Born Together Clan Pole All around Haida Gwaii – a collection of islands in the North Pacific waters off the coast of British Columbia, Canada – tall, carved, and painted cedar poles tell the stories of the local people. This one in a waterfront park in Skidegate features an eagle – a symbol of one of the two primary matrilineal moieties (clans) – and is topped by three Watchmen: symbolic guardians of the land, sea, and sky.
After the trees arrived in Haida Gwaii, SGaanuwee (Supernatural Beings) showed Haidakuuníisi (ancestors) how to carve gyaa’ang (monumental poles). The Haida word for monumental pole is related to the word gyaa’aa: “stand up”. After Haida carve, dance, and raise them, gyaaGang or gyaa’aang become living community members.
Gyaagan.Ngaay – Monumental Poles of Haida Gwaii
Kaats’ii Hla | Ḵaats’a Hláa | This Is Haida Gwaii : Issue Five
(Click to start Have a Light Heart on Your New Journey by Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson.)
Haida Gwaii is a magical place – abounding in natural beauty and creative talent. This remote archipelago of about 150 islands sits off the northern coast of British Columbia (BC) Canada. To reach it, long drives from the closest urban centres need to be augmented by plane, ferry, or other boat trips. On a clear day, you can see Alaska.
Somehow the Haida people who have lived on these islands and the waters around them for at least 13,000 years have managed to reclaim and revive their culture and some of their language. This is in spite of being almost completely wiped out by introduced illnesses in the 1800s, and in spite of losing the rights to customary traditions – like the Potlatch – until as late as 1951.
Fortunately, the Haida are fighters and willing to stand up for themselves.
For many years, the BC provincial and Canadian federal governments allowed the lands and waters to be plundered by mining, logging, and excessive fishing. In spite of their low numbers, the Haida pushed back: in 1985, dozens gathered on Athlii Gwaii(Lyell Island) to blockade against the heavy logging machinery. After years of tense negotiations between the Haida and the Canadian government, the Gwaii Haanas Agreement was formalised in 1993.
Carving massive cedar logs into monumental poles is part of this customary practice.
Although they are often all referred to as ‘totem poles’, these ubiquitous examples of Haida art and skill are often crest, potlatch, or memorial poles. The stylised creatures carved and painted on the red cedar poles tell stories of a person, a clan, or a particular event (eg: Gwaii Hanaas; Stories in the Rocks and Trees).
As beautiful and artistic as they are, the poles are an expression of shared cultural experience – not ‘art’ for consumption. Many poles are on private property and listed as “not intended for public viewing”. Naturally, I have not included them here.
Let’s have a final look around Graham Island, Haida Gwaii:
Isabel Creek Store My accommodation – like much of the Haida Gwaii tourist accommodation – was in Daajing Giids, formerly known as Queen Charlotte. Its narrow streets and charming buildings make it a pleasure to walk around.
Islands in Skidegate Inlet The air is clean and the views are magic. One is never far from the ever-changing waterways.
Haida Gwaii Hospital The Skidegate Inlet Healing House Pole was raised in front of the hospital and health centre in 2018.
Pink Hawthorn Blossoms Around town the salmonberries are starting and the hawthorn is in full bloom.
Hummingbird Mural Art is everywhere – like this colourful mural by Thomas Arnatt on Funk It, the Daajing Giids furniture and home decor store.
View from my Room This far north, the spring daylight stretches well into the evening. I have a beautiful view over the Queen Charlotte Small Craft Harbour, Skidegate Inlet, and typical British Columbia wooden buildings with cedar-shake roofs on the street below.
Official Flag of the Council of the Haida Nation In Skidegate, the next village along Skidegate Inlet, the Haida flag flies. The stylized raven and eagle depicted on the flag represent the two principle matrilineal clans of the Haida people.
Still Life Found : a Rusty Planter
Look Up! The Born Together Clan Pole stands tall in the Skidegate waterfront park.
The Eyes of the Beaver Beaver were introduced to Haida Gwaii in the mid-20th century; even though they are not native, they often feature in Haida art.
Beaver at the Base
Living Culture A young child and his grandfather run around the green where the Born Together Clan Pole stands tall.
The Haida Gwaii Museum and Haida Heritage Centre Historically, this was the site of a major village known for its many poles and longhouses. The cultural center is designed to resemble that village, with its many totem poles facing the ocean. Front and centre is the T’aanuu pole by Gitkinjuuwas Ronald Wilson, which depicts a killer whale, a raven, a wolf, a dogfish, and an eagle.
