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I went out to the Auckland Domain today, maybe one km from our house.  I've been craving some nature, and the Domain is a really big park.  It's situated on an ancient volcanic cone (not that I could tell by looking; I learned this by reading the sign at the gate).  The highest hill is the site of a pa, a Maori battle stronghold, called 'the hill of bitter memories', where a grudging peace with the colonists was forged after the musket wars.

It was so green and beautiful.  Perfect weather, huge mature trees, a surprise over every hill.  I laid down in the grass for a while and watched the clouds.  I haven't done that in a long time.  It was silent except for the wind and the occasional distant truck.  Birds chirped and an unidentified critter scuttled past in the dry leaves.  A jogger ran by, barefoot.  Down in the valley was a fountain, lined with stones where a white-headed duck preened herself next to a nest full of gray fluffy babies.  Two large formal greenhouses housed tropical and cold-weather plants in stunning profusion. 

I breathed deeply and felt good.  It was a chance to just Be Here.

I wish I hadn't forgotten to bring my camera.   So I'm placing this here to make myself remember to bring it next time and update you with plenty of pretties.