I’m back at home again after a family trip of almost a week. We flew to Dunedin and drove inland a bit more than 270 km to Wanaka (accent on the first syllable). Squiddy and Batty and their families had lots of fun with snow sports, while CD and I helped out, spending lots of time with The Bean and whichever of the older grands was staying in at the time. 
We did participate in several local excursions, though, of which one was a drive up the Waiorau Nordic Road near the little town of Cardrona. Squiddy and family went all the way up into the snow field for tubing, while I went as far as where the snow (and the mud) started and took my time coming back down, stopping along the way to enjoy the spectacular and formidable landscapes. With spring finally here (it started on the first of September), I’m starting a new category that I’m calling SpringScapes. More will follow soon. I’ve had no time for blogging during this week, so that’s why I’m way behind.
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krikitarts 
Your Blogland presence was conspicuous by its absence. That’s a nice snow-on-mountains-scape. Did you stop your car at Cardrona to see Bradrona, as we did?
I drove right by it and noted it in passing, but it seemed to have had all the support it needed already, not to overly stretch the point.
I imagine you feel better now that you’ve gotten that off your chest.
When we visited last year my wife felt compelled to make a donation while singing a few lines from “Patricia the Stripper”.
I was briefly tempted to ask if you made a video, but I wisely decided to resist that temptation.
Sorry, you will need to use your imagination for a picture of what went down when my wife made her donation 😉.
That’s gorgeous! Stunning scenery in the Cardrona/Wanaka region. Looking forward to your spring photos :)
Thanks, Liz, I thought of you and Nigel often while we were there. It’s a long time since I was last in Otago, and such a treat! I’m really looking forward to posting more.
Sounds like a lovely escape from the daily routine, Gary, and no doubt the grandchildren enjoyed the trip as much as the adults.
By the way, you’re not behind in blogging. You’re right on time and up to date. Every now and then we all need a break.
You are surely right about that, Vicki. It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a break and it’s been unusually convenient to be able to keep up every day, but it felt really good not to have the (self-induced) pressure for a while. It was indeed a lovely escape, and I have enough new stuff to share for a couple of weeks at least. Probably more, since I don’t strive to post every day.
Look forward to seeing some new images, especially as how we’re still in lockdown.
How nice to have you safely back, and with such a pleasant image to announce your presence. I laughed at your exchange with Steve. Around here, the best we can do is lines of cowboy boots atop fences.
It is great to be safely back, thank you very much, and there’s more to come. And regarding my exchange with Steve, if you Google “Bradrona,” there’s more information, and it’s not just a tourist come-on (sorry), but a successful fund raiser for breast-cancer research.
I knew what it was. That’s why I referenced our use of fences here for a different sort of collection.
Of course you knew. It puts rather a new slant on “shake your booty.”
Hahaha!
Your humor and way with words were missed along with your photography. Glad that you had a fine time with the family and am looking forward to more of your SpringScapes…try not to have any SpringScrapes.We are beginning to see hints of what will be AutumnScapes in a very short time.
What a fun way to raise awareness and money for Breast Cancer Research and, hopefully, a cure. I am sure many donors were more than happy to be relieved of that particular piece of clothing.
Thanks, Steve, it’s kind of you to say I’ve been missed. It’s really good to have some new stuff to share, in addition to the archive-delving. It’s going to take me a while to catch up on the past week’s postings by the bloggers I follow, but I’m looking forward to it. I wish you well in your reverse-season outings, with no major FallScrapes.
Being behind is no problem – take your time! It’s worth it. ;-) It sounds like you had a good time. What landscape! Formidable indeed.
I will be having to take my time, as there are hundreds of blogs I need to process. I’m afraid there will be far more “likes” than comments, but hey! I’ll do what I can.
I like the mix of rugged features here softened with the gentle grass. Looking forward to your SpringScape Season!
It really didn’t look very springlike at that altitude, but the grasses really are gently spectacular. Thanks, M!