Storm clouds over Castle Rock

A little unusual today, as these clouds over Castle Rock are northwesterly rather than southerly clouds.  This photograph was taken late in the day, when I got home.

We've had our bikes out for only the second time in months.  The first was a very short jaunt on Sunday morning, just to make sure that R was OK cycling again after 6 months out of it.  Today we cycled the rail trail from Motukarara out to Little River.  It is an attractive ride, especially this time of year when there are no midges.  The destination, Little River, has a cafe that does very good muffins and slices.  

The trail runs along the shores of Lake Ellesmere, so there are lots of water birds.  I intended to stop and photograph there on the way back, but the headwind was so strong it didn't seem like a good proposition.  Also, the lake was very brown and choppy, not photogenic.

The wind is blowing at home, now, and we've even had a little rain.  Still warm, though.  The weather forecasters are predicting  that winter will return again on Saturday, so good news for skiers.