A slow trip

On my way to join my exercise class for lunch at a small cafe beside Ruakaka Surf Beach (we had already done our exercise) I stopped by a small tidal estuary.  It's not usually much to look at but this day at low, low tide I thought it looked quite lovely. I'll have to go back another day when the tide is in by just a little bit more. 

After lunch I headed south to Auckland and was in the mood for appreciating life and meandering.  I explorer a few side roads which lead towards the Kaipara Harbour.  Now I know which roads offer the best view I can do so again on a clearer day.

 

Sunday was one of those beautiful clear days we get in March.  The heat has gone out of the sun but it's still shining strongly.  On my way to the Fish Fry at Waipu Cove I called in to the Waipu River mouth down Hamon Road, always a favourite spot.

The tide was rushing in.

It was high tide at Waipu Cover but still plenty of room on the beach.

Heading home I turned off down Johnston Point Road to have a look at the Waipu River Estuary, a refuge which is the nesting area for New Zealand dotterel, variable oyster catcher and New Zealand fairy tern. The birds were all elsewhere.

A few faces

I gave warning last week that I would be concentrating on portraits for the next couple of weeks.  It's not really the sort of photography that I enjoy but luckily my family have had cameras pointed at them since day one and just carry on with whatever they are doing when I point in their direction.  I think a portrait should capture the essence of the subject and have never liked stiff or posed photos.  These are my grandchildren and step grandchild.  We were having evening picnic at the beach.   

Jami was laying on a blanket at my feet.  (Being a senior person I had a seat.)

Unfortunately, the sun is reflecting off Michael's face but I like the shot anyway.

My daughter in typical pose.

Zharn in a rare quiet, thoughtful moment.

I was at the Waipu Cove Fish Fry on Sunday.  It's a gathering of surfers and shapers sharing a day at the beach. The original format of the Fish Fry was based around the Fish surfboard but as the event has evolved and spread throughout the world it has become open to all forms of surfcraft.  It's a non-competitive and non-commercial event and was well attended by surfers of all ages.  

The weather could not have been more perfect for strolling along the beach looking for subjects.  Trouble was there were about 20 other people with cameras, doing the same thing.  Every time I stopped for a shot this guy seemed to be in my way with his camera.  So in the end I resorted to a portrait of a photographer.  No doubt that is him in typical pose.

 A mother doing what mothers do.

And a little beach babe.  I love this, the little thumb showing her concentration not to lose any of that wet sand.

The fish fry

Got back from my tripping around up north on Friday, had most of Saturday at home (long enough to make some plum jam), then stayed the night with Chris and we headed to Waipu Cove on Sunday for the Fish Fry.

Full marks to Mike Cunningham from the local newspaper The Advocate for organising this event, the first of its kind in New Zealand.  I'm sure there will be more.   There was a terrific collection of surfboards of all ages, all shapes and sizes.  Likewise the crowd was made up of surfers of all ages, shapes and sizes.  

There was one little star who caught my eye.  We first spotted him as he struggled to lift his surfboard from amongst those on display.  With a little help (not much, he was extremely independent) he managed to hoist it on to his head and trot off to his mother.  He would have been four years old at the most.   I'd guess three, close to four. 

What a delight it was to watch him, assisted by his Dad.  But, like before, there wasn't much assistance from Dad.  He would launch his little body on to the board, wriggle like a little worm until he had his body positioned in the middle of the board for balance, then paddle like a little machine out to his father.  Dad helped him turn the board and wait for a suitable wave.  

When his ride took him into the calm water he tried and tried to stand.

I didn't think this was the day he would master the art and was about to move away when he did it!  That's no mean feat for a little fellar!

 His name was Quinn.  I must remember that, he just could have a future in the surf.

 

Pretty young gull keeping a sharp eye on us eating out lunch.

These two only had eyes for each other.