Stunning New Zealand

New Zealand  is such a beautiful country the countryside is always changing and is full of surprises.

The Government Building in Wellington hard to believe that it is all made from wood

The Buller Swingbridge that I walked across110 m in one direction 

A flower in Gardens of the World at Richmond.

Oparara Arch 43 m high and 219m long made from limestone.

The Moira Gate Arch 46 m wide 8 m high both these are in the Oparara Valley in the Kahurangi NationalPark

A view looking back on the mountains on the. Karamea Bluff. The water is brown from the tannins

Lichens on the forest floor they look like little flowers

A ugly fungus that has the appearance of velve

Bird Bird, bird is the Word

Whilst travelling round I have seen various birds that have amused me on my travels. This is a patriotic Kiwi.

These are kiwis found outside  an I centre.

This is a pukeko bird on the side of a building. Wall art is featured in quite a lot of the towns.

This is part of a pottery mural in the ladies toilet in Eltham.

The photo above is part of the Tree of Life.

This Moa is just outside the I site in Whanganui.

This Is alongside the Whanganui river one of the longest rivers in New Zealand.

Here are a few New Zealand sayings that have amused me

Prestige Portable Loos slogan is 'saving the planet from the bottom up'

'Number 8 wire mentality' meaning having an inventive mindset.

the weather was described as a 'brolly run to a bit of cloud'

This

This

News from New Zealand

A view of Auckland from the ferry. Temperatures here are hot, hot, hot 24c a big contrast to the UK. 

The traditional houses are clapperboard designed to resist earthquakes.

Many of the flowers that grow in the UK are found here. Cacti and succulents that we grow indoors grow wild. Agapanthus grow in abundance in the verges in shades of blue and white.

The most special and spectacular plants are the tree ferns in many shapes and sizes all majestic as their fronds float in the breeze.

A old postbox the slot at the side was designed for you to post your letter if you were on horseback.

Stunning scenery along the Coromsndel peninsular. 

Wet and Wild Scarecrows

Another week of wet weather but at least it stayed dry on Monday so I could tidy up the Artful Garden and take down the Christmas display. Uno Recyclo had suffered in the gales which were strong enough to bring down a large oak tree near the church. He has gone into retirement but will be back in the Spring with a new improved vehicle that again will be exclusive and unique.

All the scarecrows are now wearing their raincoats to protect them from the weather.

Charlie Barley has a agricultural green raincoat that is a good fit.

Grooving on down

Crazy Maisie has put on weight over the Christmas period so there is a severe strain on her buttons.

Too many cakes

Looby Loo is fed up of getting her new sparkle wig wet. She is finding it hard to think of things to smile about.

Wet wet wet 

Boozy Floozy is glad that her mac is a good size and she can hide her wine glass up her sleeve.

Pockets for storage of the odd tipple

Bobby Barley likes his football poncho but he has had to use a few stones to keep it anchored.

Back off hen

The hen has pinched Bobby Barley's pom pom hat.

Incy wincy spider

I have cut back the cardoons as they are already sending up new leaves. The stems are so strong they had to be cut with a saw.

Dried cardoons look like something from outer space

I have put some of the cardoon heads on the wall near the gate.

Cardoons are often mistaken for thistles

One lantern and wreath remain near the gate.

The daffodil bulbs are just beginning to appear

I love the penguin I saw in Hexham Abbey shop window.

Pick up a penguin

The fox is made from wood and wool.

 A fox in a wooly jumper

On Wednesday morning as I travelled on the outskirts of Kirkoswald the sun was illuminating a field.

Golden glows

The setting sun creates shadows on the hills.

Illuminated clouds

The river Eden is still very full and fast flowing.

Looking towards Lazonby bridge

New Year Yomp

Happy New Year.

It is good to burn off the Christmas food with a good walk. We walked from Ainstable to Armathwaite.
A knitted crib and angels.

Nativity scene

Flying angels 

Ainstable parish church is very pretty with a quaint lynch gate.

Beautiful wooden gates

Inside the church.

A lovely rood screen

The viaduct of the Settle - Carlisle railway line.

Stunning scenery

A view across the fields.

Armathwaite in the distance

At this time of year sheep are fed on turnips.

Sheep mongst turnips

The walk took us along the river Eden.

The water flood level was 3.6 metres high. You can see the debris in the trees

A dovecote at the entrance to Armathwaite.

Two turtle doves and no partridge

Herdwick sheep in the field.

Happy Herdys

Friendly donkeys.

Double donkey

The Fox and Pheasant is a pub in Armathwaite.

Look at the Fox's face?

Ducks a dabbling.

Cluck cluck

One of the Eden Benchmarks 'Vista Game' by Graeme Mitcheson.

Can you see a pair of trousers?

Have you lost a cap?

Some plants are flowering at the wrong time of the year.
Winter jasmine.

Yellow jasmine

Hawthorn.

Hawthorne in leaf in January

An eagle keeping watch.

Eagle eyed

An old fashioned roundabout in Carlisle.

Such wonderful colours.