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At the end of October Findlay's class along with another yr 3/4 class from school headed to Teapot Valley for their school camp. They had a great time doing activities such as archery, rock climbing and orienteering – quite adventurous for 8 year olds! Personally I think the teacher was extremely brave taking a class of 20 boys and 7 girls, many of them having their first night away from home but it all went well and they all seemed to have a ball. I went along as a parent helper and also had a ball! I even got paid extra for going - $19 - the equivalent of about 6 pounds!
Monday, 3 November 2008
Monday, 13 October 2008
Snow at Mount Cook Village
When we were staying at Otematata we just had to visit one of my favourite places in NZ - Lake Tekapo. Although the weather was quite wintery it didn't spoil our visit. This time we were able to drive to the observatory on Mt John and enjoyed a lovely coffee at the new cafe. The last time we were there we walked to the top of Mt John with our friends The Browns from Stirling and enjoyed some coffee from a flask! Oh times they are a changing!!!
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After indulging in the real coffee at the observatory we decided to drive on up to Mt Cook village as we had heard it was snowing there! Findlay hasn't really experienced snow so he was very excited! It was real Spring time snow - wet and sluchy - but Findlay enjoyed it all the same! Not quite deep enough to make a snowman but we did have a snowball fight! Fun, fun, fun!
Clay cliffs
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While in Otematata we visited the clay cliffs near Omarama. This is an example of amazing natural erosion created as a result of the Ostler fault. I almost felt we should be somewhere in America - it was quite surreal.
While in Otematata we visited the clay cliffs near Omarama. This is an example of amazing natural erosion created as a result of the Ostler fault. I almost felt we should be somewhere in America - it was quite surreal.
Spring Holiday in South Cantebury
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As always our Spring holiday destination was determined by Niall's Football! Again he was selected toplay in the Nelson area team (U15) to play in the South Island Championship. This year the competition was held in Timaru south of Christchurch. It was 3 days of non stop football supporting but we all had great fun. The other football parents are a great bunch and we are all getting to know each other quite well, even although we only seem to get together once a year when the boys are playing together in the football team. The team did pretty well but were disappointed to come runners-up yet again, beaten by points by Cantebury the Christchurch team.
After spending a few days in Timaru, we headed inland to Otematata in South Cantebury to spend the rest of the week relaxing and exploring. Otematata was built in 1958 as a base for the construction of the Aviemore and Benmore Dams. At the time Otematata was a flourishing town, with a single men's accommodation area, family housing area, shopping area, cinema, library, recreation halls, sports pavilion and playing fields, a High School and Junior School, a permanent village for ECNZ, an industrial area and a maternity hospital. The village had more than 60 clubs, representing nearly every social and sporting activity. Its quite different now! It is very much a village of holiday homes which are only really occupied during the peak season in January. I think we saw even less people around than we saw in Collingwood during our winter holiday! Five this time - and 2 of them were the rubbish men!
Lake Benmore covers an area of approximately 75 km². Its quite amazing to see photographs of the area before the dam was build in 1958. The dam is the largest earth-filled water-retaining structure in New Zealand. Its core is impermeable clay-like gravel, supported by two massive shoulders of river gravel. Benmore Power Station is the second largest hydro station in New Zealand.
As always our Spring holiday destination was determined by Niall's Football! Again he was selected toplay in the Nelson area team (U15) to play in the South Island Championship. This year the competition was held in Timaru south of Christchurch. It was 3 days of non stop football supporting but we all had great fun. The other football parents are a great bunch and we are all getting to know each other quite well, even although we only seem to get together once a year when the boys are playing together in the football team. The team did pretty well but were disappointed to come runners-up yet again, beaten by points by Cantebury the Christchurch team.
After spending a few days in Timaru, we headed inland to Otematata in South Cantebury to spend the rest of the week relaxing and exploring. Otematata was built in 1958 as a base for the construction of the Aviemore and Benmore Dams. At the time Otematata was a flourishing town, with a single men's accommodation area, family housing area, shopping area, cinema, library, recreation halls, sports pavilion and playing fields, a High School and Junior School, a permanent village for ECNZ, an industrial area and a maternity hospital. The village had more than 60 clubs, representing nearly every social and sporting activity. Its quite different now! It is very much a village of holiday homes which are only really occupied during the peak season in January. I think we saw even less people around than we saw in Collingwood during our winter holiday! Five this time - and 2 of them were the rubbish men!
