Hint: it’s magic.

Growing up by the ocean afforded us a basis for lessons in just about everything- especially the power and beauty of nature. Add in a couple television specials on Nova, Discovery and National Geographic and it doesn’t take much for me to imagine what unseen magic swims in the deepest crevices of the ocean or the shallowest tidal pools. Besides the scientifically undeniable flora and fauna, Hayley and I find ourselves drawn to the water for many reasons… business breaks, a deep breath and a moment of pause- a different kind of magic. It’s a free calibration, a salt-infused mental reset.

If you live here, or come to Maine, and spend time by the sea and you aren’t convinced of the magical qualities of water then I would suggest you head to New Zealand to clear up any hesitation to embrace this quote as fact. From the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea to rivers and waterfalls of glacial run off I had my breath taken away by the mind blowing colors, sounds, creatures, and frigid temperature(!!!) of the country’s waters. Glacial is no joke.

To the magic all around this watery world, Blair + Hayley

Tasman Sea, NZ (top) Hokitika Gorge, NZ (bottom). For the first time ever, photography by Blair!