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 Lake Taupo](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0105-s.jpg)
Lake Taupo from the southern end
![Tongariro from car Tongariro from car](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0108-s.jpg)
First sight of Tongariro coming from Taupo and Turangi
![Chateau Ruapehu Chateau Ruapehu](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0130-s.jpg)
Bayview Chateau Tongariro (nestled on Mt Ruapehu)
![Chateau Golf course Chateau Golf course](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0137-s.jpg)
Bayview Chateau Golf Course – New Zealand’s highest course
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0139-s.jpg)
Road tripping with Mark, who previously ascended Cradle Mountain, Tasmania with me
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0151-s.jpg)
From one of the stream crossings driving up Mt Ruapehu
![Driving Mt Ruapehu Driving Mt Ruapehu](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0176-s.jpg)
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.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0211-s.jpg)
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.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0267-s.jpg)
Amazing light being filtered around Ruapehu
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0271-s.jpg)
Defining ridge lines on Ruapehu
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0298-2__-3-s.jpg)
Various volcanic rocks and high altitude plants
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0309-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0327-s.jpg)
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.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0362_3_4-s.jpg)
![Mt Doom Sunrise Lord of the Rings Mt Doom Sunrise Lord of the Rings](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0365_6_7-s.jpg)
Sunrise over Mt Doom
![Sunrise over National Park Sunrise over National Park](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0374_5_6-s.jpg)
Sunrise from National Park / SH47 intersection
![Amazing New Zealand Scenery Amazing New Zealand Scenery](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0377_8_9-s.jpg)
Amazing New Zealand Beauty
Arriving at the Mangatepopo carpark, we were now ready to tackle the 19.4km long mountain crossing.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0391-s.jpg)
First steps along the 19.4km long Tongariro CrossingThe intital track starts deceptively easy!
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0424-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0428-s.jpg)
Great view of Mt Ngauruhoe
![Tongariro Crossing Boardwalk Tongariro Crossing Boardwalk](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0435-2-s.jpg)
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
![Mt Doom and tussock grass Mt Doom and tussock grass](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_0438-2-s.jpg)
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
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2015-s.jpg)
Sheer cliffs, along the ridge
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2029-s.jpg)
Climbing out of the South Crater, with cloud cover blocking one side of the mountainside
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2039-s.jpg)
![Mt Tongariro 360 degree Panorama Mt Tongariro 360 degree Panorama](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/tongariro_360-s.jpg)
360 degree panoramic from the additional Tongariro Summit walk
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2220-1-s.jpg)
View looking down to the Emerald Lakes and Red Crater
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2226-s.jpg)
View down the fun scree slope, with Blue Lake in the backdrop (perfect place to moon jump)
![Emerald Lakes - Tongariro Emerald Lakes - Tongariro](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2261-1-s.jpg)
One of the Emerald Lakes, caused from leaching minerals
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2262-1-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2270-1-s.jpg)
![Emerald Lakes, Tongariro Emerald Lakes, Tongariro](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2274-1-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2282-1-s.jpg)
Tongariro Emerald Lakes
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2291-1-s.jpg)
Further views of the Emerald Lakes, with steam rising from the ridge
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2297-1-s.jpg)
Low cloud cover at the Ketetahi Hut (well, over 1,400m isn’t exactly low!)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2312-1-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2342-1-s.jpg)
And away with the camera it was, as the rain came down for our last hours walk downhill.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2378-1-3_-2_-s.jpg)
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 Lake Rotopounamu](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2388-1-s.jpg)
Lake Rotopounamu
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/FEB_2450-1-s.jpg)
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, 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.
![Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1880-s.jpg)
View from down below
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1883-s.jpg)
![Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1908-s.jpg)
![Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1914-s.jpg)
![Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1917-s.jpg)
![Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1918-s.jpg)
![Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1919-s.jpg)
Houheria Stream and waterfall
![Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1988-2-s.jpg)
View from lookout
![Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere Mokoroa Falls, Waitakere](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1991-s.jpg)
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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.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1077-s.jpg)
![Maori Bay Muriwai amazing sunset Maori Bay Muriwai amazing sunset](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1109_10_11-s.jpg)
![Maori Bay Gannet Colony Maori Bay Gannet Colony](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1112-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1115-s.jpg)
![Maori Bay HDR Maori Bay HDR](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1118_19_20-s.jpg)
HDR of Maori Bay
![15 minute shutter 15 minute shutter](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_1121-s.jpg)
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.
![Whangarei Falls, New Zealand Whangarei Falls, New Zealand](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_0694-s.jpg)
![Whangarei Falls, New Zealand Whangarei Falls, New Zealand](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_0699-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_0708-s.jpg)
![Warren Williams Warren Williams](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/uretiti_wave-s.jpg)
Self portrait, within a wave at Uretiti Beach
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01.13.10
Posted in Landscape at 9:57 pm by Warren Williams
Settling back into New Zealand life, I decided to venture out to the west coast beach of Piha. The strong westerly breeze brought in some quickly changing conditions, resulting in some dramatic sun beams as the sun was setting over the Piha swell.
![Stormy Waters Piha Stormy Waters Piha](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_0187-s.jpg)
![Gloomy Piha Gloomy Piha](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_0190-s.jpg)
High tide over a gloomy Piha
![Piha Glow Sunset Piha Glow Sunset](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_0215-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_0219-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2010/JAN_0230-s.jpg)
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01.07.10
Posted in Animals, Aviation, Landscape at 12:00 pm by Warren Williams
After spending much of the past two and a half years based in London, I was finally making way to live back in New Zealand. I made an overnight stopover in Melbourne, visiting the house my mum has recently bought, and made great use of the swimming pool! As I was flying Emirates airline, the first ten hours was literally spent flying in a circle. Mumbai to Dubai, and then Dubai to Singapore, and onwards to Melbourne, with the flight path taking us directly over Mumbai some hours later. Alas, more airmiles.
![Flying over United Arab Emirates Flying over United Arab Emirates](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4191-s.jpg)
Mountains in United Arab Emirates
![Aerial Fujairah Aerial Fujairah](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4193-s.jpg)
Flying over Fujairah, U.A.E
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4195-s.jpg)
After almost 20 hours travelling, we were flying over South Australia as the sunrise over the red desert lit up brilliantly.
![A6-ECQ Sunrise Australian desert A6-ECQ Sunrise Australian desert](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4197-s.jpg)
![A6-ECQ Sunrise Australian desert A6-ECQ Sunrise Australian desert](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4200-s.jpg)
Arriving into Melbourne around 8am, I had a day to chill with my mum, one of my sisters Tara, and their partners, around the pool and BBQ dinner. This is the summer I had been missing from UK!
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4274-s.jpg)
Marlee, the cat my mum has recently adopted after its previous owners had abused her
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4284-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4287-s.jpg)
Beautiful!
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4313-s.jpg)
Sunset over the back yard pool after enjoying a day with 32ºC
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4315-s.jpg)
View from the Emirates Lounge, after being upgraded to business class (yet another early rise)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4330-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4333-s.jpg)
Views from in front of the wing, from seat 8A (front left of business class) – The food and drink available was far superior to what’s normally offered in cattle class.
![Bookmark and Share](http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif)
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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 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! 🙂
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3762-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3765-s.jpg)
Lioness in the park
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3771-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3778-s.jpg)
![Rhesus Macaque Monkey Rhesus Macaque Monkey](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3789-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3795-s.jpg)
![Rhesus Macaque Monkey Rhesus Macaque Monkey](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3799-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3800-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3808-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3832-s.jpg)
Baby Rhesus Macaque Monkey
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3834-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3838-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3841-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3842-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3843-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3847-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3861-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3863-s.jpg)
![School children Kanheri Caves, India School children Kanheri Caves, India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3873-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3883-s.jpg)
![Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3892-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3894-s.jpg)
Large caves of Kanheri
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3910-s.jpg)
![Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3912-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3918-s.jpg)
![Kanheri Caves sculptures Kanheri Caves sculptures](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3922-s.jpg)
![Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3954-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3963-s.jpg)
Angus standing against the 7m tall Buddhist statue
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3972-s.jpg)
Large Chaitya with great Stupa
![Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India Kanheri Caves, Mumbai, India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3980-s.jpg)
Low light filtering behind the Stupa
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3994-s.jpg)
Textured Basalt floor
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4011-s.jpg)
Walkway to more caves on the hill
![Kanheri Caves movie Kanheri Caves movie](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4014-s.jpg)
More caves near the top, almost like the set of a movie
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4015-s.jpg)
View in opposite direction showing the elevation (hard work in the Mumbai heat!)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4019-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4023-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4026-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4042-s.jpg)
First attempt at writing with a torch
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4048-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4051-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4057-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4066-s.jpg)
Angus taking a break in one of the cool caves
![Friendly SIS Security India Friendly SIS Security India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4067-s.jpg)
Our friendly SIS security”guide”
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4071-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4073-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4077-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4081-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4094-s.jpg)
Warren atop the caves and stairs of Kanheri
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4098-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4101-s.jpg)
Angus walking back down the hill from the 109 caves
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4105-s.jpg)
Spot the monkey?
