“when me, Julie and Nana were out taking photos around our area we went to this humongous,awesome tree! by Mackye”

Mackye is one of my darling great nephews. We have had a lovely day driving along the coast road from Thames to Corrimandal. Along the way we stopped at various spots to take photos, walk in the sand, look at the rocks and beautiful scenery. On one side we had the beach and on the other high undulating hills with sheep, cows, and stunning New Zealand bushland. We travelled through arcades of Pohutukawa trees. Nasturtiums covered the cliff faces with their bright red and orange flowers and I noticed honeysuckle lurking about. Unfortunately both species are now classified as weeds because they take over and reduce the growth of the natives.

Our first stop was at the Te Puru community hall, didn’t actually notice the hall it was this very large, gnarled Pohutukawa tree that caught our attention, it leaned over and gave the impression of bowing to allow us to cross over it.

Of course I could not resist taking some photos with Mackye sitting on the large trunk of this beautiful and wonderful tree.

The Sun kept popping its bright face out and as it did the water would turn multi colours of blue and turquoise with sparkles catching our attention.

Another treat was seeing the volcanic rocks large and small scattered along the beach. So many coloured flowers on the rock faces… purple, blue, white, pink and yellow ~ daisies, buttercups, mullein as well as many natives. It appears that our native Callistemons are a popular tree/bush here and not surprising as they are similar in look to most people with an untrained eye.

The beaches in this area are shell or pebble, unlike our Aussie beaches where the sand is very fine. So much driftwood laying around, the wood so smooth from being washed over by the sea.

Once again I have fallen in love with the country side here in New Zealand my first homeland and today I have decided that I want to work towards having a small batch/cottage here in this same type of environment.

We took a detour up a stoney winding old road and it was sooo peaceful. Along side the road was a fresh water creek running down into the ocean. The houses were old and a couple were very typically English country cottage style gardens, one of my favourite designs. 

I have always preferred the countryside over the ocean and here you can have both. I love the beaches in this area as the waves are low and gentle, peaceful and calming…

My Heart has been touched once again by Aotearoa…Land of the long white cloud.

When we came back to my sisters, Mackye ran to collect the mail and the local paper. There was a write up about the Pohutukawa tree we stopped to admire in awe and it is the second largest Pohutukawa tree in New Zealand!

I have a special place in my heart for Pohutukawas as when I was a young lass, there was one very big one in the school at the back of our home, myself, my youngest sister and nieces would play hide ‘n’ seek and I loved to climb that tree and sit in it. It was magickal and I have had many a dream of those times… laughing, giggling, screaming with excitement… What a wonderful world we live in!

Manuka Honey and Ghee spread ~

 1/2 cup ghee

1/3 cup manuka honey

2 tsp. finely  grated orange peel.

Combine ingredients until creamy and serve at room temperature on rye toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon <3

Picture by ~ clothooline.com

Leptospermum scoparium ~ New Zealand Native Manuka Tree ~ the honey has been used for it’s healing properties for centuries. The essential oil of Manuka is a stong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and more…