March 2007 - the month that was

Couldn't decide which shot to use for the cover for March, so I went with both.
Sunrise shot is unknown surfer, and Girl surfer is my daughter Caitlin at the wave wahine surf comp

Sunshowers, thunderstorms and a rainbow

just needed some dolphins..

Started the morning by taking some pics at the South Coast Boardriders' Herb and Paro Memorial Surf comp at St Clair...

after about three heats I was over it and shot home to pick up Jay and Caity for a surf down the line, met my surf buddy out there too, and we all had the most amazing surf during a thunderstorm, sunshowers and the most gorgeous rainbow. I had the best ever surf too. I heard that Herb and Paro always send good waves for their memorial, didn't see them at St Clair, but definately experienced them elsewhere along with a few gems of nature :0) thanks guys. below are a few shots from the few heats I shot.

phoam in the Net guide

A bit of a suprise when I received a text that I was 'famous' and in the latest issue of the Net Guide.
haha, well not quite famous but still, rather surreal for me. I was more rapt that the reviewer knew I was a female, as I still get a bit of correspondence signed, thanks mate, ta bro etc.

shortcomings

Spent some time under the grey blanket again cursing the shortcomings of my olympus, and generally having a stink of a photo session, but again all good learning. As well as the Isolated Bodyboard Challenge running two heats at the spot.

The beaches may be closed .. but

.. it will never stop some from braving the poo and surfing anyway.
These pics taken around sunset tonight.. with some bizarre sea/land/mist cloud blowing over .. including half a gale and drizzle, amazing light though.

High bacteria levels close Dunedin beaches

High bacteria levels close Dunedin beaches
NZPA | Thursday, 29 March 2007

Increased levels of harmful bacteria have forced the closure of three popular Dunedin surfing beaches.
Dunedin City Council said today water quality tests showed elevated bacteria levels at St Kilda, St Clair and Middle beaches.
The council's environmental health team and Public Health South had recommended against swimming, surfing or paddling until further notice.
Strong winds and sea currents are regularly blamed for sweeping a sewage plume towards shore from an outfall at Lawyer's Head on the south coast of the Otago Peninsula at the eastern end of St Kilda

Beach.Below: Arial pic of Lawyers head spilling forth sewage

Strong NEasterly

Seems there was only one surfable haven in Dunedin today.
a few shots from around low tide 4pm, was much nicer closer to noon though.

and then one super cute puppy at the beach.. looking for his new dad in the surf??

Isolated Bodyboard challenge

Isolated Bodyboard Challenge
a ten day window ending 31st march 2007
.. ten selected bodyboarders ..

the most isolated waves in the lower South Is..
stallions, dinner plates, Skid Marks, Windy bay, Gold Diggers etc...
check out the website and blog here
and of course Chris Gardens awe-inspiring photography.

I have created the First Prize trophy for this event, below, which has been a pleasure to paint. 22x28 inches on box canvas.

In Loving memory of Floyd

My beloved Floyd
'bubbles', passed away suddenly this morning, in my arms.
nothing eases the deep loss of a very special being who was my best friend during many hard times and joy the last 3 and a half years ..
your spirit will remain forever in my soul..
shine on you crazy diamond

survived by his two sons Fugly, pictured with dad above, and Clarke
along with his two wives Ishana and Amma

morning fog over Dunedin

just after 7am this morning a blanket of fog lay over Dunedin extending all the way up the harbour and out to sea.. a pretty stunning sight. Last night before I went to bed I could see it rolling in and the glow off the city lights was just as spectacular.

a second chance

two trips down to the St Clair area today.. sun was full out, but a bit of a haze going on..
.. gallery decided to take me on with my art.. so thats good, will be workin hard over the next month with a fresh batch of work for them.