Dave Lane @lightweight@mastodon.nzoss.nz

This morning's ride is filled with thoughts of a boy I didn't know very well called Gus, and his beloved dog Fonzi. Gus cleared more hurdles than most of us will ever encounter. Thinking of Fonz, his adoring family, and friends, because Gus died in his sleep last night. Go well, dear brave lad.

Our lizardarium now appears to have 3 denizens, one released just last week (all local native NZ skinks, probably these - https://inaturalist.nz/taxa/37864-Oligosoma-polychroma) - I posted a wee video of the latest arrival (the pics were all out of focus, doh!) on Friday - https://mastodon.nzoss.nz/@lightweight/104922487667012616

Darned socks.

This was the Sunday storm front, approaching from the West, oddly (normally, it'd be flooding over the Port Hills on the left)...

So the Alps got a pretty good late dump of snow over night Sunday...

And what isn't apparent from the panoramas is that the Alps still have some snow on them... and spring is leaping forth, like this kowhai tree, in full bloom!

This morning's outlook. The major storm that's meant to hit NZ over the next couple days looks likely to miss us... the weather certainly isn't giving anything away...

Cool! On this morning's ride, I found this lil' one under a rock near where I stopped to take off an outer layer (it's hot here!)... Released her/him into our lizard sanctuary...

And, of course, some views are spoiled with stupid...

Despite all the phone absorbed motorists, I lived through my ride up the hill to feed my soul. Gorgeous day in Canterbury.

Cracking good Friday morning here in Canterbury (after a cold, windy, rainy night!). Plenty of snow on them thar hills.

Glorious in Canterbury today. Great way to start the week!

After a stormy night, a brief respite for the kids to get to school. Ride up the hill, watching clouds swell and the next bout bearing down...

Auspicious start to the week here in Canterbury! Spring is arriving...

Stunning "Nor'west Arch" on display this morning, heralding late spring temperatures and a dry wind... But it always ends in a wintry blast from the south, in this case predicted for overnight.

Spotted (photo by my son) on a recent trip in Christchurch, New Zealand...

Decidedly murky and discarded gummies over the plains today...

Nice fresh day in Canterbury!

Somewhat grey outlook over Canterbury today.

Canterbury, turnin' it on today!