The Long Paddock

It’s haymaking season here. Roadsides are fair game, especially as this summer is predicted to be drier than usual.

This part of the road is sheltered and still green, but it was a shock to see how much the countryside has browned off in the two weeks since I went to Christchurch last.

Another thing I noticed was the abundant flowers on the many cabbage trees along the way. This is believed to foretell a hot, dry summer. My own cabbage trees are still in bud, but they have masses of flowers coming.

This was a very hot nor’westery day. I had to go to Christchurch to get my new specs and a warrant of fitness for my car.