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4125-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4130-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4136-s.jpg)
![Deer in Mumbai Deer in Mumbai](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4144-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4148-s.jpg)
![Goat incredible balance Goat incredible balance](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4163-s.jpg)
Goat with incredible balance, walking on a branch!
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4167-s.jpg)
Overflowing water tank
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4169-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_4172-s.jpg)
Last shot from India
![Bookmark and Share](http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif)
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01.01.10
Posted in Animals, Landscape, People at 9:56 pm by Warren Williams
With a slow start to the day, spent at the apartment pool, and playing some table tennis, Angus invited his old friend Martina over for dinner at Baga Beach. After watching the sunset, and fishermen emptying their catch, we ran back to Brittos restaurant – However a powercut and lack of communication put an end to that. We ended up catching a rickshaw back to Calangute and eating some good food at Kamats.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3288-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3290-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3291-s.jpg)
Martina
![Baga Beach Nun Baga Beach Nun](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3294-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3301-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3303-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3309-s.jpg)
![Baga Fishermen, Goa Baga Fishermen, Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3310-s.jpg)
A lonely fish
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3311-s.jpg)
![Young children fishing Young children fishing](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3327-s.jpg)
The entire family helping out with the catch
![Fish Basket Goa Fish Basket Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3329-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3331-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3332-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3335-s.jpg)
![Fish 85L Fish 85L](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3338-s.jpg)
![Fisherman Sunset Fisherman Sunset](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3345-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3357_edit-s.jpg)
Northern end of beach away from the crowds
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3360_edit-s.jpg)
Looking back to the beach huts and restaurants including Brittos
![Bookmark and Share](http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif)
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12.31.09
Posted in Astro, Landscape, People, Travel at 11:59 pm by Warren Williams
After spending a week around the beautiful island of Jua, enjoying the villages of Santo Estevam and Marcela on the mainland, we decided it was time to venture back to the beachside apartment for New Years celebrations. Stocking up on food supplies from the Mapusa market, Angus and I were preparing ourselves for the final few days in Goa! Time sure has flown.
![Green & red Tomatoes Green & red Tomatoes](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3136-s.jpg)
![Green Beans Green Beans](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3137-s.jpg)
![Mutton ready for the Slaughter Mutton ready for the Slaughter](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3140-s.jpg)
Mutton ready for the chop
![Mapusa Market Seller Mapusa Market Seller](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3141-s.jpg)
Mapusa Market Seller – All to keen for a photo
![Mapusa Banana Market Mapusa Banana Market](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3154-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3156-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3163-s.jpg)
![Calangute Goa fisherman Calangute Goa fisherman](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3164-2-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3170-s.jpg)
![Calangute Beach people Calangute Beach people](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3184-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3187-s.jpg)
![Calangute Jetski Calangute Jetski](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3197-s.jpg)
![Final Sunset of 2009 India Final Sunset of 2009 India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3209-s.jpg)
Final sunset of 2009, from Calangute, Goa, India
![Angus 2009 Angus 2009](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3257-s.jpg)
Angus farewelling 2009
![2009 Dusk 2009 Dusk](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3262-s.jpg)
![Blue Moon December 2009 Blue Moon December 2009](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3270-s.jpg)
Once in a blue moon… two full months within one calendar month
On the strike of midnight, Calangute beach and all the adjoining beaches (Candolim, Sinquerim and Baga), brightly lit up with thousands of fireworks and bonfires to welcome in the Year of 2010. Making this an even more special New Years, a partial lunar eclispe occurred only a few minutes later.
