Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Monday 18 June 2012

Sky colours

Morning sky 1Morning sky 2
This morning there was no frost, instead we had 3 Celsius, and these glorious colours, that proved so elusive. A minute, and they were gone. Looking South, right where the  power lines are, snow is on the tops of the  Tararua Ranges, which stretch from Palmerston North, southwards  to  North of Wellington.This is our view  from the steps outside the dining room.A few birds flew overhead, as the sky slowly changed colour.
Snow on the tops

Birds on the wing









Last night there was a spectacular display of the Southern Lights, Aurora Australis , which was seen at its best in the far south of the South Island.  Here is one photo, courtesy of Stephen Voss.This was taken from Sandy Point near Invercargill, between 11 p.m. and 12.30 a.m. The conditions were perfect for him to capture this stunning photograph.
Aurora Australis Courtesy Stephen Voss 
Quotation of the day  from Edward Caswall
“ When morning gilds the skies”
Cheers from Jean

11 comments:

Michaele said...

Beautiful winter sky. The last one is surreal!

Nancy J said...

Yes, the photo was taken by Stephen Voss, in the very far south, where the colours that night were stunning. Today we have heavy rain, dull sky, and fires going. Cheers from Jean

Eggs In My Pocket said...

What beautiful skies you have there! The last phot is just breath taking!

Lindsjö taxar said...

We have Midsummer this weekend. It will be light during the whole night. We celebrate Midsummer with party and dance around the Midsommarstång.Read about it on
http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsommar

Nancy J said...

Here in NZ we have Winter Solstice,and this can be celebrated with special meals, rising to see the dawn sunrise, or watching the sunset. Matariki marks the beginning of the Aotearoa/Pacific New Year, when the star cluster reappears.Enjoy your daylong light, and the celebrations. Cheers from Jean.

Lyn said...

Lovely photos..and looking at your previous post, winter has truly taking its hold..it's very cold down here in the South

Nancy J said...

Yes Lyn, that was the best frost so far, but you will have had lots, hope you get a fine clear day after.Cheers from Jean

Lindsjö taxar said...

Thanks, we had a quiet evening with grilled salmon and a nice chardonney.
Yes if you come to close to a moose with calves she could attack you. It happend in Sweden. But mostly they are so shy in the beginning and you dont see them.
Today we have sunny and +18 C just now. It fell some rain yesterday evening.

Nancy J said...

Yes, the night skies, and in the early morning too are at last showing those lovely colours, that fade so fast.When we do get the bigger frosts, that will be the time to get better photos. Cheers from Jean

Gayle said...

Southern Lights... I had no idea that we shared my "Northern" Lights. Fascinating the things I don't know about the world I live in. I am prompted to do more reading and share with my Wee People...they do love to learn and remember everything!!

Nancy J said...

Gayle, I have seen the Northern Lights only once, they were like red rain in the night sky.But I didn't have a camera then.Maybe one year I will be in a good place to get great photos.Cheers from Jean