I trust you are ready and able to make the journey to the dam or up to the forest edge along Kathy's Way because with the sun shining and the warm air it's very inviting to be in the outdoors.
I realise that work goes on here with the thought of a new development at the top of the ridge above the house where pines were felled 3 years ago so it's time of a shelter there, a bucket toilet and a water supply for an overnight stay in a tent. We will need to improve the track through the bush but there is access up the ridge.... so come and help us get the site prepared if you dare to climb, and climb up the steep track... views are amazing. We would love to assist you in understanding the forest.. point out flowering orchids and trees and of course tell the history of the place we live.
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After discussions with our insurance provider and others in the Government Business support who then transferred me to a Health and Safety advisor we have decided that the best option for walkers for payment is to ask for a donation for the track maintanence that is payable to The Deborah Charitable Trust by cash or online banking.
There is already a box at the entrance so please use this or take note of the bank details found in the box If you wish to take a guided tour option for 3 hours approximately with or without refreshments we are willing to do this, also for a donation. Our request is that your read and acknowledge the safety signs and sign in your name and other relevant details for the day. Please phone, email or txt us for permission for freedom walking as we can update you on the condition of the track or others using it on the day. What a privilege to go for 2 nights, part of my birthday celebration, to be in such a wonderful environment of restoration of vegetation and see the numbers of birds around the lodge and bush, including the small spotted kiwi on 2 nights after dark.
That gives me motivation to keep up with pest control. Trapping for stoats and baiting for rats. It was good to see the muzzled dogs checking to see if any rats are on the island, there were none on this visit. It was an interesting find for me on the top track to the lookout... some corybas / spider orchids / in flower. Robins, korero, small spotted kiwi, kaka, piwakawaka, tui, saddlebacks, takahe, pukeko and the sea birds were there to see. Rain over 3 days, over 150 ml meant water tables need checking and possible slipping on the dam track so a long walk with a friend meant that water is now draining away as I used a grubber to clean out the water tables. It was worth the visit with the sounds of rushing water all around us, puddles to splash in and the joy of reaching the dam, our destination.
We have been spending the Heritage Fund grant from KCDC we are with new signage including ones for safety and Charlie Arcus and the Corrigan Homestead sign. These last 2 from the BannerExpress company in Auckland. It is important to join with others increasing the area covered with new bait stations and traps with the effort being made by us here, hopefully with help from volunteers. It is an ongoing journey in conversation with DOC representatives I talked with at the Fielddays at Mystery Creek. There are new types of traps being developed as seen at the No 8 Wire innovation section of the field day.
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