Escape to the Bay of Islands

Occasionally Auckland Sketchbook escapes the city to somewhere interesting — and close. This time the sketchbook got a workout in The Bay of Islands . Only 3.5 hours by car and a world away from work. The sketch above was made in down-town Paihia, it doesn't look it, but it is literally behind the main street. The view is the back of an old homestead called Williams House . I was attracted by the orchard of very old fig trees on the left that had me imagining eating juicy ripe figs. Sadly they weren't in season but it must be a fun place at harvest time. Right over the other side of the bay you will find his falling down old house on Matauwhi Bay. For a while there the water had a turquoise glow until the sun went into hiding. This is Pompallier House and Clendon Cottage in Russell sketched with my back to the sea. I may have used a little too much artistic licence in moving them close enough together to fit on my page so don't look too closely.  Anyway, I have sketched Po...

Watching the gee gees, Turf Bar, Mt Maunganui

A glorious day on the Mount beach today, clear, crisp and cold (the day started with a frost) so it's a surprise to find so many in the pub!

A very focussed crowd were engrossed in Race 4 from Eagle Farm (Brisbane, Australia). Number 8, Lights of Heaven a New Zealand horse came in first ahead of Scenic Shot, also NZ, and Fibrilation from the USA in 3rd.



Comments