What a day

Well, the power's out; across most of the Hills, and it's been sheeting with rain, there are trees down EVERYWHERE.  So I toddled up to OGH expecting to see the worst, and it was such a relief.  Not much damage at all.  The messiest trees in the world (Bunya pine - don't ever plant one) had shed a few dead branches, and the power is off until at least Wednesday; but apart from that we haven't been affected all that much.

Obviously had to cancel a private tour which was booked for the morning.

About 50 mm of rain in the last 48 hours - we're on track for the wettest November on record.

I also went down to inspect the Commissioners' Shack (which I think I've blipped before, but I can't find the reference), and again, it hadn't been affected.  In fact the roof is looking the cleanest it has looked for years because all the wind and rain washed the rubbish off it.  Silver linings and all that.

In extras is a troop of wood ducks dabbling in the long grass.  It's quite likely they were blown out of their nest by the gale.