tiabunna's photos

Looking more or less south at sunset on the summer solstice. Best viewed on black. This is my entry in the Prime Lenses Group monthly competition www.ipernity.com/group/prime-lenses/discuss/170209 . The subject this month is "Beaches" - just a few days to go for your entries, so get in quickly. Explored.

Having Christmas in summer has its advantages, such as the beachside Christmas carols organised by our local community association. Late in the afternoon, people arrive to picnic as the sun goes down, while being entertained by a youth group singing Christmas songs. And yes, it would be lacking if Santa didn't arrive. (See notes). Best on black and if you'd care for some musical accompaniment, you might enjoy this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpsXNlarAk8 . I expect I shall be largely off line over coming days, but I shall try to look in to see your images. Season's Greetings, everyone.

As we headed back to our ship, after watching the sea lions and penguins, there was a great sunset (slightly later image inset). The other zodiacs are near the ship to the right. Taken in Port Ross, in the north of the Auckland Islands (see location map). One to view on black. Explored

Enderby Island has one of the main colonies of Hooker Sea Lions. We were not permitted ashore here, so (see inset notes) these images and the earlier ones of the penguins were taken from the zodiacs. These Sea Lions are considered endangered, with total numbers of only about 10,000. The difference between the males and females is quite striking. Explored.

A pair of Yellow-eyed Penguins negotiating the giant kelp at the water's edge, in the Auckland Islands group. Best on black. Explored.

A fungus I found growing on Auckland Island. No idea of the ID, I just liked the shapes and colours: in any case, there is little information on the many species of fungus unique to the islands. Explored.

Many ships were wrecked on the Auckland Islands, as they lie on the 'Great Circle' sailing route from Australia to Cape Horn. This headstone in the lonely little cemetery near the failed Enderby Settlement tells its own story. More on shipwrecks and castaways here: www.teara.govt.nz/en/castaways/page-1 View on black.

The flower in the main image is from a Southern Rata tree. These form the forests on the islands. The one in the inset is a mystery. I'm no gardener, but it was near the site of the former Enderby Settlement and I suspect it may be from bulbs left at that time. Explored.

The Southern Rata trees on Auckland Island are the world's southernmost forests. They are thick, dark and gloomy. Among the ferns we spotted a brick left from the Enderby Settlement. Commenced in 1849 and intended to operate as a base for whaling and agricultural operations, it was a total failure and closed in 1852 with the buildings removed, leaving little other than a small cemetery. The full story is here: www.teara.govt.nz/en/subantarctic-islands/page-5 View on black.