Today was another classic "You can't beat Wellington on a good day". I hadn't been out for walk since July, and was lured out by the beautiful winter blue sky. I didn't have a lot of time, but I would just have a quickie to quench my thirst for outdoors.
As I didn't leave until past 2.30, I cheated and took my car to get to Chartwell Substation roadend.
…
Today's route follows the access road for maintenance service of the power pylons that goes over the Skyline hills at Crofton Downs Ohariu Saddle. This is a very popular walk/run/cycle course for Wellingtonians in western suburbs. After a short flat walk, I reached the small saddle between Otari – Wilton Bush and Crofton Downs.
View looking north from the saddle is dominated by massive Crow's Nest peak, with the highest peak on the Skyline, Mt Kaukau behind. There is an information board about geological formation of the Skyline hills.
Immediate past the saddle, there is an old wooden structure by old farm fense, which I believe a stock loading ramp. I took a few photos, which was my first attempt at doing "arty" pictures.
A view from halfway up. Deep afternoon shadow obscured the upper valley while suburbs of Crofton Downs in the lower valley and Chartwell on ridge enjoyed the sunlight. Wellington Harbour was seen in distance and the Rimutaka range on horizon.
It must be almost Spring. I came across assortment of animals, dead or alive, old or young. First there were two dead possums lying on road, started to smell a little. There must have been a pest eradication program on. Then, around next corner was a scruffy nag, probably almost blind, standing right middle of the road! He was with three other buddies. They were very calm and used to having walkers passing them by. After another five minutes or so I arrived at the flat saddle that joins Crofton Downs and Ohariu Valley. A little further down the slope in a distance, I spotted an ewe with two new born lambs. Definitely a spring scene. There were also cattle, grazing on top.
The saddle is quite big. I took pictures overlooking north, west and east. Wind across saddle was quite fresh and I was ready to head back the same way down to car park.
First I had to negotiate around the horses, who now really acting as road blockade. 
They were all calm and quiet, but I was a little nervous while walking past within half a metre from the muzzle of the scruffy nag, who seemed playing a rearguard for the troop of three horses.
I met three dog walkers on the way back to my car, and warned them about the possum carcasses and the horse. They were, of course, well aware of the horses, but a little weary about the dead possums, presumably poisoned, because generally possum poisons could also kill dogs. I took the final photo of the roadend, but did not spot the "Mud Alert" sign. What a Dagg!
A nice walk by the looks… :yes:
It was very interesting. Because I kept stopping to take pictures, it took more than twice long as it'd take, so it wasn't quite the quickie as I expected. Wasn't much of exercise, though. I got quite cold from walking in afternoon shadows and light southerly breeze. You seem to have an interesting walk, too. Strange we both came across dead things.Looks like it's going to be another good day. I've got a bit of work to do, but try to free afternoon for another walk, if I can.
Same in the UK
Sounds like a really nice outing! But over here in the U.S. this is the meaning of the word quickie. Obviously that's not what is meant in New Zealand, but I thought I should mention it.
It does take longer to walk with a camera, I keep seeing interesting things and looking to find good angles. The dog seems happy to do this as it gives him more time to sniff about
There's a known bug at the moment that oddly cancels links from images if BB code IMGCENTER=… is used. So you guys have to go over to my album for bigger pictures. 🙁
Originally posted by arduinna:
That's what I thought when I saw DH's picture of the little glass bottle
Originally posted by arduinna:
That's Middle Earth for you.
Perhaps thats how its meant :yikes:
Originally posted by debplatt:
Of course I knew. :p :DOriginally posted by arduinna:
Under an hour from the Parliament and Government building 🙂
Same in France :whistle:
( Something like I shot the sheriff , the cover of Bob Marley's song )
I just had to check "saddle"… Aprt from that, it's strange to see alpine landscapes with the sea in the background especially with all that green; it seems wild despites the town not far and a quickie walk.
Originally posted by mimi_s_mum:
It seems the same here http://my.opera.com/darkesthour/albums/showpic.dml?album=4163422&picture=62219732 :confused:
Originally posted by mimi_s_mum:
I didn't know that horses were bandits
Nice breather …
Originally posted by mimi_s_mum:
Try < img src="my link" > ( just remove the anti-slashes, it's just a trick so that you can see the inferior and superior sign )
This adds to the fact that there is not a lot of people; of course you may have avoid to shoot the deputy … (Another "Wonder how strong his/her jaw is?" 😀 )
Originally posted by mimi_s_mum:
:bye: :bye:
Originally posted by arduinna:
I was thinking more Eric Clapton
Thanks for stopping by, guys. Bye for now 🙂
Originally posted by arduinna:
I shot the sheriff … :sing: No. They are not bad, really. And I suspect the old one (nag) has worn teeth, anyway. But horses do have strong jaws.
TTFN 🙂
A short walk can take all day with a camera! :lol:.
Originally posted by qlue:
That's true! 😀 However if you have company with you while you are walking, you have to show a bit more restraint and let a few "good shots" go by so as to not drive your walking companion mad.
Originally posted by mimi_s_mum:
This has had a huge influence on me. I'm definitely experimenting around more, taking photos of things that I wouldn't have thought about photographing before. Take rust, for instance. I had no idea how photogenic rust was! The camera simply loves it! :up:
Originally posted by qlue:
I think I've two kind of mind-sets with walking/tramping. I used to get good satisfaction walking fast and sometimes long, especially uphill, to a vantage point and then take in the scenery only from there. Lately with the influence of my opera friends, I started to see more what may become a good picture (mostly wishful thinking) and stopping more. :)Originally posted by debplatt:
Give your companion a camera, too, so that you can both drive each other mad. :p And don't forget camping gear! 😀
Originally posted by debplatt:
Rust is good, unless it's physically on your metal stuff like your car and roof iron. :p I also like weathered timber in sunlight.
Originally posted by mimi_s_mum:
The Frenc connection was nice and not to forget.
Originally posted by mimi_s_mum:
The long and winding road
That leads to your door:sing:
Originally posted by arduinna:
Yes. I think I took good pictures. That was your influence, Olivier :)Originally posted by arduinna:
I shall not follow the roadWith my trusty compass and mapOnly limit is my imaginationTo that wonderful rusty objet d'art
Originally posted by arduinna:
It's already weekend here. We are always ahead of everyone else. :lol:Good night, Olivier 🙂
You'll never stop
Until you gain the Top
As only our expectation
Is the limit of your imagination
I just go away, I think you have some work, … same for me then :zzz: