Breakfast At Rakaia Gorge...

 I'm on  my way back to Christchurch. I've just spent a couple

of nights in the Ashburton area but left early this morning

and decided to avoid SH1 and tiki tour through Methven,

Rakaia Gorge, Hororata and call and visit a friend

on the Bealey Road near Aylesbury.

Ashburton was cold and frosty so I went seeking

some sun and ended up here...

 My view from my bus... The Rakaia River and bridge...

 Then looking further east along this huge braided river...

 I ventured out... Well wrapped up... This coat has been my

best South Island buy ever... All my layers of wool underneath,

and with wind proof/water proof leggings, two pairs of gloves,

woolen socks and boots... I'm set for anything.

 I walked to a lookout nearby... Looking west towards the

 mountains... I drove past the Mt Hutt ski field turnoff...

So snow around and more forecast tonight.

 A big over view to the east...

And of course... Collected a bag of pine cones for my fire

tonight. I'll be snug and warm.