recent photos 1/23/12

The view here is from the forth floor rooftop of Gregg and Carla's flat in downtown Wellington, on Cuba Street. looking northwest. 

Here is a view from Otaki Beach. The horizon shows a large island called Kapiti, which is mostly a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. The surf was rough this day and Carla showed me how to collect 'pipis', which are essentially steamers. We had to stand out in nearly waist deep surf to reach the sand beds where they live, and with our feet, find them buried in the sand, then reach down to unearth the pipis. Carla filled a gallon bucket while I collected just a half dozen that were not too small. Then Gregg and I shucked them this morning. Today the wind has been strong and the temps cool but still nice while in the sun. Gregg just helped me set up the free Skype set up so I can make some free video calls home in the future.

In the center of the picture below is Carla and Gregg's home. bottom center are his barn/ metal work shed, laundry. To the left is the orchard with nearly a thousand apple trees, and some pear trees, and my soon to be residence in the orchard cottage, which is just barely seen in the upper left corner making the shadow, which is about half way back into the orchard. A little further back than the orchard cottage is the hen house for two dozen chickens that are kept for eating the bugs around the tree trunks and laying eggs for the kitchen. About another 1/4 mile to the left is the Otaki River. The river here is about the size of the Pemi River as it runs through Lincoln NH, sans the boulders. I hope to do some fishing there soon. I would have gotten my fishing license today, as it is Monday, but it is also Wellington Day, a national holiday. The area in the upper center/right is where Carla has her garden, which is very productive this time of year. The big "cider party", an annual festival of family and friends, that will be set up along side the lawn adjacent to the barn/ work shed. So far we have built a stage with backdrop wall; a merry go-round, and two inflatable children's "bouncy castles". Yesterday I spent most of the day assisting Gregg with this construction and layout; my first 'carny' job!The topper is a dual pair of ten foot tall LP gas flame bursting throwers; pyrotechniques for the adult group.  When the flame is ignited it makes an impressive percussion boom. In appearance it is very much like the Wizard of OZ sequence when the intrepid travels first seek an audience with The Great OZ. Gregg has a remote switch that sets off each charge of LP gas in the torch. 

View of Totaranui Orchard December 2011 

I will add some photos of Gregg and Carla's place and some from the nearby beach at Otaki.