Disjointed Pictures and Notations

This weekend started with light rain and has intensified each day, as the tail of cyclone Zelia passes over the islands of New Zealand. As I fitted my last blog entry with pictures, I found many pictures that I wanted to share many that did not fit in the narrative.


This blog entry is mostly pictures, with brief narratives, often regarding scenes that  remind me of people or events.  All of my friends travel with me, as I think of each of you often.
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This group of folks riding horses on the beach reminded me of my horses, of discussions with Heidi Pace about long rides she had taken in her youth in California.

Muriwei Beach

Watching the birds in the gannet colony reminded me of all the early morning birding trips with my father and sisters. I wanted to share the chicks with  my boys...

On an island just off the coast of Muriwei, a gannet colony has overwhelmed its environs.  They now have moved to this rocky point adjacent to Muriwei beach.  I returned in January to see the chicks.

The chicks are quite large and fuzzy.  They looked dead (!), but then would perk up their heads, feed, and lay back down.  They are still blind at this point.

Parent Gannets stand guard over sleeping chicks.

I need a better camera to really get these shots...

 Lake Taupo: for all those triathletes out there, this is the site of  IM New Zealand. The bike course: a lap around the lake.

Lake Taupo: as seen from the scenic overlook from the 2 lane highway

The geology of the place-- After the Tangariro Crossing, I ran to Taranaki Falls.  Along the way, the tale of the volcanic eruption lay before me, unfolded like a lesson in history written in the topography of the land.  I remember times that my father, and later my son, would explain to me the geology of the landscape I was witnessing... Thanks, Dad and Morgan.  I wish you were here!

 I have enjoyed the dogs and cats of Auckland and environs.  For some reason, they remind me of walks with Caleb in Portland.  I am also reminded of dogs and beach excursions of my childhood with my sisters, taking Chula to the beach and watching her bite the waves, and of walks on Whidbey with friends and family.

 

Many people drive right on the beach.  Several folks with disabilities spending a perfect day at the beach, dipping into the water, fishing, or just setting up the "barbie" for lunch.  I thought of Morgan and Megan: new ways for them to recuperate.

I think this is the picture with the dog in it, not the one with the person sitting in their chair in the waves... laughing as the waves crash over her.

Running in the woods, reminded me of all my running partners: Caleb in Putney Woods, all the folks at DSR, my friends who have done Chuckanut, or Bridger Ridge Run, or Western States, and of tales of Morgan running the Cannon Mtn Ski trails ( trail running was part of PE at White Mountain School).

This weekend's trail run in the Waitakere's. I was late to the Huia Road Bush Runner's departure, but followed their track and met with them at the end...

"The bush"

Mount Ruapehu, the ski area of the north island, is featured below. Covered with snow, it looks much different than the desolate lava fields that are evident  in the summer.  Caleb, Morgan and I hiked and camped on the backside of Mount Hood, a much greener, older volcano than this one.  It too, in winter has a popular ski field.

Mt. Ruapehu erupted in 1995.  One of the other volcanoes shielded some of Mt. Tongariro from the lava, leaving the lush landscape there.  This volcano is too recently erupted to have much of any greenery on its slopes.

Several people have asked me about food in New Zealand.  Auckland has its share of lovely restaurants, from many places.  There are excellent Japanese, Indian, Thai, Italian, South American and French restaurants.  The kiwi do love their meat, but most restaurants have vegetarian options.
You won't find much heat in the spice here.  When going to a Thai or Indian restaurant and selecting your "level of heat from 1 - 5" ,I always inquire, " is that "kiwi hot" or "thai hot?"  Most of the time, it is "kiwi hot" and a "5" is closer to a "2-3" in most ethnic eateries from the states.  I often think who I would invite to join me at each restaurant I sample...

 Economy of space: This cabin, possibly much more roomy than Caleb's apartment in Japan is typical of backpacker accommodations. For an inexpensive price, a room with a bunk bed is provided.  Communal kitchens and showers are available.  Many backpackers have other amenities as well, creating a traveler's social network. 

Discovery Lodge is a backpackers owned and operated by an avid mountain runner, Callum, who will go out of his way to ensure your trail run is a success, and steer you to other trail runs in the area.  His record for the Tangariro Crossing?  1 hour 25 minutes.  Mine was more than twice that time!

When I swim Masters, the waterpolo team is practicing in the diving well. I am reminded of high school and other pools I have known.  I have such fond memories of the pool at Ransom-Everglades. 
This one, would be lusted after by SWPAF members: 50 m pool, waterpolo/diving well, therapeutic pool, lessons pool, lazy river, hot tub complex, kids play pool which is attached to a warmer 5 lane lap pool... each has an independent temperature. Public pool. 15minutes from my place.  But the masters coaching is not the same!!!

The West Wave.