A worthwhile project...

Today we were handed over by the manager to a guy named Mike who wore VERY short shorts. He is in charge of pest control and the introduction of the Weka to the area. Weka are a flightless native bird to New Zealand that faced close extinction and reintroduction has been taking place over the past six years to provide a safe environment to grow within. Part of this was building 4 aviaries in a small area near to the workshop. They have since fallen into disrepair and need to be taken down. It was also great to hear this as it meant that the reintroduction programme has been beneficial and worked, and that the Weka have done well enough to live on in the native bush and surrounding are of the camp.
Tough work pulling down the aviaries took a lot of time and picky work. We had to dissemble the netting, chicken wires, take down the doors, pull out the support pegs and metal supports. It was difficult as we had to work to keep as much of the materials as possible reuseable. The chicken wire in particular was difficult as it was dug deeply into the ground, and the netting to cover the top of the pens had been grown through by trees, plants, shrubs, grass and weeds, and for one pen in particular, was near impossible to tear away from the ground. After toiling with the work, we had again completed a task. After this we were set out to walk some of the trap lines around the camp, checking for kills and rebating. The DOC150 traps have been designed to capture rodents - rats, stoats, ferrets. It's a part of the Weka protection, but also helps keep the area - used as a vast campground in summer, free from these animals which destroy and tear into rubbish, and food.
We set off around the southern part of the camp in the afternoon, completing several traps. I couldn't get too near as the smell emitted from some was gag-inducing, but enjoyed the afternoon walk greatly.
Back to the lodge, a shower, and homemade tortilla pizzas. After this we headed out on a tramp to a firepit near the beach. Mark taught us from scratch how to build a fire using his steel firestarters and petroleum cotton. It took a few attempts but we got it going - time to toast marshmallows!! Yummy!!
Even with the fire we were all a bit cold, and Mark introduced a new game! We are such kids and thrive at the opportunity for competitive fun! It was called creep up jack. It worked using a torch, with the main person stood away for the group. As it was dark, the group had to work to creep up on the torch bearer until they turn the light on, and BAM you have to stand still as stone. If you are seen, you are sent back to the starting point. It was great fun, incredibly difficult, and passes the time. I enjoyed the evening greatly and rashes into my sleeping bag, falling fast asleep as soon as my head hit the mouldy mattress.