A Test Tour with People with Disabilities.

I was the Tail End Charlie for a tour with people with various disabilities. They were to check out how suitable our tour was and to feedback what we could do to make the experience better. We had an interesting group of people representing different disabilities. This included an elderly person, a deaf person, a blind person, a person with mobility issues and a bloke in a wheel chair.
 We set off a little earlier than usual to ensure we would be in place when the kiwi started to emerge from their burrows.
The takahe are at the bottom of either steps or a steepish slope so the support guide went on ahead and convinced T2 and Puffin to have their supper at the top of the slope. Food being pretty much the number one thought in takahe brains they were most obliging and were in place by the time the rest of us  arrived.
We then headed up to wait for the kiwi and Flip Flop in particular. Again we were lucky and Flip Flop wandered by in front of the person in the wheelchair giving everyone a good look. I had been positioned in a different spot and was making my way back when Flip Flop decided to meet me head on on the bridge. I moved to the right and stood stock still as I knew Flip Flop is a creature of habit - he always sticks to one side of the bridge. He stomped on by not seeming to register my close presence and I breathed a sigh of relief that I had not scared him off.

We then headed down Te Mahanga track, going carefully. As guide dogs are not permitted in Zealandia, our blind visitor was supported by a friend.

A tuna or long finned eel

We stopped by the eel pool. We have been encouraging the long finned eels or tuna of the river to become a little more visible and at last they are obliging. We could see a medium sized eel lazily drifting about when we shone our torches into the water. This endemic species is becoming rarer as many of our rivers have become compromised by dairying and they are still unprotected from fishing.
They have an interesting life cycle as to breed they have to swim many thousand kilometres to trenches off the island of Tonga. They do this at the age of between twenty five and eighty years and undergo a physical change before they set out. Their gut pretty much disappears, their head becomes narrower and they do not eat during the journey. Once they have bred it is the end of their life cycle and they die. Their progeny do not look anything like eels but are flat and leaf shaped.  They drift with currents to make the long journey back to New Zealand's rivers and streams. Once here they undergo another change and turn into elvers, which are more eel shaped. They are great climbers and can clamber up waterfalls of up to 20 metres.

tuna larvae showing development to elver.

Here is a link to a clip on tuna
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fdtYEqEqC0

We continued on to see the frogs. It was interesting to watch sign language happening under torch light. Red light shining on hands worked pretty well.
We finished the tour by visiting the tuatara as well as seeing a few more kiwi along the way. As it is so dry we hear them easily in the bush at present which makes for plenty of sightings.
Back in the visitors centre we discussed how things had gone. The group promised to give us more detailed feedback but basically a good evening was had by all.

Hanging Out with Takahe

T2 and Puffin browsing

Last night I had the job of standing for an hour by the takahe hangout and talk about them to a large group of IT people who were in Zealandia as part of their conference. They had an hour in the valley before heading back to the Visitor Centre for dinner supplied by the Rata Cafe.
Being IT people they were very interested in the tracking devices both takahe wear. An aerial is easily observed poking out from their backs. They are attached by a little back pack. They wanted to know frequency levels, how often the batteries on the back packs were changed, their range etc. They discussed the idea of using microchips and how the range would be less. I was not able to contribute much to this conversation but learnt a lot. The takahe obligingly stayed close nearby, pottering about browsing and keeping a close eye on me (especially my hands) just in case I produced food.

Takahe browsing - note aerial for tracking and monitoring

After the hour was up everyone headed back for drinks and I caught a ride back in Te Ara Kawau, the little electric powered boat that is available for rides when the weather is right. We went close to the bank and observed the little black shag colony not visible from the path. There were ten nests this year during the breeding season.

Te Ara Kawau

The Parents Tour.

We had an interesting group to show around Zealandia. They were a group of parents and grandparents doing a parallel tour alongside their children. The children were part of a choral group touring New Zealand and giving performances. The parents travelled separately and had a holiday of their own. They attended the concerts but that was their only obligation.
They were a knowledgeable group who were most appreciative of being shown around. As with most groups they found Zealandia an extraordinary place - a Jurassic Park adventure. As one in my group was assisted by a walker, we took the pace slowly and kept to the main path. Out on the lower dam I talked about the pateke or brown teal as one was swimming nearby. As I talked about how vulnerable they are and how they cannot defend themselves, the one in front of us rushed out of the lake to harass a mallard which had been doing nothing in particular to aggravate it. It chased it along the dam and over the grassy edge before being satisfied causing us to laugh and me to say that though it knew how to take care of itself as far as other ducks went, it had no idea with mammals, preferring not to fly, instead just standing still and hoping not to be noticed. We watched as it tried to get back into the lake. Finally after some thought it settled on a jumping flapping movement and an ungainly flop into the lake. I love their chocolate colouring and their small size.
We talked about the fence then headed up the valley. The green geckos were out in a small patch of sun cuddling up together. A pair of tui gambolled about but refused to sing. The tuatara were out sunning themselves. A small robin turned up to observe us.
I talked about various plants. Rangiora always captures people's attention. The settlers' name for it was 'Bushman's comfort' as it was handy toilet paper.

