Boat shed on Otago Harbour

Just when you think you’ve got the hang of Dunedin weather, it will surprise you. Recently, when the calendar clicked over from February to March, thus marking the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, almost as if by the flick of a switch, the mornings had taken on a distinctly autumnal chill. Fairly soon, the days would be getting shorter, trees would start losing their leaves covering the ground in an autumn blanket. The temperature would slowly start to creep towards those wintery single digit numbers and migrating birds will make the very wise decision to head to warmer places.

Then you get days like the one I was presently experiencing. It had started out with overnight rain, high clouds and light winds. However, by the time 3:00pm had rolled round, it had turned into a splendid afternoon. There wasn’t a breath of wind, in a clear blue sky. It was sunny and warm, the kind of weather that makes you smile because it brings with it an almost peaceful feel.

I decided to take advantage of this surprise turn of events and went down to the harbour to enjoy the sunshine on a pleasant afternoon stroll. I soon found out I wasn’t the only one with this idea. I shared my afternoon amble with cyclists, runners, other walkers, all of us enjoying the delights of the afternoon. As I walked, I wandered past boat sheds, most of which were locked up. However, one in particular was open. It had cars parked in front of it and a gathering was taking place. You could smell it; the smell of the barbecue wafted out across the low tide and along the cycleway. The occupants were standing on a balcony over the harbour, happily enjoying each other’s company in the late afternoon sun. It really did look altogether serene, I was almost tempted to ask if I could join them. 

With time moving on, I made my way back along the cycleway to my car. As I did so, I couldn’t help but wonder how many more afternoons there like this were left before autumn really takes hold. But then again, just when you think you’ve got the hang of Dunedin weather, it will surprise you.