Known elsewhere in the world as a Kelp Gull and in NZ as a Black-Backed Gull, this bird was obviously an old hand when it came to using the long New Brighton Pier (See previous photos) because it was totally unconcerned about the steady stream of people walking through its personal space whilst it continued watching for a feed from the ocean below...!
Thanks so much for the very kind and encouraging comments beneath this photo...! Your support is always greatly appreciated...!
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The birds were clearly enjoying the New Brighton Beach pier (Previous photo), though in this instance, the young Kelp Gull - known in NZ as a Black-Backed Gull - decided it was time to stretch the wings...!
Unfortunately, the little Point And Shoot camera failed to pick up the wing feather details, but the shot still illustrates just how big the bird's wingspan is...!
If I haven't commented on your photo/s today, be assured: I will tomorrow...!
Thanks so much for the very kind and encouraging comments beneath this photo...! Your support is always greatly appreciated...!
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No, this is not an unfinished highway viaduct... This is a new pier that stretches out into the Pacific Ocean for no other reason than to allow Locals, Visitors and Sea Birds to fish at New Brighton (a seaside suburb of Christchurch...!).
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Throughout 2025,
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
May the hand of a friend be always near,
And thanks so much for the very kind and encouraging comments beneath this photo...!
Your support is always greatly appreciated...!
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After disembarking from the TranzAlpine train and on reaching our motel, we realised we needed supplies - and we'd decided not to hire a rental car...! Fortunately the Bus Stop was just 100 metres down the road...
A few minutes after arriving at The Stop, a big green (electric) bus pulled up at the curb side; we boarded, and explained to the Driver that we needed to get to the nearest supermarket. "Not a problem!" was the cheerful reply. "It's just 3 or 4 kilometres up the road; have a seat...!"
"Oh, and um: where does The Orbiter go?" I asked.
"It travels around the outer suburbs of Christchurch, takes 90 minutes to complete the circuit, and runs every 10 minutes. I suggest you try it...!" And so we did...!
The Orbiter is a commercial bus (not a tour bus!), but it is in reality a great bus for Tourists as well as Locals...!!!
And for those who are technically interested or just downright curious, and want to know more about these electric buses, have a look at: www.metroinfo.co.nz/travel-and-fares-info/sustainability/..., Personally, I'm very unsure about Electric Vehicles, but these buses did seem to be running well - in the short term...!
GRRR - AGAIN
My Activity Feed has been repaired in so much as it's once again accepting photos, BUT: scroll down to below the 20 or so photos that were posted overnight, and the Feed still has the 17 that jammed the system last night....!
A letter to Flickr HQ is now required...! :-((
Thanks so much for the very kind and encouraging comments beneath this photo...! Your support is always greatly appreciated...!
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The TranzAlpine Train has roared up the 8km long Otira Tunnel, left the hamlet of Arthur's Pass behind, and within about 30 minutes from this scene, will start its charge across the Canterbury Plains (where it will reach speeds of 110kph on its narrow gauge track); it will then roll into its Christchurch terminus... right on time!
This is the last Mountain Scene; yes, I have lots more that I could share with you, but I think you've seen enough (at least for the time being!). :-))
However, this is not the end of the holiday; we spent four days in Christchurch, so do please stay tuned...!!!
GRRR
I REGRET TO REPORT THAT MY ACTIVITY FEED HAS JUST CRASHED; HOPEFULLY, IT WILL BE RE-BOOTED OVERNIGHT...!!!
Thanks so much for the very kind and encouraging comments beneath this photo...! Your support is always greatly appreciated...!
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