Travel through image
Time has run out for devise of words fitting for Northland, the North Island of New Zealand. It deserves time to point to the Maori culture, whose roots emerge from Polynesian migrations only 700 years ago. And to the English, Scots, Welsh, Irish who settled here between 1840 to 1900.
It is a young country, and an independent-thinking country, remote in the sense of the wild power of the Tasman and Southern Pacific Oceans licking at its shores. Two islands of green in a world of blue-green with a population of only 4 million people. There is a lot of space to spare.
What time we had we sailed to craggy bays and healing coves. I swam in the green waters, walked the trails to lighthouses, walked the yellow beaches, and rested on giant boulders and under the great Pohutukawa trees.
We went to places like Cape Reigne, Manganui, Matai Bay, Whangaroa, Cavalli Islands, Waitangi, Oke Bay, Deep Cove, Hole in the wall, Cape Brett, Bream Head, Great Barrier Island, Arid Island, Mokohinau Island, Whangamumu, Urupukapuka in the Bay of Islands and so many more places. Windows to these places would have been half shut if it were not for Christian opening up the way for us.
Northland images bring to light the koru—unfolding fern, the greenstone that represents strength and peace and comes from the south; the pohutukawa trees that burst forth in red blossom at Christmas; the crisp white wines and wine trails; Monteith’s beers; Tattoos; sailboats; sheep and lambs; the unwanted possum; fish in abundance; apples, strawberries, passion fruit, figs, pears, grapes, tomatoes and all the best of organic produce you can wish for; crisp clean air and the undeniable Kiwi accent. Sweet as.
Until I find the words that can match this land of green, travel in silence with me through images.
Cape Reigna
Matai Bay
Whangaroa Bay
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Cavalli Islands
Waitangi Treaty Day
Mokohinau Island
Arid Island
Great Barrier Island
Fitzroy mussel festival, Great Barier Island
Bream Head
Hole in the wall
Deep Water Cove to Cape Brett
Oke Bay
In and around the Bay of Islands
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1 comment:
Marilyn and Russ -- it's amazing what the Internet will turn up! I am enchanted with your blog and your beautiful photographs! What a journey -- I haven't finished reading all but will post haste! Marilyn, you need to make this a book -- you write beautifully. Happy sailing to you both -- I hope there's more to read soon! Saturday, May 22, 2010. Liz (from long ago!)
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