View across Kanaka Bay, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Kanaka Bay, Newcastle Island
You could be miles away from anyone – except for the giant BC Ferry transporting cars and boats across the horizon.

Getting out and about in the “wilds” of Canada’s Vancouver Island is always such a joy.

Truthfully, we are not really in the wilderness; we’re parked on a dock with two pubs and two restaurants within walking distance. Hardly roughing it! But as our ability to access internet has been patchy at best, I do feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the world.

I also feel as if my cameras are being a bit neglected. We’ve been on and around the water a lot, which is always wonderful, but when it comes to dragging SLR cameras and lenses onto a small dinghy or into a kayak – both at reasonable risk of being swapped by rolling salty Pacific waters – I’m less than keen.

So, I’m giving the iPhone a bit of a workout. I find the restrictions challenging, but, as a friend of mine says: “Love the camera you are with!”

Newcastle Island is a Provincial Marine Park just across the water from Nanaimoaccessible by public ferry or private boat.

Last month, my husband and I rowed our dinghy across Newcastle Channel to walk the network of trails on the island. This month, we kayaked around it, stopping for lunch in a rocky bay.

Join me for an iPhone visit.

Totem Pole against a blue sky, Newcastle Island, BC

“Welcome to Saysutshun – Au’ si:em siyeyu
Once known as Saysutshun, Newcastle Island was a seasonal fishing site for the Snuneymuxw people of the Coast Salish group. Today, Snuneymuxw First Nation people lead numerous cultural activities in the park.

Looking over the rough bark of an Arbutus tree to Nanaimo boat docks, Newcastle Island, BC

Arbutus Bark
Newcastle Island was named after the famous mining town of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England when coal was discovered here in 1849. Today, the island is covered in trees: arbutus, fir, cedar, maple and oak, among others.

Trail Markers, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Trail Markers
Walking around the island is a pleasure: the trails are well marked, and mostly soft underfoot from fallen pine and fir needles.

View over the sailboats moored on Mark Bay, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Mark Bay
All types of boats are moored in the protection of Mark Bay.

Old Quarry, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Old Quarry
From the late 1800s, Newcastle Island was a source of architectural sandstone for large buildings (see: Walks in the Woods), and from the 1920s, pulp stones were quarried for the pulp and paper industry.

Pile of Pulp Stones, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Pulp Stones
It took cylindrical cutters about three hours to carve out each pulp stone. A small amount of gunpowder blasted the cut stone loose, and it was lifted out with a derrik.

View over Pulp Stones to Mark Bay, Newcastle Island, BC

Pulp Stones
The stones were smoothed with a a lathe; the finished products weighed about 1800 kilos each.

Black Tailed Deer, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Black Tailed Deer
The island is home to beavers (which we haven’t seen), golden raccoons (which we only see when the cameras are in wet-bags!), and dainty black tailed deer.

Light Falling on on Cedar branches, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

“Light Falling on Cedars”

Yellow Lilies on Mallard Lake , Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Lilies on the Lake
Mallard Lake in the middle of the island was originally built as a reservoir; today it is a wildlife sanctuary, complete with elusive beavers.

Path through a conifer forest , Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Into the Woods
Pathways of dappled light surrounded by the wonderful smell of cedar and fir are a treat for walkers.

Looking Up conifer stems to the sunlight, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Look Up!

Leaves and Moss, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

The Forest Floor

Dinghy on rocks, obscured by trees, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Dinghy Below
We tied the dinghy up carefully on the rocky shore when we arrived, before scrambling up the hill to the trails.

Dinghy sitting on rocks, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Dinghy Stranded
When we returned after walking eight kilometres of trails, the dinghy was high on the rocks and had to be carried back to water.

Kayaker and Aircraft Warning sign, Newcastle Channel, BC Canada

Aircraft Warning
There’s not a lot of opportunity to take photos when you are watching for incoming sea planes!

