A log on the beach at Pukehina, Bay of Plenty, NZ

A suitable place to sit and rest, and contemplate.

Water, rocks and trees

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Water, rocks and trees at the Chinese Garden located at the Hamilton Gardens. This area is very restful to stop and enjoy.

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I will be away for a week. See you soon.

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A Magic Place?

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Does this look like a magic place to you - a little humpy bridge over a stream in the bush?

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This photo was taken at Parana Park, Hamilton, near the lower walking paths by the small stream.

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I thought it might look magical to the very young, and to the young-at-heart.

(Click to enlarge photo)

Romulus and Remus and the female wolf

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The story of Romulus and Remus tells a myth and legend about twin boys in early Rome who were tossed into the river Tiber by a king who feared that they would rob him of his throne. Soon after the twin brothers were rescued by a she-wolf who nursed them back to health.

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Romulus and Remus established a city on the Tiber River, but the brothers could not agree on a location. Signs from the heavens decreed that each brother would build a city, but Romulus' city would be much larger. His city was completed in April, 753BC. Remus was upset that Romulus had built his city so he climbed over the wall and killed his brother with and axe.

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The city came to be called Rome after its legendary founder, Romulus.

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The photo above was taken at the Hamilton Gardens where the sculpture is located in the Italian Garden.

Black Cat This friendly fellow befriended Jill and me as we wandered through Parana Park last Sunday. He must have lived near-by as he was well looked after and had an affinity for people. As we are cat lovers this fellow made the day just that much more enjoyable. We sat on a nearby seat and I lifted him up and he lay down between us and let us pet him. He reminded us of a lovely big black cat we used to own some years back called Nicky.

Railway Bridge framed by the Victoria Bridge, Hamilton

While out walking along the river path beside the Waikato River today I was able to get this photo of the Railway bridge in the distance framed by the Victoria bridge in the foreground. (click on photo to enlarge)

Maori food store

This small facility was used by early Maori for storing food. Located at Hamilton Gardens this location is in the NZ Maori garden as a part of the International Gardens section.

Turtle Lake

At Hamilton Gardens there is a man-made lake called Turtle Lake which was probably named after the copper turtles attached to this rock.

One day Jill and I were walking across a long board walk across the lake and saw a real turtle in the water. I think some wag probably put it there. I haven't seen any more in recent years so it must have died or gone elsewhere.

Storm clouds at sunset .

Last week the Waikato was entertained with hours of lightning and thunder. At sunset the sun peeped out from beneath the storm clouds lighting them up with pleasing light pink shades.

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This photo is not modified and shows the cloud colouring as it was.