Why I love a winter holiday instead of a summer holiday.

Why I love a winter holiday instead of a summer holiday.

Fog in the alps

Blizzards, below zero temperatures, snow, slippery surfaces, running nose, frost bitten fingers, hiking up steep mountains, aching legs…. honestly what more could a person want on a holiday??

This is exactly the reasons we take a holiday in the winter, not only do we encounter all the above phenomena, but also no crowds, completely silent landscapes, spectacular scenery, unimaginable clear starry skies, a winter wonderland and the possibility of photographing a multitude of white pristine mountains.

We live in Australia near the beach and experience summer conditions almost all year round. Why would I want to holiday in the same old, same old… as my home? Also having spent my childhood in New Zealand, I have a nostaligic longing for days of old.

The Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand are unbelievably beautiful. This last winter we hired a cottage next to Lake Clearwater which was surrounded by snow and ice. A wood fire in the cottage was lit each day to enable us to warm up after our outdoor expeditions. A tiny possum climbed the outdoor stairs each night and tapped with his nose on the window. Frightened the life out of me the first night, but we soon got used to him, But we did not get used to tripping over his evening droppings which he proudly left at the doorstep each night!

We climbed a 2 kilometere walk up to the snow line of Mt Potts, located along Hakatere Potts road. The fog meant we were not able to see the top of the mountain. However I took photographs of our climb as we ascended, (Mt Potts and all the surrounding mountains.) Many shots are totally white but we found it completely exhilerating and I figured some shapes must come out in my photographs. Skiers call days like this a “A White Out.”

A helicopter kept flying over and  we realised the mountain peaks would be above the fog and probably great snow skiing would be the plan for those sporty tourists. It was actually on our descent that the fog cleared a bit and I got the peaks of the mountains through the cloudy mass.

If you are ever in this area Mt Potts Lodge is a great place to stay or take a leisurely coffee after your walk. AND if you do like a bit of coldness and silence, why not consider a winter holiday in some remote cool country. It is truly an experience you wont forget.

Chinamans Hat Island

Above, the twin peaks of the mountain in the Hakatere Conservation Park. To the left of the two peaks is where we began our climb.

Mountains and fog

Above, the road to Mt Potts.

Brown hills and mountains in the fog
Walking along the mountain track

Above, looking out from the track up the mountain

Walking along mountain track
Cold mountain stream

Above, looking down at a fast moving mountain stream

In rough weather.
Chinamans Hat Island with a radiant sunset
Chinamans Hat Island in a storm
Mountain and foggy day
Chinamans Hat Island in a storm
Fog at the base of Mt Potts
Chinamans Hat Island
Chinamans Hat Island
Mountain and fog

Above, one of the basins of Mt Potts, not sure where the skiers where, but those slopes looked good for some powder skiing.

Chinamans Hat Island

This shot is my favorite. It was almost dark as we were driving off and the mountains certainly throw up many majestical and amazing sights. Things change rapidly as the wind comes and goes and blows the clouds into shapes and patterns. As we looked back the bright contrasting blue against the sweep of white was so beautiful. 

When you are afraid but you know you must overcome

When you are afraid but you know you must overcome

And when the night descends the birds huddle down and face the winds.

When you face the storm you can see what’s coming, you can lean in to it and keep your balance and consequently you are better able to equip yourself and conquer life’s challenges.

It’s time to face the storm!
Here’s my story….When I was in my late twenties I had a full on battle with firstly insomnia followed by fear, until the two merged together and I became very similar to a stuffed, mute, zombie.
I got help from friends, I got help from family members, I got help from the bible, I got help from great non fiction books, I got help from everywhere and anywhere. Sadly nothing seemed to do me any good, I would like awake for hours at night afraid of fear itself.
Finally after approx two years of this morbid, depressing pattern, one night I got out of my bed as usual unable to sleep. I felt like I had a soaring temperature, my whole body seemed to be on fire with fear. As I sat simply shaking and tormented, I decided this fear had to end, so why not simply walk into the ocean and then finally a cold, deep sleep would envelop my being.
Hmm, I had three children and a great family and home and husband. I think they all wanted and needed me??
Option one off the list!