![Lunar Eclipse Goa 2009 2010 Lunar Eclipse Goa 2009 2010](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3279-s.jpg)
Lunar Eclipse of 2009 / 2010
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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! 🙂 It was a great walk, seeing a beautiful, peaceful view of India, as we encountered many various animals and workers in the field.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2729-s.jpg)
![Banana Tree Goa Banana Tree Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2745-s.jpg)
Bananas on Raju’s property
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2790-s.jpg)
![Millions of Ants Millions of Ants](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2799-s.jpg)
![Dog with Mange Dog with Mange](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2830-2-s.jpg)
The sad face of a local dog with mange
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2844-s.jpg)
![Caterpillar Goa Caterpillar Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2854-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2867-s.jpg)
![Red Dragonfly Goa Red Dragonfly Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2882-s.jpg)
![King Cobra Nest King Cobra Nest](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2888-s.jpg)
Massive King Cobra nest
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2898-s.jpg)
One of the many tropical birds
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2900-s.jpg)
Yep, another
![Pineapple growing, Goa Pineapple growing, Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2921-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2926-s.jpg)
![Chameleon Chameleon](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2939-s.jpg)
Cameleon
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2964-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2966-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2986-s.jpg)
Rich Paddy Field
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2990-s.jpg)
Wilderness adventures, reminiscent of “Stand by Me”
![Water buffalo, India Water buffalo, India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2996-s.jpg)
Water buffalo
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3002-s.jpg)
![Water buffalo, India Water buffalo, India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3016-s.jpg)
![Stunning Kingfisher Stunning Kingfisher](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3022-2-s.jpg)
Another stunning Kingfisher
![Indian Shack Indian Shack](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3023_edit-s.jpg)
![Paddy field worker Paddy field worker](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3025-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3027-s.jpg)
![Wasps India Wasps India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_3031-s.jpg)
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12.28.09
Posted in Animals, Birds, Landscape, Travel at 9:00 pm by Warren Williams
Located between Old Goa and the road to Santo Estevam, Marcela is a small town where Angus’s grandmother has lived for many years. Her property has its own spring water well, and many fruit trees, which Raju was kind enough to get some coconuts down for the fresh milk.
![Coconut Coconut](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2417-s.jpg)
![Breaking Coconut Breaking Coconut](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2453-s.jpg)
![Fresh Coconut Fresh Coconut](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2460-s.jpg)
Angus scooping the coconut out
![Fresh well water Fresh well water](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2473-s.jpg)
Fresh spring water from the well
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2481-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2513-s.jpg)
Raju with a crab from a water hole nearby
![Crab Goa Crab Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2517-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2545-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2570-s.jpg)
10 points for what this is?
![Kingfisher, Goa Kingfisher, Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2596-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2686_edit-s.jpg)
![Rice field, Goa Rice field, Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2698_edit-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2708_edit-s.jpg)
View from atop water tank in Marcela bush
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2714_edit-s.jpg)
More rice fields from atop the water tank
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12.27.09
Posted in Landscape, People, Travel at 10:00 pm by Warren Williams
After Christmas celebrations, we planned a trip to the beauty of Colva and Palolem beaches. Unfortunately the sun wasn’t shining as strongly as before, and both beaches were very crowded. After waiting around in the evening until sunset, it simply didn’t come! Driving the 4×4 home after dark was certainly a new experience too – driving for almost two hours from the furthest reaches of Goa.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2175-s.jpg)
![Colva Parasailing Colva Parasailing](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2186-s.jpg)
Colva Parasailing
The highlight of the day, was seeing Angus’ nephew, Matthew, experience the sea and sand.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2213-s.jpg)
Raju (friend of family from Marcela, Goa) & Matthew
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2314-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2330-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2336-s.jpg)
![Palolem Sunset Goa Palolem Sunset Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2388-s.jpg)
Sun disappearing amongst the clouds
![Beach shacks Palolem Beach shacks Palolem](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_2391_edit-s.jpg)
Beach shacks Palolem
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12.22.09
Posted in Animals, Landscape, Travel at 8:25 pm by Warren Williams
Ventured further north to the rocky red coastline of Vagator Beach, before settling down in the evening at Little Vagator Beach. Despite clouding over during most of the afternoon, the sunset shone through amazingly red, complementing the rockface.
![Vagator Beach Vagator Beach](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1640-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1645-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1657-s.jpg)
Yet more cows, near Little Vagator
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1674-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1679-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1696-s.jpg)
![Flies on Cow Flies on Cow](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1702-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1703-s.jpg)
![Little Vagator sunset Little Vagator sunset](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1738_edit-s.jpg)
![Little Vagator sunset Little Vagator sunset](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1750_edit-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1753_edit-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1756_edit-s.jpg)
Very slippery rocks, where I almost had an underwater experience!
