off the grid

{postcards from nydia bay, pelorous sounds}

hello friends,
a new year, the turn of a page, every new day that begins is a chance to start fresh. wash off the slough of the previous day and face the sun with clear intentions and a hopeful heart.

returning to a simple, uncomplicated life (even if only for the tiniest moment) was the way we chose to greet the new year. we were off grid – no cell-phone reception, no telephone, no tv, no internet – in a cabin with solar power, septic tank, wood-burning stove, water from a dam up the ridge. floating in the cool, still water of the morning in the silence of the bay, i didn’t wish for my life to be anything other than what it is. i sit. i breathe. i take it all in.

bliss.

i have had time to contemplate a word-for-the-year and it seems likely to have chosen me. tapping me insistently on the shoulder, vying for attention amongst the rest of the clamour that goes on in my head. i find my self paradoxically rested and restless. feeling like i am gaining a deeper understanding of myself, all the while standing on shaky ground.

hoping you have peace in your heart and are excited about the year ahead
with love, always

~


our transportation – a float plane dropped us right in the bay


part of the marlborough sounds


works end


the living quarters


early morning swimming


i think this kettle has been around for as long as the shack!


no fishing


pet eels


a tribute to andy goldsworthy – one of my many sources of inspiration


red or white?


picnic spot around the bay


a dinghy rests amongst the ferns


pip, hamish & nic wading through the flooded river

16 thoughts on “off the grid

  • This place looks wonderful, the pictures look great, do you have any ideas for good cameras, as i’m to looking to buy a new camera but i am not sure what sort?

  • Oh my gosh Leonie…I can’t think of a more perfect way to bring in the new year. These images are incredible! Can I come to New Zealand? Wow. And double Wow.

  • It looks like absolute bliss – the perfect way to close out one year and begin another.

    (I confess to being slightly freaked out by eels, though now I wonder if you can pet them?)

  • Thanks for the comment, Leonie! Your photographs are stunning. I especially like your Andy Goldsworthy tribute. :)

  • leonie, you are back, you are back! youyouyou, who i am too so glad you are just who/where you are! gorgeous photos! breath-taking/giving. yes to bliss. yes to you. looooooooooooove to you! xoxox

  • Sounds so fantastic! Gosh. Your morning swimming photo almost had me packing to leave and go back to your country. I have been missing the quiet of nz so much so that I’ve entered a couple of competitions to win flights back there. In the interim, I’m catching up with the Attenborough Life dvds with our curtains closed ;)
    Happy new year to you! Looks like the weather treated you to some gorgeous blue skies ~
    xo

  • Oh my, you lucky, lucky girl. What an incredible way to ring in the New Year. My eyes just about popped out of my head when I saw your photo of Marlborough Sounds, and everything else looks so wonderfully peaceful and perfect. I’m glad you were able to have such a fantastic experience, and glad that your inner and outer world both look so bright.

  • What a wonderful way to bring in the New Year. It looks wonderful. I know I’d love it there too. And Andy Goldsworthy has been a massive inspiration to me too. He rocks. xx

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