Monday, January 17, 2011

Perfect Day


Willows, Poplar and Chestnut; could this be somewhere in Europe? It could, but no, this is Hawkes Bay on a beautiful warm Summers day, when the breeze doesn't cool you and instead feels like a fan heater spreading the warmth all round. I have fond memories of swimming in rivers and streams when I was a child and yesterday we finally had the chance to make some similar memories for our children. I was told about a park in the countryside, fifteen minutes or so from home, with a shallow stream,  and ample shade under the trees if needed. Everyone had such a great time we travelled out there again this afternoon, but this time I took the camera.


The water was crystal clear and shallow, and swift enough to give a great ride on its current downstream...


It was followed by many long walks through the water to start over again, but no complaints.


We went eel stalking. Can you spot the one in the photo above? I've never seen so many eels before, I stopped counting at twenty, so the stream is healthy. My brave wee man tried his best to catch one but they're slippery devils. The fun was in the trying, and the odd scream when one got a little too close.


There's another one. I'll never be a wildlife photographer.


The old mission style church that is a field and a road away from the park. It's rather lovely, and usually when we have driven past there are bridal cars waiting outside as it's a popular place to be married, but not today.



And lastly, the hill across the road with its gravel driveway that winds up to a house unseen. What a wonderful place to live, to be able to look down to this little valley, a little pocket of perfect. Bliss...

4 comments:

  1. Hello, lovely to meet you. Catherine here..what a delightful spot to take your family on a very hot day in the Bay...ooh I don't know about all those eels though! Look forward to popping in again soon.

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  2. Did the new baby go the park too? I am dying to meet the new addition!

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  3. What a great day with the family!
    We have to wait at least 4-5 months before we can do something similar in this part of the world.
    XX
    Becky

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