Framed!

There are several frames like this one at different scencic locations throughout the Waitakere Ranges.

The Roundup

It's never easy to get a large group together for a photograph...

Ladies First

...but somhow we managed to pull it off...

Gentlemen Next

...twice!

Ultimate Frisbee

The throwing and chasing of the disc - a game heavely favoured by members of the Sri Chinmoy Centre.

The Bush

The morning mist was just lifting from the bush when we arrived.

More Bush

We call our forest 'the bush' in New Zealand. This area of bush was once part of a huge podocarp forest that covered the North Island of ...

Carpark Gathering

Our group gathers in the carpark and get ready to hit the trails that weave through the native bush.

'Pointing the Duck'

An ancient New Zealand tradition...

Crossing the Swingbridge

Plenty of swingbridges like this one in New Zealand - this is only a short one. They always cause a great deal of mirth as they bounce when crossed.

Upstream

View from the swingbridge.

Downstream

Another view from the swingbridge.

The Track

The tracks in this part of the Waitakere Ranges are well maintained as they are easily accessed and frequently visited. Great running and walking trails.

Old Rata Tree

This Rata tree grows at about 30 degrees to the ground. Rata is a parasitical vine that, over many years, chokes it's host and slowly becomes a tree in it's own right.

Jogyata in the Rata

Jogyata really loves the bush.

Nikau Palm

The Nikau fonds create a natural lattice pattern.

Stony Creek Bed

Millions of years of flowing water create smooth river rocks.

Bushing and Creeking

Some of the younger members of our group decide to abandon the track and go 'bushing and creeking'.

Water Patterns

The ocean, bush, rivers and streams dominate New Zealand's landscape - something that is reflected strongly in the artistic expression of our nation throughout it's history.

Old Life

An old fallen tree trunk moulders beside the creek...

New Life

...while, only a few feet away, a tiny new tree begins it's journey. One day it will help to form the new forest canopy. The bush is constantly recycling itself.

More of the Track

Looking toward another bridge over the creek.

Bridge over the Creek

Or creek under the bridge!

Easy Does It!

Negotiating slipery bolders.

In the Chasm

Eventually, one of the folks off the main track comes to a chasm, beyond which one may hear a waterfall back up in a revene.

More Water Patterns

Natural beauty.

Baby Kauri

This is only a young Kauri tree. Kauri trees invariably grow perfectly straight and, in a perfect world, become enormous. This...

View of the Head

Looking up into the head of the same Kauri tree.

Jogyata and Agatha

Cascade Kauri Park houses one of the largest remaining Kauri trees in the Waitakere Ranges affectionately know as 'Agatha' after her botanical name, Agathis australis.

Agatha's Trunk

Agatha is a baby compared to the giants that used to dominate the forest here, but she's still no weed! Jogyata once wrote a lovely article entitled Agatha...

More of the Track

Nearing the journey's end...

Back to the Carpark

Back to where we started!