Let's Scrap sketch layout 9-25-13

This is my Design Team contribution for the weekly sketch 9-25-13 on Let's Scrap.

I have had these beautiful photos of our first home town in New Zealand (named by it's Maori name of Whakatane) for quite some time now.  When I saw this sketch I thought it was perfect to showcase these gorgeous photos.  The layout is more about the photos to be truthful but that is often why I do scrapbooking.  I do like photography and when I am fortunate enough to take really good photos, getting out a layout to bring out the best in them is very important to me.

Just a little bit of info about this beautiful little town on the east coast of central North island.

Welcome to Whakatane, New Zealand. The pacific jewel of the Bay of Plenty.

The main centre for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatane is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Just off shore is White Island, a spectacular active volcano that can be visited by launch or helicopter. Whakatane is also known for its fishing – more yellow fin tuna are caught here than anywhere else in the country.

The name "Whakatane" commemorates an incident occurring after the arrival of the Mataatua. The men had gone ashore and the canoe began to drift. Wairaka, a young chieftainess, said “Kia Whakatane au i ahau” (“I will act like a man”), and commenced to paddle (which women were not allowed to do), and with the help of the other women saved the canoe.

Whakatane invites you to throw away your watch and soak up the special lure of the ocean, drink in the warmth of the sun, and marvel at the relaxed friendliness of the people as you discover all the little things that make Whakatane so exceptional.

We loved our 18 months in this wonderful town and that is why a piece of my heart will always be in Whakatane - and that is the story of my journal tags.