View over the Sandy Flats of Kanaka Bay at low tide , Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Sandy Flats
This beautifully calm bay was named for a Kanaka – a Hawaiian immigrant labourer – who was found guilty of murdering his partner, and who was hung and buried here. They say his ghost still lurks.

Kayaks at Low Tide on Kanaka Bay, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Kayaks at Low Tide
We have a knack! We didn’t spend too long over lunch, but the tide had moved out a long way by the time we finished.

Portaging kayaks, Kanaka Bay, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Portage
We had to portage over quite an expanse of wet sand before continuing around the island.

Sunlight on waves of sand and sewed in water, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Almost Abstract: Seaweed and Ripples in the Sun

Purple Starfish, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Purple Starfish

Great Blue Heron, Newcastle Island, BC Canada

Great Blue Heron
A great blue heron watched us make our way between Newcastle and Protection Islands before we paddled back into Newcastle Channel and home. Nanaimo sits on the other side of the waterway.

Text: Happy Rambles, Ursula :-)

Green trees, waterways, and sunny days ~

Can’t be beat.

Happy Rambles!

Pictures: 26June2016 and 06July2016

Elle King, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Elle King in Blues
If you aren’t already familiar with the powerhouse rockabilly vocals of Elle King, you soon will be. Since watching her perform her catchy breakout hit “Ex’s & Oh’s” at Byron Bay Bluesfest in March this year, I have heard it on the radio in four different countries!

One of the many joys of the annual Easter long-weekend Byron Bay Bluesfest in coastal-eastern Australia is having talented performers from around the world brought to our doorstep. Some are musicians we have known and loved much of our lives; others are fresh young faces with edgy new material see:. Sometimes they bring with them music and songs we are hearing for the first time; other times they perform familiar old favourites.

They come from the four corners of our ever-shrinking world, bringing international flavour to traditional blues and roots music; they speak to us, through their notes and lyrics, of their personal pains and of the human condition; they make us dance and laugh and cry, and bring us joy.

Join me for an international smörgåsbord of sounds, represented in pictures.

JJ Julius Son and Kaleo, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

JJ Julius Son (Jökull Júlíusson) and Kaleo
The Icelandic indie-blues rock band Kaleo was a crisp breath of Arctic air; these young friends garnered numerous music awards in their home country before moving to Austin, Texas to launch their international career.

Elle King, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Elle King
American singer, songwriter, and actress Elle King is larger than life on stage. I get the impression from interviews (e.g.: Billboard on Ex’s and Oh’s) that her personality is just as big off-stage!

Raw Earth, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Raw Earth
Francis Chan Hon Pan wails a tune; Raw Earth from Singapore with their funky take on traditional blues is always a crowd-pleaser.

Irish Mythen, , Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Irish Mythen
From one side of the Atlantic to the other: Irish Mythen, a singer-songwriter born and raised in County WexfordIreland, and now based in Canada’s tiny Prince Edward Island, brought her irreverent humour, her original songs (for a sound clip, visit: Irish Pewter and Whiskey), and her infectious laughter to Bluesfest. The audience loved her.

Irish Mythen and Joey Landreth, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Irish Mythen and Joey Landreth
Festivals are a great meeting-place: Joey Landreth from The Bros. Landreth, based in Winnipeg, half-way across a very big country, joined Prince Edward Island-based Irish Mythen on stage for an impromptu duet.

Ziek McCarter of Con Brio

Ziek McCarter of Con Brio
On the Con Brio web page, Ziek McCarter talks about his father, an Army vet who died at the hands of police in east Texas in 2011, and about his decision to let the pain and anger be in the past, and to make music that lifts people up.

Ziek McCarter of Con Brio, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Ziek McCarter of Con Brio
And lift you up, he does! He sings with passion: songs of joy and life with infectious, danceable beats.

Ziek McCarter of Con Brio, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Ziek McCarter of Con Brio
I was exhausted after the set from just watching; he was irrepressible: all over the stage, performing gymnastic dance moves.