Rangiora has the largest leaves of the daisy tree family

Bushman's Comfort or rangiora

In the early days it was the fad of young women to write letters on them and  send them as postcards to their friends. One of our family's treasures is one of these leaves sent to my great aunty in 1905.  It is now in Puke Ariki, New Plymouth's museum.

A letter on a rangiora leaf sent to my great aunty in 1905 from Stewart Island.

In no time our two hours disappeared an we had to reluctantly make our our way back to the Visitor's Centre. A couple of the parents decided to forgo the evening concert and head back for a night tour.

Our long summer continues, giving overseas visitors a rather unrealistic view of our city but I am not complaining - long may it continue!

The last tri of the Season

Having returned from Auckland late on Saturday evening, the thought of getting up early was not a happy one but the day dawned clear and calm, so I hauled myself out of bed and got ready. I had prepared all my gear before I left for Auckland so I just had to get dressed, jump into the car and head down to Scorching Bay. It was to be a team event but I had not met my fellow team members. I was first off at eight thirty. I had had a so called warm up swim (actually very cold) and set off to swim my 400 metres around a couple of buoys with the others of the first echelon.  I got caught up with a couple of people who swam as I used to swim - frantically swimming till exhausted then breast stroking to recover, then repeating this over and over till the end. Now I swim a steady if slow stroke with no panic or stress. The two practising my old method kept getting in my way and I gave and received a passing kick or two.
I finally got away from them and came ashore in one rather cold piece.

I trotted into transition, found my bike, stripped off my wetsuit and cap, and put on my shoes and helmet. I gave away the gloves as my hands were wet and sticky and I could not get them on. Cruising off for the fifteen kilometre ride I felt quite good in the beginning. The cold swim had certainly woken me up and the breeze around my wet body as I rode kept me alert. There was only one mild hill on the course - the Passa Branda. I passed a few people and a few people passed me. I looked down and noticed my bike computer was not registering. I gave it a wiggle as it looked loose. It was loose and my push made it fly off, shoot into the air and bounce onto the road. Its functioning had grown pretty dodgy over the last six months so I decided to leave it where it lay. After the turn around I found it hard going into the wind and slowed down considerably.
Back in transition I changed into my running shoes and stood up. One shoe was decidedly uncomfortable and I had to take it off again. Inside I found the ear plugs that I use for swimming. I had forgotten about them  and had left them in my shoe. Once that problem was solved I headed out for the four kilometre run. At the start I bounced along but quickly became leaden as tiredness caught up with me and the wind hit me head on. It seemed a long way to the turning point but once I reached it and had a quick drink I livened up a bit on the return. The wind helped me along and soon the end was in sight.
I finally met up with one of my team mates who had set out at later times than me. I was too tired to wait for the other one though and decided to call it a day.
Home and an afternoon siesta called.

The Auckland Regatta

Our team - well - half of it!

The weekend was a busy one. Our dragon boat team flew up to Auckland on the Friday and settled into our motel ready for the next day.
On Saturday we had seven races. The morning was devoted to the three 500 metre races. Hard work  but the day was settled with only slight winds, making for lovely conditions. We came second in our finals much to our dismay - we had hoped we would finally be able to overtake our competitors, the Boobops - but alas it was not to be.
The breast cancer survivors teams then came together and rafted up for the memorial flower ceremony. A spine tingling haka rang out from the shore to honour us as we thought about paddlers who were no longer with us. It is such an emotional event - our energies totally spent in the race, then coming together united in the fight against breast cancer.

After lunch we had had three 200 metre dashes. Last year we managed to cross the line first in our final and this time we managed to cross the line first again and were thrilled with our efforts. Coming ashore to applause we heard over the speakers the result - with us second!! What had happened? Evidently three boats had been moving forward at the start but one had been still so the start manager decided to alter the results and place Boobops first. Not again!! We questioned the result to no avail and were again awarded silver.
Finally we had our two kilometre race. It consisted of two laps of the course, involving three sharp turns. Our sweep had been practising her turns and we managed better than in the past when we veered wildly off course. Pleased with our effort we had to leave immediately after the race and head to the airport.
We later heard that we were placed third in our category.
We flew back to Wellington late in the evening feeling somewhat deflated.
In two weeks time we meet again in Rotorua for Nationals. Will we be able to pull something out of the bag? We have three practices and Easter before then so who knows.

