Mirror Lakes

My second attempt at HDR photography.

Holyford Valley

We had planned to visit Milford Sound but my sister is the ultimate tourism jinx. Just before we arrived heavy rains caused a big slip on the road to Milford. They also flooded the TeAnau glowworm caves so we were a bit stuck. We went for a drive up the Milford road to see how far we could get. It is a very scenic drive.

This is the view just before the big slip. It is my first attempt at HDR photography. I am not sure about the results, it is quite dramatic but a bit artificial looking.

Takahē

The takahē is a very rare native bird. There are only about 200 left alive, mostly on predator free island sanctuaries but you can see them at the TeAnau wildlife centre.

View from Treble Cone

We didn't have time to ski but drove up to see the view of Lake Wanaka.

Nor'west Skies

Sarah is visiting and we are travelling down to Wanaka and onto Fiordland for a holiday. A nor'wester is blowing over Canterbury and producing some spectacular skies.

Spring

The cherry tree outside our bedroom window is covered in blossom.

Happy Birthday James

James is 2 years old today (but if you ask him he insists he is 62!)

New Vegetable Patch

We are moving the vegetable patch to a new position behind the garage and I am block paving around it. This will give us a larger lawn for James to play on.

Helping Daddy

We are doing lots of work in the garden, fortunately we have lots of help.

Time Flys By When I'm the Driver of a Train...

... as I ride on the footplate there and back again.

Weka Pass Railway

Driving home, we were lucky to pass through Waikari just as the Weka Pass Railway arrived. James loves trains so we had to stop and take a look.

Hanmer Springs From Conical Hill

Snowman

This morning we woke to clear skies. James and I made a snowman (well I made it but he added the eyes and nose).

No Chains Required

James slept for most of the afternoon (the warm water makes him drowsy) so Tracy and I went for a walk in the snow, which really got going.

38°C...

... in the water, and the snow is still falling.

James and Mum

Hot and Cold

Soaking in the hot springs, surrounded by snow is the best way to experience Hanmer Springs.

Sledging

Snowballs

We are having a weekend winter break in Hanmer Springs. We drove up yesterday evening and this morning we woke to fresh snow.

Sorry Again

No Posts in ages... my bad. Anyway finally up to date. BTW if you need a laugh, check this out.

Atop the Port Hills

Today we walked up the Christchurch side of the bridal path to the Gondola station. James walked quite a bit of the way and I carried him the rest. We had lunch at the top and took the 'Gongola' (James' pronunciation) down.

A Winter Stroll

Snow on Mt Herbert

Yesterday we had a lovely sunny morning followed by snow in the afternoon. Today we went for a stroll along the beach at Cass Bay.

Leaves

Hide and Seek

It was a lovely morning in the Botannic Gardens.

Feeding the Ducks

That was the theory, in practice James ate all the bread.