Four Seasons

One thing that makes Central Otago appealing is its certainty of providing four definite seasons.

Yes it may be really cold at the moment with the day starting with a hard frost but there is something about hunkering down for the winter. A bit like hibernating really. And then knowing that there are three more distinct seasons to look forward to. We haven't had a hoar frost yet (this takes  the cold to a whole new level of cold and prettiness ) but some of our early morning scenes are still spectacular.

Each season is equally spectacular and each provides its own rewards and treats.
Spring is a treat as the fruit trees blossoms and everything springs into life again. Alexandra even has an annual Blossom Festival to celebrate this.

Summer brings the heat and the holiday makers. Day after day is usually hot and dry with temperatures  often in the late 20degrees.







Autumn brings out the squirrel in us - harvesting the final fruits of the summer and bringing in the grapes for wine, as well as preparation for the approaching winter.  The deciduous trees make for beautiful picture postcard scenes as locals enjoy the last days before winter sets in.





Our winter days here have developed a pattern. A late morning rise, the cooking of rib warming porridge to go with freshly brewed coffee all before pulling back the drapes at 10:30 when the sun rises over the hill.
A walk to the shop for the newspaper is our next activity, and on our return another cuppa and a read sitting in the sunshine (behind glass) takes us through to when it is safe to venture outside.
It is very easy to fill in the day until 4:15pm when the sun goes down behind the hills and you instantly feel the change in temperature. We then draw the drapes to keep in the heat and stay cozy for the rest of the evening.
And like many locals, by July, many take the opportunity to holiday in warmer climes until the first signs of spring begin to show in August. We are going to be no different when we head across to Australia in late June.