Option two, I decided on after a bit of thought and planning.

I gathered together all my ongoing information, books, counselling, friends advice, tape recordings, (yes.. tape recordings that’s how long ago this was) even the bible was closed and put away.
Every fearful thought I decided must be negated and put to rest.

I went back to bed, took a huge breath

………and in my mind, I went for a walk amongst a most beautiful field of daisies. The centre of each daisy was so yellow it shone like the sun, the white petals gleamed like the Arctic snow.. The simple daisy swished and wavered in the gentle breezes of a spring day.

Ahhhh fear entered…You won’t get to sleep tonight,

NO, no, ….I’m walking among the fields of flowers, daisies, lilies, dandelions, the sun warms my skin, the clouds like white fluffy balls, float through the sky, the birds swoop and soar in the distance. I walk and breathe in the scent of the flowering field.

Ahhhh you won’t get to sleep…remember me, your old negative thought patterns…

NO, no no…. I’m now going horse, riding, I put my bridle on my horse’s nose, I took the heavy brown leather saddle and threw it over his back. I tied the girth strap and talked gently to my horse telling him I loved him and today we are going to ride over the hill and through Dry Creek river bed. He snorted softly and looked my way to see if I had another apple in my hand. Of course I did, he ate it closing his big eyes in thankfulness. I got the bridle and led him to the open gate. I put my foot into the stirrup and flung myself up and over, gently prodding his sides I said, “Let’s go!” We began our journey, climbing higher, through dry sandy coloured grass and then reaching the summit where the wind blew stronger and cleared my heart and soul. Let’s go down the other side, first a few trees then more and more, soon we could hear the sound of the water rushing down the creek bed. Dry creek was filled with winter rain.

Ahhh remember darkness your old friend, I’ve come to haunt you again!

NO, no, ….I’m off for a swim in the balmy blue ocean waters, towel in hand and straw sun hat on my head. Always the windy breezes, clearing the way, refreshing my thoughts and mind, cleaning away the daily tasks. Oh how I love the wind! I hear and see the seabirds soaring down from their heights, often landing nearby, they are flying from nowhere, heading somewhere. I lay out my towel and take off my hat, the sun indeed is beginning to bring a few beads of sweat to my face and my cheeks are red from walking down the winding beach track……ooohh to cool off will be so very delectable, I saunter into the blue, vivid, sparkling sea. Lowering my hot body into the water and washing away the day’s vibes. I begin to swim along the shoreline and am feeling so cleansed and beautiful. My feet touch the sandy bottom. My mind embraces the distant horizon, where I see a white sail, heading east. My thoughts relax, and slowly start to enjoy the moment….

What I was doing was  replaceing all those negative thoughts with new thoughts.

Roms 12.2. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

And by the way it was not easy, it felt like a fight, that I must win. But win I did. I slept soundly that night for the first time in months.

Then the next night the battle began again and again the next night, I was facing the storm front on, and defeat was not an option.

A determination took over my being. In a few weeks I found I had a reasonable control of my thought patterns and it was imperative that it stay that way.

To this day I have never had trouble with those particular thought patterns again. I have faced other issues, and once again have had to be courageous and strong.

One good thought can replace one horrible thought, with Gods help all things are possible.

My photographs are of the beautiful ocean birds who either seem to fly high and have fun in a storm or get down low and brace themselves head on to the storm.

Facing the wind seagulls
Spoonbills in the pink sky
Terns facing the wind
Flying in the mist
Spoonbills flying
Seagulls flying past a cliff face
Birds on a stormy day
Two pelicans resting
Seagulls flying away
Osprey
Sea birds sitting
Seabird flying

Think on those things which are good and noble, and rest and trust that everything will be okay.

Sepia tones

Sepia tones

Birds on wires

Sepia tones are warm, comforting and add an old vintage feel to the image. Personally I really like them and have a few around my house. I have found an interesting site that looks into the history of the sepia image. Read here

It’s quite an extensive, informative article well worth reading if you have a spare moment or two.

