South

Sunday, I sailed back into Wellington. The end of my holiday south and also, it seems, the end of summer.
Two weeks, two weddings, two thousand kilometers, two cycle companions, two ferry rides, two plane trips, two lakes, two thousand photos...

First stop; lake Rotoiti where we camped, swam & walked.

Birds

Weather close and sultry. I discovered a most carefully hidden robins nest today in a marshy spinney in Elmdon Park. I was stooping down to gather some cowslips when a robin fled out over my hand from under the roots of an Alder tree growing close beside me. It was quite a small tree, supported by four strong roots which held it up clear of the ground, forming an archway. In this cavity, right under the centre of the tree was placed the nest which contained five eggs. The crab apple trees and bushes are looking very beautiful now, covered with pink blossom and crimson buds.

Edith Holden, 7th of May 1906.

Ive been reading The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady. I bought it at the book fair simply for its sweet illustrations, but somehow Edith's rambles through the English country side have drawn me in.

One hundred and four years later, some things still remain unchanged. Thankfully. Last weekend I watched a Thrush tending her nest. Her home was not so well hidden, placed in a bush right by the house. She watched our comings and goings with alert bright eyes and all the while tended her young ones, bringing them food and keeping them warm and safe.

The apple tree is in bloom and a Korimako spent some time dining from its blossom.

Flowering Trees

Flowering Kaka Beak

Spring invades every branch and twig now. New shoots and blooms are everywhere and each day more tender yellow leaves unfurl on the giant Oak tree.

Nature's creativity is infectious and I cant help but be inspired.

An unidentified tree with flowers that look and smell like Kamahi,
but leaves that are smooth edged, not saw toothed.