Time for a "lurker" to come out and say Gidday.

[hilifta]

Hi,

i have been a member for a while, but only as a lurker. As I have started to post a couple of photos I though I had better introduce myself.
My name is Mike Cornwall and I currently work as a wharvie at the Ferguson Container Terminal for the Ports of Auckland.
I have spent my entire working life in the shipping industry working for various shipping companies in the operations area.stowing and planning large container ships, RoRo ships and conventional reefer ships. About 8 yrs ago the stress got to me and I traded in the company car for the company straddle carrier.
Its great, I'm still in the industry I love, but no stress. No job satisfaction either. (Can't have it all ways)
My main interests are ships and the sea,(Check my photos on shipspotting.com), but I also have a great interest in commercial aircraft and am also a freelance motorsport photographer.
Trucks,buses and trains also interest me, but not to the same level. Consequently I often cannot fill in the finer details of these, and have to leave that to others.
I currently use a Nikon D70 with an 85mm to 200mm f2.8 D series lens (Left over from my F5), plus I have a Panasonix Lumix FZ50 as a play camera.
I have been really pleasantly surprised at the reaction my photos have received, so many sites are so po-faced that fantastic photos get no response at all (I'm not talking mine here).
It's great to see such enthusiasm.
Regarding the Bathurst transporters, I have been going there every year since 1986, haven't missed one since, and I will slowly put up shots from earlier years.
I will have to wait to do the pre-digtial ones as I need my son to educate me on my new scanner. I can't work it at all!!!!. Old age.
A member has also asked about driving the straddles.
I shall attempt to answer this on another post tonight.

All the best/Mike (hilifta)

[Ian]

Well welcome to the 'Lurker' no need to say post photographs and comments, as you all ready have, and very interesting they are.

Again welcome Mike, from all the Staff at truck and Bus.

Ian

[Western SMT]

Welcome to the forum hilifta and it’s a long time since I was down your way. Keep those great photos coming and please join in anywhere you want with comments.

[Pat Bourke]

Greeting Mike - hilifta - from Ireland. Welcome to the site.

I spent time at sea as a Radio Officer, had the privilege to visit Auckland and other ports in NZ in the 70.s. Am now in the transport business for my sins.

Enjoy your photos.

Regards Pat.

[G6 UXU]

Hello Mike and a very warm welcome to the forum, look forward to some more of your photo`s enjoy and all the best.

[redd9]

Welcome Mike