Grace Potter, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Grace Potter
Described as “one hot sister of Rock”, the multi-platinum Grammy-award winning Grace Potter is a feast for the eyes and ears.

Grace Potter, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Grace Potter
An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Grace delivered thumping, pounding, bad-girl rock with attitude.

Grace Potter, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Grace Potter
Grace reminded me of Stevie Nicks, who was once described as “the expression of the female spirit through booming amplifiers”.

Blind Boys of Alabama, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Blind Boys of Alabama
At the other end of the blues-and-roots spectrum, the Blind Boys of Alabama perform American gospel.

Joey Williams, Blind Boys of Alabama, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Joey Williams – Blind Boys of Alabama

Angus R Grant with Shooglenifty, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Shooglenifty
Shooglenifty delivered infectious toe-tapping laughter-producing Celtic-influenced music.

Angus R Grant with Shooglenifty, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Angus R Grant with Shooglenifty
“Snake-hipped fiddle-toting Highland front man Angus R Grant still rules the roost…”

Kaela Rowan with Shooglenifty, , Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Kaela Rowan with Shooglenifty
The band was joined by Celtic singer Kaela Rowan whose angelic vocals moved me to tears – and tears of laughter.

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real
Mesmerising! I was so taken with American “cowboy hippy surf rocker” Lucas Nelson and his band Promise of the Real (POTR) that I saw them twice over the long weekend (see: Musical Roots).

Duncan Campbell and UB40, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Duncan Campbell and UB40
Multiculturalism at its best: the long-standing reggae band UB40, from Birmingham in the UK, started in 1978 with musicians of English, Irish, Jamaican, Scottish and Yemeni parentage.

Earl Falconer and UB40, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Earl Falconer and UB40
Started by a group of friends from a working-class neighbourhood, the band used to practice in a local basement. Earl Falconer was one of those founding members.

Duncan and Robin Campbell, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Duncan and Robin Campbell
Robin Campbell was another founding member. In 2008, after the departure of lead singer (and brother) Ali Campbell, another brother, Duncan, joined the lineup. UB40 has had more than 50 hit singles in the UK, and many around the world. I was personally horrified when they turned Neil Diamond’s mournful song “Red Red Wine” into an up-beat dance tune, but Neil didn’t seem to mind when it became a Billboard Hot 100 number one hit, and now performs their version in concerts.

Tenzin Choegyal, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Tenzin Choegyal
It doesn’t get much more international – or gently political – than a displaced Tibetan singing plaintive stories of longing for his lost homeland. Tenzin Choegyal’s voice made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up; his stories brought tears to my heart. (For a sound clip, visit: Boomerang Festival.)

Taj Mahal, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal’s webpage call’s him an “International Treasure”. I won’t disagree: he’s been a Bluesfest regular (see: Singin’ The Blues), and I’m not the only one who loves him!

Beach Boys, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Beach Boys
Much as I loved the Beach Boys in when I was in school slow dancing with some short guy to “Surfer Girl”, they seemed an odd choice for Bluesfest. Clearly, however, the crowd loved them, and forgave the ageing vocals.

Fantastic Negrito, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Fantastic Negrito
Now, this is the real deal! “Fantastic Negrito” is the stage name for Xavier Dphrepaulezz, an American musician who has faced death twice and come through it to say “I play what and how I want to!”

Fantastic Negrito, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Fantastic Negrito
His performance is passionate and personal as he strips himself bare – open to compassion and/or ridicule.

Tom Jones, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Tom Jones
Tom Jones was another artist, who – much as I might appreciate him – didn’t fit my view of “Bluesfest” … but he was FABULOUS. For me, a lover of Leonard Cohen, Sir Tom’s version of “Tower of Song” was a high point. In another festival impromptu moment, he had the Blind Boys of Alabama join him in performing “Didn’t it Rain”.

