Monday 25 January 2010

Put that map away

By today Sheila had regained her mastery of the map and we were to have a mixed day.

First up was a short trip to Haruru Falls where once again I was able to unearth the watercolour box. Sitting sketching usually attracts a bit of interest and amongst the passers by who commented on what I was doing was an American lady who was very keen to purchase two pieces from my watercolour sketch book, the trouble was she tried too hard to get the pictures for next to nothing so she went on her way disappointed.


Haruru Falls

Then to Kerikeri for a brief stop to climb the rise and view the Kerikeri Inlet, typical of the irregular nature of the coastline.

Kerikeri Inlet

Next up was a drive to the stunning Matauri Bay, scene of the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior amongst the Cavalli Islands. The surf beach is well used by numbers of campers, many of whom arrive with their boats in tow. A lot of the encampments look as if they have been there for the whole summer. Again I got lucky with the sketch book before a pleasant beach side walk.

Matauri Bay

Enjoying the beach

Bluff at Matauri
Matauri - watercolour sketch


Haruru Falls watercolour sketch forgot above

Lone tree overlooking the grave of Rainbow Warrior

Last port of call of the day was the ‘Best Bog’ in New Zealand situated in the township of Kowakowa. The Carney family has something of a history in ‘Bog’ appreciation, being keen advocates of visiting the award winning ‘All Ireland Toilet of the Year’ that is situated in the centre of Galway City. Would this New Zealand usurper come up to scratch, or should I say flush.

The loo was designed by Austrian born artist and ecoarchitect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser. From the outside the building fits into the main street and would not be immediately noticeable except for the fact that it sports an unruly hairdo of grasses. From there on in the tile work, design and colouration make for an easence visiting experience that is unlike anything available elsewhere. A true marriage of aesthetics and fundamentals. Sorry Galway.

The Potty with the Fringe on top

Not quite cross legged
Bog Interior
Great tiles

Off to dinner before packing the bags for the trip down to Coromandel.


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