A flash of colour in the relative shelter of Happy Valley, by Owhiro Bay
- a liquidambar tree flaming in bright contrast with the trees and shrubs nearby.
Behind it are the upright bare branches of a line of poplar trees and behind them, down beside the stream are some willows - you can just see the soft gold of the willow leaves which have not yet fallen.
Up the hillside beyond is the bright green of various shrubs with a golden gorse flower embellishment.
At the front right there is a small coprosma with the typical divaricating tangle found in many New Zealand native shrubs.
The lovely warmth of the colours and textures stopped me in my tracks, to bask a bit in the pleasure of it, knowing that soon it will be winter and warmth will be more likely found indoors.