![Red Vagator Red Vagator](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1759_edit-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1762_edit-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1777-s.jpg)
Warren & Angus after sunset at Vagator Beach
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12.20.09
Posted in Animals, Landscape, Transportation, Travel at 10:00 pm by Warren Williams
White sands stretch 7km southward from Baga, through Calangute, Candolim and finally Sinquerim. Nestled in the southern end of coastline between Candolim and Sinquerim lies the Merchant Vessel, the River Princess. After running aground ten years ago, it has caused environmental issues, such as rusted shards of steel on the beach. It does however make an interesting photo subject!
![Lifeguards Calangute Lifeguards Calangute](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1393-s.jpg)
Lifeguards on duty in Calangute
![Fisherman Calangute, Goa, India Fisherman Calangute, Goa, India](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1422-s.jpg)
Fisherman, untangling his nets
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1423-s.jpg)
![Fresh juice Goa Fresh juice Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1429-s.jpg)
Selling fresh fruit on the beach of Calangute
Later in the day, Angus and I decided to hire a taxi from Calangute to the River Princess shipwreck. Frustratingly, taxis aren’t metered in Goa, and they usually offer exhorbitant cash amounts up front. Several times the cost than in Mumbai! After finally negotiating a van driver down to just 200 Rupees ($6), we took the 10min trip further along the beach.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1472-s.jpg)
More cows 😛
![Cows and stray dogs Goa Cows and stray dogs Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1474-s.jpg)
Stray dogs give the cows some problems, as we witnessed on various beaches
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1477-s.jpg)
Whilst other cows must be wary of their own kind
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1493-s.jpg)
![Parasailing Goa Parasailing Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1496-s.jpg)
Parasailing across Candolim
![Jet Skies River Princess Jet Skies River Princess](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1498-s.jpg)
Jet skis near the stern of the River Princess
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1504-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1507-s.jpg)
![Calf Goa Calf Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1521-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1523-s.jpg)
![River Princess Silhouette, Goa River Princess Silhouette, Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1528-s.jpg)
River Princess silhouetted
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1561-s.jpg)
Bow of the River Princess, with the sun setting through the hazy sky
![Candolim Beach Shipwreck Animation Candolim Beach Shipwreck Animation](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/indian_water-s.gif)
Several exposures with the incoming tide
![Goa Jump Animation Goa Jump Animation](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/goa_jump-s.gif)
Jumping fun (shot by Angus)
As twilight set in, I shot a few long exposures with various filters:
![Candolim Beach Shipwreck Sunset Candolim Beach Shipwreck Sunset](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1631-s.jpg)
No filters
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1632-s.jpg)
Two graduated ND filters on top (.6 hard and .9 soft)
![5 minute exposure 5 minute exposure](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1633-s.jpg)
5 minute exposure
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12.19.09
Posted in Animals, Landscape, People, Travel at 8:30 pm by Warren Williams
The impressively large Fort Aguada was built by the Portuguese in the seventeenth century, with views stretching across the Arabian Sea. It was rather unbearable walking around here, in mid thirties temperature, and humidity soaring into the 90’s! Definitely the hottest day of the trip.
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1122-s.jpg)
![Fort Aguada, Goa Fort Aguada, Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1074-s.jpg)
Later in the day as the heat slowly faded, we all ventured up to the northern reaches of Goa, to the popular tourist beach of Arambol. Another surprising experience, with thousands of people around, along with the odd cow walking along the sands – something I hadn’t seen in photos whilst researching Goa.
![Arambol Cows Arambol Cows](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1166-s.jpg)
![Cosy Cow Lounger Cosy Cow Lounger](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1174-s.jpg)
Sunbathing
![Close up cows arambol Close up cows arambol](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1196-s.jpg)
![Cow silhouette Cow silhouette](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1204-s.jpg)
![Arambol Boat, Goa Arambol Boat, Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1213-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1230-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1237-s.jpg)
Stray dogs
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1245-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1254-s.jpg)
Angus, using one of my spare cameras, capturing the orange hue sunset
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1258-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1275-s.jpg)
![Arambol Sunset, Goa Arambol Sunset, Goa](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1310-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1314-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1333-s.jpg)
![](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1335-s.jpg)
Angus and the reflecting sunset
![Angus Gomes Angus Gomes](http://www.warrenwilliams.co.nz/2009/IND_1340-s.jpg)
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