November 2007 - the month that was

Early morning light

at St Kilda, before work.

Pier dismantling

Above: the pier constructed to transport the pipe segments out to sea is in the process of being dismantled. More of John Wilson Ocean Drive has been opened to the public, and the area is becoming busy again. End of January 2008 the whole drive should be open again.
Below: After work today at the esplanade and got some shots as the sun came out from behind the clouds, didn't stay too long, wind was cold, and was eager to visit Helenas new baby.

Long Point purchased by Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust

The Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust (YEPT) has secured the purchase of a large 50ha block of land at Long Point in the Catlins. This means that 12k’s of coastline including the surf break at Long Point is now protected.
David from the YEPT assured me over several conversations that they look forward to working with surfers and other groups. He said that both the Trust and DOC are committed to ensuring legal / as of right access for the public to Long Point and allowing surfing at the point to continue. At the moment the vehicle access onto the point is at the discretion of the landowner; but they hope in the future to provide a carpark (probably in the vicinity of the Manuka memorial, and walking access along the top of the cliffs around to where the Trust reserve begins. This means the road to the beach will close, but a 10-15 minute walking track to the point will be created. He wants to ensure that the interactions between surfers (and other users) and penguins and other wildlife are positive. One of his big concerns relates to dogs being taken into reserve areas. There are important yellow-eyed penguin colonies on both sides of Long Point, although those that surfers most often will see are those on the western side.

Artifacts and Art

A large fence was erected again around the area of the proposed hotel development on Monday. To ensure protection of the area, where newly discovered Maori Artifacts have been uncovered. I bought the paper to scan the article, but accidently used it for cleaning out Fugly's cage. So I think it was a Midden, and part of a canoe, and/or some Moa bones? I wonder how long this will delay the construction..

Above: Monday morning while at 'work' I snuck in a few shots at St Clair & one stunning piece of graffiti.. I am wondering if its the same artist that did the woman on the fence which was torn down earlier this year.

Consultation on Otago Harbour Begins

Rocks Emerging

Last week the sand collected in a steep bank against the sea wall and completely covered the rocks, now this week with the full moon and stronger swells they are emerging again.

shots for radar

I didn't have any pics from this weekend to put up.. been sitting on my butt all weekend after I twisted my knee too far while trying to drop in on Jay and popped my kneecap .. yummy. anyway I had been meaning to send some pics via email, but since it took some effort to sort them I figured I'd use them for a blog post.. all taken within one hour on the afternoon of the 9th September while the sun played hide and seek behind the clouds.






Also one I forgot to load from the 20th last week

Blackhead Twice

This morning I followed Jay and Jono scoping for a wave somewhere, can't wait till Movember is over!

glowing sunset

Tonight as the sun fell low the sky geared up for a glowing sunset... so I shot out the door to get some images of the sunset over my new neighborhood. Got to my preselected spot, and no CF card.. so back home, and the sun had sunk by the time I made it back again. The swell had picked up heaps with the tide which then drew me to steal the last of the light over the beach

A Day of Style

Awesome day, great light. Spent hours down at St Clair absorbing the atmosphere, best day taking photos in such a long time. I got really buzzed on every single surfer, their unique styles and ways of expressing themselves.. all having fun.. learning in the whitewash or charging out the back.

Jeff.. in boardies - walking to the nose and surfing switchfoot in 11 degree water.