Lake Benmore covers an area of approximately 75 km². Its quite amazing to see photographs of the area before the dam was build in 1958. The dam is the largest earth-filled water-retaining structure in New Zealand. Its core is impermeable clay-like gravel, supported by two massive shoulders of river gravel. Benmore Power Station is the second largest hydro station in New Zealand.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Venus Hut Project
This year I am involved in managing the construction of three new replacement backcountry huts in Kahurangi National Park. One (Granity Pass Hut) was build in March/April and the other two are planned for October - December. Both of these are in the Karamea River Valley - one of the finest fishing rivers in the southern hemisphere - some say the World!. The huts Venus and Crow will be replaced with newer brighter, warmer, and larger huts. The new huts are to be built by a contractor but before construction at Venus could begin, the old hut had to be removed.
In late September, two of my colleagues and I (Kim and Steve) and two contractors (Andrew and Steve) were helicoptered to the Venus Hut site and spent three days (one in the pouring rain) demolishing the old hut and preparing the site for the new one - including removing vegetation and drilling pile holes. To assist us, we did take a small digger, generator, a selection of the best power tools we could find and a large box of matches - not to mention having a twin engined Squirrel helicopter at our beck and call. We worked long days, stayed on site at Venus for three nights - demolishing the only accommodation for miles around. We did fly in a small bivvy on the first day and had a couple of tents - so accommodation for the five of us was adequate (just). On the fourth day the contractors and Steve flew out, while Kim and I moved to the Crow site to meet up with another colleague (Hutchy) and another Steve to drive the piles for the new Crow Hut.
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In late September, two of my colleagues and I (Kim and Steve) and two contractors (Andrew and Steve) were helicoptered to the Venus Hut site and spent three days (one in the pouring rain) demolishing the old hut and preparing the site for the new one - including removing vegetation and drilling pile holes. To assist us, we did take a small digger, generator, a selection of the best power tools we could find and a large box of matches - not to mention having a twin engined Squirrel helicopter at our beck and call. We worked long days, stayed on site at Venus for three nights - demolishing the only accommodation for miles around. We did fly in a small bivvy on the first day and had a couple of tents - so accommodation for the five of us was adequate (just). On the fourth day the contractors and Steve flew out, while Kim and I moved to the Crow site to meet up with another colleague (Hutchy) and another Steve to drive the piles for the new Crow Hut.
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Sunday, 14 September 2008
Football Prizegiving
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Football Prizegiving this year was a bit different for me as being the manager of Findlay's team, i had to do some of the presenting. Scary stuff!!
I had to choose a Player of the Year as well as a "Most Improved Player". Last year Findlay won the Player of the Year trophy and although the consensus of opinion amongst the parents was that he should win it again, I felt it was better if someone else did. (Can't have the manager's son winning all the prizes!) Anyway I choose someone else but Findlay did win a special prize - Golden Boot - for scoring 50% of his teams goals in the season . He scored a total of 27 goals in 17 games which wasn't bad considering he was goalie for one half in 3 of the games!
As you can see from the photos there was a local celebrity at the Prize Giving - Jeremy Brockie. He had played in the New Zealand Football team in the Olympics and had scored the goal in the opening game against China - not bad for a 19 year old. He is a bit of a hero for my boys.
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Findlay's 8th Birthday
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For Findlay's 8th Birthday we decided to invite just a few friends and go to the crazy golf - one of Findlay's favourite pastimes. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate and after a week of nice dry settled weather itdecided to pour on the Saturday!. Typical! Quick change of plans and we headed to the swimming pool instead, then off to MacDonalds for lunch before returning home for birthday cake and balloon games.
Its hard to believe that Findlay is now 8 and has spent 6 of those years here in NZ. He really is a kiwi boy, however we do work hard to ensure he has a bit of an understanding of Scottish culture although when the All Blacks play Scotland there is only 3 Scottish supporters in our house....sad really although it is usually Findlay who is the only one smiling at the end of the game!!!
For Findlay's 8th Birthday we decided to invite just a few friends and go to the crazy golf - one of Findlay's favourite pastimes. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate and after a week of nice dry settled weather itdecided to pour on the Saturday!. Typical! Quick change of plans and we headed to the swimming pool instead, then off to MacDonalds for lunch before returning home for birthday cake and balloon games.
Its hard to believe that Findlay is now 8 and has spent 6 of those years here in NZ. He really is a kiwi boy, however we do work hard to ensure he has a bit of an understanding of Scottish culture although when the All Blacks play Scotland there is only 3 Scottish supporters in our house....sad really although it is usually Findlay who is the only one smiling at the end of the game!!!
