Ancient Rock Formations, Gebbies Valley

On the way home tonight, Mrs H diverted off our usual route so I could go and take some more shots, like last night, in Gebbies Valley. Whilst last night I was taking photos of the Church of the Epiphany in the summer evening sun, tonight my subject was the amazing rock formations in the heart of the valley.

These rocks are the oldest on Banks Peninsula, and predate the later local volcanics, including those that formed the ancient calderas of Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours.

These rocks are also not that easy to photograph, with the large mass in the foreground (which I'm only featuring about a third of) situated just a couple of metres from the road as it makes its way up the narrow valley and towards Gebbies Pass. Not the most comfortable place to be with commuter traffic making its way at speed towards and away from Lyttelton harbour on the other side of the pass...

By the way, do you like the ovine photo-bomber?