Slope Point is the southernmost point of Te Wai Pounamu/the South Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand. I photographed these old stumps on the cliff edge a little further west from what's strictly the furthest point south. When I visited in February 2006 the stumps were roughly central in this google map (zoom out for better orientation). I don't know if they're still there, but they looked as if they still had a few years in them. That's Rakiura/Stewart Island on the horizon.All content © 2009 Pete McGregor
I love how the stumps and the grass give everything a sweeping, washed-out feel.
ReplyDeletePurestGreen, the place has such a distinctive feel, and I think this captures it reasonably well, at least in these conditions. I imagine it could get unimaginably wild at times, though — other than a few small islands, there's nothing between that horizon and Antarctica. Except, of course, icebergs, storms, albatrosses, and great heaving seas.
ReplyDeleteI get the same feeling looking at this vista I had looking out from atop the Cliffs of Mohr, Ireland. w.o.w.
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction was; Easter Island!.... it has that iconic, ancient look about it, with the stumps and horizon.. beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBarbara, I'd love the opportunity to compare this with an in-person view from the Cliffs of Mohr. Maybe when I win Lotto... ;^)
ReplyDeleteWatercats, I hadn't registered the similarity with Rapanui, but you're right. The stumps even have a slight resemblance to moai. Thanks!
Reminds me of the Shetland Islands... the same spare, potentially wild vista, with that weather beaten scouring that seems to clean everything but the essential away. One reason I love such places is that they force you to look at what is important.
ReplyDeleteMiguel, true. I generally feel a sense of freedom akin to relief in places like this.
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