Then there’s the nap that you didn’t know was coming.
Sitting up, head propped, first you know of it is the disgusting sound of your own open-mouthed breathing. You luxuriate. Almost self-congratulate. It wasn’t meant to happen, yet hallelujah, it did. No investment, all gain.
Even the entrance is unannounced. At Sawyers Bay, past the Port Chalmers Golf Club, take the first right. It goes to the Rossville Reservoir. The what?
It’s a big pond in its own sweet wee amphitheatre. It’s been there since 1875 when it was built to serve Port Chalmers.
Now it’s one of the seven dams in the Dunedin system, contributing to water security like savings in the bank.
On arrival you’re presented with the full peaceful picture.
The pond’s only about 200m-long and is hugged by hills that host trees down to water.
The beauty is there’s a long flat grassy bank along one side.
Beyond this point the surface soon becomes a bit uneven and rooty but a portable picnic chair can provide a temporary sit while more agile people continue on the short loop walk.
Dawdle it. Ducks drift. Tui calls bounce around the hills. A waterside white-faced heron has a drink. Two dragonflies have travelling sex in the sky, with an accompanying third party flying alongside.
The wonders of nature.
Naturally, people and dogs are not allowed to swim in the reservoir water.
But back at the grassy bank makes a beaut picnic spot. In fact, why do so many of our social events involve sitting inside, eating?
Nature brings out the best in us. A wee stroll and sit beside this sweetie is a fun way to socialise.