Friday, 15 August 2008
Winter Storm
WINTER STORM
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At the end of July Nelson was hit by its most severe storm for many years. Gale force winds caused havoc in Nelson, Stoke and Richmond. Many large mature trees were blown over and the damage to buildings and properties was estimated to cost millions of dollars to repair. Our boundary fence between our garden and our two neighbours was blown over (31 metres). Some cars which were parked at the side of the road beside the college were flattened by falling trees. A huge gum tree in a garden behind our house was blown over. These photographs were taken about a week later. Because it had fallen on a hillside into a neighbours garden the only way to clear it was by using a helicopter and a crane. I wouldn't like to see that insurance bill!
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Whale / Dolphin Rescue
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Just after arriving at work one morning in late July (the 27th I think), several of my colleagues and I were told to 'stand by' as a report had just come in of a stranded Whale at Ruby Bay (about 15km from Motueka and 22km from Richmond).
One staff member (Gavin) was sent out ahead, to check out the sighting and report back. While others gathered up gear, (wetsuits, stretchers, cameras, buckets etc..) for a possible whale rescue. We knew that only relatively small whales were ever successfully rescued and that larger animal always died or had to be euthanised, so there was an air of both excitement and apprehension amongst the staff.
After about 20 minutes we heard that rather than the animal being a whale it was in fact a common dolphin (which despite their name are not actually that common!). Shortly after seven DOC staff headed off to the scene where they found a few locals, Gavin and a 10ft dolphin splashing around in 300mm of water. The dolphin had come into the large tidal bay and gone too far - grounding itself in the shallows. The tide was still coming in but would soon turn and the animal would be stranded high and dry if we couldn't get it out to deeper water soon!
We deployed the stretchers, with the intention of lifting the dolphin enough to turn it and get it to slightly deeper water so it could swim freely. Tasman Bay has huge areas of tidal sand flats with the tide retreating hundreds of meters.
With six of us in the water with it, and one steady hand on its pectoral fin, it was successfully guided out some 200m or so (still only about 3 ft deep), where it slowly, but surely, headed out into the bay. We monitored if for another hour or so while it stayed in the relatively shallow waters, until it disappeared from our sight. Then packed up, a short drive back to work, return the gear, hang up the wet suits and into the tea tearoom for a well deserved cup of coffee.
Just after arriving at work one morning in late July (the 27th I think), several of my colleagues and I were told to 'stand by' as a report had just come in of a stranded Whale at Ruby Bay (about 15km from Motueka and 22km from Richmond).
One staff member (Gavin) was sent out ahead, to check out the sighting and report back. While others gathered up gear, (wetsuits, stretchers, cameras, buckets etc..) for a possible whale rescue. We knew that only relatively small whales were ever successfully rescued and that larger animal always died or had to be euthanised, so there was an air of both excitement and apprehension amongst the staff.
After about 20 minutes we heard that rather than the animal being a whale it was in fact a common dolphin (which despite their name are not actually that common!). Shortly after seven DOC staff headed off to the scene where they found a few locals, Gavin and a 10ft dolphin splashing around in 300mm of water. The dolphin had come into the large tidal bay and gone too far - grounding itself in the shallows. The tide was still coming in but would soon turn and the animal would be stranded high and dry if we couldn't get it out to deeper water soon!
We deployed the stretchers, with the intention of lifting the dolphin enough to turn it and get it to slightly deeper water so it could swim freely. Tasman Bay has huge areas of tidal sand flats with the tide retreating hundreds of meters.
With six of us in the water with it, and one steady hand on its pectoral fin, it was successfully guided out some 200m or so (still only about 3 ft deep), where it slowly, but surely, headed out into the bay. We monitored if for another hour or so while it stayed in the relatively shallow waters, until it disappeared from our sight. Then packed up, a short drive back to work, return the gear, hang up the wet suits and into the tea tearoom for a well deserved cup of coffee.
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Knuckle Hill
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On Tuesday while in Collingwood we took advantage of the great weather and headed over to the west coast to climb Knuckle Hill in Kahurangi National Park.
This aptly named hill provides the only elevated viewpoint of Whanganui Inlet, a huge estuary declared a marine reserve and wildlife management reserve in 1994. For the first few kilometres Findlay wasn't too keen so we were very glad that we had visited the corner shop before we left Collingwood and stocked up on lollies!