 Blackberry Smoke, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Blackberry Smoke
In spite of the Sir Tom Jones star-power, Tennessee “Southern Rock” band Blackberry Smoke still drew an enthusiastic crowd for their fourth set of the weekend.

The Selector, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

The Selector
We finished up our Bluesfest with The Selector from Coventry, England.

Pauline Black, The Selector, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Pauline Black
Smart and sassy, the group mix ska rhythms…

Pauline Black and Gaps Hendrickson, The Selector, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2016

Pauline Black and Gaps Hendrickson
with style and punk rock attitude.

It’s hard to imagine a more eclectic and international mix of fabulous music – I loved every minute of it.

Text: Let

As Stevie Wonder once said:

“Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand.”

May it bring us all closer together together in these increasingly troubled times.

Statue of Bruce Lee on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Bruce Lee
Hong Kong – American martial artist Bruce Lee was raised in Kowloon. Credited with changing the way Asians are portrayed in American films and considered one of the most influential martial artists of all time, Lee is a local hero and has a prominent statue on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. (11March2011)

Hong Kong has to be one of my favourite cities. The harbour, the skyline, the street markets, the parks, the culture, the shopping…

Exotic and “oriental” while having all the familiar comforts of a large cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong buzzes with excitement, oozes with money, and, at the same time, feels accessible and safe.

This sense of safety is important, as every time I’ve visited the Hong Kong area, I have spent considerable time wandering the streets alone while my husband is in meetings somewhere-or-other.

On my last visit, we stayed on the Kowloon side of the beautiful Victoria Harbour, in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). Billed as a “giant world bazaar”, the district is a major tourist hub, with international hotels, shops and restaurants. But, it is also home to many galleries, museums, and beautiful outdoor areas, including the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade along the harbour. We were just across the road from the Hong Kong Museum of Art (closed from 3 August 2015 for approximately three years for renovations), where I was able to amble around the sculptures in the forecourt.

Tsim Sha Tsui Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tsim Sha Tsui Street
The streets around the southern end of Kowloon are busy, but orderly. English sign-posting in central tourist areas makes navigation reasonably easy.

Hong Kong Taxi, Tsim Sha Tsui Street, Kowloon

Hong Kong Taxi
Cabs are easy to come by, and regulated – so there is no haggling over fares.

Dinosaur, Hong Kong Science Museum forecourt, TST, Kowloon

Daxiatitan Binglingi
I took myself to a photographic exhibition (No pictures allowed!) at the Hong Kong Museum of History. The neighbouring Science Museum was still playing host to “Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs”, so various animatronics graced the courtyard.

Portrait of a female Security Guard, Hong Kong Museum of History, TST, Kowloon

Security Guard
The dinosaurs had attracted crowds of families; the entry area to Hong Kong Museum of History was much quieter!

Orchid Flower in a bauhinia × blakeana tree

Orchid Flower
Bauhinia × blakeana, commonly called the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is the floral emblem of Hong Kong and blooms all over the city – including in front of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Bruce Lee Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Bruce Lee
… where another statue of Bruce Lee welcomes visitors to the “Bruce Lee: Kung Fu ‧ Art ‧ Life” exhibition which examines his cultural influence, as well as his martial arts and film legacy.

Bird in Frangipani tree, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Bird in the Frangipani
There are green places all over the city. Back near the waterfront, the birds are noisy in the gardens. I think this is a Yellow Wagtail.

Water drop (Heaven) by Danny Lee, TST Hong Kong

“Waterdrop”
Representing “Heaven”, this sculpture by local artist Danny Lee is part of the first-ever outdoor exhibition in the Art Square in the the Salisbury Garden.

Big Apple sculpture (Earth) by Kum Chi-Keung

“Big Apple”
This giant green apple by Hong Kong artist Kum Chi-Keung is the “Earth” part of the “Heaven, Earth and Man – A Hong Kong Art Exhibition” concept.

