02.08.10
Posted in Landscape, Nature, People, Travel at 4:52 pm by Warren Williams
My friends and I decided we needed a larger challenge to conquer, than just a small Waitakere bush walk. We’d been talking about re walking the great Tongariro Crossing over the past couple of summers, but only just managed to put into action. Road trip ahead, as we tested Pete’s new wagon. We bunked down in National Park for two nights, whilst spending much of the time trekking over the mountains of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom), and Ruapehu.
Lake Taupo from the southern end
First sight of Tongariro coming from Taupo and Turangi
Bayview Chateau Tongariro (nestled on Mt Ruapehu)
Bayview Chateau Golf Course – New Zealand’s highest course
Road tripping with Mark, who previously ascended Cradle Mountain, Tasmania with me
From one of the stream crossings driving up Mt Ruapehu
Zooming upwards on Mt Ruapehu – North Island’s tallest mountain and volcano, at 2,797 metres
We parked late in the evening at the Bruce carpark, and found the place deserted. Free roam of the mountain! We ventured up around 1km up the rocky slopes, as the temperature quickly dropped.
Strangely, the clouds around us descended beyond our elevation, revealing the glowing sunset across the west. Was quite amazing to witness a sunset with a cloud base lower down.
Amazing light being filtered around Ruapehu
Defining ridge lines on Ruapehu
Various volcanic rocks and high altitude plants
The following morning, we had to wake at the crack of dawn to catch the shuttle to the start of the great Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Witnessing an amazing sunrise across all three mountains certainly made it worthwhile.
Sunrise over Mt Doom
Sunrise from National Park / SH47 intersection
Amazing New Zealand Beauty
Arriving at the Mangatepopo carpark, we were now ready to tackle the 19.4km long mountain crossing.
First steps along the 19.4km long Tongariro CrossingThe intital track starts deceptively easy!
Great view of Mt Ngauruhoe
The final 1km stretch leading to the saddle, connecting Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.
This section was the hardest, with a steep incline, and noticeable difference in breathing
The camera was put away for the next 45min as we climbed the Mangatepopo Saddle
Following the Saddle, we drop again, in the enormous South Crater of Tongariro, before climbing one of the ridges offering great views
Sheer cliffs, along the ridge
Climbing out of the South Crater, with cloud cover blocking one side of the mountainside
360 degree panoramic from the additional Tongariro Summit walk
View looking down to the Emerald Lakes and Red Crater
View down the fun scree slope, with Blue Lake in the backdrop (perfect place to moon jump)
One of the Emerald Lakes, caused from leaching minerals
Tongariro Emerald Lakes
Further views of the Emerald Lakes, with steam rising from the ridge
Low cloud cover at the Ketetahi Hut (well, over 1,400m isn’t exactly low!)
And away with the camera it was, as the rain came down for our last hours walk downhill.
Dusk over Mt Ruapehu and the winding highway
The following morning we made the short walk to to the lovely Lake Rotopounamu – an easy walk, however we were all suffering from fatigue and muscle pains after a full day of walking the previous day.
Lake Rotopounamu
Mark, chilled out
The drive home was non eventful, although we did try our luck at the Hole in One challenge on Lake Taupo. Out of 25 balls, I managed to land 6 very close to the hole on the floating pontoon, 102metres out.
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01.26.10
Posted in Landscape, Nature, People at 12:00 pm by Warren Williams
On the morning of a scheduled evening shoot,聽 I decided to walk down to the beautiful falls of Mokoroa. The recently upgraded track offers a brilliant sight into some rarely touched Waitakere Ranges beauty. Being mid summer, the water flow was a little low, but will increase as winter approaches, and no doubt capture some more shots.
View from down below
Houheria Stream and waterfall
View from lookout
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01.24.10
Posted in Landscape, Nature at 7:30 pm by Warren Williams
Well as any good kiwi would, I headed off to Maori Bay, loaded with some snapper and chips, to devour along with a great strawberry milkshake from the takeaway in Kumeu. After the great meal on the rocky shore, it was time to take a few snaps of the setting sun, before finally doing a 15 minute exposure after dark.
