Pointy masts

The masts and yards of “Lord Nelson” (seen here at anchor in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand) look spiky and pointy with no sails set.

March’s square theme is Spiky Squares (spiky, jagged, pointy, bristly, serrated, prickly, spiny, and/or barbed)

Square Sky 12: A grey dawn breaking

A gloomy day at sea begins.

“a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking”
from Sea Fever by John Masefield

I wouldn’t want you to get the impression that every “sunrise” at sea is like the one in yesterday’s post! This is in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, also taken while sailing on ‘Lord Nelson’.

Square Sky December

Travel Album: New Zealand

Bay of Islands

I recently spent eight days sailing along the north-east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Some images from the stunning Bay of Islands area seem a fitting contribution to Travel Photos Monday.

This formation is known as “the hole in the rock”. No kidding.

Early morning, Opua.

The Pohutukawa is also known as the Christmas Bush because it flowers in December.

The path from Opua to Paihia passes pebble beaches, mangroves and tree ferns.

The public toilets in Paihia have three of these perched along the roof.

On Motuarohia (Roberton) Island, a 450-metre climb is rewarded with sweeping views.

A photomerged panaroma from the viewpoint on Motuarohia (Roberton) Island.

Grasses growing along the shoreline.

A pod of dolphins came to visit! That’s my ship, Lord Nelson, in the background.

Dinner on Lord Nelson after a long day spent lazing on the beach.

Even paradise looks a bit dismal in the rain.