Red eared turtle

Interesting how these turtles have paddle-like legs, very efficient for swimming. We ended up at Willowbank today, as other places around Christchurch, including Orana Park, are closed as a result of tree fall. The storm last week has provided enough firewood to last Canterbury for several years, and clearing it is going to be a longish process.

Even Willowbank suffered damage, including the demise of their ostrich, a long-term and well-loved resident. Another interesting sighting there today was the Campbell Island teal, a rare duck that is unusual in being flightless. It has very short wings, and it was neat to see one in real life.

Today didn't go too well, though, as the bike track was closed because of fallen trees, R's bike had a puncture anyway, and on the way home the car battery died. Fortunately the AA got us going again, and the garage put in a new battery, so we're all set to try again on Friday when we've got the bike back from the bike shop. Of course the puncture repair kit is in a box at the back of our garage, now packed full of other stuff, so totally inaccessible.

Just one of those days, but the weather has been glorious.