Wintry scene......

.....of the Whakatane river as it slowly returns to normal after being in flood during the weather bomb which hit New Zealand.

The view is taken from up the hill looking down on a small part of the main shopping area. The high rises are what I call new, perhaps 10 years old all wanting a slice of the amazing view of the river and sea.

The Whakatane River meets the Pacific Ocean at the heads which is the extreme left of the image.. Following along the horizon in the distance is a very faint view of White Island with a little cloud above it. White Island or Whakaari meaning volcano, is New Zealand's most active cone volcano, it's always letting off steam. Further along the horizon is Whale Island. The Maori word is Moutohora island meaning captured whale, Tohora is the maori name for southern right whales. The island is home to a number of New Zealand's rare and endangered plants, birds and reptiles.The island is pest free and can only be visited with a Department of Conservation concessionaire - both islands are on my bucket list but not this visit, the sea is to unsettled.  

Today was about visiting old haunts and spending time with family, good to be back in my home town.