Wintry walks and wanderings

My friend and a different Dunedin

A close friend of mine died unexpectedly. It was all so sudden and there was no time to prepare, or to get used to the idea. I was so fortunate that I was able to be with him when he died, but I miss him terribly and he can never be replaced.

He was from Dunedin, and I happened to have a day off work mid-week last month, so I went for a big walk around our town to be alone with thoughts and memories of him. On the way I made a few photographs and I ended up (naturally enough) in the neighbourhood where he started out in life.

The neighbourhood hasn't changed, but of course everything else has changed and will never be the same without him.

Photos:

First: central city west.
Second: the Oval.
Third: Musselburgh/Tainui area.
Fourth: South Dunedin's famous Marlow's.

Giant, green and gold

Path of gold.

Lonely giant.

Sea of green.

My everyday Dunedin

A short lunchtime walk from my office in the main business area, and the city becomes an adventure of walking trails, forests, green fields and stunning views.

Stafford Street.

Princes Street and the Oval.

Maitland Street.

Unity Park.

Trails through the Town Belt.

Looking out at the harbour and peninsula.

Turning red

A bit of colour II

Coming next: The Phantom

Almost Up, Almost Down

Wakari & St Clair.

Long and Deep

If I ever need reminding that we in Dunedin live in a paradise, I only have to take a short drive along the road to one of my favourite places.

Lots of exploring for my wee girl to do....

That's Saddle Hill in the distance (upper right).

For someone like me, who loves climbing rocks, there are plenty of weirdly beautiful possibilities.

Breathe long and deep.... The air is so clean and alive.

Sometimes it's just safer if you hitch a ride with Dad.

(This last photograph by V.)

Brighton, Dunedin, New Zealand

A wee jaunt across a Dunedin hill

Hills, Hikes, and Views

This is me in the hills, a half-hour's walk above Dunedin City.
(Photograph by my brother.)

Looking across to the harbour from the grounds of Larnach Castle.

My brother on the Pineapple Track.

Jubilee Park.

Sheltering Sky on the Taieri

Even the carparks of Otago have greener and lusher grass than the faraway lawns of the rich and famous.

Quirky corner

Brighton IV

Brighton was stunning today... as always.

Dunedin on the quick

A quick lunchtime walk in Dunedin... All you have to do is leave your building, pick a road that's heading uphill, and start walking...

Better head back now. The lunch break is nearly over. There's a trail over there to the right, descending through more forests and parks...

Happy Birthday

Right about here.

My beautiful little daughter pleading with me to let her into the school where the children are. I remember being on the other side of the fence during my own abominable school years wishing I could get out.

The Cook, but not Captain Cook.

Amazing autumn in the Botanic Garden.

I could never tire of these beaches.

Stood up... in North Road.

On the Pineapple.

A peaceful morning at the waterfront.