We live in hope of course!!

Transects and Takahe

Takahe grooming after lunch.

The rain did not last so I set out to do a little more transect work before giving the takahe their lunch. This involves off track work, clearing paths for people to put out bait stations for the yearly mouse eradication programme in May.

The bush was looking fresher after the rain and birds were enjoying the conditions. First I came across a pair of bell-birds or korimako, singing their hearts out, feeding and fossicking. I could not see their leg bands though. They have been hard to settle in the Sanctuary so it was great to see them.

Next I spotted a couple of kakariki down on the path, I think eating ripe berries that had fallen. I managed to get their bands and watched them for quite a while as they fed.

kakariki feeding on the path.

Once in the bush proper I was accompanied by robins every step of the way, as they fed on insects I had disturbed in the soil. Most are unbanded nowadays but I saw one that was and duly noted it down as as to give the details to Zealandia staff. It is very helpful to staff if people note down leg bands and report them to the website. The way to do it is to first note down the left leg from top to bottom and then the right leg from top to bottom. e.g. 'ym/rb ' would mean left leg yellow metal, right leg red blue. Black is recorded as 'k'.
There is a site to report sightings and leg bands and all information is very useful.
I came across a rotting tree covered in elephant ear fungus looking beautiful in the gloom of the bush.

elephant ear fungus

                                                  
I scrambled about re-marking the track and clearing when necessary. It is not something that can be completed rapidly and I did not make a huge amount of progress but was satisfied. I decided there was a couple of places that needed ropes to aid climbing. The transects follow 'as the crow flies' and it can get tricky at times crossing and climbing scarps.

Takahe starting to look glossy after moulting.

                                   

Takahe colouring is absolutely gorgeous.

At lunch I called it quits and headed out to meet up with the takahe. They are starting to look very glossy now that their moult is over and they did not seem quite as desperate for food. I could not feed them straight away as a crew from French Television was busy filming them for a travel documentary.
They departed in the electric boat after a while so the takahe did not have to wait too long.
I managed to get the food into the hoppers with little fuss, then waited by  the fence to watch them and to talk to passing visitors about our wonderful weird pair of retirees.
As I talked I noticed a strange machine flying over the lake. It was a drone taking photos for the French contingent. I had not seen one before and was most impressed as it buzzed about. I wondered if it was one of the ones being made in New Zealand.

The drone which flew over the Lower Lake filming for a French TV crew.

The takahe wandered down for a drink then set about grooming each other, Puffin expressing annoyance when T2 got a bit rough. She stretched her body up to full height and gave him a piercing stare as if to say 'Watch it boy!' He looked contrite so she let him continue to groom her neck feathers.

I had a little more of my own lunch and almost had a duck on my lap as it tried to share my sandwich. Mr and Mrs Takahe also tried a little begging but feeding them anything but their pellets is a big no-no and could cause all sorts of problems.

I said my goodbyes and ambled off into the warm sunshine.

The Wellington Dragon Boat Regatta

                                     
Dragon boating has dominated  my time for the last few days. We had two practices, then had to be down in the lagoon on Thursday morning to be part of a live shoot for a television morning show. It was a lovely morning so it was no hardship to turn up by eight am ready to go out on the lagoon. We had a little warm up and were then waited for the presenter and the organiser of the Wellington Regatta to jump on board and have a little ride with us. Alas, depending on your point of view, our newsworthiness got pushed down the ladder due to the imminent announcement of the pope and the return of a wayward rugby player expressing his contrition plus his welcome back to the fold. Important stuff indeed compared to us.

A lovely morning for getting on the water for a spot on TV.

Frank Kitts Lagoon with the Michael Fowler Centre in the background.

We kept ourselves busy paddling up and down to keep warm, then finally with a few seconds to go before the end of the show we had our moment and paddled our guests gently along while they discussed the upcoming Wellington Regatta. All worth the wait I am sure. We put the boat away and people shot off to work a little later and a little saltier than usual.
Link to TV1 Breakfast. Scroll to 1 hour forty five minutes:http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast/2013-03-14-video-5368390