Happy Folks II (Man) by Rosanna Li Wei-han

Happy Folks II
Leading Hong Kong ceramic artist, Rosanna Li Wei-Han, was chosen to depict “Man”. Two groupings of her plump and fleshy figurines took their space in the Art Square. (iPhone4S)

Ju Ming sculptured figures Parachuting over the Hong Kong Museum of Art TST

Parachutes
The “Ju Ming – Sculpting the Living World” exhibition overlapped with the “Heaven, Earth and Man” exhibition.

Blocky Ju Ming sculpture of Children balancing on a Wall, Hong Kong Museum of Art TST

Ju Ming – Children on a Wall
Charming, blocky pieces by the renowned Taiwanese sculptor were all around the Hong Kong Museum of Art. (iPhone4S)

Ju Ming

Ju Ming – Resting
The pieces seem to invite “audience participation” …

Ju Ming

Ju Ming – Lining Up
… as young and old work their way around the sculpted figures…

Ju Ming

Ju Ming – Umbrellas
… and have their pictures taken with them. This was the Taiwanese artist’s first large-scale solo exhibition in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Waterfront under cloud from TST, Kowloon

Hong Kong Waterfront
Low clouds rolls in over Hong Kong on the other side of Victoria Harbour. I’m sure it is not always overcast in Hong Kong – but it always is when I visit! (iPhone4S)

Young Couple watching a large pink paddle boat, Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

Young Couple
A young couple on a day out watch the boats on Victoria Harbour

Young Couple on Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

Young Couple on Victoria Harbour
… then check the photos they have taken.

Hong Kong Film Awards statue against a cloudy sky, Avenue of Stars, TSM Hong Kong

Hong Kong Film Awards
For a long time, Hong Kong had the third-largest motion picture industry in the world, and it still has a distinctive and prominent place in international cinema. The Avenue of Stars along the harbour front celebrates the industry. This 4.5 meter tall statue of Film Awards trophy stands at the entrance.

Statue of a Lighting Man, Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Lighting Man
Bronze lights, cameras, and actors line the waterfront …

Young boy putting his hands on the Handprints, Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Handprints
… while visitors look for the handprints of their favourite Hong-Kong cinema stars. (11March2011)

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan’s Star
Another local hero is actor, martial artist, film director, producer, stuntman, and singer: Jackie Chan. I admit it: I did try the hands on for size! 😀 (11March2011)

Text: Keep smilingHong Kong is always a pleasure; the sculptures made it a real joy.

Until next time,

Keep smiling!

Pictures: 11March2011 and 30March2014

A Dragon

Boat on the Bay
A Dragon’s Pearl junk rests at anchor with the batten sails up on Bai Tu Long Bay, North Vietnam.

One of the nicest things about going to sleep on the water is waking up on it.

I love waking up on a boat, well away from ‘civilisation’ in the middle of ‘nowhere’ – provided there is coffee!

It was the morning of our second day on a beautifully fitted-out oak- and teak-finished Chinese-style junk, anchored on the waters of Bái Tử Long Bay, just northeast of Hạ Long Bay in North Vietnam. The staff were already up, so fragrant Vietnamese coffee was ready for me as I made my way – wrapped in a wooden blanket against the winter chill – up to the top deck to watch the sea eagles soar over our heads. The boat swung gently on its rode, so that we had a slowly changing view of the karst mountains rising up around us.

Join me for a magical day on these UNESCO-listed waters.

Bai Tu Long Bay, near Cap La Island, Vietnam

Quiet Waters off Cap La Island
We weren’t the only tourists anchored in the bay, but the other boats were far enough away that their presence didn’t disrupt the morning peace. Apparently, there is a new government regulation that all boats cruising the Halong Bay area must be white; gone are the brown and red junks of the past.

Sea Eagle against a grey sky, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Sea Eagle
It’s times like this I wish I had one of those massive wild-life lenses… Even with a lot of cropping, my 70-200mm is no match for the magnificent sea eagles flying loops high over our heads in the hazy morning sky.

