Opunake Surf - A Spectrum of Sea Colors

 

 

Since I have lived most of my adult life on the coast of Florida, it was only natural that I had to travel the surf highway 45 of New Zealand and take pictures of the gorgeous surf hitting the rocky coastline. It is a spectrum of sea colors.

Mt. Taranaki Rising Above the Clouds

 

 

 

 

 We visited Egmont National Park and hiked the Summit Track on Mt. Taranaki until we were in the clouds and could see at cloud level New Plymouth below.  As typical, it was a rainy and misty day and Mt. Taranaki was surrounded by rain clouds. I think all the mountains in the North Island should be called Misty Mountains Cold because that was what we endeared with every hike.

"Farewell we call to hearth and hall!
Though wind may blow and rain may fall,
We must away, ere break of day
Far over the wood and mountain tall."

Excerpt from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

New Plymouth Centre Coastal Walk

 

 

New Plymouth is a typical coastal town very similar to any you would find in the states.  After dinner, we enjoyed the nice weather and walk the Centre Coastal Walk until sunset.

Martinborough - Splashes of Watercolor and Wine

 

 

 

I drove the New Zealand Wine Trail to Martinborough.  It is located in the Wairarapa region and is a wine village with over 25 boutique vineyards, most within walking distance of the town square. The vineyards are notably famous for making Pinot noir. What was most striking and picturesque was the hills to the east and west as you entered the village. In both directions it was a panorama painting with splashes of warm watercolor mountains and valleys.

PL Fallin Spirit of Middle-Earth Gallery

A few of my favorite landscape photographs from North Island, New Zealand.  I did a dry brush technique to give them a oil painting effect.

Mangaotaki Valley's Wildflowers and Pastures - A Dream within a Dream

 

There is a lot more beauty to Piopio then just the limestone cliffs and rocks.  The primeval forest sit at the feet of the cliffs with cow pastures and fences adorned with wildflowers and picturesque rolling hills.  It is a dream within a dream of floating clouds and rolling hills that I hope to see again some day. I saw this vision in one afternoon but it capture my memory and will stay with me to the end of my days!

A Dream within a Dream
By Edgar Allan Poe

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow-
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.

I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand-
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep- while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?                             

Middle Earth's Rolling Hills of Piopio

 

 

 

After visiting the limestone cliffs, we decided to explore the road ahead and experience what most visitors do not see.  The road turned into a dirt and gravel road that had figure eight curves, creeks, and rain to add to the excitement.  Several times I thought I should turn around and return the way we came but the wannabe mountain women in me wanted to see where the road would end.  Our GPS was not working, mountains and remote country usually will not have towers.  No Starbuck's coffee to sip on to steady my nerves as the car went up steep hills. Pasture land was a welcome relief and these pictures were taken from a farm house.  When the car approach the breath taking scenery of the rolling hills, I parked the car and trespass on a farm. I walked to the edge of the property and took several of these pictures. I sincerely hope they did not mind.  They probably do not see too many visitors on the road.  It was a 100% Pure New Zealand adventure!

The Fat Pigeon Cafe' in Piopio

After a half day's venture through remote country of rolling hills, limestone cliffs and primeval forest on a endless winding dirt road with only a scattering farm house here and there to feel that humans still exists, it was a welcome relief for a weary traveler to find a fat pigeon in small town Piopio that served Vanilla Lattes!

Piopio - Trolls and Campfires

 

It is far more enjoyable to visit places off the beaten track that most tourist do not venture. Piopio is a small town not heavily traveled.  Not knowing what to expect, we went on an adventure of a 2 hour round trip scenic drive, through a remote country side of primeval forest, towering limestone cliffs and massive rock formations.  Our car was basically the only car on the road for miles and miles.  The photos are of the Mangaotaki Rocks where the troll and campfire scenes were filmed in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey."  Piopio is situated on SH3, 20 km south of Te Kuiti and it is definitely worth the trip.