2 Nights, 2 Sellout Shows

I got a couple of chances to get out of Melbourne while back in Australia; it was the trip up to Buller with the family which really gave a chance to get some snapping in. Having a chance to do so, and not much else beyond walks up to the summit and chowing into good Aussie fare including all those delicious dips I've missed and of course plenty of local plonk, was pure therapy. From our apartment balcony, disturbed only briefly by the mountain bikers next door setting off the fire alarm with an attempt at an indoor barbeque, both nights there we were treated to one of Nature's greatest shows, which Mum and I fell to trying to capture with gusto. Of course, every time the perfect shot was taken, someone would go "Oooh, look what colour it's gone now" and we'd be back out there juggling lenses and wine glasses again.

Up Hill and Down These

There's not much more pleasant ways to pass a weekend than that oh-so-English occupation of "rambling". In a country where wilderness is basically defined as losing direct line-of-sight with a pub, it would be quite possible to safely, happily, and most of all therapeutically potter along lanes and bridleways, amble across fields and streams, clamber over stiles and dry-walls until kingdom come. Between stages of this, like all performance activities, suitable recuperation is required; traditionally, a warming fire, a pint and a chat with fellow walkers and local pub-dwellers.

We spent just two days doing this in Yorkshire, at the height of lambing season, which proved a balm to the soul. I can't wait to do it again - nothing better than getting up early to load up with a big breakfast, in anticipation of heading out the door to discover what the day will reveal, and all under the power of shanks' pony.

More shots here.