Inside the Haida Gwaii Museum The centrepiece in the lobby in the Haida Heritage Centre is a beautiful carving – about which I could find no information.
Traditional Haida Dugout Canoes In a shelter outside the Haida Gwaii Museum, three long, dugout canoes are housed. These boats are traditionally constructed by carving and steaming a single large cedar log into shape.
Traditional Haida Dugout Canoe These canoes are central to the cultural identity of the Haida. Used for fishing, war, and trade, they feature stylized art, often representing sea creatures.
Nature’s Artworks: Driftwood Inspiration for Haida art is all around.
Beach at Halibut Bite Rest Area Days ebb and flow with the tides; life moves with the seasons.
Nature’s Sculpture : Seaweed on a Boulder
Almost Abstract : Stones on the Beach Beauty and patterns are everywhere.
Haida House at Tllaal After a planned walk to the Pesuta Shipwreck (see: Pesuta Shipwreck Trail), I had a dinner reservation at the dining room in Haida House at Tllaal.
The Wonderful Terri Lynn Davidson I arrived early, so I wandered the halls of the building. One of the many paintings adorning the walls was this beautiful piece by Chris Hopkins. Terri Lynn Davidson is the voice behind the music attached to this post.
Duck & Blackberry My tide- and farm-to-table dinner was – as I expected – fresh and fabulous. It was a fitting finale to my Haida Gwaii stay.
Another Day – Another Ferry Far too soon I was on the ferry and crossing the Hecate Strait back to Prince Rupert on the mainland.
At least this time I didn’t have to drive onto the ferry backwards!
Haida Gwaii made a real impression on me, and I was sad to leave this magical and beautiful place behind.
In from the Surf Off the east coast of Australia, just 30 kilometres (19 mi) southeast of central Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), attracts surfers to the consistent waves coming off the Coral Sea. Nature-loving visitors are drawn to the pristine beaches, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
I love an excuse to explore my own backyard!
I had driven up to Brisbane to participate in a friend’s birthday party, and decided to stay an extra day to visit nearby North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). This had been on my “list” for a while. To keep life simple and take advantage of local knowledge, I decided to book a day trip.
This turned out to be a good plan, in spite of the very early start. Although North Stradbroke Island – or “Straddie” as locals call it – is only 30km (18.6mi) southeast of Brisbane, the ferry terminal is a 45 minute drive, and the SeaLink ferry only runs every hour or less. So, you want to be at the Cleveland terminal on time!
I made my trip-choice based on the itinerary, which promised a scenic walk and the possibility of koalas in the wild. Although seeing kangaroos (and even wombats and echidnas) are regular occurrences, I’ve only seen koalas outside reserves or zoos once before, in Cape Otway National Park (see: The Great Ocean Road).
The sub-tropical North Stradbroke is the world’s second-largest sand island; a fact which is not necessarily apparent when you are on it! Unlike the much larger UNESCO-listedFraser Island (see: Weekly Wanders: Fraser Island) which requires a suitable 4WD, most of the more residential Straddie is accessible by normal passenger vehicle and paved roads. Except for the beautiful beaches, I kept forgetting we were on sand!
Come for a visit:
Cleveland : North Stradbroke Ferry After collecting all our guests from around Brisbane, we arrived at Toondah Harbour in time for a coffee and a rest stop before boarding the vehicle ferry.
Mangrove in the Harbour Mangroves fascinate me! A vital part of the coastal ecosystem, these trees are uniquely adapted to thrive in saline or brackish water. Moreton Bay is a relatively shallow tidal lagoon with the kind of sandbanks and mudflats mangroves love; we are utilising one of the deeper shipping channels.
Into the Woods Our first stop once we reach the island is at the southern start of Point Lookout Gorge Walk.
Through the Casuarinas Australian pine – also known as she-oaks – are a beautiful native trees whose needles ‘sing’ in gentle winds.
Main Beach from the Boardwalk As we walk around the point the views are stunning – and the colours change every minute.
The Colour of Water Although the island is predominantly sand, there are a couple of notable rock outcrops – including the volcanic rhyolite here around Point Lookout.
Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service If swimmers get into difficulty, or if sharks are spotted, there is help in the sky …
Surf Lifesaving Jet Ski … and on the water.
