Sunday 30th May 2021

As beautiful as ever

​Hello friends and family
I have closed my landline so the only phone I have now is my cell phone. Only a few people used my landline, and it was costing me up to $40 a month – I always call on my cell phone these days.

Feeding time. The pups are very active in the colonies

​I have just had a great trip up to the north island. I started in Auckland for the WReNNZ conference held at the zoo. There were 70 delegates and many wonderful speakers. That took up the first 2 days and then on the Sunday, Daniel and I went to Tiritirimatangi where he is a volunteer. This is a conservation Island in the Hauraki Gulf. We had a magical day with many native bird species to be seen and bright sunshine with no wind.

note the tui underneath trying to get a feed

​On the Monday, after talking to year 13 Biology Class, I caught the bus to Thames where Paul and I visited Raewyn. She is always an inspiration with her great outlook on life and wonderful stories. After that we went to Paul and Jen’s place at Hahei where I stayed for 4 nights. While I was there, I walked to Cathedral cave and the Blowhole. This was to walk off the wonderful food I ate! We also went to Whitianga and cruised the canals that are all new since I was there last.

Cathedral cove does not dissapoint

​On the Friday, Paul took me to the Mount so I could stay at Maria and Bryan’s place. More yummy food and as a bonus, I got to catch up with all my siblings at once. We went out to dinner at the village, and everyone was very impressed with the delicious food and flash surroundings. I got up before the sparrows on Tuesday morning and Bryan delivered me to the airport for a 6 am flight home. This enabled me to make a submission to the Waitaki District Council 10-year plan in the afternoon and get home to feed the 2 penguins in care.

Keryn, Michael, Richard and me.

On Thursday the team came out and we began the big winter clean, which involves removing the rocks from the pens, lifting the grates and cleaning the concrete below. After sterilizing, everything is put back ready for next season. In the afternoon, Lindsey, Robbie and Margie rescued a penguin from Kakanui that was on a dog walking path.
Then the rain started. We have only had 10 mm so far, but it is still grey.
Have a great week!
Rosalie