Black Swans

We always think about black swans as being rather unusual in the UK, but in this neck of the woods they're quite common. We've seen many in the last few weeks - in Perth, Freemantle, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and now here in Christchurch. This time, though, the parent was being followed by five little cygnets (only four in photo). It may be difficult for you to make them all out, but I rather liked the sketch-like appearance of the photo, taken in full day-light, by the way.

Jean

Phar Lap

Phar Lap, a legend among horserace fans in Australia, was in fact foaled in New Zealand but never raced there. During his career he won 37 of his 51 races, including the Melbourne Cup.

In one spell between 1930-31 he won 14 contests in a row and he was also successful in his last race which was bizarrely in Mexico.

He died suddenly in California in 1932 from inflamed intestines and many believed he had been poisoned, helping the bookmaking profession hit hard by his near-invincibility.

This modest statue (above) was completed in 1957 and stands by his birthplace near Timaru. It is not that inspiring to me at least and barely does the horse justice. Happily a much better one is planned and should be in place some time in 2009 with hopefully a much more dynamic feel - and a bigger plinth.

I may be wrong but as I took the photo I thought I heard the statue singing that old favourite of yesteryear: “Some day my plinth will come.” Ho, ho. Dave

Penguins crossing

Could not resist including this one which I overlooked from yesterday. Not a sign you see very often. Dave