Tag Archives: pure spaces

Wanderings Day 25

So day 25 of this virtual wander down my travel memory lane.

From tomorrow, for the last 5 days of these wanderings I will be tackling the “big shaping” journeys of my life so far.

In light of that, I thought today would be a good opportunity to pause. Returning back to NZ for a retreat “travels with mom” reminisce. We stayed in the Valley Hut at Kōmanawa. A pure space if ever there was one.

I have already posted a few pics from this retreat into the NZ wilderness last year – https://purespaces.co.nz/a-middle-earth-retreat/

Today these pics have helped me soak up that retreat “atmosphere” once again. In these last days of lockdown here in New Zealand and with it being Anzac Day too, there is much time for reflection.

Time for this quiet revolutionary to take stock, re-evaluate and keep dreaming. I still believe in magic…. the magic that makes hope float up.

That’s what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up.

“Hope Floats” (1998) – Sandra Bullock as Birdee Pruitt

Wanderings Day 22

Aloha, ohana!

Its Earth Day today. The 50th anniversary of celebrating this day in fact.

Today’s wandering will take us to a pretty special place on earth. The island of Oahu, Hawaii.

I have had the immense privilege of travelling to Hawaii on five different occasions with some quite wonderful human beings. It never gets old or tiresome.

The nature, the culture, the people, the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands are unique and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

After five trips there were quite a lot of pics to wade through on this one. Settled on these 20 in the end.

Mahalo for taking this virtual wander with me!

Wanderings Day 21

The start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing from the Mangatepopo Valley side
Mt Ngāuruhoe

Today we are staying in the Tongariro National Park. This time to walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – a 19km ish hike through an old glacial valley and up the side of a volcano, along the craters at the top and down the other side.

Mt Taranaki in the distant cloud
Nearly at the top of Mt Tongariro

I have completed the Crossing a number of times since I’ve been in New Zealand. Each time the mood of the mountain is different but each time magical in its own way.

The edge of Red Crater looking towards the Kaimanawa Ranges in the distance
Ngāuruhoe hiding Ruapehu behind him

These are pics from a particularly spectacular trip on a clear May day after some early snows.

Fumes from Red Crater
Looking south from the end of North Crater – along Red Crater to Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu in the distance

More magic and another pure space to be so grateful for!

Fumes from Te Maari Crater seen on the descent towards Ketetahi Carpark and the end of Crossing
Early morning light on Ruapehu from Piper’s Ski Lodge, National Park

Go outside, often, sometimes in wild places. Bring friends or not. Breathe.

Florence Williams

Wanderings Day 18

For today’s wandering we are back in beautiful Aotearoa/New Zealand remembering another “travels with mom” adventure in search of Middle Earth.

New Zealand’s North Island. State Highway 3 takes you through the King Country west of the Waikato River. The landscape here is mystical and intriguing – limestone and sandstone bluffs surrounded by ancient Podocarp forest.

Take State Highway 3 and wind your way through the Awakino gorge till you hit the west coast and its black sand beaches.

Stay at Struan Farm if you like a green country garden setting with the sheep wandering by.

And then definitely adventure into the hills near Piopio to find the Hairy Feet tour – a perfect Middle Earth location. On this farm they filmed part of the first Hobbit movie – An Unexpected Journey.

The day mom and I were there it was pouring rain. It was just us and the guide…. and it was magical. Not just because I am such a Middle Earth fan but also the karst landscape. I am a bit of a geology geek too!

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you may be swept off to.” J R R Tolkien

Wanderings Day 17

Before we leave the UK and head back to New Zealand, we have to stop briefly at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London!

I have visited this incredible experience twice and I have hundreds of photos. It was so difficult to choose a few to share for this virtual wander. I settled on some from my winter wander. It was Christmas at Hogwarts. Pure magic!

I love how this little person is eyeing which pressie to vault the rope and grab…. and yes, I definitely enjoyed a coffee on arrival… and then a butter beer once on tour!
Dumbledore’s office
Potions class with Professor Snape
Umbridge’s office
The Weasleys’ kitchen
The Knight Bus

The magic is in all the little details you discover. The pics will never do this justice. Even if you are not a big fan of the movies, this experience is still worth a visit.

Signing off this post with a couple of great J K Rowling quotes:

It is our choices… that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve.