20 Something Snaps -Traipsing through the Trees

The Opua Kauri Walk we took this morning was definitely not a stroll but so worth the effort.

I had read a review that must have been written by someone younger and fitter than I. She didn't mention the slope, it was a challenge for this old girl. https://www.doc.govt.nz/.../paihi.../tracks/opua-kauri-walk/

We saw vegetation that ranged from teeny tiny plants to majestic Kauri Trees. It was a tranquil environment that provided several opportunities for my phone to have a workout and take some interesting Upclose snaps.

Enjoy.

Disinfectant Station

Dwarfed

My 2025 in Books

 Goodreads tells me that I had managed to read at least 101 books in 2025. The tally may have been a little higher as some of the older or local books weren't on the Goodreads Database.

You can follow me here on Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2580847-jill-ball

Celebrating 2026

From somewhere in the Bass Strait on Seven Seas Explorer.

 
To our friends near and far
Best Wishes for a Happy and Successful 2026

This year we took to the high seas to celebrate the New Year with fellow cruisers and crew on one of our favourite ships. We had a fabulous evening with music, dancing, canapes and a never ending supply of bubbly.

There are sure to be some sore heads on the ship this morning. 

Keeping up

 Although I recently spent six weeks overseas I managed to keep up with the Goodreads Reading Challenge in October and November. I know that I will manage to reach my goal of 100 books read in 2025.

Following are images of covers of the books I managed to read in those two months:

per page 10 20 30 40 50 75 100 infinite scroll

 

sort Asin Author Avg rating Cover Date added Date pub Date pub edition Date read Date started Date updated Format Isbn Isbn13 Notes Num pages Num ratings Owned Position Random Rating Read count Review Title Votes Year pub  asc.  desc. 

A Lean Three Months

As we travelled for two of the last three months my reading suffered. Somehow, even though I didn't read much, I am still on track to reach my goal of 100 books read in 2025 in the Goodreads Reading Challenge.

My Current Goodreads Tally

Following are images of covers of the books I managed to read. 

I really enjoyed The Bookseller, I have become quite fond of Detective D.S. Cross and look forward to reading the couple in the series that I haven't yet read. 

As we prepare for a trip to the Galapagos I read Darwin and the Beagle for background knowledge. I was expecting something dry but was surprised to find it easy to read (and most informative). 

Although I only read Orbital a few weeks ago and gave it four stars at the time I cannot remember any detail. Guess it didn't make an impression on me. I found Daughters of the Bamboo Grove a fascinating story that held my interest right up to the last page.

With another holiday looming I am hoping I can keep on track with my reading.