Week Thirty: Imageless

I took no pictures this week. A combination of jobs and forgetting to take my camera on a trip to Christchurch means I am imageless. I hold the memories in my head instead, but like a junkie removed from his substance, I crave my addiction. Henceforth when I realise I left the camera behind, I will turn the car around. Better yet, I won't forget it in the first place!

Week Twenty-nine: Bird's eye view

While walking around Arrowtown one morning, we came across this balloon making a gorgeous image as it stood out against the white snowy mountains and the clear blue sky. How wonderful to be up there on such a clear, calm day!

Of course, the birds get such wonderful views all the time, when they are not perched in the trees on refuelling from a friendly neighbourhood feeding station.

Week Twenty-Eight: Sky High

On a recent trip to Wellington with the girls we flew over some of the most beautiful scenery this country has to offer. I had a window seat and was able to take these photos of Lake Hayes and Arrowtown from above.

Here are Mount Aspiring and Wanaka. I had to take a pciture of Mt Aspiring as it is the favourite mountain of Him Outdoors. When I mentioned this to a travelling companion she looked bemused - doesn't everyone have a favourite mountain? Mine's the Matterhorn, thanks for asking.

Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki were glistening in the winter sun, while the braided rivers shone across the Canterbury Plains.

As you can see, the Mischievous Minx was enthralled by it all as we stopped over in Christchurch.

Not to be outdone, the Kaikouras and the approach to Wellington were splendid on the second flight.

Week Twenty-seven: Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Yep, once again, it's beautiful in the Deep South. And cold. We wrap up warm to go walking in the snow. But it's worth it. This is Lake Hayes with the Mischievous Minx, who manages to pick up a dog that doesn't belong to her. He has a phone number on his collar so she texts it to say 'I have walked all round the lake with some nice people and am ready to go home.'

A few days later I trudge through the snow on the hills of the Crown Range with Him Outdoors. I step in the footprints he leaves - the ones that don't sink into the snow-drifts. We have fabulous views over the ski-fields and the misty lakes of the Wakatipu Lakes District. Did I mention it was beautiful?