Nature Photography NZ

Friday weather: Sunny with clouds cool wind.

We stopped at will as we drove to Lake Heron-Castle Ridge Station with photos of sheep on the move, cattle on the road and baby lambs a must.

We were down to the shore of Lake Heron by 5pm ready for our first shoot. With great cloud banks and reflections in the lake with a hint of colour, it was a good start.

Saturday weather: Overcast, patches of sun, cool wind.

We were up early and down to the western end of the lake. There was little colour and wind destroyed the lakes mirror image but there were still some interesting shots.

Back for breakfast! Then off again as Peter had arranged to have some gates unlocked and wanted to check out high points for our evening shoot on top of Clint Hill. With vague directions we criss-crossed our way to the track at the top. It was worth the effort. We were on top of the world with amazingly beautiful, snow-capped mountains, lakes and scenery to die for.

We next set off for Erewhon Station past Maori Lakes and Lake Emily and headed for the river bed. The valleys were quite majestic with the cloud building misty and mysterious vistas. Pete stalked a hawk eating its prey - a baby lamb. We sighted a falcon and watched its darting sky dance.

Later, we reached the top of Clint Hill with minutes to spare as the light was golden soft and the sky stormy. We were on top of the world. Someone was heard to comment that this was better then sex! Great shoot, great fun, great people.

The pot luck dinner that followed was the icing on the cake. Amazing what we managed to pull out of the assortment of boxes and bags. The evening was spent checking out Light Box and discussing the pros and cons of Canon and Nikon and generally having a good laugh.

The Sunday morning shot was cancelled due to the weather which did not improve so after more discussion the group disbanded to find their own ways home.

Thank you Pete and Anne for a fun trip, well organised,

Yvonne Marshall