I was at IKEA last week and their decorating style can be quite charming. I noticed quite a few sepia prints on their walls and it got my mind buzzing. So I dashed home and created these images below. 

I hope you enjoy the images.

 

Gallery

5 Great photo ideas using the colour pink

5 Great photo ideas using the colour pink

Pink snow and sunset

 Pink

is a combination of red and white, and sometimes soft hues of orange. Red is one of the primary colours and very bright and stimulating, hence the addition of white produces a soft and warm shade which appeals to our feminine side. However even men have a feminine side and can appreciate the beauty of pink!!

Pink is calm and soft and warm. A predominant shade when the sun sets and when the sun rises, pink is often spell binding in its ability to lighten and soften our thought patterns.

Here are some ideas on how to get the best out of your photography incorporating the colour pink.

 

1. Sunset. I regularly see people gather in various locations to view a sunset. Why because of its beauty and no doubt its tendency to calm and soothe us. A sunset is a great opportunity to visit your favorite photography locations and experiment with settings as the sun goes down. I have learnt to slow my shutter speed as the sun gets lower in the sky.

2. Sunrise is not so frequented by the crowds, perhaps because they are still sleeping. A sunrise has a sharper and crisper element to it, whereas a sunset is more musky and muted. Sunrise does require you to get up early but when I visit the mountains I am never disappointed. So get up early and take a stroll to a good spot to sit and watch the morning light. I am not good at using a tripod, but I do for early morning shots.

3. Pink is often associated with babies, children, girls and clothing and rooms. watch out for shades of pink in homes, and clothing.  And as I said before don’t exclude men, Rick Stein a TV food presenter very often wears a pink shirt and it looks great!

4. Most times in a setting sun I will actually not photograph the sun but will turn in the exact opposite direction and photograph from this angle. In fact most of my shots below are of this type of shot. The pinks are vivid and and slowly turn to a purply blue shade. Timing is critical so be in your location at least an hour to 30 mins before the sun sets.

5. Try slowing your camera shutter speed down to create an even softer effect. Practise and practise again. I constantly check my shots in the view finder and then make any alterations to my camera settings.

 

CHECK THIS OUT a great article by Lisa Michelle Burns on how to achieve those pastel shades in your landscape photography.

Enjoy the evening hues when you next view the heavens as the sun is setting.

Girl on a pink sandy hill

6 great photo ideas using the colour yellow

6 great photo ideas using the colour yellow

tree in yellow canola field

Yellow the brightest colour in the spectrum.

Fun, stimulating and picturesque, not really the colour one would paint a whole house in. But touches here and there add a vibrant and happy feel to a home. Here are a few thoughts on what to photograph and how to photograph the colour yellow.

1. It’s a magnificent sight to drive along a country road and behold an enormous yellow field. Nothing quite like it! If you live in the country or near some farmland, do take the opportunity to drive and photograph some fields. I don’t put myself into a farmers canola field any more for a selfie, I prefer to be on the edge of the field. I have learnt they work hard and dont need people tramping through their fields.

2. I usually photograph canola fields on a cloudy day. This is just my preference because I prefer the combination of yellow and grey to yellow and sky blue. So chose your weather conditions depending on what you would like to photograph.

3. Yellow cars or scooters are great to photograph, make sure you have your camera with you when navigating the city or when you take a drive on the beach. Use a fast shutter speed if you do not wish to capture any movement.

4. I like a touch of yellow in my home, my yellow linen duvet cover is lovely to photograph… and lovely to sleep in.

5. I do find yellow, maybe a car, maybe a church spire. maybe a yellow dress a very inspirational colour. However too much and it is a little blinding and over powering, as they say..”Everything in moderation.”

6. Yellow is not a common colour in our landscape so in some of my images I have edited them to show a more vibrant yellow colour.

Have fun.

Gallery

Setting sun over Kaikoura mountains