Hazy Window

The other weekend I hiked to the summit of Rangitoto Island, a volcano in the habour outside of Auckland. The weather was typical of Auckland - raining one minute and completely sunny the next and the cycle continues... As you can see, the haze never completely went away, so I couldn't get a crisp and clear image of Auckland, but I was happy with this photo nonetheless, mainly because of the random pirate ship in the corner. The beach and two small volcanic cones are part of Devenport (remember my previous posts from Devenport: Beautiful Day, Bay View, and Old Wood). Here are some other views of Auckland's CBD: One The Way, Sunny Over the CBD, Sail On, and Made It).

Here are some truly disturbing images of our world that I believe everyone should see: http://gigapica.geenstijl.nl/2009/05/mooi_milieu.html -- nothing can just disappear.

Beautiful Day

I promise I have been to more places than Devonport, but it was just beautiful the day that I have to keep posting photos from it. Next week I'll have some new images from around Auckland and Rotorua.

Chillin'

It's a rainy day here in Auckland, so I thought I'd post an image from a sunnier day. I took this photo while walking on a beach in Devonport (I have already posted a few other pictures from the same day). Once the weather gets warmer, I hope to go there more frequently... it certainly had a better view than my apartment.

Oystercatcher

I took this photograph in Devonport (just like this one and this one). I noticed these black birds mixed in the seagulls as we walked along the beach. They are known as Oystercatchers, I spent some time looking them up and found a site with information about them here. Their bright red eyes definitely caught my attentions and I found them interesting to watch. I guess the seagulls were keeping close to see if they could have some leftovers.

Bay View

I took this photo while exploring Devonport with some friends in the first few days in Auckland. Across the bay is Rangitoto. It is a volcanic island that first appeared about 600 years ago. Imagine what a sight that was for the Maori people. Unfortunately it has been closed since we arrived, but it is due to open this weekend. I am hoping to be first in line to enjoy some of its numerous hikes.


Remember when it was really "trendy" to support Darfur? Guess what: It's still a big deal there. Darfur Five Years On

Old Wood

I am slowly getting used to being in a big city, I know I'll probably love it by the time it is time to leave. Today I took a ferry with three friends to Devonport, an old suburb of Auckland. It was beautiful and I fell in love with all of the houses. We hiked to the top of the two volcanic cones to get amazing views of Auckland and the harbor, later in the afternoon we went to the Royal New Zealand Navy Museum. We also walked along the beach and collected some of the best shells I have ever seen. I took this photo along a rocky section of the beach where a tree had fallen from the hill above. I love the mixing of different elements of nature. I am off to do some more exploring this weekend, so I won't be able to make updates, but please come back next week and I'll begin updating regularly again. Thanks for being patient.

They're still fighting, are you still listening? Thousands Protest...