Watchful Osprey Meanwhile, a couple of eastern osprey (Pandion cristatus) keep a keen lookout for fish.
Pandanus over the Gorge The colours change and deepen again as we reach a sharp gorge. All of the water and some of the land here is protected under the zones established within the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Parasol Leaf Tree – Macaranga Tanarius
Rocks Under Water Far below in the gorge, water rushes over partially submerged volcanic rock.
That Coastline!
Into the Mists Looking north over Frenchman’s Beach and the rocky headland separating it from Deadman’s Beach, the colours are completely different.
Dolphins A small pod of dolphins – probably Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) race through the waters below.
South Gorge Beach After a lunch break, we drive back to the beaches for a chance to swim or sun or just people-watch. South Gorge Beach is directly under the path we walked before lunch. This protected cove is popular for swimming and snorkeling.
Watching Water on Main Beach We head to the other side of the Main Beach Headland Reserve, to where Main Beach starts. This popular beach runs 32 kilometres (20 mi) down the east coast of the island, and offers powerful and consistent swells suitable for competent surfers.
Surf Rescue Main Beach is patrolled, making it safer for swimmers. The volunteer surf lifesavers, in their distinctive red and yellow uniforms, are happy to pose for the camera.
Surf Rescue into the Waves With their reflections shimmering in the sun, the lifesavers launch their Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) into the water.
Incoming Waves
Silver Gull – Chroicocephalus Novaehollandiae
At Water’s Edge It’s hot, and watching the reflections play on the shallow waters is soporific.
Childlike Focus
Laughing Kookaburra – Dacelo Novaeguineae The next portion of our day is a visit to Amity Point – one of the island’s three small townships – in search of wildlife. I never tire of seeing our iconic Australian kingfisher: the laughing kookaburra.
Koala up a Tree Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) typically live in open eucalyptus woodland, spending up to twenty hours a day sleeping.
Check the Claws! A koala’s curved, sharp claws are well adapted for climbing and sleeping in trees.
Watching Us – Watching Them A large eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) stands at the side of the road through town, just watching us.
Sunset from the Ferry While we are on the ferry back to the mainland, the sun sets over the mangrove trees in Moreton Bay.
It was a perfect day in a gorgeous environment – I’m so glad I finally made it there.
“Straddie” is just beautiful – truly an easily accessible paradise!
A Family on the Fort Fort Belgica was built on Banda Neira by the Dutch from 1611 to protect their colonial interests in rare endemic spices. The volcanic mountain, Gunung Api, rises up behind an Indonesian family who have made the long ferry trip from Jakarta to visit the island.
Naturally, I complied – although it meant ordering a used copy of Giles Milton’s book online.
I’m not big on non-fiction, and I found the book slow-going, regardless what the breathless writers of the jacket reviews suggested.
But, I was in the very region – the Maluku Islands of Indonesia – where the endemic presence of nutmeg, mace, and cloves lead to hundreds of years of European interests and atrocities. I hadn’t yet finished the book when we anchored in Banda Neira, the centre of this bloody history (see: In and On the Banda Sea). Fortunately, lectures aboard our small ship, the Coral Geographer, helped fill in the blanks.
Since as early as 1400 BCE, nutmeg and other spices from the Banda Islands were known for their antimicrobial features, their ability to preserve food, and and their health benefits. In 10th century Venice, a pound of nutmeg was worth more than a pound of gold.
For hundred of years, the Banda Islands were ruled by a local oligarchy known as the Orang Kaya (Rich People). They made their money selling spice and other precious goods to Chinese and Arab traders, who sold them on to European markets while closely guarding the secret of the source. The Portuguese were the first known Europeans to visit these islands – in the early 1500s – but while they conquered much of Malacca, they were distracted away from the Banda Islands by difficulties in the rest of the archipelago.
Then came the Dutch – who took control.
The Dutch formed an uneasy partnership with the Bandanese until the Orang Kaya on Banda Neira rebelled in 1609. The Dutch retaliated with a brutal campaign against the local people. In the course of this long campaign, the Dutch built Fort Belgica on Banda Neira in 1611. This was to intimidate the Orang Kaya who were unhappy with their dealings with the Dutch, and to ward off the English who had established themselves on the nearby island of Run. Ultimately, the Dutch won; their 1621 conquest culminated in the Banda Massacre.
