Part 7: A photographic essay about our journey 'connecting to place' in Aotea, Great Barrier Island.
Spring is here, and after nearly 4 months the novelty of lockdown has well worn thin. However the silver lining is has given me time to rejuvenate, enjoy the Island life and reset goals and balances. I am now inspired about my position, what I can do and where to take it. There are still challenges working here, however, I have managed to get these in perspective.
The lead photo has key people that have helped me grow, become stronger, and believe in myself again. Fighting imposter syndrome is a rough rocky road and especially when you are so isolated. I am not just grateful for the genuine caring nature of these people. I am in awe of their presence and what they bring to me and my everyday existence. Thank you!
Lockdown challenges have been with motivation,
- We have made little progress with the garden. Rahu`s are challenging with motivation! It is odd to have so much time, yet find the struggle of motivation slowly grabs your ankles and started to drag you towards un-motivation. It is ironic that when you have little time you complain you wish you had lots of time and vice versa. Yet here we are, Lots of time!
- However, I think the key to this dichotomy is the fact of not being able to go out and do things like swimming, paddling etc. So by stifling the ability to freely roam that is what starts this lack of motivation. The challenge is to look closer and challenge yourself on how you can do things locally.
![Pollen Missions in Spring - _A5A8869](https://prod-us-west-1b.imgix.net/F5VKBNYJI0-X0P-7PZKFK/g1qleazptk-ctr-lm7b3a.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=max&q=80&orient=0&mark64=L0Y1VktCTllKSTAtWDBQLTdQWktGSy93YXRlcm1hcmtzLzYyODc2NTJjYzNjMzUucG5n&markalign64=Ym90dG9tLGNlbnRlcg&markscale=80&markalpha=80&markpad=0&markfit=max&s=90d95b20efd696176755cc9688d933b2)
![](https://static.fotomerchant.com/app/images/kittens.gif)
![Pollen Gathering - Springtime - _A5A8890](https://prod-us-west-1b.imgix.net/F5VKBNYJI0-X0P-7PZKFK/g1qleazlzt-5i2-3s1o7w.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=max&q=80&orient=0&mark64=L0Y1VktCTllKSTAtWDBQLTdQWktGSy93YXRlcm1hcmtzLzYyODc2NTJjYzNjMzUucG5n&markalign64=Ym90dG9tLGNlbnRlcg&markscale=80&markalpha=80&markpad=0&markfit=max&s=96bbe8060d4b900f5df8ef1289c748d7)
![](https://static.fotomerchant.com/app/images/kittens.gif)
Coming out of winter here on Aotea, Great Barrier feels like a breath of fresh air. The weather dips in and out of grey wild storms, constant wind, and teases me with spring-like warm days, perfumed with fresh flower smells. We happen to live below some beehives. And in the afternoon there are squadrons of bees returning to their hives after a day of pollinating the local valley. Its awesome to watch the constant route they fly. and how amazing what nature teaches us.
![Molly - Lockdown Haircut - _A5A8525](https://prod-us-west-1b.imgix.net/F5VKBNYJI0-X0P-7PZKFK/g1ndxqkmjl-roa-mimi82.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=max&q=80&orient=0&mark64=L0Y1VktCTllKSTAtWDBQLTdQWktGSy93YXRlcm1hcmtzLzViY2FhZDJhZWIwOGUucG5n&markalign64=Ym90dG9tLGNlbnRlcg&markscale=57&markalpha=53&markpad=0&markfit=max&s=18f0cf00f5731a58facc323f13169210)
![](https://static.fotomerchant.com/app/images/kittens.gif)
Jo and I did a great trip over the highest peak one late afternoon. We are pushing ourselves to explore the Island, and in that process start to grow a slow affinity to this place. Slowly we are building a connection to this place. It is a slow process here!
Molly even feels better after a haircut. Although she hates the process, the outcome is revitalising for her. She is now 14 years old and certainly showing her age. I do worry about her, however, her life I must say is pretty good, cared for, pampered by us both and generally she lives a pretty squishy life. She is much loved. Quite a quirky odd personality with that typical Terrier nature of stubbornness.
![Mt Heale Hut - Mataawhero - _A5A1977](https://prod-us-west-1b.imgix.net/F5VKBNYJI0-X0P-7PZKFK/g3uoqdtfmo-ao4-avwkql.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=max&q=80&orient=0&mark64=L0Y1VktCTllKSTAtWDBQLTdQWktGSy93YXRlcm1hcmtzLzYyODc2NTJjYzNjMzUucG5n&markalign64=Ym90dG9tLGNlbnRlcg&markscale=80&markalpha=80&markpad=0&markfit=max&s=61368fbefee76041cae6eec2e2054aa8)
![](https://static.fotomerchant.com/app/images/kittens.gif)
I am now very inspired by underwater photography. Affording a camera housing is very expensive, however, I hope to raise the money at some stage. It`s so amazing here and as we travel towards summer the water is warmer every day!
![Mokohinau Islands The Gap - PB090156](https://prod-us-west-1b.imgix.net/F5VKBNYJI0-X0P-7PZKFK/g439knylck-uh7-a42x7v.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=max&q=80&orient=0&mark64=L0Y1VktCTllKSTAtWDBQLTdQWktGSy93YXRlcm1hcmtzLzYyODc2NTJjYzNjMzUucG5n&markalign64=Ym90dG9tLGNlbnRlcg&markscale=80&markalpha=80&markpad=0&markfit=max&s=84ff8fe7d8b683a9345e82cd6c0b6cbd)
![](https://static.fotomerchant.com/app/images/kittens.gif)
![Mokohinau Islands - PB090115](https://prod-us-west-1b.imgix.net/F5VKBNYJI0-X0P-7PZKFK/g439knylck-zbk-2j0d3e.jpg?w=1024&h=1024&fit=max&q=80&orient=0&mark64=L0Y1VktCTllKSTAtWDBQLTdQWktGSy93YXRlcm1hcmtzLzYyODc2NTJjYzNjMzUucG5n&markalign64=Ym90dG9tLGNlbnRlcg&markscale=80&markalpha=80&markpad=0&markfit=max&s=3ae350679a80d9f9e14d817223cb78c4)
![](https://static.fotomerchant.com/app/images/kittens.gif)
Where to next?
Plan on a great summer break.
Make sure Jo and I manage next year by creating a sense of balance. We have discussed positive ways to do this.
Accept the challenges that will come our way.