I feel very privileged to live in a country with a government that is putting it's people first, today's Budget did just that, many won't like it but if gets children out of poverty, people back to work and looks after the environment I'm all good with that.
The second first was confirmation of our being connected to Ultra Fast Broadband on Monday, it's the first time we've been able to get it, living in town has it's advantages.
Now for the third first! Well that was just something really special. We've been in New Zealand for just over 16 years and in that time we have never seen whales, I intend to remedy that. We knew that Orca, aka killer whales and not really whales at all but large dolphins, came into Raglan harbour occasionally hunting for stingray.
I belong to the local Facebook page and a post just simply said, 'Orca in the harbour'. I wasn't even dressed at that point but I flung on some clothes, jumped in the car and shot down to Lorenzen Bay as someone had posted they were heading that way. They were there but quite a distance away and I couldn't really see them. A little girl, who after telling me all about the cast that had come of her arm that morning, had attempted a jump on her scooter which ended badly, at the beginning of the lock down, it was very annoying and boring! she was all of six or seven years old..... anyhoo...she told me she saw the spray from the blowholes over there, where? there, next to the boat! Boat? What boat? And I had my zoom lens on!!
Finally I saw them and after a while they headed in our direction, phew, no more relying on a six year old to be my eyes.
Taken in Lorenzen bay, I've not edited them or taken any out, they're all here
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Then I went back to the car and drove to the bar, where the harbour entrance meets the sea,
the plan, to see them swim back out to sea
Seeing them was just magical, someone said it was a blessing, I'm not religious but seeing the joy on everyone's faces certainly made it feel that way.
Joe was home early enough for us to take the dogs to the beach just as the sun was going down.
Take out fish and chips from the wharf was a perfect end to a perfect day
What a thrill to see the Orca! They are such magnificent creatures and seeing them so close is still on my Bucket List.
ReplyDeleteThat coastline is famous for its beautiful sunsets, so you have much to look forward to in your new home :) xx
It certainly was suchva privilege to see them. Love Raglan sunsets, you won't believe just how many photos I have taken there over the years,might have to make a photo album book
DeleteHow wonderful to see the Orcas and to feel such awe. I've had similar experiences watching humpback whales of the coast of north stradbroke island, Australia. While often further off beach, there have been a few times when they have come in closer and that is just a wondrous thing. Meg🐋
ReplyDeleteHi Meg, thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, it's always nice to 'meet' new people. I had to look up where you are ;-D I'm hoping once the apocalypse is over we might get a chance to head to Kaikoura for some whale watching, something I've wanted to do for ever. x
DeleteHow very special for you Sue. I spent ages watching them in the south Island when I stayed with a girlfriend. It was wonderful. You are living in a very special spot there. When things return to normal (no levels) I will try & get out for a visit & a cuppa. Have a great day Sue xx
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty cool eh, I wouldn't have known had I not looked on Facebook. It would be lovely to see you here in the not too distant future x
DeleteYou'll treasure those pictures. Hopefully they'll come back again.
ReplyDeleteOur province moved to phase 2 today except for our city and one other. Our numbers are still too high so we have to wait another 10 days. I don't have any problem with that, I'm not in any hurray to go to the mall or a restaurant
I think they do come every year,not sure how many times in a year, but now that I live in Raglan I'll certainly get more opportunity to see them. Had my first day out today seeing real people, I even put on makeup hahaha
DeleteWell... there were no orcas today. But then, I've seen more than my share of them to be honest, we used to go to the beach (Whitianga) every 2nd weekend and all the school holidays all my life. I've seen orca up close and personal many times. It was lovely in Raglan today, sorry we missed you.
ReplyDeleteI doubt I would ever get fed up seeing them, not something you'd ever see in the UK. Some twat posted on the Raglan page that they were in the harbour yesterday, but they weren't it was a windup.We sat on the wharf for ages! Oh well we shared some chips 😉 You should have texted me and popped in for a cuppa x
DeleteLong time no see, are you guys ok? Hope all family in UK are safe and well and coping with the craziness.
ReplyDeleteWell done NZ
ReplyDeleteYou are privileged!!!
ReplyDeletecongratulation
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ReplyDeleteThe sweetness of the water pouring from the depths of the city's soil is said to have given the city its name, according to many famous proverbs.
Al-Sailiya, Al-Wajbah, and Al-Shahaniya are just a few of the noteworthy landmarks in Qatar's Al Rayyan.
It is noteworthy because it houses all of the princely government institutions, such as the ruler's council and the royal family's mansions.
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