Then on Saturday the Regatta got under way. It was particularly poignant for us as it was the tenth year since our club had been launched as a mixed cancer survivors dragon boat team.  We are now exclusively a breast cancer survivors team but it was great to think back over the years and also to invite back past paddlers to join us for lunch and to ask them to come out for a paddle and to take part in the flower ceremony to remember paddlers that had passed away. It is always sobering to reflect that most breast cancer survivor's teams lose on average a paddler a year to the disease.
We always have that extra emphasis with our team, and that is to show that people can live healthy, active lives while living with breast cancer or after the cancer has gone.
To celebrate our ten years on the water we were to have a shared lunch with our past paddlers and supporters and the other New Zealand team who was present, the Boobops - a great name for a dragon boat team consisting of breast cancers survivors I reckon.
There were teams from around New Zealand plus a couple from Australia. Despite the fact the Wellington Regatta is shorter than 500 metres which is the normal length for dragon boating, it is a very attractive event as the races are alongside the waterfront offering a good view to spectators. People can watch from a stand, on rocks, or from the bridge. There are vantage points everywhere and racing in the midst of it is like being in a boiling cauldron of noise and activity. The atmosphere is fantastic.
There were usually five boats in every race and there were thirty five boats competing.

The starting area.

The first two races were mixed grades, and we did alright, not coming last and not disgracing ourselves by getting out of our lane, sinking or crashing.

Up at the starting line a huge amount of concentration is needed amongst the noise of sweeps giving instructions and the starter yelling over the top of them to get the boats in line. Unfortunately there was also the sound of a jack hammer working close by and at times a helicopter taking off.
Our first start was not the best, but after that we managed to get off to a good start on all races. At the beginning we are in between the water front and the outer wharf. The job is to get the nose of the boat up and planing, then to switch to a longer more controlled stroke. As we come out from between the wharves we are more exposed to the winds and the roll of the sea and it is important not to be put off our stride. Alas just after that point we do seem to drop off slightly. People sit up a little instead of continuing to reach into the stroke. Its only slight, but you can feel it in the boat. Then people fight to get the boat up and going at full tilt again. We managed it each time and hooned on home with the help of a power call to get us over the last fifty metres.

A well honed winning machine -  well - hopefully next time!

When our last race before lunch was finished  we gathered with other breast cancer survivors teams and our past paddlers and supporters and rafted up out on the water in front of the spectator stand for our flower ceremony. A special song was played as we remembered those members of our team that had died in previous years and those who were struggling at present. As the song came to its end we threw our carnations into the water.

The Supporters and Past Paddlers boat

Rafting up for the flowers of remembrance ceremony

We then came alongside our supporter's boat and had a fun race to the bridge and into the lagoon. We got out and honoured them with an arch of paddles to walk through as they came off the boat.

                                      Honouring our past paddlers - who then honoured us!

We then walked off together for our shared lunch.

The BC Finals - We came second - by a second!

Our little 'drop off ' routine told in the end and in our final between the breast cancer survivors team we got pipped by a second. The Boobops caught up with us and did not let us off the hook once they got their nose in front even though we lifted our efforts again, and also dug in for the power call giving it our best.
Never mind, we meet them again next weekend at the Auckland Regatta and hopefully vengeance will be ours!
After five races and being in wet clothes all day we were glad to pack up and head home for a quick shower (quick due to lack of rain hereabouts) and a decent feed.

Flowers of Remembrance

The Cricket and the Duck

A lovely day at the cricket

For the first time in a very long while I decided to attend a cricket test match. It was the first day of play between England and New Zealand and was held at the Basin Reserve. It was named thus because in the 1840s when Wellington was settled by the New Zealand Company this particular area was a shallow lagoon linked to the harbour by a river along Kent and Cambridge Terrace. The idea was to create a 'Little Italy' with a canal running to the lagoon which would become an anchorage.

These plans did not reach fruition due to a large earthquake in 1855 which caused an uplifting of the land. This gained us the waterfront, Lambton Quay, the connecting road to Lower Hutt and turned the basin into a swamp.
It was then decided to turn the swamp into a reserve for recreation and cricket and the Basin Reserve was born. It also happens to be a giant roundabout for traffic. At the moment there is debate whether to build a fly-over at one side of the ground to alleviate traffic congestion.

But back to the present. The grounds were a picture and the day a cracker. By the time I arrived the embankment was filling fast, but I found a spot on the flat up the top. The old stand opposite was empty as it is an earthquake hazard. It looked forlorn but an attempt to brighten it up had been made by the British who had hung flags and banners from it.
The cricket in the middle was a stately affair. The English played with style, quietly building a total while the Black Caps showed their bowling arsenal to be adequate in controlling the run rate without threatening anything. All very pleasant and genteel.

Well, there was one thing that could have been threatened. Close to the wicket was a male paradise shelduck seemingly oblivious of the activity around it. The cricket game not putting anyone at risk least of all the duck who hardly moved when fielders ran by him or the ball rolled past. He remained close to the action, placidly feeding, moving out of the way if a ball or fielder got close, but stayed in the middle of the field to almost lunch time. Perhaps he realised New Zealand needed all the help it could get.  