Tables on a boat deck, set with white cloths, Dragon Pearl, Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam

Dragon Pearl 1
Can you imagine a more perfect place for breakfast? All of the meals included in our package were superb: fresh and beautifully presented.

Red kayaks on green waters, Cong Dam, Bái Tử Long Bay, Vietnam.

Kayaks at the Ready
Our time on the boat is well ‘managed’; not long after breakfast, our boat has cruised from Cong Do to Cong Dam. Our tender has gone to a local village and returned with red kayaks that contrast with the dark green waters .

Red kayaks on Bai Tu Long Bay, near Cap La Island, Vietnam

Kayaks
We climb into the kayaks and set out on the waters …

Red kayak on Bai Tu Long Bay, Cong Dam, Vietnam

Lead Kayak (iPhone6)
… following our guide past towering karst cliffs…

Kayaks in a cave on Bai Tu Long Bay, Cong Dam, Vietnam

Kayaks in the Caves (iPhone6)
… and into one of the many pitch-black caves in the limestone.

Rock formation, Cong Dam, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Limestone Karst Formations
Roughly 20 million years of geological upheaval combined with the effects of erosion have carved out a landscape of caves and hollows and jagged shapes. Happily, the waters here seem cleaner than where we have been kayaking the day before (see: Spring Rolls and Winter Weather).

Cong Dam Fishing VillageBai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Cong Dam Fishing Village
We kayaked past some of the boats and floating houses that are part of Cong Dam, a small fishing village comprising around 120 people. According to our guide, these families used to live in the caves that riddle the islands, but they were moved into villages when Bái Tử Long was established as a National Park in 2001.

Skeleton of a wooden boat, Cong Dam, Vietnam

Boat Skeleton

Cliffs, Bái Tử Long Bay Vietnam

Limestone Karst
We and our companions are dwarfed by the landscape around us as we head back to our boat.

Local people in low, wooden fishing boats, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Fishing Boats
As we cruise away from Cong Dam, the sea-haze settles in around us and the horizon almost disappears.

Local people in low, wooden fishing boats, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Fisher People
We watch the local fisher people go about their daily business.

Woman rowing a small wooden boat, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Fisher Woman in a Rowboat

Karst Islands, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Karst Islands
In the afternoon haze, the colours change from one moment to the next.

Hazy sky with a sunburst over a karst island and a tourist boat, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Boat on the Bay

Hon Co Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Hon Co Island
It is late afternoon when we arrive at Hon Co Island.

Afternoon view from Hon Co Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Sundown from Hon Co Island
We are tendered to the island, shown the steps up to the cave where we will later eat, and where we have wonderful afternoon views over the water.

Afternoon view from Hon Co Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Sunset from Hon Co Island
We are told our tender will take us back to the boat to change for dinner at six pm, giving us just over an hour for more ‘swimming or relaxing’.

Silhouette of a dog at sunset, Hon Co Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Dog on the Beach
Back down the steps from the cave, a dog keeps an eye on us while we watch the sun go down.

Vietnamese security guard at sunset, Hon Co Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Mr Giang
Hon Co Island belongs to the Indochina Junk company. A family of care-takers lives on site.

On the Beach, Hon Co Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

On the Beach

Thien Canh Son Cave by candle-light, , Hon Co Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Thien Canh Son Cave
Later, we return to the island, climb the 100-odd steps up to Thien Canh Son Cave, then descend into it, guided by burning tea-lights and welcomed by clapping staff. Candles and flower petals are everywhere.

Love Swans
The attention to detail is wonderful. Our chef presents us with a pair of ‘Love Swans’ carved from turnips for good luck and happiness. (iPhone6)

Dragon carved from marrow, Thien Canh Son Cave by candle-light, Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

Dragon
The pièce de résistance is an elaborate dragon, carved from marrow. Dragons feature hugely in the folk-lore of this area.
(iPhone6)

According to legend, a family of dragons was sent by the gods to protect Vietnam from invaders. The dragons spat out jewels and jade which became a defensive wall of islands and islets in the bay. Once the danger had passed, the dragons settled in the waters. Hạ Long means ‘descending dragon’ and Bái Tử Long is where the dragon parted from her children when she ascended back to heaven..

