Tuesday, October 21, 2008

On the road again

I have been away again, the West Coast. I have taken you there before. About half way there (or back, depending on which way across the Island you are going) is a place called Arthur's Pass. It is a great spot to stop and have a cuppa - or in winter, to let the kids get out of the car for a run about in the snow! Whatever time of year, you can see these birds. They are native to New Zealand, called the Kea. Right cheeky they are! They are parrots. It is not uncommon for them to get into some hapless motorists car if they have left a window open, they will then proceed to chew on whatever they find. I think they own Arthur's Pass.
This one thinks so too. Just be careful if you ever decide to have a drink form this water fountain, you don't know who or what was there before you! They look rather dull but in reality have wonderful orangey-red underbellies.
On the way back to Canterbury, I also found Steve a new place to live (to escape his gloomy world at present anyway!) - isn't it lovely? Land for the kids, sheep to count, mountains nearby...
Just put this car in as random eye-candy for the blokes or petrol heads in general, it was parked across the road from where one of my colleagues lives. Maybe I could convince the boss that this is the new car he needs to buy for me to continue to carry out my duties....

14 comments:

VioletSky said...

I remember Arthur's Pass - we once came out of a restaurant with our ice creams and found a Kea happily chewing on one of the wiper blades on the truck. It wasn't our truck and we took lots of photos before trying to scare him off. Not sure how the farmer felt about the damage, maybe he took it in stride.

The Sagittarian said...

Violet, I think that sort of thing happens all the time! One of the kea's in the photo came right up to me as I was taking his photo, and I was worried he was going tot ake a bite of the camera so i stepped back. I swear he laughed at me.

Mike said...

I love looking at those mountains but ever since I lived in the western part of the US for a very short time, being in mountainous areas make me claustrophobic.

I like being able to see the horizon in all directions.

Steve said...

Amanda, it's gorgeous - thank you so much (are you expecting a commission?) - I'm packing my Gandalf outfit evenas I type...!

The Sagittarian said...

Mike, that car shot was for you!

Steve - Actually, Karen and I will be off shopping but you I can see with your boys 'hobbiting' about, ...with the right hat...

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, I can just see Steve there in his flat cap. It looks just like Wales except that it is not raining.

Steve said...

Amanda, my erstwhile estate agent chum, you've been tagged...

justme said...

Nice pics! I would like to broaden my horizons and visit some day, but doubt if I shall...

The villager: said...

I love the view of the mountains.....what an amazing country !

s. said...

beautiful landscapes!

Brother Tobias said...

I was going to say facetiously that Keas and I have a lot in common; look rather dull but in reality having wonderful orangey-red underbellies - but then thought it was in bad taste and might be misinterpreted, so I won't.

The Sagittarian said...

RB - I've never been to Wales but I'm sure I would love it, raining or not!

Justme - let me know if you decide to, we'll have a picnic somewhere lovely!

The Villager - thank you, I love it too!

Sukhada - welcome and thank you very much! We're pretty well spolied for choice when it comes to taking photos of wonderful scenery out this way.

Brother T - surely you're not dull! However, avoid hanging around rubbish bins and flashing your underbellie...

matty said...

I wish I could see these things.

I recently saw a Mike Leigh film that took place in Canterbury. I can't think of the name, but I loved it.

The Sagittarian said...

Dear Matty - I think perhaps it was Canterbury in England? mind you, if you ever get this far you would be more than welcome to stay here and we will gladly show you and B about! :-)