Penguin Rescue Update

A beach in the Abel Tasman national park

​Hello friends and family
I have enjoyed an amazing holiday with the family and am ready for the new season.
My trip began in the Abel Tasman national park. We did a 3-day tramp, (really a glamp!) returning to a palace each night and going to the pub for tea. We managed our interactions with the rain, the last day was sunny, and we saw lots more people on the track. A beautiful experience.

beautiful bush scenes

​Then I went to the Mount. Activities there included a hot spa every morning and yummy food. I caught up with all my siblings and did several beach walks. Our efforts at the pub quiz were average – this resulted in winning a pizza. 

The Weka's added humour to our 3 day tramp

​Next, I went to Hahei and enjoyed the beach there. My last destination was Thames where we visited Raewyn, who is as cheerful as ever. 

A heron nesting in a tree in Thames

​Pauline picked me up from the plane and cooked me breakfast. I was on the road home by 9:30am on Tuesday. I was on the trip home when I got a call from Robbie – the freezer had broken down. All the contents, about a cubic meter had gone rotten and the smell was disgusting.

The Spotted shag chicks are growing fast

​By the time I got home, a plan was in place and, Robbie and I loaded the rotten fish and meat onto a truck, from where it was taken away and buried. I hosed out the freezer and called the repair man. He came the next day to begin the repairs. Now we wait.

Pair bonding is full time work for these penguins

​The first penguin eggs of the season were found last Sunday, and now we have 20. The penguins have made changes to partners, or nest boxes, and are settling in for the long incubation. The first chicks are due at the end of October.

Spring had sprung when I got home

Yesterday was our Penguin Rescue AGM at the Moeraki Hall. The committee has agreed to continue for another year. The guest speaker was Jo Willet, who spoke about an exciting eco-sanctuary being developed behind Hampden. Their block includes mature native trees and she generously offered seedlings, of which they have many.
Have a great week!
Rosalie