In order to maintain spice production after the almost-complete genocide of the local people, the Dutch imported slaves from other parts of modern-day Indonesia, India, and the coast of China.
Today, the wealth is gone. The English succeeded in transplanting nutmeg trees to their other tropical colonies in the 1700s, effectively breaking the Dutch monopoly on trade.
Life today is quiet: focusing on fishing, spice cultivation, and a fledgeling tourism industry. Most of the residents of the Banda Islands are descended from those forcibly-imported plantation labourers and the few remaining indigenous Bandanese. This has lead to a distinctive local cultural identity, with ritual practices and elements of language distinguishing it from the neighbouring Ambonese Malay.
Join me as I explore Banda Neira:
Banda Neira Village Our tenders transfer us the short distance from our ship. The buildings on the island cling to the shoreline below the steep jungle-clad hillside.
Steps to Banda Neira Village The dock we use is rather informal: a set of concrete steps leading up to a grass reception area surrounded by Dutch colonial buildings.
Girls on the Dock The local children are amused by our presence and horse around on a nearby pontoon for our entertainment.
The Band A traditional percussion gamelan quartet plays music to welcome us.
Cutting the Beans Out in the village streets, everyday life goes on.
Local Store These little shops, packed to the rafters with goods for sale, are common all across Asia.
History on the Walls This well-worn mural depicts four national Indonesian figures: the country’s first Vice President Mohammad Hatta, the first Prime Minister Sutan Syahrir, historian, diplomat, and Banda Neira native Des Alwi, and Hamad B. Husain, another local figure from the Banda Islands.
Young Child Children are everywhere – and full of life and mischief.
Hen and Chick
A Municipal Park The central boulevard through town is green and tree-shaded, and dotted with monuments.
Gereja Tua – Old Church This historic church was built in 1852 by the Dutch East India Company(VOC). It was renovated in 2005 and is still in use.
Inside the Dutch Church The simple interior features wooden pews and ancient flagstones marking the resting places of former Dutch governors of the island.
Benteng Belgica The town’s centrepiece is Fort Belgica, …
Doorway to Benteng Belgica … a modest square fort commenced by the Dutch in 1611.
Man on the Fort The fort itself is not much to look at …
Gunung Api – Mount Api … but the views over the volcanic island next door are great.
Ketapang (Terminalia Catappa) Leaves Overhead I walk down from the fort through the spice groves, …
On the Path through the Spice Trees … pausing to chat to some local children on the way.
Fiddle-Leaf Frangipani – Plumeria Pudica The streets on the other side of the fort are tidy and full of greenery.
Selling Fish There were surprises around every corner!
Lapas Banda – Banda Prison The Dutch ruled over the Banda Neira until 1949, and Dutch colonial architecture is everywhere.
Nutmeg and Other Local Spices This is what all the fuss was about! In the 1700 and 1800s, the British transplanted nutmeg trees into Ceylon and other British colonies – effectively breaking the Dutch monopoly over nutmeg and mace.
Kids on the Green A couple of hours later, after a shower and change of clothes on the ship, I was back on the island for evening festivities at the fort.
On the Battlements At Benteng Belgica, our ship’s passengers and locals are gathered around for the early evening festivities.
Warriors Two young men perform a local sword dance.
Picking Nutmeg Another local dance shows young couples collecting nutmeg kernels from the endemic Myristica fragrans trees.
Harvesting Nutmeg
Woman on the Battlements
Woman and Child
Our Ship in the Twilight From Fort Belgica, we can watch the light falling over our ship in the harbour; it’s time to return for dinner.
The smiling welcome I was treated to by all the locals I met certainly belies their unfortunate and bloody history.
Here’s hoping they can successfully carry their own hopes and dreams into the future.
The Walls of the Kasbah Chefchaouen, in northwest Morocco, leans into the mountains around it. Founded in 1471, this fortress was built to defend against potential Portuguese invaders coming through the Strait of Gibraltar to the north.
Walking through history is so much more interesting than attempting to study it at school! Old stone walls have such stories to tell.
Chefchaouen in Morocco’s Rif Mountains was originally founded as a defensive fortress in 1471 – at a time when Portugal was attacking northern cities and towns in the region. The mossy, rammed earth (pisé) walls of the medieval kasbah built at that time still stand after centuries of civic growth and cultural change.
