Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

What a wonderful year we have had, lots of trips to look back on.  Starting with the Jane Gifford.

Maurice Puckett from ARC showed us his stunning collection of some predators trapped at Tawaharanui. 
Visiting Warren Agnew and learning about Trakker tunnels - what did you find in your own garden?  Mice were in evidence here!

Warren and Lois separating the ink pads from the animal tracks

Lois helping KCC children make insect tracks

John looking at Agnew's weta house

Collecting rubbish on the beach at Omaha.

Some of the Collectors with a pile of rubbish

Learning about Kea in the South Island - how did your seed feeder go?

KCC children with Kea Conservation Trust members Tamsin and Lorne

Looking at Fossils at Mathesons Bay with Ian Scott.

Ian explaining the ages of the different types of rocks

And finally a trip to Tiritiri Matangi where we saw the Kokako, and Takehe, Stitchbirds, Saddlebacks and blur penguins!

Look ahead to 2011 next year there will be opportunities to snorkel at Whangateau, check traps up Mt Tamahunga, and celebrate Sea week at Tawharanui.

If you are struggling with Christmas present ideas, I can recommend the KCC site - perhaps a gift membership for cousins or friends.
Thank you to all the wonderful people we met this year.  Wishing you all a happy Christmas with your family, and we look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Warm regards
Claire McDonald and Burnette O'Connor.

On Board the Jane Gifford

On Saturday 27 February KCC members joined Forest and Bird friends and journeyed down the Mahurangi River on board the Jane Gifford. Our skipper was Mark Rothwell and also on board was Peter Thompson, part of the energetic team behind the massive restoration program for this boat.

Duncan McDonald look ahead as we depart.

Setting off on a full spring tide our two hour journey took us down as far as Dawson Creek where we turned. For many, myself included, this was our first trip on the river.  On board we recieved an introduction to the Scow and heared some of her history.  Then after a  safety briefing the boat turned and we were off.
The river curves through the mangroves, past boats moored along the way, the cement works, boat yards and some locals catching snapper for their tea.  We motored the whole way - the only option until the boat gets her rigging.  Perhaps even then she will have to motor through these mangroves anyway.

Rico Luyt on board.

Speaking with Peter Thompson it sounds like the next project on his horizon is dredging the river - without this he predicts the end to boats coming up the river.

Leah Jones on board.

We numbered around 100 people. In her prime this vessel was crewed by 2 men when fully loaded.  It is a treat to be on such a beautiful, lovingly restored vessel and I would highly recommend this journey.