Rocking Coastlines

The Oregon Coast rocks. The views are beautiful. Even on the 4th of July week-end we saw lots of beaches that were without any people. Amazing!

Meat-Eating Plants. Help me!

Yikes! Feed me Seymour! Here's the meat-eating cobra lilies at Darlingtonia Botanical Wayside just off 101, near Mercer Rd., Florence, Oregon. Watch out they are waiting for you!

Anyway you get there, it is great time

The summer is a great time for festivals and fairs in the Northwest. Several weeks ago we went to the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts held in the last week of June. The Encaustic Exhibit was beyond this world with working spanning traditional and modern style of painting. The festival is a big draw with people coming from all over the country so parking can be a problem. We found a great solution with a school bus taking us to and from the event. It has been many years since I have tried to fit these long legs in a school bus and it must say it isn’t getting any easier!

Summer is HERE

If you can't celebrate summer solstice amid ancient ruins you might want to try Carhenge, near Alliance, Nebraska. Built on the western plains it is a tribute to ancient Stonehenge in England using old cars and gray paint.

You'll find driving the back roads more relaxing than the freeways. Plus you'll see some special sights along the way. Here a lone pick-up sitting outside a small Nebraska town can easily take you back to the last century.

Spring into Portland

So glad to have the move finally over and here I am in Portland, Oregon. Left downunder for a time and I am now exploring the Northwest part of the US. What I difference, the light, the colors, so different than the desert or the rainforests of Queensland.

I must admit besides the preoccupation of moving I have been a little hesitant to get my camera WET. Got a little raincoat for it, but it is still in my bag.

Can’t wait to start my weekly posts. Thanks to all my followers for being so patient!

Check out new photos here!

Rotorua: from a state of timeless perfection

You must see (and smell) Rotorua to believe it. The land is steaming with the earth’s exhaust escaping in bursts from deep beneath the surface. The exotic pungent smell takes one back to that prehistoric time of dinosaurs and fish-man crawling from the seas. It is a memory that is at once unfamiliar and yet as recognizable as time.

Here the Mitai family has recreated a Maori Village that is earthy, real, and raw. Each evening they provide an authentic introduction to Maori culture, including a Hangi (ground cooked-meal), an ancient warrior canoe, and traditional cultural performances.

Waimangu is the hydrothermal system can be traced to an exact date, June 10, 1886 when a violent eruption punctured the country with a series of craters and allowed geothermal fluid direct passage to the surface of earth. Take a hike to remember, but take advantage of the umbrellas for visitors at the park store. You’ll likely need it! If you want to soak up the unique ambiance of Rotorua head to the Polynesian Spa to lie immerged in earth heated mineral waters or perhaps you’ll want the ultimate relaxing aix massage given under jets of mineral rich waters.

Waiheke Island, NZ, A little glimpse of paradise

Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride from Devonport, is a bit of paradise in New Zealand. Until recently the island was populated by artists and those who wanted to get away from the big city of Auckland acroos the bay. When the ferry service started heaps of working folks from the city now choose to live there. The island has electricity, but all water is stored rainfall …definitely limited resources that will control future growth a bit.

We stayed in a cute, rustic bungalow in the rain forest…just steps from Palm Beach. One morning I worked with sculpture John Freeman an artist that in Oamaru stone carving. Here’s a shot of Black Beach, one of my favorite areas. You’ll also find wineries located throughout the island. Find out more here.

City of Sails and a Stingray

Auckland is purported to have the greatest number of pleasure boasts per capita than any city in the world. Since the 1840s regattas were held on the Waitmata Harbor and today it is no different. Standing atop Bastion Point we could see the city of Auckland across the harbor with the Sky tower jutting into the 21st century. This site is beautiful for kite flying, sunning, and relaxing, but its history speaks of turmoil and takeovers.

Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underworld reminds us of how close New Zealand is to the South Pole and its important role in exploration. There are many exhibits focusing on the journey of Robert F Scott , a snow cat tour of live penguins complete with snow, and an underwater walkway where we observed all the fish that got away when we fish. However, what really caught our eye was a young woman feeding a stingray that was the size of a gianormous round tabletop. The stingray gracefully glided through the water and would almost stand upright, embracing her with its wings/arms/fins. Many in the audience watched with clenched hands or offered silent prayers either fearful or transfixed by the stingray’s graceful beauty.

Brick Bay and Bohemians

The Brick Bay Winery and Sculpture trail is reminiscent of the spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright's work. Settled in a gentle valley the glass building which includes a resturant and wine tasting area spans the small lake. Sheep graze on the hills in between vineyards and sculpture walks. Good wine, good food, good scenery, in an intimate setting. What more do you need?

The Church of St Peter and Paul built in 1881 heralds the tiny community of Puhoi, New Zealand’s earliest Bohemian settlement. This charming community has the essence of old world Europe. Its early settlers were from an area of what is now known as the Czech Republic just outside of Prague. They make an incredible cheeses here. It is just too convenient that they go so well with the wines from Matakana Coast!

Certain Ceramics and Clouds

Nothing sets your day right like a trip to Morris & James, Pottery, Tileworks & Café-Bar about an hour’s drive from Auckland near Warkworth, in the heart of Matakana Coast Wine Country. The relaxed ambience and sense of timeless beauty is found in the gallery. Famous in New Zealand each piece is hand decorated with abstract modern and New Zealand iconic images. Take a look online. They ship overseas too.

Remember getting there is often the best part of the journey. On the way we saw magnificent views on top a narrow ridge. The trees conformed to invisible winds and dense grasses gnarled and matted lay on the rich dark earth.I think they have been here since the beginning of time.

Orewa beach is a long strip of sand that makes for perfect swimming, surfing, and boating. Here the clouds touched and mimicked the north island's reach. I read that New Zealand is called the land of long clouds. These clouds must have been around the day they named it.

New Zeal-landers

Wow! What a time we had in New Zealand! It was with great zeal (all puns intended) that we discovered the land … the lakes.. islands …beaches … rainforests. The landscapes we saw evocated far oft memories of maybe a book, a photo, a fairy tale?

We spent the first part of our ten-day trip in the welcoming home of Zac’s family on their farm outside Auckland. Our first glimpse of New Zealand was from their porch settled above rolling hills, some gentle and some steep. Although it was winter, the hills lay covered with a verdant green, cattle and sheep grazed nearby. A large hawk drifted on the waves of wind overhead. Although we saw much on the trip to New Zealand this first look remains the strongest.

Cavill Avenue

There is always something happening at Cavill Avenue … planned or not. I have seen people playing jazz on the sax, flamenco on the guitar, and Korean magic tricks. It is as much fun to people watch as to shop and that much is free!

Burleigh Beach

Burliegh Beach is one of my favorite locations. The beach is beautiful, the town square is peaceful. A bowling green is in the center and I have stopped to watch them play, they are pretty intense in this afternoon's pursuit. There is also a drumming session on the beach on Sunday afternoon that mixes percussion with the crescendo the surf. The Old Burleigh Theater is right across from one of the best restaurants on the coast, Oskars. Spectacular views, wonderful service, and exquisite cuisine combined with friends or that special someone makes for an evening to remember.

Another Kind of Independence

QDeck, seventy–seven stories above the Gold Coast holds a unique freedom.

There were no fireworks on the Gold Coast to celebrate Independence Day, but a freedom from everyday perspective was celebrated as we viewed the coast from above.

A Pause for Reflection

Brisbane Botanical Gardens is located right off the CBD on the Brisbane River. Lots of people just hang out and enjoy the fine winter day.

In the center of the park is a large fountain that was constructed in 1867 to provide the “first pure water for the visitors to the botanical garden.” The steps are worn, straight lines into arcs, by years of large and small feet, white and brown, seeking refreshment from the towering fountain. Does it whisper of segregation? It is silent for now no waters flow.

Sea Calm How still How strangely still The water is today It is not good For water To be still that way. -Langston Hughes 1902-1967

Where were you when the king of pop died?

