Keepexploring – WildBay

Royal Albert Dock Sculptures

Hidden from view for most people there are 2 distinct and different sculptures. Unless you are a local or possible work in the area you would miss both of these.

Never be afraid to go explore of the beaten track,take time to walk the streets and see what is there. Keep an open mind and you will be surprise what you can find.

The main one is located on the roundabout that heads down to the London City Airport and can not be missed.

It stands 12 metres high and it was unvield on 5 July 2012 on the Connaught Bridge Road, Silvertown, London Borough of Newham. At just over twelve metres high, it is the tallest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom. Athena was made at the Zara Modern Art Foundries, Braintree, Essex by Nasser Azam Note 1

While near the DLR station for the Royal Albert Dock the Group Polo Sculpture is located near the stretch of water that overlooks the London City Airport.

This was unvield on the 23rd August 2012 as part of the China/UK Friendship.

It is called the “Polo Group Sculpture” made by Huang Jian, a renowned Chinese sculptress. It aims to carry forward the Olympic spirit, developing friendship among different countries. Currently, two sets of the group sculpture have been completed – “Emperor Ming Huang and Lady Yang Playing Polo” and “China-UK Friendship Polo Match”. The creation of the group sculpture will continue for every Olympic Games in the future.

The “Polo Match” sculpture is a surreal piece based on two Chinese ancient polo fans and two British modern polo lovers who travel through time and space and gather in London’s Olympic Park for a polo game.Note 2

Note 1 Details from the Wikipedia site.

Note 2 Details from the Newham Recorder.

©wildbaynz January 2017

Lille Cathedral, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Treille

Dream crazy, the cathedral of Lille was born in the spirit of rich Lille 19th century. They wanted at that time to build the most beautiful, most sumptuous and the most perfect church in the Gothic style of the 13th century, in order to shelter there a holy Marian image, the ancient statue of Our Lady of the Treille , Benevolent patroness of the city since its origins. The first stone was blessed on July 1, 1854. The last was sealed in 1999.
lengthy Site, the “Treille” as it is called, will place this view in the tradition of its predecessors. The construction, largely carried by the eminent figure of Cardinal Liénart, experiences vicissitudes requiring compromises and renunciations.
The last cathedral of the 20th century, the fruit of traditional techniques and avant-garde technologies, it houses a living and prayerful community. Mother Church, Notre Dame de la Treille cathedral hosts the great moments of the diocese’s life and the prayer of the passer-by. 1

Hidden from view by many of the old buildings that have been around for years as well as many modern buildings it is very easily missed.

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When you first see it it from the outside do not be put of by the grey exterior of the building, because it hides the real beauty for those who go inside.

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It really does look tall from the outside but once inside the true height and size is there to be seen. The main stained glass that is above the main door is something to admire while looking along the NAVE to the opposite end you glimpse the more traditional stained Glass windows.

A must place to visit, take time to look and admire the simple parts of the church as well as those areas that required a lot of work.

Cathedral Web Site

Note 1: Taken from the Cathedral Web Site.

©Wildbaynz/Windyhillflyingclub December 2016

Windows on Christmas: London Style

There is a currently a Christmas Market located at Leicester Square. Located on the fencing that surrounds the market are some paintings.

These paintings were done by various junior schools that are located within the Westminster area.

It always enjoyable to see how children interpret events and these are no exception.

©wildbaynz/windyhillflyingclub 2016

Camden Market and Lock

A truly interesting place for the weird and wonderful and i can see why people flock to the place in their droves.

It was also one of the last places i visited before heading to New Zealand over 10 years ago and i believe there may be a photo of me trying on a kilt.

Shops full of clothing and foot wear to off beat items and some interesting street entertainment and art.

Opened in 1974 with 14 stalls as a diverse community of food and sellers of creative objects and all within the area of the Regent Canal where if you are lucky you will catch a canal boat going through the lock and under the high street.

If not too busy grab something to eat and drink at one of the many places in the area. Weekends can are are a busy time so beware if you have small children or prams

Compact in size it easy not to get lost and all within easy reach of the London Underground Via the Northern Line to Chalk Farm or Camden Town or the London Overground.

If you have a interest in old sewing machines there is a shop with windows displaying loads of them.

©Wildbaynz/Windyhilflyingclub 2016

Little Venice: London

Located North of Paddington Rail Station (Bakerloo,Circle,District and Hammersmith & City Underground Lines) and a short walk from Warwick Underground Station ( Bakerloo Line).

Located where the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals meet. The area is home to cafes,pubs and other places to eat. While you take in the peace and quiet of the area and admire the canal boats that are tied up along the tow path you will see the odd one pass by. It will then sink in that although you are in the heart of the city it will not feel like it.

If you have time, walk along the tow path in either direction and explore the areas that these canals pass through. Alternately you could pick up a water based tour on a canal boat.

Walking and Cycling Canal Routes

Map of Little Venice Area.

London Underground Map

©wildbaynz/windhillflyingclub. 2016

Cruising to the Other Side: Selection of crossing the Cook Strait over the last 10 Years

It does not matter what the weather is,the journey between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island is a stunning one for the views.

If you every get the opportunity to do this crossing do so. You will not be disappointed,from leaving the Coolest Little Capital in the World you get to see the capital,Pencarrow Lighthouses,Makara wind farm and the oddly shaped Karori Lighthouse before heading across the Cook Strait and then entering the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.

The crossing has to be one of the best ferry crossings in the world.

Road Trip:Te Urewera National Park 25th June 2016

With a weekend free and nothing better to do i decided to do a car relocation from a pleasant Wellington to Auckland over 2 days.

Not to do the standard routing that most people would do which is up through the central North Island i chose to drive overnight to Wairoa via Napier/Hastings, so to arrive at the beginning of SH 38 at daybreak.

There is no better way then to spend a good few hours behind the wheel of a car following the twist and turns of a gravel road as it heads up to Lake Waikaremoana that sits 600m above sea level before it heads back down to Murupara.

Take your time to admire the scenery including streams and waterfalls while Lake Waikaremoana is a good stopping point.

If you have time there are plenty of walks both short and long and for all ages.

Be prepared with food.water a car full of petrol and love of the adventure and the unexpected and you will not need a passport when you cross between Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty.

DOC DOC Web site with all the details of Te Urewera National Park,

Wikipedia General Information

Route Map Map of the route