Chefchaouen is known for its Andalusi architecture and the distinctive blue-washed walls in the medina – the old city – that grew up around the kasbah. Both of these elements speak to the area’s history. When the Catholic Monarchs of Spain reclaimed the Iberian Peninsula with the fall of Granada in 1492, they effectively ended the long Islamic rule over southern Portugal and Spain. Non-Christians were heavily taxed; forced conversions were not uncommon; and the entire Jewish community was expelled.
Many of these displaced people ended up in the mountains of northern Morocco, and they brought their Andalusi architectural style with them to towns like Chefchaouen,.
The blue paint comes much later. Some say it represents the colour of the Mediterranean Sea which sits just north of the mountains (eg: Chefchaouen the blue one!). Others claim it symbolises the importance of the Ras el-Maa waterfall, where the city’s inhabitants get their drinking water. Practical suggestions are that the blue keeps the city cooler in summer and repels mosquitos. In what is perhaps the prevailing view, many attribute the colour to the wave of Jewish refugees who arrived here from Hitler’s Europe in the 1930s (see: Morocco’s Blue Pearl).
Whatever the reasons, the aesthetic and the history both make the city a delight to explore!
Winding Blue Lanes After arriving late evening the day before, our little group was out early for a walking tour of the town – starting outside our riad in the old medina.
Jama’ al-Kebir – Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen We walk through the Plaza Uta el Hammam, the heart of the medina. The gentle rain washes the tidy square where we have views of the city’s oldest, most central house of worship, and the cafés and restaurants that – later in the day – will be bustling with life.
Entry to the Kasbah We also pass the 15th-century fortress that gave the city its start. I planned to visit during my free time later in the day.
Arched Doorway Bright blue paint and colourful tiles feature everywhere in the medina.
Just a Cat in a Stairwell Beautiful wrought-iron metal-work contrasts with old pisé walls.
Rough Chefchaouen Walls The rough textures all around demonstrate the age of the city …
Blue and White … while the fresh paint and beautiful patterns speak to local pride.
Lamp on the Corner
Mosaic Kitchenware and Serving Ware There are plenty of shops in the medina allowing tourists to take a little of the city home with them.
Traditional Communal Bakery People in these villages took their breads to the local oven for baking. In this instance, the baker is roasting peanuts for a young girl.
City Water Fountain Back in the Plaza Uta el Hammam, life goes on in the rain.
Said Our guide bids us adieu for the day.
“Into the Kasbah” Following a rest, I head back out to visit the fortress. Although “Come with me to the Casbah” was never actually said in the 1937 film Algiers, I still think of black and white movies when I hear the word. The entry to this 15th century fort in Chefchaouen has all the charm you could want!
Inside the Kasbah The Andalusian garden in the interior courtyard is thriving in the autumn rain.
Ancient Walls through a 15th Century Window I pay the modest entry fee and set off to explore.
View from the Citadel Tower There are ten original rammed-earth towers in the kasbah walls, and one rubble-masonry tower with cut stone corners which was probably added in the 16th century. Not all the towers are open, but I climb up where I can to enjoy the views over the blue city.
A Classic Moorish Arch The typical Moroccan horseshoe-arched windows let in plenty of light
Looking Out and Looking Back Modest displays around the fort tell the story of Chefchaouen and the Rif people.
Rooftops
Blue and Green from the Windows
Prison Entry Back at ground-level, I get a peek into the dark, windowless prison area.
On the Ramparts The kasbah ramparts, by contrast, seem to touch the sky.
Riad In the northeast corner of the kasbah, there is a riad – a traditional Moroccan house built around a courtyard – probably added in the late 17th century. Today, the ground floor here houses a modest museum.
Tools of the Trade The exhibits focus on archeological objects found nearby, …
15th Century Woodworking … and also detail how traditional tools and materials are used in restoration efforts.
Central Chefchaouen Back in the square, the light is falling and the touts are out spruiking their restaurants.
Art Store As I wait for my meal in an open café, I watch the vender opposite try to display his wares without them being damaged in the continuing rain.
A Gulet in Full Sail They call it the Turquoise Coast: on Türkiye’s Gulf of Gökova every shade of blue is represented across the day.
I had always dreamed of a small-ship cruise on the AegeanSea. That fabled dramatic coastline; countless small islands; and calm blue waters; all suggested the most luxurious of relaxing getaways – especially if you are not responsible for sailing the vessel yourself!
When the opportunity presented itself, the time-frame and the price-point of trips on the Turkish -rather than Greek – portion of the Sea caught my eye. I found a small-ship cruise on the Gulf of Goköva out of Bodrum in the south of Türkiye that fit neatly between my short stay in Istanbul (see: Bosphorus Dreaming) and a ground tour I had planned (see: The Gallipoli Peninsula).
So it was that I spent a day in Bodrum exploring the historic Castle of St Peter while waiting to board my ship: the eight-cabin MS Flas VII, a 33-34 meter luxury Turkishgulet with a captain, a cook, and two crew – and 10 passengers.
Gulets are a traditional style of two- or three-masted wooden sailing vessel built in the coastal towns around the gulf. Today, they are popular for tourist charters and take advantage of diesel power. On many, the masts are purely for show and are not properly rigged for sailing.
We spent the first few days aboard ours cruising gently into quiet coves, swimming and kayaking in the pristine waters, and walking on almost-deserted islands.
Join me for some quiet, dreamy days on the Turkish Riviera.
My Home for the Week My air-conditioned cabin on the MS Flas VII is equipped with everything I need, which bodes well for the week ahead.
Captain at the Helm Docking spaces in Bodrum are at a premium; in the early evening our captain steers our gulet into a neighbouring cove.
Crew in the Zodiac The anchor is set and a young crew member has attached the shore line to the mooring eye in the adjacent cliff. Our first night will be nice and quiet.
Sunrise through the Seahaze I get up early in the morning – and find a yoga mat on the prow for some stretching as the sun comes up.
Misty Morning Sea Fog The 100km- (62mi)- long Gulf of Gökova is an inlet on the Aegean. We cross south from Bodrum to the Datça Peninsula as the morning fog clings to the lands on the horizon.
Our Schooner We come to rest along the rugged coastline of the Datça Peninsula – where I head out in a kayak.
Yachts Rafted A pair of modern yachts is anchored nearby – but I still feel alone in the quiet.
Turkish Pine – Pinus Brutia Also known as Calabrian pine or Mediterranean pine, the trees bend against the wind and cling to this rugged coast with its myriad small bays and harbors.
Reflected Colours The still sea reflects the red rocky coast in its own remarkable blue and turquoise hues.
Marker on a Cliff The next morning we are on the move again – heading east towards Yedi Adalar(Seven Islands), a chain of pine-covered islands.
Flash 7 at Rest in a Nameless Cove The island of the Yedi Adalar group have countless coves, bays, and anchorages. It is nice to get ashore and go for a walk on solid ground.
Early Crocus – Crocus Tommasinianus Although the islands are uninhabited, all the bays are all connected to each other by dirt paths.
Mediterranean Scrub Higher up, I look down over the vegetation to our gulet at anchor in the blue.
Mastic Tree – Pistacia Lentiscus Native throughout the Mediterranean region, this little aromatic evergreen shrub is used for healing and cosmetic purposes.
Nature’s Artworks : Pine Cones against the Sky
Beehives These islands are uninhabited – but not unused. Villagers from nearby visit their hives regularly – enjoying fragrant honey from the surrounding vegetation.
Another Curve of Cove The Turkish pines lean into the waters all along the shore.
Another Gokova Sunrise The mornings were well worth getting up for!
Another Gulet We weren’t the only ship anchored in the coves of Yedi Adalar. The MS Nikola is another vessel from the same company as ours.
Man in a Runabout They were close enough for me to watch as the sailors made the MS Nikola ready …
A Gulet on the Way … and she chugged slowly back into the Gulf.
The Waters from a Kayak We stop half way through our morning trip for another chance to swim, SUP, or kayak. The colours of the water are constantly changing.
Nature’s Abstracts: Sea Urchins I kayak over the impossibly clear waters, trying to photograph the constantly changing landscape underneath me.
Full Sail in the Gulf of Gokova
The rugged coastline with its untold small bays and harbours against the stunning backdrop of pine-clad hills and mountains was indeed magnificent.
And the meals aboard my gulet were superb. I could get used to this!
- Performing the Ganga Aarti from Dasaswamedh Ghat, Varanasi
- Buddha Head from Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
- Harry Clarke Window from Dingle, Ireland
- Novice Monk Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, Myanmar
Packets of 10 for $AU50.
Or - pick any photo from my Flickr or Wanders blog photos.
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Here’s hoping they can successfully carry their own hopes and dreams into the future.
Until next time,
