Jim Ertel

Nine years ago today my school buddy from the age of 12, fellow photographer and movie maker was tragically killed in a car crash. The ripple effects are still being felt - we all miss you Jim.

New Plymouth 

Jasper Canada

White Cliffs - Northern Taranaki 

Skagway - Alaska 

Cheltenham Beach

On Auckland's North Shore a long, sandy, sheltered (in the prevailing south westerly), shallow (at low tide),  safe family beach surrounded on adjacent streets by beautifully maintained older homes.

At the northern end through a children's play area on the adjacent Vauxhall Road  are two cafes and an ice-cream shop.

North Head beaches Auckland.

Hidden away around the back of North Head are two Pohutukawa lined beaches.

As well as a few rock pools to peer into....

Its our "Christmas tree"

Taken on the walk around North Head the Pohutukawa  tree. Better know as the New Zealand Christmas tree flowing as it does through December.  Wide spread in the north island especially in coastal areas and currently under threat from Myrtle Rust - a fungus that is widespread world wide but which it would appear has recently been carried by wind from our neighbours across the Tasman - Australia. Ministry of Primary Industries web page

Kiwi quirkiness

Found inside a cafe toilet - chalk and duster (eraser) supplied and nothing grubby.

(iPhone pano)