Fabulous Fishing, a relaxing weekend!!

Dave and I spent a very lovely weekend on Lake Rotoiti. So wonderful to just relax and enjoy the peace of the lake. As you can see from the photo, I (we) were very pleased with the fishing results as well!!

The snow has been and gone for much of NZ, but the memories persist!!

I just wanted to share some of the amazing pictures of NZ in the snow. Yes, we get significant amounts of snow in the south, but this is not so for the north!! I so loved that way in which people responded in many places to this unusual event. There was joy, awe and wonder as people experienced this weather event, many for the first time! A high level of playfulness was evident throughout the country! Magic!

This is the Gateway to Stratford sign. The photo was taken by Celia Street.

The perfect place to be in the snow. Enjoying a hot tub, this photo was taken by Rueban Williams

Skiing on the beach in Christchurch!

Michael Moreno snapped snow in Wellington.

Even in Rotorua, the snow fell. Jemma is outside McLeods Bookshop enjoying the snow.

All in all it was just magic. Now the ski fields are in great shape, the weather has been brilliant for those who wish to enjoy winter sports in the mountain.

Swimming with the Whale Sharks

Chasing the whale shark with a camera.

Here comes the whale shark

In Australia we are lucky enough to see some of the most incredible oceanic landscapes on earth. WA's southern Coral Coast is the pinnacle of these boasting a huge range of amazing creatures including whales, dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays.  We saw so many humpback whales I lost count. There were also many turtles hurtling past the boat at an amazing rate. Whale sharks are one of the most majestic creatures in the vast Indian Ocean off the WA coast. It was fabulous to experience the thrill of swimming with these magical creatures. We also snorkelled on the Ningaloo Reef, seeing many beautiful coloured corals as well as hundreds of brightly coloured tropical fish. The highlight was without doubt experiencing the utter magic of a whale shark encounter. Dave took some amazing photos!!

Off we go on our adventure, out into the open sea!

 

Amazing coral.

Me pursuing the whale sharks.

Another close-up!

They are magnificent creatures.

A few skiing photos for Annika & Niki!

More to share from Norway!

It is hard to describe the joy of being in such a beautiful environment. The children were so at ease in the environment, whether they were walking or skiing. No poles allowed, for children or adults as this is the method used to ensure that children develop strong balance - and they did.... 

Initially feeling a little tentative without those ski poles!

Oh this is fun, memories of my cross country adventures in Scotland come to mind!

Oh this is sooooo very beautiful, just to be here is enough.

 

The children explore and experiment, trying out all the possibilities, here turning the ski into a snow board - and off they go!

It is now home time, everyone responsible for their own gear. Each child trusted and valued in this place, taking responsibility for their own gear. Each one resourceful and resilient in their own right. A powerful place to learn.