My little escape to the Waikato is over and I’m back at my desk. Although the sun is still shining today, I’m already missing the big skies and expansive views that both dwarfed and nestled me while I was away.
It is sometimes said that “real” New Zealand begins south of the Bombay Hills, which mark the place where southern Auckland becomes northern Waikato. I spent some of the happiest of my early years in a small South Waikato town, and still get a rush of longing when I feel I’ve left Auckland behind.
Traffic congestion is one of the things I find most stressful in my current life. I hate the environmental impact of thousands of semi-stationery cars and I hate the waste of my time and emotional energy; trapped in my car, or planning alternative routes and workarounds. New Zealand isn’t a huge country, but there are so many places where traffic isn’t a problem — what are we doing wrong?
I am happiest near water, and while I’ve been a long way from the coast for the last couple of days (relatively speaking — this is New Zealand), I spent time by the Waikato River, and finally “found” Lake Waikare — which I’ve glimpsed hundreds of times from the car. Apparently it’s less than two metres deep — and sadly, quite polluted. It did look lovely from my vantage point though (1).
Despite the brevity of my time away, I think I have achieved some of the clarity that Lindbergh talked about. I don’t know what the future is going to look like, but I do know that it’s easier to plan when I’m not in the middle of everything that isn’t working any more.
This post was written for the Daily Post Photo Challenge. The theme is landscape.
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Hills, plains, water scene and trees and brush – all in the the one shot – that’s my favorite.
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Thank you; mine too. I was so pleased to find this place; it’s been in my peripheral vision for years making the trip to Hamilton and I’d never actually explored that area.
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Glad you did!
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Lovely photos. When I read this, “but I do know that it’s easier to plan when I’m not in the middle of everything that isn’t working any more.” I felt really sad. You said you felt some clarity, I hope it was good, hope-filled clarity. Best to you, lovely Su.
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Thank you for your kind thoughts. Being away made me realise how much my life has shifted into auto-pilot, and how dysfunctional that is. I am feeling refreshed and hopeful and trying to take positive steps to get back in control. 🙂
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I’m so glad. 🙂
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Wow, what a beautiful post, photographically, articulately and, oh yes, certainly metaphorically! 🙂
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Thank you so much Amanda. And thanks especially for re-blogging this. I love that you “get” what I’m groping for in my writing. It’s such a great feeling to connect and get that validation. Thanks again. Su.
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Absolutely I “get” it!
It’s also very affirming for me when I read such a great perspective. 🙂
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Pingback: “the vantage point of distance” — Zimmerbitch | Surprising lives
Also, in case you don’t get a pingback. I reblogged this post on surprisinglives. Thanks!
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Thank you again.
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Love them all. Very nicely framed!
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Thank you 😀
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You have really showcased the rural landscape south of the Bombay well. I grew up in Auckland and have also lived in London. I don’t miss the cities and as you say the standing still traffic. I love it down here in Hastings – only a couple of minutes down the road and I am in rural Hawke’s Bay, 15 – 20 minutes to the coast and very little traffic compared to Auckland. We do have traffic jams but nothing like you experience. You should come down here sometime
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Thanks Raewyn. Maybe there is something about putting love into images. I so enjoyed being out in the country and away from all the noise and construction and people everywhere. The people I did meet were incredibly friendly. I haven’t been to Hawkes Bay for years; it’s definitely one of the next places I need to visit. Hope you’re having a good weekend. Cheers, Su.
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