HDR of Maori Bay
15 minute exposure after dark
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01.18.10
Posted in Landscape, Nature, People at 4:00 pm by Warren Williams
Driving back from Kaikohe to Auckland, we decided to detour slightly to the Whangarei Falls for lunch, followed by an afternoon swim at Uretiti.
Self portrait, within a wave at Uretiti Beach
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01.17.10
Posted in Animals, Nature, People at 7:15 pm by Warren Williams
Standing an impressive 51 metres tall, Tane Mahuta is New Zealand’s largest known Kauri. The trunk girth is even more impressive at 13.77m, with its estimated age being somewhere between 1,200 to 2,500 years old. Tane Mahuta is just one of the many large Kauri’s around the Waipoua forest, north of Dargaville. We made a little road trip with my youngest sister Candace, cousin Nicole, and her new daughter, Kayleigh.
Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest)
Roof structure, amongst the dense NZ vegetation
Kayleigh
Fern frond
Driving back to Kaikohe, I shot a few photos of the family dog and Kayleigh with Nicole
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01.05.10
Posted in Animals, Landscape, Nature, People, Travel at 4:00 pm by Warren Williams
The final day of an amazing trip through Mumbai and Goa had arrived, so after a little research, decided to take Angus to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in northern Mumbai. It is the largest urban park in the world, encompassing 104聽km2. It is said to be the lungs of Mumbai, as it purifies much of the air polluition. Within the park you can catch a bus to see lions and leopards, whilst also venturing 6km along the park to the amazing Kanheri Caves. These 109 caves were built over 2,100 years ago, by Buddhist monks, into the solid hard basalt rock.
I’ve included more photos than usual in this last post from my Indian travels of 2009 & 2010. An amazing trip, that I couldn’t have done without the hospitality of my great friend Angus and his family. Thank you! 馃檪
Lioness in the park
Baby Rhesus Macaque Monkey
Large caves of Kanheri
Angus standing against the 7m tall Buddhist statue
Large Chaitya with great Stupa
Low light filtering behind the Stupa
Textured Basalt floor
Walkway to more caves on the hill
More caves near the top, almost like the set of a movie
View in opposite direction showing the elevation (hard work in the Mumbai heat!)
First attempt at writing with a torch
Angus taking a break in one of the cool caves
Our friendly SIS security”guide”
Warren atop the caves and stairs of Kanheri
Angus walking back down the hill from the 109 caves
Spot the monkey?
Goat with incredible balance, walking on a branch!
Overflowing water tank
Last shot from India
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12.29.09
Posted in Animals, Birds, Landscape, Nature, Travel at 3:30 pm by Warren Williams
Returning back to Marcela the following morning, Raju was keen on showing more of the bush in the neighbouring areas, including his own property and yet more fruit! 馃檪 It was a great walk, seeing a beautiful, peaceful view of India, as we encountered many various animals and workers in the field.
Bananas on Raju’s property
The sad face of a local dog with mange
Massive King Cobra nest
One of the many tropical birds
Yep, another
Cameleon
Rich Paddy Field
Wilderness adventures, reminiscent of “Stand by Me”
Water buffalo
Another stunning Kingfisher
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12.17.09
Posted in Animals, Nature, People, Travel at 9:03 pm by Warren Williams
We took an hours drive to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, only to find it was shut on Thursdays! Just nearby we had noticed the Pascoal Spice Farm – offering a view of the spice plantations and a restaurant set amongst some tropical forest. After a massive meal of chicken, fish curry rice and various drinks, we decided to wander amongst their walkways to burn off the food. Early on the path, we came face to face with this monster of a spider.. the size of a hand, it looked rather intimidating but was in fact quite harmless – something I only found out after shaking nervously a few inches away.
Shooting underneath, I was sure it was about to launch an attack
Angus and his nephew, Matthew
Jua Bridge, to Santo Estevam – the alternative longer route
Friendly villager of Santo Estevam, selling fried potato and samosa
Another villager awaiting her order
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10.25.09
Posted in Animals, Nature, People at 9:00 pm by Warren Williams
Richmond Park, is London’s largest Royal Park. Originally a deer hunting park, it has since become a great recreation and sightseeing ground to Londoners. Meeting up with several photography friends, camouflage outfits, and long lens – it was our task to capture the essence of the majestic Richmond Park.
