Return to Winter

This morning dawned fine and frosty. There was no snow on the ground here, but it was coating the foothills. The mountains were magnificent. I drove up closer to them to make the most of what may be the last big snowfall of the winter. The air up there was clear and fresh. Apart from the occasional vehicle the sounds were simple. Lower down I heard a skylark, and higher up, where I took this shot, there was just the soft whisper of snow falling from the trees.

This is the Great Alpine Highway that goes from Christchurch to the West Coast. You can see it climbing the closer hill. It turns left behind the hill, and winds up to Porters Pass where I photographed the alpine plants.

More photos here.