Monday, September 17, 2012

The Seal Pups of Ohau Stream


One of the most amazing things I experienced while on holiday in New Zealand were these little six month old seal pups.







They are the cutest little things, but what is truly amazing about them is the journey they make up the Ohau stream. They swim, they clamber over difficult rocks, and they waddle along bits of a track beside you for about half a kilometre (it's a long way on flippers!) until the reach their destination.













As you turn the final corner of the walk you get to see why they make such an effort. Pouring out from between the mountains is a waterfall, with a perfect little pool beneath it. And there in the pool all the baby seal pups are jumping in and out and underneath the water that is swirling around. They go all this way, just to play.
















The pups play in the stream while their mothers are out hunting in the ocean. After a few days they waddle, clamber and swim back to the coast to meet their mothers returning from hunting. Then the wee seal pups feed on their rich mother’s milk.







I can’t describe the feeling of seeing this incredible display of nature - it brought tears to my eyes.

Friday, September 7, 2012

and the winner is ...











Congratulations ginnin' around!  I'm so looking forward to making a special ring for you, just send me a convo or an email :).  Thank you to everyone who entered, it was wonderful to come home to all your lovely comments, I wish I could make a ring for each and every one of you!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

home



I had a wonderful time in New Zealand, it felt so good to spend time surrounded by the scenery that I find so inspiring and to feel the cold winter air and visit the places that trigger memories. I thought our holiday would cure my homesickness but I feel like turning around and flying back home again ... if only it was that easy.  I took a ridiculous amount of photos and I'm currently sifting through them so I can show you some of the amazing places we visited.

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway.  I've got a long list of names from all the convo's, emails and comments here on my blog that I'll gather together and draw a winner from this Friday.  I'm looking forward to creating something special with the winner then!