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.