From the car park, an old logging road climbed gently through regenerating forest and there were some great views over the west coast. From the top, right on the boundary of Kahurangi National Park, the views of the top of the South Island, particularly Farewell Spit and Whanganui Inlet were quite outstanding. We had a glorious sunny day and it was hard to believe it was the middle of winter.
On Tuesday while in Collingwood we took advantage of the great weather and headed over to the west coast to climb Knuckle Hill in Kahurangi National Park.
This aptly named hill provides the only elevated viewpoint of Whanganui Inlet, a huge estuary declared a marine reserve and wildlife management reserve in 1994. For the first few kilometres Findlay wasn't too keen so we were very glad that we had visited the corner shop before we left Collingwood and stocked up on lollies!
From the car park, an old logging road climbed gently through regenerating forest and there were some great views over the west coast. From the top, right on the boundary of Kahurangi National Park, the views of the top of the South Island, particularly Farewell Spit and Whanganui Inlet were quite outstanding. We had a glorious sunny day and it was hard to believe it was the middle of winter.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Salisbury Falls
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On the Wednesday of our winter holiday we went to Salisbury falls in the Aorere Valley. It was a beautiful secluded swimming spot which would be a great place to visit in the summer to go swimming and play under the falls on a hot NZ summer day. The boys had a great time skimming stones. The record was 10 skims - Niall was the champion!
On the Wednesday of our winter holiday we went to Salisbury falls in the Aorere Valley. It was a beautiful secluded swimming spot which would be a great place to visit in the summer to go swimming and play under the falls on a hot NZ summer day. The boys had a great time skimming stones. The record was 10 skims - Niall was the champion!
Monday, 21 July 2008
Collingwood
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For our winter holiday in July, Tom managed to book the DOC batch in Collingwood in Goldenbay. The Batch is just the most relaxing place to stay, but demand during school holidays is always high, so we were very pleased that we managed to have a full week there. It is right on the beach and it's great to get up in the morning and open the curtain to see the sun rise over the sea. Wikipedia states that Collingwood is "located in the hub of the Aorere Valley, in the western half of the Golden Bay area." The hub of Aorere Valley means that there is 1 pub and 1 local grocery shop! I think we saw the grand total of 8 people when we were there! (Although when we went to the pub to watch the rugby it certainly did seem to be "the hub" of the area!! There was least 25 people!) The Batch is set up very well with all the basics including wood etc for the fire. We were very cosy. We had a great week relaxing, walking, cycling, reading, playing scrabble. fishing, entertaining (Scott and Claire came for tea!), doing jigsaws, playing darts (darts board in the living room) and exploring places we hadn't been before.
The weather was great with only 1 wet day which allowed us to finsh the jigsaw! All in all a great wqinter break - can't wait to go again.
For our winter holiday in July, Tom managed to book the DOC batch in Collingwood in Goldenbay. The Batch is just the most relaxing place to stay, but demand during school holidays is always high, so we were very pleased that we managed to have a full week there. It is right on the beach and it's great to get up in the morning and open the curtain to see the sun rise over the sea. Wikipedia states that Collingwood is "located in the hub of the Aorere Valley, in the western half of the Golden Bay area." The hub of Aorere Valley means that there is 1 pub and 1 local grocery shop! I think we saw the grand total of 8 people when we were there! (Although when we went to the pub to watch the rugby it certainly did seem to be "the hub" of the area!! There was least 25 people!) The Batch is set up very well with all the basics including wood etc for the fire. We were very cosy. We had a great week relaxing, walking, cycling, reading, playing scrabble. fishing, entertaining (Scott and Claire came for tea!), doing jigsaws, playing darts (darts board in the living room) and exploring places we hadn't been before.
The weather was great with only 1 wet day which allowed us to finsh the jigsaw! All in all a great wqinter break - can't wait to go again.
Friday, 23 May 2008
Richmond Athletic
Richmond Athletic
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Niall's first full game in the Men's team. Richmond Athletic versus Motueka. I hard, physical game but he enjoyed it just the same. They lost .....just!
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Ziggy
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Niall finally got his wish for a pet last Christmas - he decided on a rabbit and named him Ziggy. He is a lovely bunny but as expected the novelty has rubbed off a bit and its Fiona who seems to do the cleaning out more often than not.
Niall finally got his wish for a pet last Christmas - he decided on a rabbit and named him Ziggy. He is a lovely bunny but as expected the novelty has rubbed off a bit and its Fiona who seems to do the cleaning out more often than not.
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