Black Cap Rutherford politely asking Mr Paradise Shelduck to depart.
Mr Shelduck politely refused. 

A relaxing day at the cricket, players included. Mr Selduck is the blob
 in front of the right batsman.

                                       
The Barmy Army were quiet till after lunch whereupon they started singing and chanting and waving flags each time their side met another milestone. A new pope had been elected earlier in the day and a pope replica received plenty of applause when he arrived at the game. All in all there was plenty to entertain even though not much was happening in the middle. I heard over the radio that the shelduck had set up a twitter site and already had three hundred followers.

Out to my left I could see the Wakefield Memorial which used to reside outside the ground but which was brought inside several years ago. It was erected in 1882 having been ordered from England in 1850 to celebrate William Wakefield, the dubious character who founded the Wellington settlement by setting up the New Zealand Company when in prison for trying to run off with a young heiress.

The Wakefield Memorial

All in all it was a pleasant day. After Mr Shelduck finally departed, I wondered where his wife was.

Putangitangi as the Maori call them are always in pairs. As they fly they talk to their mate, which is what the Maori name implies. They seem devoted  and are always in each others company. 

For the next couple of days I will have to listen to the game on the radio, but will attend the last two days, weather and New Zealand's ability to last the distance permitting.

Barmy or Balmy Army?

The tui or parson bird in all its beauty with yellow pollen on its head.

A different sort of coloured, noisy songsters - The Barmy Army, avid supporters of English cricket

The group we were to show around Zealandia yesterday were Brits from a  cricket tour party. They came later in the day and looked a little 'toured out' on arrival. Their tour guide said ninety minutes would be plenty instead of the advised two hours.
We welcomed them and ushered them in into the exhibition area. After the movie we had a quick talk about what they wished to do. After all it was their holiday and their choice on how to enjoy it. Most opted to come out into the valley but one guy said if he had to see another bird he was most likely to want to shoot it! We suggested time spent in the Rata Cafe might be a better option for him and his mates so off they went to find a comfortable seat and a  bottle of wine or two. They could relax in comfort and look out over the valley rather than have to walk through it. And our birds were safe from that particular element of the Barmy Army!

I had a group of seven to show through the valley and they were definitely more of the balmy kind. They were interested and very knowledgeable on bird life. They had already seen albatross in Dunedin and had visited a bird sanctuary there in between attending the first cricket match test between New Zealand and England.
New Zealand had acquitted themselves well and England had perhaps underestimated our cricketing ability which is not surprising as our cricketing ability is an ephemeral thing. No one knows how we will go on the day which is one of the joys of following New Zealand cricket. Its always a drama, especially test matches where the drama can go on for days - though if New Zealand survives for the full five days that is an achievement in itself .
I am an unconditional lover of the Black Caps and a fair weather follower. If they are doing badly, which they can do in a spectacular way I switch the radio channel. If they are doing well I hold my breath and hope for the best, enjoying the cameos of brilliance for as long as they last.
Radio is the best way to follow cricket as you can continue on with your life as you listen in. I cleared transects in Zealandia during the first test. As it had finished in a noble draw despite our best efforts and  due to a day and a bit lost to rain I felt the Black Caps had done well.
Tomorrow the second test is starting in Wellington and my nephew has given me a free ticket so I will be spending some time at the lovely Basin Reserve watching the game as it unfolds. The English Barmy Army will be there no doubt supporting the English with songs, chants and flag waving, including my tour group.
We had a lovely wander through the valley and saw plenty of tui, their plumage iridescent in the sun as they sang and performed for us. They have two voice boxes which they can use simultaneously, making for a beautiful song. They can also make more guttural sounds and are great imitators. A while back it sounded as though we had gibbons in Zealandia due to the fact the tui had been visiting the zoo and had picked up their calls. At times we could see their beaks moving but could hear no sound. This is due to them singing out of our hearing range. The tuft of white feathers at their throats bobbled as they sang. This tuft caused the early settlers to name them as Parson Birds.
Here is a link for more information: http://www.visitzealandia.com/species-member/tui/

My group were entranced by what they had seen and were effusive in their praise. Their tiredness had gone and they were refreshed by the atmosphere and the sights.
I said I hoped to see them at the cricket and pointed out they could also see the Wellington Dragon Boat Regatta on Saturday on the way to the Basin and we left content.