I never imagined it would be such a big deal. I mean people die all the time, right? And as one of my facebook friends from America wrote, “He died a long time ago.” That’s her point of view.

But here, in Australia, there is a different take on his passing. It happened during the news shows in the morning and they all ran MJ reels and remembrances. Before they got newsfeeds from America I saw a newscaster pull a photo of Michael and him taken years ago right out of his briefcase. It was folded and faded, as the camera zoomed in he struggled talking about the day he met Michael.

By noon, the Gold Coast Bulletin put out a special collectors issue. At the Oasis Center on Broadbeach Michael's songs were being piped in over the intercom and in most of the stores. People I talked to all wanted to talk about it. “It was my mom’s first concert, she is home crying.” “I think it is sad that he had to die for us to realize how great he was.” And on … and on…and on…

Even when I think back to some of the very first conversations that I had in Australia they were about Michael Jackson. One person challenged me, “What do you think of him? Was he a …?” I remarked at the time it was a pretty strange conversation. It ended up pretty emotional and it was only about MJ. So what gives?

Well, I would say that a lot gives.

I was on the Gold Coast Australia the day that Michael Jackson died. And here it is a very big deal.

Let 'er rip

This afternoon was the first break from our winter storms. The light on the coast shifts low in the wintertime here at Surfers Paradise. The shadows of the high-rise buildings snake to the ocean as the crashing waves catch glimpses of the fading light. The tide was fast and hard.

There is talk of a king tide tonight, one of the highest tides of the winter. I can hear the waves ripping the beach right now.

Priceless: Gold Coast, AU

The weather may be a touch cool, but the Gold Coast, AU still offers the hottest deals. And some of the best are free. You just have to be at the right place at the right time. Full moon sunset on the Gold Coast was breath-taking as sight–seers from France, local fisherman, and surfers were treated to a heavy golden moon that slowly rose into the darkened sky, casting its moon glow reflection in the ocean. People have observed the moon since time began and despite reports of swine flu, uncertain financial conditions, and threat of global warming it still is a big draw. The face of the moon, defined by ancient craters and lava flows, continues to remind us of that which is greater than any of us. It is priceless. It is timeless. It is free.

If you are on the Gold Coast, head for the beaches for a truly exceptional experience. No matter where you are located check when the next full moon is in your area at http://www.timeanddate.com/ then search for moon phases.

Whales Cruising up Gold Coast

Head to the coast and watch the whales. The humpback whales migrate from Antarctica up the coast of Australia each winter. More than 10,000 humpback whales pass the Gold Coast, Australia, between June and the end of October. There are reports these numbers are on the rise. Last week-end a pair of beautiful humpback whales gracefully displayed a romantic dance that any So You Think You Can Dance contestant would envy. The whale watching boat pulled along the whales and matched their leisurely pace of 4 knots. The pair sensed our presence and paused for a bit to play a bit of under-the-boat-hide-and-seek with us. In unison, each blew a huge fount of water, flicked their tails, and disappeared for several minutes while all on board held their breaths and rushed from side-to-side of the boat, hoping to be the first one to see when the whales reappeared. And reappear they always did! With dramatic fashion they would surface, coming closer to the boat for a look-see at their new playmate. These sleek and well-fed whales soon tired of this game. Their attraction for each other was too strong. Playful and persistence once again they resumed their graceful dance, water spout to water spout, tail flap to tail flap they swam north to warm waters. And as in any great dance, the female occasionally showed her resistance by rolling her graceful body to the side, her snow white belly just beneath the water. But only for a moment, before she turned and they danced together again. Nearly an hour later, the boat pulled away and we said our silent farewells. All of us, seasoned and newbie whale watchers, were somehow changed by witnessing the migration of the great humpback whales.

Click here the whale-watching tour

Click Here to find out more about the Humpback Whale

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

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The gale force winds last week drove the beach-eating waves ashore. Its aftermath is marked by a significantly changed coast line. Here are before and after pictures taken in February and today. We used to walk by this lifeguard house on our way to the beach. Before it was a gradual drop with the beach spreading out gently before us. Now it is a 5-6 foot drop with no way up or down.