Thursday, December 30, 2010

Pass of Glencoe

The Pass of Glencoe is a beautiful valley lying in the Lochaber region of the Scottish Highlands. It's special character is derived not just from scenery, but also from it's tragic past...the Massacre of Glencoe.



"Pass of Glencoe"




"Two of Glencoe's Three Sisters"




"Coire nan Lochan"

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

SOS - Sweep or Swim

On a visit to Piha Beech on the west coast of New Zealand we literally stumbled upon the Piha Big Wave Classic surf boat competition. Australian and New Zealand life saving crews were competing for top honours. They faced high swells which led to some interesting situations...at least for the onlookers.



A large wave suddenly separated a Sweep (helmsman) from his boat - you can just see his head to the left of the oars. He could easily have waited to be rescued, but apparently that wasn't a consideration for him.



"Hey Mate, have you seen our Sweep?"

Doggedly he struggled with the high swells and made his way back to his boat.



However the Tasman Sea wasn't about to make it easy for him to regain his position in the back of the boat.




But Sweeps are a stubborn lot, and he wasn't about to let a mere two metre swell get the better of him.





Finally aboard he hurries to regain his position.




And this boaties crew once again has some direction.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Life's First Field Trip

These young goslings are on an adventure of learning and discovery. Although still within their mother's sight, they are enjoying their freedom and independence.




Of course, that freedom and independence can lead to some shocking discoveries.



"Oh My Gawd!"

Friday, April 16, 2010

Oxtail En Croute

Starters:
Oxtail En Croute
Flavourful classical soup slow-simmered and served in a crisp pastry crust


Starters:Oxtail En CrouteFlavorful classical soup slow-simmered and served in a crisp pastry crust>



You know, sooner or later, it always comes back to food...deliciously good food!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Hide 'n' Seek on Tiritiri Matangi

While hiking on Tiritiri Matangi island in the Hauraki Gulf I encountered a Bellbird who had no interest in being photographed. It was quite happily feeding on the berries of a Large Leafed Mahoe bush and would prefer to do so without an audience.





The Bellbird, or Korimako in it's Māori name, never did let me get a good shot of any more than it's neck and head.





Fortunately for me I later ran into several of it's cousins who had no such reservations.