Author: Peter Peryer

This author has written 889 articles


On the Tailings.
Here I am yesterday in the historic tailings near Alexandra. They are rubble left over from gold dredging. It’s a dramatic place and I’ve been up there a few times, usually with the aim of taking a new photo, no luck so far.

On this occasion the trip was to see these trees. They were planted a long time ago and in their struggle to survive in this harsh environment some have developed a slight bonsai look. It was that look that I was interested in.

Thanks for the photo Haruna.


Kaka

While dining in a country hotel one evening recently, I noticed that
there were some stuffed animals in the rafters. Here is the underwing of a kaka.

Space Weather

Last weekend I went to Invercargill. One of the reasons I went was to move closer to making a photograph of these structures. I first saw them last year when I was living in Invercargill. Getting closer to these requires permission which I’m working on.

They are a high frequency radar system that tracks space weather. They are in an area where there are Aurora.


From the Road


Here is a view of some of the road frontage at Henderson House.
I have never lived amongst such rocks before, it’s a remarkable experience for me.
More and more I appreciate the subtleties of this schist. This house is made from schist so it’s possible to lie in bed and study it.

Here is a basement room. The stone was cut from the site.


Chinese Stonework

One of the most moving sites that I have seen since moving here is one on the Clutha called Doctors Point. It is quite a hike but I went there by boat. In many places on the site there is stonework made my Chinese goldminers. This path is an example.

One theory about the name Doctors Point is that it was called that not because a doctor lived there but because there was a saying amongst miners when they were going to the pub that they ‘were going to the doctor’.

Gourd Study

On Sunday I bought some ornaments gourds. (see previous posting). This one looks to me as if it has possibilities. This is the best study of it that I have made so far but it is still a little soft in focus.


Cornucopia

Just south of here, on the banks of the Clutha, there is someone who grows giant pumpkins.
Last year’s biggest was something like 206 kg. Here is one of his specimens, sitting on top of ornamental gourds that are for sale at 10 for $10.


Weather

On Saturday there were warnings out about wild weather in this region.
Some roads were closed by snow. Citizens were told that it was best to stay indoors by the fire. I decided that, with caution, I would drive to Invercargill.

It was exhilarating. Cleansing.


Schist

This area has very little topsoil, none in places. Much of the landscape is composed of ancient schist, usually with clearly visible sedimentary layers. Some of the seams in this rock are made of quartz hence the white striation.

This rock is in the grounds of Henderson House where I live.

The word schist is from a Greek word meaning ‘to split’.


Winter Colour

It is a surprise to me, living in this chilly winter, to see how
vividly coloured berries can be. It’s a shock to see them in this environment.

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