Danaus plexippus

Today's the day ..................... to see the Monarch in the glen

We took the ferry today from Paihia to the little town of Russell - which made us think about Paula and Gordon because we know it's one of their favourite New Zealand places. And rightly so, because it is frankly - a little bit of paradise.

After I bought myself a new sun hat, we climbed our way out of the town up to Flagstaff Hill. It's a steep climb but well worth the effort because you have a wonderful view over Russell and beyond from the top. There is a flagpole up there, the original one put in place to celebrate the Treaty of Waitangi. However, various Maori chieftains kept chopping them down so I think the present one is about No 5. The amazing thing is that it mentions a certain Archdeacon William Williams who was one of the mediators in the on-going conflict!

We walked back down to Russell through the native woodland of tree ferns and cabbagetrees. In a little sheltered valley, where there were several flowering plants - we saw this Monarch butterfly. Its wingspan was so large, it was a bit like a flying pocket handerchief. Quite wonderful!

There was just enough time for a cool beer before catching the ferry again. So much excitement in one day .................