New Zealand: kauri bark
You’ve already seen a picture from February 12 showing Tāne Mahuta, the largest known extant kauri tree, Agathis australis. Three days later we visited the Manginangina Kauri Reserve northwest of Kerikeri. In spite of intermittent rain, we walked the [p]reserve’s path, where I made various pictures, including this abstract portrait of kauri bark.
© 2017 Steven Schwartzman
Portraits of Wildflowers 
I’m not sure any of your other photos ever has brought an out-loud laugh, but this one did. The pattern of the bark looks for all the world like poorly-applied varnish on a vertical surface. If the varnish is too thick and heavy, it may look perfect when you put it on, but when you turn around a half-hour later, it looks like this bark, sagging away. This is far more attractive than sags on a bulkhead, and it has the great advantage of not needing to be sanded out.
shoreacres
April 2, 2017 at 6:48 AM
Now that’s an idiosyncratic reaction. I expect that of all the people who have ever visited this blog, you’re the only one who would have imagined patches of kauri bark as congealed varnish. The closest thing in Texas to kauri bark is sycamore bark; have you ever seen it as varnish too?
The “bulk” in “bulkhead” is appropriate, given how massive a kauri tree can become. When I see “sanded out,” my recent experiences predispose me to remember New Zealand beaches and dunes.
Steve Schwartzman
April 2, 2017 at 7:18 AM
I’ve had that happen with lacquer too heavily applied. I hate sanding it.
Steve Gingold
April 3, 2017 at 9:39 AM
I lack lacquer experience. That’s the unvarnished truth.
Steve Schwartzman
April 3, 2017 at 9:42 AM
Such wonderful textures! And the colours too …
anna warren portfolio
April 2, 2017 at 11:18 PM
I’m glad you share my enthusiasm for these colors and textures.
Steve Schwartzman
April 2, 2017 at 11:22 PM
The shapes remind me a bit of red pine bark I have seen locally.
Steve Gingold
April 3, 2017 at 9:38 AM
I’m glad you brought that up. Yes, I can see the resemblance to some kinds of pine bark.
Steve Schwartzman
April 3, 2017 at 9:41 AM
Very, very beautiful and artistic!
Lavinia Ross
April 3, 2017 at 11:48 AM
Thanks, Lavinia. You’ve seen how fond I am of abstract patterns, both botanical and geological.
Steve Schwartzman
April 3, 2017 at 11:50 AM
Exquisite!
kackymuse
April 3, 2017 at 2:16 PM
Thanks for appreciating it.
Steve Schwartzman
April 3, 2017 at 2:36 PM
Linda thought of poorly applied varnish. The first thing I thought of was icing on a cake. http://gracessweetlife.com/2011/04/chocolate-cake-with-caramel-milk-chocolate-frosting/
Gallivanta
April 4, 2017 at 6:08 AM
I see what you mean. Were you hungry when you saw the photograph of the kauri bark?
Steve Schwartzman
April 4, 2017 at 8:16 AM
Not really. Just a little stir crazy. Bathroom renovations and bedroom ceiling repairs in full swing. Washing machine leaking, and it’s raining. We are camping in the living room. Let’s hope that part of the house doesn’t develop leaks.
Gallivanta
April 4, 2017 at 9:14 AM
Let’s hope not. We don’t want you to exemplify the saying “When it rains, it pours.”
Steve Schwartzman
April 4, 2017 at 9:23 AM
Hmmm…. tomorrow we are expecting some of the torrential rain which has been falling in the North Island ( floods again, roads closed, etc…..you know the drill! )
Gallivanta
April 5, 2017 at 6:32 AM
I know the drill: it saps the will. That sort of torrent is abhorrent.
Steve Schwartzman
April 5, 2017 at 6:37 AM
Most definitely.
Gallivanta
April 5, 2017 at 6:38 AM