Sunday 19th July 2015.

Hello friends and family

Lingering ice on the path up the hill.

The cold weather continued and so we could not plant any trees in the mornings because the ground was still frozen. In some places, the frost remained on the ground all day.

Penguins at home in Pebble Bay.

Penguin calling captured on a trail camera.

Slowly the days are lengthening and more penguins are coming home. They are still away before the sun comes up, but are looking good. The seal pups, on the other hand, are looking emaciated and about half are fading away very quickly.

Frost in the valley and on the beach.

Other than my 2 working days in the reserves, I had my top tip shop stint this week. I do enjoy it, but this week I did not see many of the regulars. It is quite a social place where neighbours can catch up on the news – mostly the weather – and the dogs all play together too.

Evidence the penguins came home in Harry's Bay too!

On Thursday my nephew Peter and his beautiful wife, Charlotte came to stay the night. They got a call from the ferry service to say that the forecast for their Sunday ferry crossing was dire so they re-scheduled for Saturday. Friday was too cold for the bees but just right for cutting the front hedge. I only have one more lot to cut and then they are done until spring.
Since then we have had bitterly cold winds, but no rain!

Have a great week!

Rosalie