Level 2

We could not have hoped for more perfect weather during these challenging times. I grew to love those beautiful teddy bears looking out of the windows.

and the lovely little quirky things I noticed on my local wanderings

The ingenuity of the families creating magical places to visit in local woods was just marvellous. Bottlelake Forest, a favourite mountain biking venue was transformed into a children's( and adults')paradise.

The local park of Mona Vale with its stunning autumnal colours and tranquil beauty will always remain as a fond memory

We moved smoothly down a level to Level 2 and suddenly we could meet up with friends again, at a safe distance apart. It has been great to catch up gradually with those we have not seen for some weeks and to keep the walking up. I was thrilled to be introduced to an area of Christchurch I had not been to before, North Shore, not far from some of my other favourite haunts in South Shore!

Wow, it was absolutely gorgeous, with part of the walk through the dunes and back along the beach. The puffy, cotton-wool like clouds and the silvery glow on the gentle waves were spectacular, to say the least!

At one point of the walk, we came out on a hill and an area which is being transformed into acres of native bush and forest. The mounds of concrete rubble from buildings demolished after the earthquakes in 2011 have been covered with earth, grass and plants. It is a massive undertaking but one which we now and in the future can truly appreciate.

It was a dog walkers' paradise. This shot is certainly one of my favourites

Another area I passed on my way home, Travis Swamp, is also regenerating and the wetlands which had all but disappeared before the quakes, are slowly coming back to life. What a fabulous part of the city and a place to stand and imagine how Christchurch must have looked when the first Europeans arrived.

Another day, another beach. All so magnificent, so calm. I was probably one of only five or six on the beach without a dog, or lots of dogs. The dogs were truly loving the fact that they could run off their leads, leaping into the waves to retrieve sticks or balls, or simply chasing one another. It was such fun watching them. Others just enjoyed sniffing their way along the shore!

I just kept on returning to South Shore and the Estuary. What a fabulous area to walk.

So many people in South Shore lost homes here after the quakes, so it is so wonderful to see that those empty gardens are still used for those who simply want to savour the spectacular scenery.

This is definitely one of my favourite views of the jetty and our lovely Estuary at low tide. The bare sands are alive with thousands of little crabs scurrying around. It is a very important area for wildlife.

Level two means we can move from region to region, so I said 'farewell' to my beautiful garden for six days. I am so thrilled to have experienced the entire autumn. I never ever stop appreciating the fact I have my own private park!

What a send off sunrise!

I had a fabulous trip down to Wanaka with my friend Liz. The roads were just about empty, giving us plenty of chances to pull over and enjoy the spectacular scenery, made all the more beautiful by the Norwest skies.