Singing Cricket (possibly)

On a branch

floating down river

a cricket, singing.
Kobayashi Issa

We walked into Takaka this morning - a very pleasant 15 minute stroll along the Nelson - Collingwood Highway, a rather gentle road in fact occasionally enlivened by milk lorries and utes (utility vehicle - an essential mode of transport here, complete with dog in the back, and a strapping bloke wearing short shorts and big boots - probably but not necessarily driving). My scant summer wardrobe is starting to feel lacking and a bit chilly so I fell into Mariposa (strapline: seriously funky clothing) and came out with a bagful of goodies, all 25% off! I've gone native but t wont look amiss back in West Cork!  Rainbow legging resisted you'll be glad to hear. We then treated ourselves to a coffee and cake in Dangerous. Himself had something described as a paleo snickers bar - all vegan, incredibly good for you and as munched by hunter gathers way back when. I had a real custard slice.

Later we went for a wander around the historic cemetery in Clifton as you do. It is an extraordinary place, moated by the sea and enclosed by a ring of the most enormous trees I have ever seen - macrocarpas I believe. Many early settlers are buried here and it is wonderfully serene and dappled. The sea was way out and we walked on the surprisingly firm mud. A few streamlets were still flowing including this one with its floating branch (you have to look very hard for the singing cricket, ahem.)

Just back from bathtime with Esme which she just adores and includes rafts of exciting things and bubbles. The chat is nonstop now and everything is so interesting. Such a cherub.