A big storm is on it’s way.  The Met Service warned “Severe gales are also expected to develop overnight about the Marlborough Sounds, Wellington, and Wairarapa, with gusts as high as 140 km/h expected in these areas. Gusts of this strength are likely to damage trees and powerlines and lift insecure roofs, and making driving hazardous, especially for high sided vehicles and motorcycles.”

With this in mind I thought I’d better nip out and capture the last of the autumn leaves.  After all I can’t believe they will be there when this weather front blows through.

It’s like the fire works have gone off and just a few catherine wheels are spinning around.  The intensity of autumn colour has gone leaving us with flashes of colour that catch your eye as you drive along.  Here’s a row of red oaks that have been a deep red for a few weeks now but now they are losing the battle to keep their leaves.

There are just a few leaves left leaving the pure skeleton of the tree.

Same thing down in the park – this is such a shame as the park in Upper Hutt looks so much more inviting when it has it’s autumn bloom.

I didn’t know how much I liked autumn until I started getting an interest in photography.  It’s a riot of colour you just can’t help keep snapping away at.

This tree still with it’s yellow glory is like a flash at the side of the road.

I can’t make my mind up whether it’s the reds, yellows or oranges I prefer.

But whatever the colour, I can’t resist a closer look.

I suspect that after the big storm blows through we’ll be heading into winter proper.

If this riot of berry colours keeps up there will be plenty to keep me interested still.

Fingers crossed the roof doesn’t blow off overnight or the chicken blown off their roost.  I’ve no doubt that Fortnum will have a sleepless night, he hates wind and there’s going to be plenty to keep him awake tonight.