Text: Safe SailingHeavenly, indeed.

With warmer weather, it would have been perfect!

Safe Sailing!

Pictures: 21February2016

 Dune 40, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Orange Sand
The sensual curves of Dune 40 in the Namib Desert flow over the gravel plains below: ever-changing in the light, ever-shifting in the winds.

It was another 4:00am wakeup call: we were expected to break camp before 5:00am so we could drive back into Namib-Naukluft National Park and catch the sunrise colours over the sand dunes near Sossusvlei. 

Sleep, as they say, is over rated.

We were aiming for Dune 40 – 40 kilometres past the Sesriem gates on the road to Sossusvlei, Namibia. Dune 45 is the more famous one, with a carpark sitting right at its base, but Dune 40 was less likely to be crowded with tourists climbing to the top before the sun came up.

The Namibian dunes are like living things: with a still, enduring character, but with a personality that changes with every flick of the wind or shift of the light. They tell a long, long story of time and flow; of millions of years spent growing and flowing – one spec of sand at a time.

The Namib Desert stretches its gravel plains 200 km (124 mi) from a high inland plateau in the east to meet the Atlantic Ocean. Winds from the ocean bring fog – the desert gets more of its moisture from fog than it does from the very sporadic rainfall – and sand. Over the eons, this sand has formed into towering sand dunes which are the among the highest in the world. Their colour is a sign of their great age: as the iron in the sand oxidises, it turns burnt orange, like rusty metal. The older the dune, the more concentrated the colour.

I was travelling in a small group with photographer Ben McRaePedro Ferrão Patrício from Photoburst, and Namibian guide Morne Griffiths; we were chasing the light on the waves of sand, and following them to the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Blue and pink skies over desert dunes in Namib Desert, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Pre Dawn in the Dunes
Before the sun was fully up, our truck was parked at the side of the road and we were crossing the hard, flat ground towards the still-dark dunes on the horizon with our tripods in tow.

Photographers on the flat ground in front of Dune 40, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Photographers at Dune 40
By the time the sky lightens, photographers are dotted all around the grounds.

Sun Rising on Dune 40, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Sun Rising on Dune 40
The sky remained uncharacteristically overcast and hazy, so the colours on the sands were muted and subtle.

Long Shadows over the Dunes, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Bold Shadows
The morning light slants acutely across the dunes, filling the dips in the sand with shadow.

Light and Shadows over the Dunes, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Light over the Dunes
There were moments when the sun broke through the high cloud and set the the sand and shrubs alight.

Dune 40, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Dune 40 Up Close

camel thorn trees (vachellia erioloba) on Dune 40camel thorn trees (vachellia erioloba)

Trees on the Edge
It’s hard to believe anything can grow in the dunes, but the odd camel thorn trees (vachellia erioloba) seem to manage.

camel thorn trees (vachellia erioloba) on Dune 40, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Sweeps and Curves

Camel thorn tree on the dunes, , Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Trees on the Dunes

Ostrich (Struthio Camelus), Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia

Ostrich (Struthio Camelus)

Dusty mountains, Namib-Naukluft National Park

Namib-Naukluft National Park
The mountains rise up in the distance as we drive back out of the National Park.

Old gas pumps, Solitaire Namibia

Old Pumps
We stopped in Solitaire, a small settlement near the entrance to the park. (iPhone6)

Old Car, Solitaire, Namibia

Old Car
In the sandy centre of the settlement – decorated by cactus and old cars – the gas station, post office, and general store service the crossroads. The bakery, with it’s good German heritage, cooks up the best apple strudel I’ve had in a very long time. (iPhone6)

Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis Nitens), Solitaire, Namibia

Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis Nitens)
Birds gather outside the restaurant, hoping for crumbs.

