Abel Tasman National Park

January 26th 2009 was an amazing, stunning, hot, adventurous day for me....

It all started with being brought tea in bed.... thanks Pam.... a real treat and very lazy! It was then time to pack a picnic and head out to The Abel Tasman National Park... this is another beautiful area at the top of the South Island of New Zealand... I knew that I was in for a real treat and I wasn't disappointed! We drove to Marahau where we parked up and booked a water taxi to Akerston beach. Although I say 'water taxi', the first part of the journey was in the boat, but being pulled along the road by tractor!

Once in the water we were OFF!!!! The driver was obviously a thrill seeker and was just out to get us all as wet as possible... not really too much of a problem though as it was a stifling hot day....

The first stop off was to take a look at 'Split Apple Rock'..... need I say more....

We were the first of the passengers to be dropped off at Akerston beach... the boat backed in, we jumped out, the boat roared away....

.......and we were left on our own little piece of deserted paradise....

The sea was warm, the beach deserted... apart from a curious bumble bee... and the cicadas sang in the trees as the sea gently lapped at the shore... cue island music!

We enjoyed a quiet contemplation on the beach before embarking on the walk back to the car....

... enticing views were around every corner.....

There were several of these wigwams, made from driftwood, along the coast line... isn't it beautiful.... I certainly found it truely inspirational... don't be surprised if you see the wigwam influence on some of my work soon!... The colours are so clear and pure too...

This was the beach that we stopped and had a swim from... just amazing..

This was one of my favourite days of the holiday... I was so inspired and just in awe of the beauty of creation and it's Creator.

The final adventure of the day was driving Steve and Pam's jeep around Nelson... a dummy run for tomorrow when I was to be left to my own devices for the day and was allowed to drive the jeep into town... driving there is very similar to here except for a few silly rules... once you've mastered those it's easy peasy.... still, I was very nervous! You will be pleased to know I left no dents and returned home in one piece!

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As promised, I said I would show you some of the things that I have been sewing over the last week... my poor sewing machine has steam coming from it again and the kitchen, where I sew, is unrecognisable!

Anyway.... Ta Dah.........

Journal covers made from recycled blankets that I have dyed and felted....

This has to be my favourite design... scruffy flower motifs...

... lots of swirly whirly goodness... around and round we go... wheeeeeee...

Obviously, I had Valentines day in mind for this one, but it would make a great gift for any occasion....

Ooooh look.... more swirly whirly scrumptiousness....

I'm always surprised at how well this turquoise blue and red go together.. it's a great combination, sort of clashy, but not at the same time!!! If you know what I mean!!

These are slightly larger journals ... this time covered with a variety of beautiful cotton prints..

Sweet....

It's so satisfying to see piles finished product...

I have also made some gorgeous, scrummy... even though I say it myself... bags. I was hoping to photograph those today but the light was just terrible and also I just had no idea how to set the photos up... any ideas gratefully received. I will endeavour to solve the problem over the next few days and have them ready and waiting to show them to you along with some exciting news about the other changes that will be happening with my work situation...

..... watch this space......

xxxxx