Today's post takes you to the Te Atatu Peninsula. That is about 10 minutes away from Henderson. It lies to the north of us and makes up the south western side of Waitemata Harbour. (Auckland's harbour)
A note here before we go on. My computer is a Kiwi. Allie bought it for me here and if I don't use the Kiwi spelling of some words, like harbour with that extra u, it pastes yellow boxes on the offending words and generally makes a fuss. You've no doubt already noticed that lots of words look odd to you, that's why.
I have the feeling that folks who live on the peninsula think that they are pretty lucky. It feels a little hoity-toity out there. I'll bet that home prices are higher there than they are for comparable homes where we live, the Western Heights. I don't quite know why that is.
It sure isn't because of their fantastic beaches. I've talked a lot about Piha, and Muriwai, Bethells and O'Neils, and Whatipu. Those beaches will take your breath away. Te Atatu's beaches might sometimes arrest your breathing as well, but that's because the mangrove mud flats that make up Te Atatu's beachs are a, let's see, how to put this, a unique ecosystem, and a producer of, ah, unique smells.
But it's an interesting place. I was excited to realize when I first saw them, that the low, bush sized trees that grow there were actually mangroves, just like the tropics have, but since they are growing at the very southern edge of the latitude at which it is possible for them to grow, they are stunted.
The mudflats are home to all sorts of shellfish, and crabs, and who knows what else, all going about the business of living and dying and decaying.
We just stopped by there the other day, wondering if there was any sea weed for our compost pile. Turned out there was not.
Nevermind, the boys enjoyed playing on the playground there and I wandered around and snapped a couple of pictures. Take a look. It is at extreme low tide.
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| In the background of course is Auckland and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Those things sticking up out of the mud in the foreground are pneumatophores, or aerial roots. A mangrove is an amazing plant once you get to know it. The only trouble is that hanging out with it as you do become better acquainted, is not so pleasant. |
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| A close up. |
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| The boys had a great time. They had the place to themselves. |
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| Just a cool looking bit of driftwood |
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| How's that for a stump? |
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| Along the edge of the boardwalk |
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| The boys adopt tough-guy poses. -djf |
This was a most educational post! I was so inspired to learn more about mangroves that I googled "mangrove" and you know what? this post was the 2nd item in my search results! This lead me to Wikepedia where I learned so much more about them. I was even inspired to donate $3 to Wikemedia to support their ad-free format.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I wanted to comment about the DeLorian in your previous header picture for this post but suddenly saw it changed to your most inspiring and appropriate picture of the Cross in the palms. I agree that it 'perfectly describes your life in New Zealand'. Through all the things you and your family has been through - you've been blessed!
And so I wish you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
I'm pleased that you learned more about mangroves.
DeleteOne of the real pleasures of retirement is having the time to learn about whatever strikes me as interesting at the moment.
Lots more interesting posts coming up. I have four in the pipeline right now. Stay tuned.
I learn so much for every post that you do. I am never bothered by the different spellings. I see how having a Kiwi computer would make that automatic. I remember Dad saying that he felt badly that none of his children became teachers in the traditional sense. Of course, Jeanne has been a teacher and his grandchild (Laura) did become a teacher. However, I think the "teaching" that you do on your blog should count as being a teacher. Dad has his wish after all. It is funny how life works. That is some serious driftwood that you have there. Love to all. McKenzie
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you but I think we are all teachers. We teach each other so many times, continually really.
DeleteWe've been given an amazing opportunity by being here in NZ. It's a great pleasure to share it in this way. Thank God for computers and blogs and all of it!