Heather was in for a surprise whilst walking the pooch this afternoon when some heavy breathing  nearby caused her to look with some alarm into the river.

(Click on the photos for an enlarged version)

 We are 10.2 kilometers up the river from the sea and so it comes as some surprise to come across a New Zealand fur seal enjoying a swim more-or-less in our back yard. 

The fishing must be good to entice him so far up-river.