Panatahi Island with Whatipu Sands in the Distance
The view south from Te Ahua Point. Panatahi Island (Karekare Beach) and Whatipu Sands.
May 12, 2017
September 10, 2016
Flotsam — Jetsam
Sand Hoppers and more
The other day, nearly the entire length of the tide mark at Piha was marked by these exoskeletons of sand hoppers (individually maybe 1cm long, or less).
For more black and white images check out Dragonstar’s Weekend in Black and White.
June 12, 2015
May 30, 2015
Spirula
Ram’s Horn
Spirula is a deep-water cephalopod. Its internal shell, known as ram’s horn shell, is a buoyancy organ of this mollusc, made up of numerous chambers. These pretty spiral shells are extremely lightweight, and Lots of them are found along our beaches (here on the black sand at Piha).
For more black and white images check out Dragonstar’s Weekend in Black and White.
May 11, 2015
Looking Down
Tasman Sea Meets Waitakere Ranges
Te Ahua Point is about 200 metres above sea level, on the Mercer Bay Loop Walk. Here we look straight down as the waves crash into the cliffs below.
The Mercer Bay Loop Walk featured on these pages before.
February 9, 2015
Spinifex
Spinifex
Spinifex sericeus is a dune grass, important for stabilising sand dunes. The seeds form balls, blown about by wind and picked up by waves, Tumbleweed.
February 2, 2015
West Coast
Piha
The title of the City Daily Photo theme for February has a record length:
“If you had to leave forever the city from which you usually post, what would you miss most?” Click here to see what others would miss.
For me, if I have to dwell on possible regrets, it would no doubt be Auckland’s West Coast, its rugged nature and infinite moods.
Piha Waves
January 20, 2015
The Hedge
The Hedge
Piha’s West Coast Gallery attracts visitors with this double-faced hedge. Apart from their wide range of local arts and crafts, they are currently hosting an exhibition of paintings by Monique Endt “Summer Emotions” (until February 15).
A number of Monique’s painted utility boxes have appeared on this blog before.
West Coast Gallery
January 17, 2015
Streamside Anatomy
The Fish
As I crossed the “eel footbridge” in Piha, a meticulously skeletonized fish presented itself: are there piranhas in our stream?
For more black and white images check out Dragonstar’s Weekend in Black and White.
January 14, 2015
Two Hours…
Surfing
… of watching the action at day 3 of the “2015 Billabong National Surfing Championships driven by Subaru” in Piha yesterday morning. Not the most exciting surf, unfortunately. Sadly, I don’t know the names of the performers.
Fans
Surfing
Surfing
Surfing
Stand Up Paddle
Oops!