547283641277732008-05-25T00:09:00.000-07:002008-07-26T16:36:16.519-07:00Rotorua - New Zealand's Cultural Heartland<img style="width: 562px; height: 421px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2520689248_56ebed3a7d.jpg" alt="rotorua fence" /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/07/midnight-visitor.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/05/pot-of-gold.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-29146210810604619172008-05-10T12:05:00.000-07:002008-07-04T13:17:44.137-07:00Pot of Gold - New Zealand beaches<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2480488493/" title="Pot of Gold sml by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2480488493_cae558569b.jpg" alt="Pot of Gold sml" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /><br />Oh my goodness - I wish I remember the name of this beach in the far north of New Zealand - a remote and stunning corner of the earth. It seems to be visited regularly by locals, who cook up the kiamoana (seafood) for the whanau (clan). Though this leaves a clump of rusty iron in a photographic wonderland - I can just imagine the clutter of buckets, the chatter, the sparks creating a glow on friendly faces, the roar of the sea, the gentle wind in the grasses and tickling the sand, and the delicious aromas of freshly cooked food from the sea. And the taste - oh to experience that would be fanatastic!<br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/05/rotorua.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/mt-ngauruhoe.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-19665808073360155892008-04-30T17:55:00.000-07:002008-07-04T13:18:16.484-07:00Mt Ngauruhoe - New Zealand<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2455680798/" title="Mountain sml by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/2455680798_b4a08acbf4.jpg" alt="Mountain sml" height="290" width="620" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ngauruhoe">Mt Ngauruhoe</a> (Māori: Ngah-oo-roo-haw-eh)is an iconic active volcano set in the center of New Zealand's North Island and part of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongariro_National_Park" title="Tongariro National Park">Tongariro National Park</a>. It is the perfect cone shaped neighbour of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ruapehu">Mt Ruepahu</a> - in fact they share the same magma source below the earth's crust. <a href="http://www.teara.govt.nz/EarthSeaAndSky/NaturalHazardsAndDisasters/HistoricVolcanicActivity/3/en">Ngauruhoe</a> last erupted in 1975, and frequently belches smoke from its enormous crater. There were 45 eruptions in the 20C, and between 1839 and 1975, 70 eruptions were recorded. It has now been quiet for over 30years - the longest time in recorded history. Its neighbour, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ruapehu">Mt Ruapehu's</a> has had more recent eruptions, the last occurring 12 years ago in 1996.<br /><br />If you ever wish for an idyllic spot to ski or hike - choose New Zealand's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongariro">Tongariro Mountains</a><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/05/pot-of-gold.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/var-obplatformtype-1-var-obdemomode.html"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-82591037868757055162008-04-18T22:38:00.001-07:002009-01-13T17:54:15.992-08:00Under the Pier - Petone New Zealand<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/2424870102_c830ebbf98_o.jpg" alt="under the pier2 sml" height="400" width="650" /><br /><br />See posts from Wellington - <a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/wellington-boatsheds.html">Boat Sheds</a> and <a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/03/petone-wharf.html">Petone's wharf</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/mt-ngauruhoe.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/wellington-boatsheds.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-49128881074004366422008-04-05T12:10:00.001-07:002008-07-04T13:19:01.003-07:00Wellington Boatsheds - New Zealand<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2012/2389759935_1e2763c196_o.jpg" alt="Wellington boatsheds sml" height="520" width="700" /><br /><br />See other posts from Wellington - <a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/03/petone-wharf.html">Petone Wharf</a> and <a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/var-obplatformtype-1-var-obdemomode.html">Under the Pier</a><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/var-obplatformtype-1-var-obdemomode.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/03/petone-wharf.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-90005944558344708682008-03-21T03:04:00.001-07:002008-04-18T22:50:05.746-07:00Petone's Wharf<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2349646498/" title="Petone wharf by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2349646498_5e76c2dbc0.jpg" alt="Petone wharf" height="400" width="600" /></a><br />We took 10days out to the Capital (New Zealand) during the bi-annual arts festival. It was incredible and I hope to write some posts about the theatre, dance and music that we engaged in during our holiday later in another blog. I'm not really a city photographer and so again most of the photos I experimented with were situated around the sea. But then again, I was amazed that so much of Wellington hugs the ocean and takes full advantage of all it has to offer.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wotzon.com/profilepage.html?comp_id=1002683">Petone</a> – meaning “edge of the sand” – was originally a <a href="http://www.historic.org.nz/heritage/archsites_pa.htm">Pa</a> site of the <a href="http://www.ngatiawa.iwi.nz/about-us/">Ngati Awa </a>tribe. It is 10min drive from Wellington. The first European settlers arrived at the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island and landed in <a href="http://www.tommys.co.nz/?id=414">Petone</a>. It was thought that this would become a large settlement, however it was prone to flooding and earthquakes. Thus it’s settlers moved across the harbour and began the settlement of Wellington – now New Zealand’s Capital City.