Neal and Richard following the trails
Mushroom extreme close up with macro lens
First sighting of a deer
Stags
Ian – iesphotography.co.uk
Rutting stags
Running from hoards of photographers
Why did the deer cross the road?
In the dense forest
Stroll through Richmond Park
Tilt shift effects with the TS-E 24mm
Brett – brettbutler.co.uk
More Tilt Shift Effects
Old stag
Large antlers
Stag through the clearing at Richmond
Richmond Park is well recommended for a free walk around the 1000 acre woods and grasslands.
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09.08.09
Posted in General, Nature at 8:00 pm by Warren Williams
As the sun was setting over London, took a leisurely walk through the expansive Hampstead Heath, en route to an Italian dinner with my friend Katie.
Golden light, just as the leaves were turning to the autumn colours
Katie’s new 1920’s hat
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08.12.09
Posted in Landscape, Nature, Travel at 9:56 pm by Warren Williams
After spending the night on La Maddalena, took a slow drive across the northern part of Sardinia, back towards Alghero, whilst stopping at some more great beaches for a swim and relaxation. With a final night with the car, decided to drive to the Capo Caccia cliffs, where we had previously seen Neptune’s Grotto 600 feet below. Watching a sunset, whilst precariously perched several hundred feet above the water is always great fun!
Can you spot my tripod and camera bag?! Angled slippery surface, with large fractures in the cliff. Great idea. Not.
A view from where the tripod was in previous photo
The view behind
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08.11.09
Posted in Landscape, Nature, People, Travel at 6:30 pm by Warren Williams
After a night under the stars at Capo D’Orso, we made the 10minute drive into Palau to catch the ferry to the beauty islands of Maddalena and Caprera. With very little planning done for this trip, with having no idea till the last minute we were going to hire a car, we asked around and checked some tourist guides, which unanimously advised us to head to this north-eastern corner of Sardinia. The ferries themselves run frequently, however seemed costly for the relative short distance from the mainland. The reward however was the some of the most amazing clear waters I have ever seen.
First stop for the day, Isola Caprera, in the early morning before the crowds got in
Hazel, Adele, Ayla & Warren
Fishing in pristine waters of Caprera
Hues of Blue
Neck deep in ultra clear water
View from Caprera back to Maddalena
Ancient Ruins on Isola Caprera
Walkway to Cala Coticcio (So gobsmacked, I didn’t see my own shadow)
Cala Coticcio – One of the best beaches in Sardinia, and possibly the world
Only accessible by boat, or an undulating 40min walk
Clear Waters of Cala Coticcio
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Posted in Landscape, Nature, Travel at 7:00 am by Warren Williams
After a long previous day driving 400km cross country, we ended up sleeping under the stars on a beach at Capo D’Orso. As we arrived after 10pm at night, it was already dark, with only the moon illuminating the water of the lake and sea to give us a vague idea of our location. The droning hum聽from聽thousands of mosquitos from the lake area, awoke us just before sunrise, revealing the true beauty of the area.
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07.15.09
Posted in Landscape, Nature, Travel at 10:51 pm by Warren Williams
The following morning, we left Budapest, heading northwards across Slovakia and into Poland. The air was thick, as the skies darkened over Krak贸w, as the heavens above decided to unleash a powerful two hour display of lightning and thunder.
Stunning castle on the road through Slovakia
Lightning grounding over Ikea, Krakow
Massive bolt lightning over the fields
Lighting up the sky over Krakow
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07.11.09
Posted in Landscape, Nature, Travel at 12:30 pm by Warren Williams
Travelling northward from Venice the following morning, we quickly headed to the border of Italy and Austria. The high quality roads through the Alps were absolutely amazing, offering unparalleled views.
Making a quick stop at a service station
From the coach, endless vineyards in northern Italy.
Glacial Riverbeds over Northern Italy
Church on the Hill, dwarfed by the Alps
First view of Austria
During lunch stop at another service station, with spectacular views over the valley
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