Indian summer

The Indian summer continues.
It seemed strange therefore, to be heading to WestPac Stadium to be Duty Manager for a rugby game. The Hurricanes were up against the Crusaders and a reasonable crowd had turned up. I was on a bar that was a little out of the way so was not too difficult to keep an eye on. People walk in the stadium entrance and queue at the first outlet they see. If they walked a little further around they would not have to queue at all.
Everyone was in good spirits and a lot of children were around. The game was close until the Crusaders got the upper hand  with about fifteen minutes to go. The bars closed down and I was free to go. By the time I had handed in my folder and vest though, the game was on a knife edge -  just a point between the two teams. I decided to go and watch the last ten minutes. The Wellington Hurricanes were grimly defending their one point lead. This they managed to do which pleased everyone in yellow and black as it is a rare occasion for us beat the Crusaders who have been the in form team for many years.

                                     Hurricanes fans celebrating a rare win over the Crusaders

Riding around the Bays a couple of days later I saw the downside of the game - smashed glass on the roads endangering our bike tyres. People after rugby games in particular take a weird joy in hurling their empty beer bottles out of car windows. We constantly had to signal 'glass' as we rode along. In the next couple of days I will have to inspect my tyres and pick out any glass caught on the surface and remove it before it burrows in further and causes punctures.
It was a beautiful day for a ride, warm with no wind. The harbour was a picture and a waka was out practising. It is one of my heart's desires to paddle in a waka. They look so amazing with their intricate carvings and leaf shaped paddles. I will have to find out when they practice and ask if I can have a go.

Wellington's ceremonial waka taua. (war canoe)

Harbour Visitors

                           

Wellington Harbour - a playground for dolphin and orca as well as people!!

                                    
                                  A school of dolphins accompanying the Eastbourne ferry.

I went to dragon boat practice yesterday with high hopes of being joined by orca or dolphins. Either would have sufficed. Dolphins en masse were spotted in the harbour last week and this week a family of orca  have put in an appearance on consecutive days hunting for stingray. The stingray hide out of harms way in the lagoon. The orca almost made the decision to go under the bridge into the lagoon before they thought better of it giving lucky people on the spot a great view of these amazing creatures.

                                                    Orca considering entering the lagoon

Alas during our practice there were no sightings. We practised a couple of races and finally we seem to be coming together as a cohesive unit, timing good and a few other faults ironed out as well.
The temperature was warm and though there was a swell, it was very pleasant paddling flat out along the course we will be racing at in a couple of weeks. Other boats were out and we had a couple of impromptu races with them to get us in the right frame of mind.
Afterwards we had a get-together at St Johns Bar with some nibbles as we watched videos of our action in the water. The coach was happy with what he saw and so were we.
Lets hope we can keep it together on race day.
I also hope that the dolphins and orca show up on race day. I won't mind if they steal the show or have a race or two with us!

                                    One orca made it to the famous Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street.

Feeding the Takahe

"Where's my lunch?"

I fed the takahe yesterday. I undertook this with caution and forethought as I have seen how 'bitey' they are at present, especially T2. This is not because they have decided that guides in orange or 'Guide a l'Orange' might make a tasty snack but because they have recently finished egg sitting, are now moulting, and their tussock is has browned off under the hot sun and are consequently hungrier than usual.
I did not go near them until shortly before lunch time so as not to stress them by making them wait.
I opened the pontoon gate and walked slowly to a the bench near where they are fed. Glancing behind I could see they were glued to my bare ankles. I hopped up onto the bench out of the way of anxious beaks. Takahe are good runners but cannot fly or jump any distance off the ground. They lurked and circled as I got out their pottle of pellets and tipped them in a jug. This step meant my hands would be further out of reach as I emptied the jug into the feeder and I would not have to fiddle with the lid of the hopper as well as the lid of the container while avoiding bitey beaks. No visitors were about at this time so I did not have to explain what I was up to, which meant I could focus all my attention on the matter at hand.

Takahe lurking around the bench I am standing on

Having got everything prepared I got down off the bench keeping my hand holding the jug high and walked slowly to the hoppers. My plan was to quickly pour a few into the first hopper and while they were distracted pour the rest in the other hopper. I also used the blocking move - sticking my backside out to keep my hands safe. I lifted the hopper lid and 'wham' T2 hit the side of the jug causing a few pellets to spill on the ground. No damage to me, I poured a few pellets into the hopper and moved off to the next one. So did T2 and Puffin. I am not sure why they did not stay to eat the first lot of pellets but I employed the blocking method again and this time got all the pellets into the feeder and moved away. The happy couple got stuck in and I went back to the bench unscathed to talk to the various visitors that had turned up by then.

Mr and Mrs Takahe getting stuck into lunch. Note the burnt off grass and the duck hoping to get in on the act.

Whew! Mission accomplished!

A gust of wind catching a takahe wing. Takahe cannot fly and use their wings only for balance

                                     

                                   Takahe prowling as I prepare food while standing on bench

                           Hungry takahe at the hopper. They like to eat together side by side.