<br /><br />It has recently come back in the spotlight for it’s café culture and old interesting buildings. I have not been able to find too much information about the actual wharf.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/04/wellington-boatsheds.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/03/ninety-mile-beach.html" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/03/ninety-mile-beach.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-57969160855296284682008-03-04T23:17:00.000-08:002008-07-04T13:19:29.998-07:00Ninety Mile Beach - The Top Of New Zealand<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2312142528/" title="Waipapakauri sml by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2312142528_09a21be898.jpg" alt="Waipapakauri sml" height="500" width="334" /></a><br /><br />I searched Google for information about <a href="http://www.new-zealand-travel-tips.com/ninety-mile-beach.html">Ninety Mile Beach</a> but found little that presented this stunning location to my satisfaction. We have travelled to this West Coast Wonder for many a holiday. The raging surf on the west coast is thunderous. It crashes and rumbles, tosses and churns the entire stretch of a beach that disappears miles past the vanishing mists. It is in fact, only 60miles long, and one theory is that missionaries measured this with horses that they estimated could walk for 30miles a day. After 30 days they concluded the trek from the southern point at Ahipara to the northern tip of New Zealand at <a href="http://www.travel.hickerphoto.com/cape-reinga-new-zealand-info.htm">Cape Reigna</a> was 90miles. They did not however consider the slowing effect of horses walking on sand. This beach, as with many in New Zealand, is a registered road. The road rules for this beach are the same as for a highway. It is great fun to roar along the beach in any car – however many a tragedy has occurred here including car accidents and cars being stuck in the sand when the tide changes. If you want a wild west coast extravaganza - Te Oneroa a Tohe - the long beach of Tohe (Ninety Mile Beach) will give you this and more. <a href="http://www.northlandnz.com/destinations/top_of_the_north/ahipara.htm">Ahipara</a> (more costly) and <a href="http://www.bookabach.co.nz/cf_rentalSearch/dsp_search_results.cfm?mapTab=Listings&mapID=4&RegionMapID=4&fromDate=14%2FMAR%2F2008&toDate=16%2FMAR%2F2008&keyword=waipapakauri&x=0&y=0">Waipapakauri</a> (cheaper rougher options) are two areas to <a href="http://www.holidayhouses.co.nz/Ninety_Mile_Beach.asp">chill out</a> and soak up the roar of this ocean.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/03/petone-wharf.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2297103388/" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/rain-drops.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-84424435393972146062008-02-29T12:50:00.000-08:002008-07-04T13:21:48.196-07:00New Zealand Rain Drops<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2300151607/" title="rain drop by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/2300151607_bb8f0643f9.jpg" alt="rain drop" height="420" width="600" /></a><br /><br />Rain drops in the trees. New Zealand is famous for it lush green foliage,<br />due mostly to the ever present rain clouds.<br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/03/ninety-mile-beach.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/evening-tide.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-23051540999993453922008-02-26T00:43:00.000-08:002008-07-04T13:23:17.775-07:00New Zealand's Evening Tide<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2293631710/" title="IMG_0320 sml by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/2293631710_055ef709e3.jpg" alt="IMG_0320 sml" height="500" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/rain-drops.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/kauri-gum_24.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.<br /></div>Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-21716128822750047232008-02-24T11:57:00.000-08:002008-07-04T13:22:12.504-07:00New Zealand's Golden Kauri Gum<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2285955255/" title="kauri gum by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/2285955255_0a2bb06a78.jpg" alt="kauri gum" height="382" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><br />Our house is situated in the middle of a Kauri Grove. The trees are quite young (probably less than 100yrs) however the Kauri tree <span style="font-family:Arial;">(Agathis Australis)</span> is a most revered tree in New Zealand and <a href="http://www.kauricraft.co.nz/HistoryKauri.html">Tana Mahuta</a>, NZ's oldest Kauri tree still stands after 1250years and has a girth of 13.77metres. The high concentration of gum in the Kauri tree has helped to protect this species from infestations, rot and decay, and gives the wood a deep rich shine. The gum helped to preserve the Kauri wood when in past centuries (dating back some millions of years), the land became saturated and many kauri fell into the swamps. Swamp Kauri is still being discovered today and the deep rich red colouring of this wood still retains the gums shine seen in the yellow wood of younger trees. During the late 1800s up to the mid 1900s along with the progress of machinery and technology many kauri trees were decimated for export. It is now however a protected tree, and small groves can be seen cropping up in vegetation that have been left to re-generate.