(did you catch the memo that there are more photos each blog post - click the little scroll arrow on the right hand side of the above image...)
I hate June. Totally. Absolutely. Confirmed.
Well, except for the incredible changing colours of the falling leaves scattered around.
I only realised this trend recently. It always comes around to this time of year and the feeling of displacement begins to set in. The cold, bleak, short days wrap themselves around me like a cloak of impeding doom. I am definitely a child of the sun and light. I try to wriggle free from the grasps of the season, to shed my cloak only to feel it draw nearer.
Luckily, I now see it; I realise the impact of the shortening days, the dropping temperatures and that deep feeling of hibernation setting in. Previously I could never quite figure out why I felt so blinkin' demotivated and disjointed at this time of year. As a lover of warmth and light I really think I should just skip this winter nonsense and fly off to the Northern Hemisphere. It isn't helped by my social media feed, which daily streams photos of beaches, sun, pools and abundant vegetable gardens into my little dim weather reality. I really should de-friend all those Americans and Europeans at this time of year!
Following a week of dismal grey and rain, and having seen far too much of our mansions four walls, it was a joy to see the sun upon waking this morning. Grasping the opportunity we ventured off to explore the Abel Tasman National Park.
We were treated to a wander around the Sculpture Park at the start of the Abel Tasman Walkway which beheld some delightful treasures. The creative flare of the carvers and sculptures was breathtaking. We wandered the walkway that lead to the golden sands of the bays and managed to be munched by starving winter deprived sandflies - seriously, you would think they could take a break over winter!
Having sufficently blown out the winter blues and filled the lungs with the fresh air it was not so arduous to return to our winter dwelling.
We have finally conquered the heater battle. No more shutting down mid-flight, yipee. Also, conquered the condensation battle. Two wins in one week - seems we may be going to survive this June business after all!
As the outdoor temperature plummets the indoors is snug and warm. Long may that last.