                                        Scavenging for the spilt pellets after T2 pecked the jug.

Zealandia by Night

It has become very dry in Zealandia. After a short time in the exhibition we headed out into the valley as dusk is arriving earlier now and we needed to be in place when the kiwi started to emerge from their burrows and go foraging.
Still we had time to visit the takahe. The grass where they like to hang about has become very brown and dry and as a consequence of this plus their recent nesting endeavours and moulting T2 and Puffin are very hungry and demanding at present. They were waiting anxiously by the pontoon gate for our arrival. Quickly they sussed out who was the person with the food and began harassing her. We had heard that T2 in particular was being rather 'bitey' and the guide already had a bruise on her leg from a previous close encounter of the takahe kind so she was on her guard. The tour party was entertained as she took off to the feeding station with the takahe in hot pursuit. I was surprised at the speed a takahe can get up to let alone a tour guide. She arrived at the trough and lifted the lid. There was a yelp as T2 bit the hand that feeds him and the container lid and pellets spilt on the ground. She managed to get the rest in the feeder and the takahe settled into their favourite occupation - eating.
The guide retreated with ten fingers still attached.. She commented that never in her life had she imagined being chased by two critically endangered birds and wasn't sure if it was an honour. I looked at their large red beaks with some trepidation as I knew it would be my turn to feed them the coming Wednesday.
We left them to their bed time snack and headed into the valley to where Flip Flop the kiwi might show himself in the next few minutes.
Once positioned, the guide started to talk about the need for silence and no flashes on cameras when 'trit -trot, trit-trot ' we heard something coming over the bridge. There was Flip Flop making his way to where tubes of kiwi food are strategically placed. He was not concerned we might be trolls and there was nothing goat like about him as he made his way past our feet and scrambled up the bank to the feeding tubes. The tour party were then able to watch him as he foraged. Once finished he made his way through the bush then popped out on the track and trit-trotted back across the bridge. Kiwi never fail to amuse me - they look all business and big bums as they travel about with such purpose during the night.
Shortly after his departure a new group came across the bridge in single file, muttering to each other    as they approached. It was a family of pateke or brown teal. One adult was in front, three babies were in the middle and another adult was bringing up at the rear. They also were travelling with  purpose. The kaka always drop crumbs as they eat at their feeders and when dusk falls these night time ducks do the rounds and clean up what remnants they can find. They prefer to walk as they are reluctant flyers. They look so comical walking along in their organised line.

As the bush was so dry and the the night so still we could hear any movement in the bush.  We saw four kiwi in all and heard at least two more rustling about the in the dry leaves on the ground  as we made our way out of the valley. Their whistling calls echoed off the hills, kaka could be heard gossiping in their roosts and shags grumbled as they settled in for the night. Weta scritched and morepork uttered hunting cries as well as their usual 'ruru' call.
As we turned the last corner we heard the noise of wedding celebrations at Zealandia's Rata Cafe and the magic was broken - at least until our next tour.

Here is a link if you are interested in coming on a tour one night.
http://www.visitzealandia.com/what-is-zealandia/the-experience/zealandia-by-night-tour/

Pitch and Putt

On Sunday I played my first round of golf that was not of the mini variety. Neither was it of the traditional nine or eighteen hole variety.
I played at the new course created by the Karori Golf Club out at Makara. It is called a  'Pitch and Putt' course and believe me, it was a lot of fun. It is the first of its type to be developed in Wellington. There are ten holes which vary  from 45 to 90 metres in length and are great for someone wanting to have a go at golf, for families or for a group who want to have a fun afternoon. The course, is less than one kilometre long and takes less than an hour to complete. It is called The Goldmines as it is situated on what was part of early gold mining endeavours in the mid 1800s. At the start of each hole there is a plaque with some entertaining gold mining history written on it.
I relied heavily on the experienced member of my team to guide me and show me what to do. She was a great instructor and I did not make too much of a fool of myself. Only one shot went completely AWOL and the rest were in the vicinity of respectable. 
There were three points going on each hole: one point for the first person on the green, one point for the person closest to the hole and one point for the person who got the ball in the hole first. In our team of three we managed to share out the points pretty evenly.
The course was rather brown as was the surrounding hills as there has been little rain in and around for the last month. Above the hills the blades of wind turbines showed themselves as they turned lethargically. I reminded myself that I wished to go mountain biking on the tracks the wind farm have created beneath these giant power generators.
Once our game was finished we retreated to the clubrooms for a leisurely lunch. What a wonderful way to celebrate a friend's birthday!