<br /><br />Kauri Gum weeps from the tree when it is damaged or cut to protect the wood from insects. This gum can form in clumps at the base or beneath the tree and solidifies. The rough flaky exterior of the solidified gum can be chipped off and through a process of chiseling, sanding and polishing the above result can be achieved. This is a clump I purchased 'raw' and I thoroughly enjoy the process, the texture, and the smell as I whittle away the rough edges and create a glowing piece of New Zealand Amber or Kauri Gum.<br /><br />If you would like to know more about the Kauri Tree and the gum it produces, these are links that I have found informative and interesting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/K/KauriGum/KauriGum/en">History of Kauri Gum</a><br /><a href="http://www.gumdiggerspark.co.nz/Copal%20v%20Gum.htm">Classification of Kauri Gum</a><br /><a href="http://www.kauricraft.co.nz/HistoryKauri.html">The story of the Kauri Tree</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><script language="JavaScript">var OB_platformType = 1; var OB_demoMode = false;var OB_langJS ='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';</script><script src="http://widgets.outbrain.com/OutbrainRater.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/evening-tide.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2297103388/" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/waipu.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.<br /></div>Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-71230186088095464612008-02-18T22:20:00.001-08:002009-01-13T13:49:54.071-08:00Waipu Cove - New Zealand's Beaches<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2276804182/" title="Waipu pohutakawa sml by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2276804182_181ee328d1.jpg" alt="Waipu pohutakawa sml" height="500" width="369" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Waipu - pronouced "Why Poo?" - yeah yeah - but that is obviously not its meaning. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Wai</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> is a <a href="http://www.newzealand.com/travel/about-nz/culture/culture-maori-culture.cfm">Maori</a> word means </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Water</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, and</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" > Pu </span><span style="font-size:100%;">meaning</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" > Song - </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Water Song</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. It is an idyllic spot with a long sandy beach stretching along one end, and a discrete cove at the other end. A stream of salty water ambles it's way around the cliff, ducking under the <a href="http://www.opotiki.com/data/pohutuka.htm">Pohutukawa</a> trees, whose branches tickle the gentle waves. <a href="http://www.opotiki.com/data/pohutuka.htm">Pohutukawa</a> have a continual love affair with the turbuant waters of the easten oceans of New Zealand. When the tide is out it is great to scramble over the rocks to a private bay of pebbles - their smooth, even shape act to massage your feet in the warmth of the sunshine.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Wikipedia - "<a href="http://www.jasons.com/New-Zealand/Waipu/">Waipu</a> is a small town in Bream Bay, in the Northland Region of New Zealand, with a Scottish heritage.<a href="http://www.jasons.com/New-Zealand/Waipu/"> Waipu</a> was the centre of a significant Presbyterian settlement led by Rev. Norman McLeod, a Presbyterian Minister who led his people from the Highlands of Scotland to New Zealand via St. Ann's, Nova Scotia and Australia. Five shiploads of settlers arrived at Waipu in the 1850s. For more details about the original European settlers, see the Rev. Norman McLeod entry.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">A highlight of the town's calendar is the annual Highland Games held at New Year."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Check out the links in bold. I won't earn anything, they won't earn anything, but you might earn yourself a little more indepth into the country that is New Zealand.</span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/kauri-gum_24.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2297103388/" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/calm-waters.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6625086073435551563.post-41877287423982364012008-02-11T14:33:00.000-08:002009-01-13T17:57:34.163-08:00New Zealand's Calm Waters<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2258357645/" title="calm waters sml by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/2258357645_8e2e9bfa1a_o.jpg" alt="calm waters sml" height="542" width="567" /></a><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.stumbleupon.com/"><img src="http://www.stumbleupon.com/images/stumble7.gif" alt="StumbleUpon" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Typical beach on the east coast of New Zealand.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/waipu.html" title="arrow right by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2297103050_7809919c40_t.jpg" alt="arrow right" height="75" width="100" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10930269@N02/2297103388/" title="next by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2297103388_993c9a64fc_t.jpg" alt="next" height="75" width="125" /></a><a href="http://silverspikes.blogspot.com/2008/02/welcome-home-flowers.html" title="arrow left by treehouse1853, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2296306521_26456abd2e_t.jpg" alt="arrow left" height="75" width="100" /></a><br /><br /><br />.<br /></div>Beverly Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08429304628360932037noreply@blogger.com6