The Changing Seasons, September 2019

Hokianga Harbour, above Omapere. The sand dunes on the far side are gradually being covered with forest. Image: Su Leslie 2019

My September began in Omapere, on the Hokianga Harbour — a long weekend for the Big T and I revisiting an area we first explored in our early days together. Without knowing it when we booked, we even stayed in the same place, though it has been transformed from a small motel into a larger hotel complex.

In the thirty years since we lasted visited, the giant sand dune on the western side of the harbour has begun to disappear under vegetation — an environmental success, but making the dune a little less spectacular.

On the other hand, the foreshore at Omapere is disappearing into the sea. Along the beach was clear evidence of massive erosion, including several houses and large areas of reserve that have collapsed into the beach. Enormous concrete barriers have been placed on the lawn of the hotel to “protect” the building, but I suspect that if T and I were to visit in another 30 years, we’d need to find alternative accommodation to stay on dry land.

Wharf, Omapere, NZ Image: Su Leslie 2019

Once a house floor slab, beach Omapere, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Beach, Omapere, Northland, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

The Heads, Hokianga Harbour, Northland, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Tasman Sea beyond the Heads, Hokianga Harbour, Northland, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Gallery and cafe in the picturesque little town of Rawene, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Mural at the wharf, Rawene, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

The old courthouse, and now library, Rawene, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Bayleys Beach, Northland. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Trying to curb Kauri die-back disease and protect some of NZs most iconic native tree species. Entrance to Tokatoka Scenic Reserve, Northland, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Kaipara Kumara building, Ruawai, NZ. I’m not a fan of produce with faces, but it is iconic in NZs kumara (sweet potato) capital. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Kai Iwi Lake, Northland, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 20129

Detail: Kaipara Kumara building, Ruawai, Northland, NZ. Image: Su Leslie 2019

My gardening efforts this month have been very modest; lots of planning and tidying, some helicopter parenting of a few seeds and seedlings, and trying to enjoy the spring flowers before wind and rain destroy them.

Radish seedlings. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Kakabeak seedlings; finally a second seed has germinated. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Early in the month; plum blossom. The wind has taken all the flowers now. Image: Su Leslie 2019

So much rain has been great for the mint. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Kowhai flowers. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Plum blossom. Su Leslie 2019

Tui in a kowhai tree. Image: Su Leslie 2019

Freesia. Image: Su Leslie 2019

T and I celebrated my birthday with a few days in Wellington — my favourite home away from home. T hardly ever visits our capital city, so it was fun playing tourists together. As always seems to happen when I visit, the weather was good for most of our stay and the clouds were rolling in as we left — perfect.

Leaving Wellington, NZ. Image: Su Leslie

About The Changing Seasons

The Changing Seasons is a monthly challenge where bloggers around the world share what’s been happening in their month.

If you would like to join in, here are the guidelines:

The Changing Seasons Version One (photographic):

• Each month, post 5-20 photos in a gallery that you feel represent your month
• Don’t use photos from your archive. Only new shots.
• Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so that others can find them

The Changing Seasons Version Two (you choose the format):

• Each month, post a photo, recipe, painting, drawing, video, whatever that you feel says something about your month
• Don’t use archive stuff. Only new material!
• Tag your posts with #MonthlyPhotoChallenge and #TheChangingSeasons so others can find them.

If you do a ping-back to this post, I can update it with links to all of yours.

Update

Because I’ve been a bit slow this month, four of my fellow bloggers have already posted their Changing Seasons;

Ju-Lyn at All things bright and beautiful

Pauline at Living in Paradise

Tish at Writer on the Edge

Jude from Life at the Edge

A Wonderful Sheep

Please pop over to see how September played out for them, and also:

Tracy at Reflections of an Untidy Mind

Little Pieces of Me

Lani at Life, the Universe and Lani

Marilyn at Serendipity — Seeking intelligent life on Earth

Joanne at My Life Lived Full

Sarah at Art Expedition

Ruth at Ruth’s Arc

Brian at Bushboys World

Gill at Talking Thailand