Box of Light is made possible thanks to these visionaries:
We're past the shortest day now, so the days should be getting longer, even though it feels like winter has only just started. This last lashing of weather has been just what we've needed for the mountains to fire into life. Nearly all the ski fields copped enough snow out of this July storm to open properly. This would have to be the latest I've seen that first lot of snow arrive. I hope it's enough to make a stable base so our season can extend right through.
Surfing at this time of year is a challenge. Especially when a biting southerly, laced with icy cold rain, does its best to talk you out of chucking that wetsuit on and paddling out. Grim wind-whipped ocean states don't help.
We drove around to a few spots this past weekend and didn't end up getting wet. The southerly arrived with such force that it buckled the east swell at its knees. Spots up the coast went from 3-4 foot to 1-2 foot in a matter of minutes after its arrival. The early birds scored even with the fuller tide. That wasn't us.
My mind's already drifting to the mountains ....
See you at the beach, Derek
PS The DCC was forced to bypass the full sewage treatment plant during Sunday and Monday's rainfall event to alleviate the pressure on the flood-prone houses throughout South Dunedin. That means partially treated sewage entered the ocean via Lawyer's Head and Silverstream up until Monday morning. As a result of that, DCC is asking all members of the public to avoid entering any waterways for 72 hours (48 hours remaining), including city beaches and the Otago Harbour. The advisory, issued on Monday morning, also warned the public not to collect shellfish at this time.
Box of Light is made possible thanks to these visionaries: