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

Heights of the Valley

I always get a kick out of roaming in these hills.

This is an unusual entry for a blog about Dunedin and The Phantom, in that it features neither...

...but I stayed at my Dad's place over the Christmas and New Year break, so let's call this a holiday diversion, featuring Kaituna Valley in Canterbury.

Leaving home behind in the distance.

Crossing the river, getting my boots full of mucky water.

Charred remains.

The swampy watering hole.

A long and winding road.

Scarred earth.

Another bend in a steep and twisting climb.

Across the tops.

A panting dog, and the orchard far below.

The ups and downs of wild slopes.

Down into the green.

The loneliness of being unhitched and abandoned.

Home stretch.

And how is the intrepid hill-climber rewarded? With a taste of his Christmas present, of course... The superb Talisker scotch from the Isle of Skye.