New Zealand


 Bay of Islands is an enclave of 140 sub-tropical islands next to New Zealand's North Island.  It is known for its big game fishing since American author Zane Grey publicized it in the 1930s.  Zane Grey wrote many popular novels of the Western genre, the most famous being, Riders of the Purple Sage.  Zane Grey was born and raised in Zanesville, Ohio which is where I spent not only my formative years but also the first ten years of our married life and where our daughter, Marji, was born.  I photographed this restaurant on the wharf in Paihia.

 

Opua Bush trail took us nearly an hour to climb about 300 feet for this view of the bay.


Along the way we saw a variety of giant fern trees, some called wheki, which are endemic to NZ,


             The trail reminded us somewhat of Lord of the Rings which was filmed in NZ.

                                        After the hike, we enjoyed lunch at The Tipsy Oyster.

An Afghan chicken dish was offered.  Our daughter-in-law's father was from Afghanistan.  He died too young but for the short time I knew him, it seemed we might become good friends.  I don't often see Afghan food on a menu but when I do, I order it in honor of Kavita and her father, Yoenis.

                  Shopping and a visit across the bay to Russel ended our day In Bay of Islands.

A verse from But For the Grace of God sung by Keith Urban;

But for the grace of God go II must've been born a lucky guyHeaven only knows how I've been blessedWith the gift of your loveAnd I look around and all I seeIs your happiness embracing meOh Lord, I'd be lostBut for the grace of God


Comments

  1. plattsflyingdogsMarch 26, 2025 at 12:39 PM

    So at least two Zanesville boys have made it to New Zealand. That lunch looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  2. KavitaMay 28, 2025 at 10:56 AM

    Thank you for honoring Afghan culture with food and memories!

    ReplyDelete

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