page 6

Waiheke Island

Now they tell us......

We approach what passes for civilisation: the outskirts of Onetangi; and the public is warned that the road we have just traversed is hazardous.

It's also a bit risky this end of the island being a sign - or a bus stop, for that matter.

The nature of the landscape begins to change dramatically.....

.....more cosmopolitan, somehow......

and at times, frankly working class.

Pathways disappear into green tunnels and cars are parked on wooden platforms built out from the edge of the road where the ground drops away steeply.

That looks like a banana passionfruit flower. Might be worth coming past this way again in a a few months.

We pass another entrance to the Forest and Bird Reserve.

The Onetangi Pub is no more,alas, being converted to private use, so we swing on past and round the corner to the beach. The paradise ducks have found their way here too.

We are getting near the shortest day and even though the eye accommodates, the camera records light fading quite fast, though it's still quite early. It's around 3 pm in fact.

Onetangi Beach is a favourite with local horse enthusiasts. They even have a race meeting here once a year along the beach.

We are just in the process of inspecting this fine piece of primitive art, when Linda turns up to collect us. Into the car, stop for an icecream and back to Miranda's parents for the night.

Much walking still to do over here.

This is the bit where it nearly all goes pear-shaped. I have the camera in my left pocket as I get into the car, which is very small and very low to the ground. As I get in, the camera slips from my pocket to the ground unnoticed and we do not miss it until next morning. We report it to the police and place a notice in the Gulf News, but without a great deal of optimism.

Before the Gulf News is even published, we have a phone-call and a number in Titirangi that we can call. A 7 year old lad staying at Onetangi for the weekend has picked up the camera and his mum has set inquiries in motion. We are delighted to get it back, and undamaged too.