Rakaia Gorge

Today was brilliant- blue skies, warm sunshine and no cold wind. I went to Rakaia Gorge and stayed there for several hours exploring both sides of the river. Although it is now overlooked by luxury lodges on the hill above it is still unspoiled by shops or takeaways, etc. A lot of tourists passing through on the Inland Scenic Route stopped to look about, giving it a holiday atmosphere.

The birdsong was beautiful. I heard bellbirds, fantails, waxeyes and a shining cuckoo, as well as a range of introduced birds. I saw a native wood pigeon, so lovely with its white breast and iridescent wings.

I took almost 200 photos, which made it hard to choose one, but I like the symmetry of this one of the concrete arch bridge with the yellow truck passing over the yellow lupins.

Good in large.

On a very sad note it has just been announced that another massive explosion in the Pike River mine this afternoon means that none of the 29 miners are likely to have survived. Such a bitter blow for their families and their small community.