Hi,
I got some late news yesterday that Shona has tested positive for covid. She is doubled vaxxed and only got her booster this week just past. She seems fine so far - I hope she doesn't pass it onto anyone. Huge hug to her\.
What a fabulous weekend. I am now going to implore anyone I meet to put visiting Maud Island on their bucket list. So pleased Iona saw it advertised and I said yes.
Andrew and I got dropped at the airport Friday by Sally - and we all enjoyed a Gorilla Burger together before Andrew and I jumped on our Sounds Air flight. Check in was easy - 7.30pm for an 8pm flight. But it did leave early. Well - we tried to get on the 7.30pm flight by mistake but they called us back from the tarmac. And our 8pm flight board about 5 mins later. We actually landed at Blenheim at 8:02pm - two mins after we were supposed to take off in Wellington. Hahahah.
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| Blenheim must be blessed with rays like that |
Iona collected us - we only had to wait for 10 mins or so. Being so early she was still at work. Hahahah.
Took us home and we weren't long out of bed. Up early for the drive to Havelock for the trip out to Maud Island. 8.15am check in at pier C at the marina. We parked outside Barb's house - but it was too early to visit. And the early check in was necessary as DoC people went over our shoes, socks, bags and pockets for any sign of dirt or grass seeds.
Everyone had to turn out pockets, empty bags, and show off their shoes. The shoes all got a brush and a spray. Andrew thought his old shoes were fine but under the tongue were quite a few seeds. That kept him busy for a while.
As we boarded (showing vaccine passes) we found the best spot on the boat. Under a wee roof, against a perfectly sloping wall/window, looking backwards, Perfect.
Gary Orchard the skipper and Marriett (the crew helper) were great hosts. Gary's family has lived in the sounds for generations. He gave great commentary all the way.
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| Selfie on the Toroa - off to visit Maud Island |
We left Havelock at 9am and tootled up Pelorus. Stopped at a few things - well, no anchoring or anything. Just slow drive bys.
Saw a mussel farm. Dillion Bell - rocky thing with birds. A lovely bay where Gary has had Christmas lunch in the past.
As we watched several birds lifted off the rock by spreading their wings to catch the wind. Majestic. Around the corner another rock had a teenage colony offshoot. As we left there, they all took off, swooping into the air behind us.
Next stop was Maud Island. We ate our lunch on the way there from the gannets - and Gary implored us to use the on-board toilet as the one on the island was pretty basic for a long drop.
We disembarked at 12.20pm and had to be back at 3.15pm for a 3.30pm departure. Nick and Jen met us (the two DoC rangers) with Theo (5 years old) and Georgia in a backpack (she might have been 2). We had a good talk from them. They have only been here 6 weeks themselves after being 3 years or so at Mana Island and before that at Kapiti. I suspect I have seen them before a few times.
They know Elly well. I said hello!
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| Just getting onto Maud Island |
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| Bio control measures |
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| Toroa about to leave and wait for us |
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| Hamilton's frog aka Maud Island frog aka "Is it really a frog"? |
The native frog is only found here - 40,000 of them. And on another island with 300. But it is an archaic species of frog. No hopping, no croaking and no webbed feet. No tadpole stage either.
Is it even a frog? Hahahah.
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| Shell from a carnivorous snail |
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| Evidence |
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| Nick tells us lots of things |
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| Giant weta |
Saw giant weta too. One was scampering the entire talk over one of the visitors. Hahah. Cute. We did a short walk (maybe a km there and back) to a gun emplacement from WW2. That was in excellent condition.
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| Gun emplacement |
Back to the jetty and onto the boat for the tootle back to Havelock. Got back at 6pm on the dot. What a long day. I may have fallen asleep on the ride back. :-p
Cauli curry for tea and then I tried to watch a documentary on Jacques Cousteau - but I fell asleep. They may have left me alone but I was on the floor where Andrew's bed folded out. Hahah.
Off to bed and a lazier morning Sunday. Headed to the market after croissant brekkie. And then back to pack a picnic for the races.
Walked over there - Sue came too. Woot. First time I have seen her for months and months. Malcom and Marion came too. Awesome day. It was trotting and pacing.
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| Iced latte at the races |
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| We watch a race |
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| Andrew succumbs to the warmth |
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| Another month or so |
Back to chill before a quick trip to the communal orchard and then dinner at the Thai place in town. Alistair and Vicki came for that too.
Up super early for the flight home. Iona was up to drive us. Col woke to say goodbye. Thank you to you both for the best weekend.
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| Blenheim airport |
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| Checks work before commute |
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| Not too shabby a commute |
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| Andrew looks back at Port Underwood |
Shared an Uber with Andrew. He did the fare split thing. And now at work for the busy week ahead. Booked my booster shot for tomorrow at lunch time. Sweet.
Enjoy your week. Take care.
Love,
Angela
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