Where was the camera?

Wellington had the most superb weekend weather. Well for other places it might not have been superb - but 17, windless with sun after weeks of cloud, wind and rain it was uplifting. I know we annoyed Maria who was bemoaning the terrible rain and the fact that she was going for a run on Sunday morning despite the weather warnings which advised people to stay indoors. Such is the life of fitness fanatics like Maria and Noel. Yesterday we took advantage of the beautiful sunshine and took Lily to Pauatahanui which is one of my favourite walks. Lily doesn't seem to mind it either:-)As we got there Tony remarked he didn't have his camera - but as we have many photos from Pauatahanui this wouldn't be a problem. How wrong he was. As we walked we were mesmerised by gannets flying and diving in the water. These birds were beautiful - very long wing span, and amazing yellow face. They glided like an albatross but when they spotted a fish they looked like cartoon dive bombers as they pointed straight down and dived.

M&S - you might remember we visited the gannet colony at Muriwai when you were here and were suitably gobsmacked then. While gannets are not rare or endangered the closest colony to Wellington is at Farewell Spit in the South Island so not that common. Certainly the first time we have seen them at this spot.

Tony watched, wishing the camera was attached to his eye - but it was hanging in the cupboard in the hall.