Friends for the weekend and at last a feeling of summer in Wanaka

I've just waved goodbye to my old mate Al., companion on many a trip in great mountains, and his two boys.

Sadly their mum passed on a couple of years ago and I'm not sure how or why, but this seems to have strengthened a bond I've always had with them. A very special one, and one I think they're aware of too, but can't yet articulate!

They were over from South Canterbury to compete in a yachting regatta, and I've never seen so many Optimist class boats down at Wanaka Yacht Club before, all so shiny, colourful and slick...Nearby at Bullock Creek it was obvious the flavour of summer is now with us...Young Nicos enjoys the Dinosaur Park playground...On walking back up to my vehicle this scene caught my eye, comprised of the texture of grass, Californian Poppies and a power distribution box set against a nice typical westerly sky...