04 January 2009

Pohangina River

Pohangina River
Detail of a small waterfall (about a metre high) in the headwaters of the Pohangina between Ngamoko and Leon Kinvig huts.

All content © 2008 Pete McGregor

8 comments:

Zhoen said...

Fireworks.

It's not the size of the waterfall, it's the surprize when the ground disappears and the water finds itself aloft.

Relatively Retiring said...

Yes, I agree with Zhoen - this water has just had such a shock!

pohanginapete said...

Zhoen & RR, nice thought — thanks!

Anonymous said...

I really like how the water looks like it's sparking, the sheer force of water falling over rock, makes it electric. I also like the contrast with the sharpness/darkness of the rock on the left.

Most interesting for me, when I peer even closer is the brown/greenish rock under the falling water. It looks like a face in pain from the constant pounding of water.

pohanginapete said...

Tracy, I hadn't seen the face there, but I've noticed faces before in many photos from the Pohangina. At night, in some of the headwater huts, I've sworn I've heard people talking, even to the point of getting ready to crawl out of my sleeping bag to welcome latecomers.

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Pete,
I saw that face there as well straight away, and have also had some interesting experiences in the Pohangina valley. A very spiritual place in my opinion. Have a great, safe and fun trip down south!
Cheers,
Robb

butuki said...

"I've sworn I've heard people talking, even to the point of getting ready to crawl out of my sleeping bag to welcome latecomers."... What a telling comment about you, Pete. I don't know if my first reaction would be to welcome latecomers... unless I myself felt very at home in the place I was camped.

pohanginapete said...

Miguel, it's actually a long-standing tradition in our mountains, although exceptions are (sadly) becoming more common. Most people who put in the effort to reach these kinds of places are very hospitable indeed when they meet others, although given my propensity for visiting when others aren't likely to be around (i.e. avoiding weekends and holidays), I seldom get the opportunity to put a brew on for others.