Here is a link to find out more about the  Goldmines Pitch and Putt:
http://karorigolf.co.nz/

Transect Work

Forest gecko on fence

                                           
I started a different job at Zealandia today. As kaka nesting has finished and all babies fledged I have offered to help with clearing transects. The whole of the valley is partitioned so that mouse bait stations can be spread evenly throughout. As we have not been able to eliminate mice completely from Zealandia we have to do a yearly eradication programme. The transects become overgrown during the year, trees may fall across them and the markers get lost or obscured. Volunteers were called for and I decided to give some of my time.

Now knowing where I am on the planet has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I struggle with left and right as well as east, south, north and west. I do know up and down however and that was a start.
I clocked in at the Ops shed and collected markers, pen, loppers and a small hand saw as well as a radio phone so that I could call in if I got hopelessly lost or critically injured.

 I set off to find my transect line. On the way I spied a young forest gecko clinging onto the tuatara fence. I had heard they were becoming more visible at Zealandia but this was the first one I had seen. Why it was trying to scale the fence I don't know as if it got over it would very likely become tuatara tucker.

Young forest gecko trying to get in with the tuatara -or perhaps teasing them by smugly sitting on the outside of their fence.

                                       
                                          Mr Tuatara outside his address at 111a.
                                     
Further on I came across a couple of guys tidying up one of the tracks. I asked whether it was better to work uphill or down when track clearing. The consensus was that up was the way to go.
I found my transect line and headed up as advised. This first part was easy to follow as there were plenty of markers. I had to shift a few pine branches and before I knew it I was near the perimeter. Lots of blackberry and gorse here needing clearing so that slowed me down a bit. I was pleased I had put some gardening gloves in. I retraced my steps then set off downhill on a new piece. I ran out of markers quickly and poked about for while till I gave up and had a drink and a snack and a think. I decided to cut my losses and attack it from the lower track. This worked and I made sure I marked out the track with plenty of tape so that I could see the way in either direction. Little North Island robins or toutouwai accompanied me constantly and I reflected sadly that you just don't see them like that anywhere locally other than in Zealandia. Here they are prolific. Here is a link to learn more about them:
http://www.visitzealandia.com/species-member/robin-nth-is/

The last part of the transect was steep indeed. Thank goodness there were strategically placed ropes to help me up. The last part had no rope but was just as steep with few handholds so I made a note that a rope should be added there as well.

 I then checked and found out I had done the wrong transect! No harm done - I had just encroached on someone else's patch and worked there by mistake. I set off to try and find my transect. I looked at the map but I could not find the transect I was after. Very frustrating due to my inability to actually read the  simple map. Finally I hiked back up to the perimeter and worked my way along till I found the marker I needed.  There was quite a lot of gorse and blackberry to cut out which slowed me down. I felt a bit bad about trimming a few natives as well but they were blocking the track and obscuring markers. I worked downhill without too much problem until I reached a spot where I could no longer see any markers. I roamed about without success so decided to call it a day and retraced my steps up to a main track and headed on home.

Swimming at Lyall Bay

Lyall Bay

The hot weather drove me to my favourite Wellington beach, Lyall Bay. The surf rolled in from Cook Strait looking luscious and inviting. I was seduced, but not fooled. I put on my wet suit, tucked my boogie board under my arm and eased myself into the shallows. No matter how hot on the beach, the sea is always cold here and today was no exception. For me a wet suit is a necessity for swimming in Wellington. I love the water and a little rubber between me and the waves keeps our relationship sweet.

The waves were big and  boisterous and I jumped and gasped in delight as they pounded over me. A slight southerly was blowing and the waves tended to dump rather than hold their shape but there was enough to keep me interested. I caught a few good waves, pulling out before they tried to grind me into the sand on shore and remove some skin.
Over to the left planes took off from the airport with regularity. Flying in and out of the city today would have been bliss as there was next to no wind. A few surfers were hanging out over that way too where the swell was at its best and were managing to catch a wave or two. They were also enjoying lolling about with the heat of the sun on their backs. A kite surfer played about a little further out beyond the breakers. People wandered on the shore in ones and twos and a few nestled into the sand heating up before a dip in the ocean.
The Cook Strait ferry appeared from beyond the airport and headed off towards the South Island. They are considering changing the destination of the ferries from Picton to Clifford Bay which will take forty minutes off the time of the crossing. Picton is a lovely seaside town and I always enjoys the trip through the Sounds but I can understand why they might want to shift the ferry landing to a more convenient spot.

The chill of the water began to seep past the wet suit and I rode my last wave in, nose dived into the sand and played in the shallows a little before finding a protected spot on the sand to the lee of the surf club to warm up before heading home.

Lyall Bay when the northerly wind is up