Pine-cone hunting

One of our favourite autumnal activities is collecting pine-cones for the fire. Noreen is having a new fireplace installed soon so we need to stock up with fuel. On Tinakori Hill there is still a ready supply from the pine trees that were felled years ago after storms in 2004.

Here is the ceremonial retrieval of the first cone of the season!
Soon we found a rich lode of cones on fallen trees.

There was also a pile of cut up logs that we plundered.

All this and good views over the city towards Mount Victoria.

Sam was away for the day, playing football in Napier. They lost 3-2 so are now bottom of the table. He will be disappointed.