A Taste Of Summer

Roll on summer! For two days in a row we've been treated to warm, summery Nelson days. 
Unfortunately, Paddy has had several rough days, and today he seemed to have bounced back so we decided to take the bus somewhere for the afternoon. Not wanting to go too far, we chose Rabbit Island.

We found a nice, place to park under some pine trees to provide some shade. While Bernie put the jug on for a cuppa, I took the dogs for a walk. And I found a great spot beside the water that looked like a better place to park.  And one of the many bonuses that we've found since having this bus, is it's SO easy to pack up and move. Bliss.

The water seemed a striking bluey green colour, which I thought was due to wearing sunglasses, but when I took them off, I was surprised to see, the water was actually that colour!

Bernie enjoyed some R&R while I took the dogs for another wander. When I got back, we sat and enjoyed a cuppa.

Who would have thought that this little spot could provide so much entertainment? First there was a guy nearby, sitting on a rock fishing. Every few minutes he reeled in a fish. They were only small (herrings) but he had a bucket full in no time. He said he'd either fry them up, or make sushi with them.

He caught a few eels, but they were thrown back.

Oakly was particularly interested in the shags. They too, had a lucky day fishing.

More times than not, whenever they dove under the water they'd emerge with a fish.

There was also human activity on the water, in the form of paddle boarders and jet skiers.

And just before we went home, I took the dogs for another walk. I was hoping to get a photo of the tui that had been singing his/her heart out, most of the afternoon, but I was out of luck. All I got was a shag and a seagull.

Rabbit Island is a great spot to unwind and relax. Perhaps the only thing that would make it better, is if camping was allowed. 

Oh ... and being a dog person, I think, it would be fantastic if dogs were allowed on the beach.

Toadstools With A Twist

Finally I found some red toadstools underneath the pine trees at Rabbit Island. It's another aspect of autumn I like. Toadstools, warm temperatures and colourful leaves.
After I surfed the internet to find the name of these toadstools I discovered they have a few interesting facts.

These toadstools/mushrooms belong to the genus 'Amanita Muscaria' and are commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita. The name 'fly agaric' comes from the medieval times when they were ground up and mixed with milk. This mixture made a sweet smell which attracted flies. Once the flies drunk the milk containing 'fly agaric' they'd become intoxicated and drown.

The fly agaric's bright red, coloured cap acts as a warning to animals that this mushroom is poisonous. Although it's classified as being poisonous, it is eaten in parts of Europe, Asia and North America (after it has been parboiled). Parboiling weakens its toxicity and breaks down its psychoactive substance.

The indigenous people of Siberia used this toadstool as a spiritual experience. It has a religious significance in the Siberian and Indian cultures.

In some countries (such as The Netherlands) it is considered a criminal offence to be in possession of these toadstools. They are noted for their hallucinogenic properties. It's been calculated that 15 mushroom caps could be a fatal dose.

Amanita mascara are associated with various deciduous and coniferous trees. They have an interdependent relationship with pine and birch trees. The toadstools provide the tree with an increased absorption of water and minerals and in return the tree provides constant access to carbohydrates.

It seems, although these toadstools have appeared in fairy tales for years, there is a slightly sinister side to them. But if all we do is admire them for their beauty and refrain from nibbling on any - no harm will be done.

Reflections at Rabbit Island