This is what I sometimes ask myself when I see some of these-which is pretty regularly in the Waitakere ranges one hour out of Auckland New Zealand.When the weather isn't playing ball,when the sea is too rough,the tide too high,the mud too deep.
It is a huge area of native bush steep cliffs,gorges ,waterfalls,trails and amazing wild coastline and beaches.Some areas are remote and rugged and the only way to get to them is by helicopter or by foot(my only option!)They are often used in films as rugged and isolated backdrops.
Here is a sign that sums up the beaches pretty well.Anawhata is 10 km's down a rutted dirt road then a half hour down by very steep track.Obvoiously what goes down has to go back up too!As you soon learn in the Waitakeres,you work bloody hard for your shots.But as in life, if you take risks and make the effort,you can sometimes reap the rewards.This beach has some amazing scenery and no people most of the time-the sign puts off families and is too dangerous to surf-maybe you'll see the odd fisherman.Run around naked if you want!
It is often hard to find people who want to join you out here,especially when you are out there to take photos as well as explore the area-which is no walk in the park!But a couple of months ago I met someone I'll call Eve in a mindful photography class for people with various mental health challenges.She is pretty much a recluse ,which is common with people with her diagnosis-and mine.At last someone who liked photography-"like minds"pardon the pun.Anyway we got on pretty well and as she had no car and had never visited the Waitakeres she was keen to explore them.She is a tall Goth-both of which I'm not,but we have the love of photography and it is great to have someone to share both the enviroment and the shots with.Plus it is great to compare shots and see what the other person has seen and captured that you have not.Here is Eve in her happy place-behind the lens.You will never get a portrait of her-that is how she likes it.She is on top of 100 metre cliffs with a sheer drop off behind her-she has no fear.
Our first walk didn't go so well.I took Eve up to a waterfall up a steep track then along a beach. It was stinking hot and Eve was wearing jeans a black sweatshirt and some old sneakers. She had a bit of water and a bit of food. A couple of kms along the beach she had to stop and we found a bush with some shade. Eve told me she had just got out of the acute adult mental health unit after serious self harm and had lost a lot of blood so her iron levels were shot and she was very weak. We made it back 2 the car and got her home. I thought that would put her off the whole exploration thing but she had glimpsed a bit of how beautiful the area was and had some excellent images. The next time she came prepared with a brand new pair of trekking shoes and enough food and water. I was amazed by her determination and enthusiasm. She said no matter how tough it got it was way better for her mental health to be out on the wild West Coast than in hospital. It was just as much for her mental health as for the photography.
So here are some shots of our adventures. To get to some of these places you have to go way up then way down then repeat! But on a good day the stunning coastal scenery and the nature are worth it!
This is the face of relief and satisfaction and awe at the view.
After this..
And a lot of this
A Gannet colony
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So here is a lovely 75 metre waterfall. This is a place lots of people come to.
The reward which not many choose is a huge waterhole at the very top in which you can swim and peer over the edge of the falls straight down 75 metres But if you want to get to the top you have lots more of this.
ls it ****ING worth it?Is it ####ing ice cold? You bet!
So if you can find someone who shares your love of photography and is prepared to take some risks and effort for those great shots you are really blessed. Eve and I are sharing this together and it does wonders for both our physical and mental health. Plus I have someone to take these last shots and prove I was actually there!
Thanks for joining us on the wild West Coast of New Zealand. Do yourself a favour - make a bit of effort and get out in the outdoors-it is definitely worth it!