Dry Bush at the top of Carp Cliff, Namib-Naukluft National Park

Rock and Bush
Following another gravel road, the C14 northwest of Solitaire, we crossed the dry Kuiseb River bed and climbed the mountain on the other side. We stopped at the Carp Cliff Viewpoint overlooking the Kuiseb Canyon and climbed the rest of the rocky knoll on foot. It amazes me how vegetation can cling to the exposed cliff-top.

A pile of limestone at the top of Carp Cliff, Namib-Naukluft National Park

Limestone Pile on Carp Cliff
The upheaval of time has left limestone slabs slanting sideways out of the ground …

Rocks of marble at the top of Carp Cliff, Namib-Naukluft National Park

Marble Steps
… while harder rocks like quartz and marble sit  like stepping stones on the windswept cliff.

Ground Agama (Agama aculeate), Carp Cliff, Namibia

Ground Agama (Agama Aculeate)
This little lizard – I think it’s a ground agama – was almost invisible against the background litter.

Small dunes at the side of the road, Walvis Bay, Namibia

Baby Dunes
As we get close to the Atlantic Ocean and the coastal city of Walvis Bay, we can see “baby dunes” all around us. The dominant winds here are from the south-west, and strong enough to carry sand and even small pebbles. As a consequence, the dunes are constantly growing and shifting. (iPhone6)

Architecturally designed home, Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay Home
The wide streets into the city are lined with neatly landscaped, architecturally designed, homes. (iPhone6)

Low-Cost Housing outside Wallis Bay, Namibia

Low-Cost Housing
They are a stark contrast to the rows of tiny, low-cost houses on the other side of Walvis Bay. (iPhone6)

Flamingos on Walvis Bay, Namibia

Flamingos on Walvis Bay
The ocean outside the peninsula of Pelican Point near Walvis Bay is renowned to surfers for its waves, but it is the flamingos that draw people to the inner bay.

Flamingo and Skyline

Flamingos on the Bay
Flocks of lesser and greater flamingos gather here to feed. To be honest, I can’t tell them apart; …

Flamingo and Skyline, Walvis Bay, Namibia

Flamingo and Skyline
… I just love how they catch the light, and how their leggy stance mirrors the industrial cranes behind them.

Pied Avocet on Walvis Bay, Namibia

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra Avosetta)
Flamingos aren’t the only bird who feed here: avocets are among the water birds who winter in the southern parts of Africa.

Hohenzollernhaus, Swakopmund Namibia

Hohenzollernhaus
The coastal city of Swakopmund (“Mouth of the Swakop”) is rich with the neo-baroque architecture of its German colonial heritage. (iPhone6)

Holiday house, Henries Bay Namibia

Holiday Haven
Just 70 km north of Swakopmund, the holiday settlement and fisherman’s haven of Henties Bay has a much more casual feel. (iPhone6)

The Zeila, The Skeleton Coast, Namibia

The Skeleton Coast
Our last stop on the Atlantic was the Skeleton Coast, north of the Swakop River. Originally named for the whale and seal bones that scattered the area in the days of whaling, this stretch of water is also home to over a thousand ships which have come to grief because of hidden reefs and sand dunes, strong crosscurrents, heavy swells and dense fogs.

The Zeila, The Skeleton Coast, Namibia

The Zeila
We were there to photograph the most recent wreck: the Zeila, a fishing boat that was stranded on August 25th, 2008.

The Zeila, The Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Cormorants Roosting
This wreck has long since been stripped of any useful metal, and now serves as a resting place for cormorants.

Text: Take only Pictures

After spending time with the winds and the waves on the Atlantic Coast, we turned back into the desert, this time to the northerly part, with its clear skies (see: A Sky Full of Stars) and dramatic rocky outcrops (see: Morning over Spitzkoppe), leaving the ocean and the sand dunes behind us.

Until next time,

Happy Travels!

Photos: 12-13August2015