As responsible caring parents, Claire and I respect that Grandparents require us to go elsewhere if they are to maximise their grandchild cuddles. Indeed this is the only reason Claire and I yeeted* the boy at Claire's folks and took off for a half day walk at St Arnaud; the Mt Robert Circuit. Mt Robert... Continue Reading →
Improving grip on a Hape toy train
At the moment I am excited by small things. The greatest of which is my wee son, and of course, playing with his train set. Which is really for me. A while back we bought the K-mart wooden train set. It was cool, but I got bored quickly and discovered an electric train that runs... Continue Reading →
The shot not taken
Game trails diverged among the dense trees, And sorry I couldn’t stalk both And hunt it all, I paused to freeze Looked down past my knees And spotted fresh sign in the undergrowth. My mind aroused, I scanned both ahead, To assess which to attend my aim, Searching for what prints could be read; Though... Continue Reading →
Graces Stream Campsite: memories, closures and DOCs struggle with recreation
There's a hidden gem of a camping spot in the Wellington region. It's 'wild bush camping', but safe, easy and accessible. With no set sites or vehicle access, it's a proper adventure as you pick your camp among the trees and collect water from the stream. Your nervous mates can test their mettle and gear... Continue Reading →
Moodle Quiz – only answer previously incorrect questions on second attempt
Been a while since I did anything worth writing down technically, but this might be handy for people. I'm making a robust assessment with the Moodle Quiz activity. It needs to be user-friendly, so if someone fails, we want them to only have to re-answer the questions they got wrong. I had to bail on... Continue Reading →
Tramp: Papatahi Hut loop via Whakanui tracks (no retracing steps!)
A solo fitness test to stay with family at Papatahi hut on a wet weekend has me looping the Whakanui tracks on this beautiful route, one of the best in the Remutaka Forest Park.
Reflections on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II was inoffensive. Her most remarkable feature appears to be how she kept her thoughts to herself for seventy years. The people of the UK were desperate to know. What does our leader think? We have our politicians throwing conflicting bullshit at each other - what does our national heart think? While she... Continue Reading →
Electoral review
The NZ Government is doing an independent electoral review at the moment, and public submissions are open until 14th November 2022. I thought I would write in with my submission, and share it here. I think my opinion is right obviously (at time of writing anyway). Since the current system favours the major parties I... Continue Reading →
Tramp: High Ridge loop, Tararuas
Three of us head out on an impromptu two-night loop adventure along high ridge - the seductive ridge SW of Powell Hut - with a wooden sign and not much else. "You guys free this weekend?" I asked. Fortune smiles and it's a yes from both Loretta and Nick, so we organise to head out... Continue Reading →
Fixing a piezo igniter – flint gas stove fix
If you have a piezo ignition on your gas stove and don't understand its magic, googling how to fix it might not help you like it just did with me. Fortunately one random YouTube comment saved my day, so here's something to help future folks. My Soto WindTalker gas stove has been wonderfully reliable for... Continue Reading →
Tramp: Makakahi River and Kaiparoro to Roaring Stag
Kaiparoro to Roaring Stag from Makakahi River, Tararua Range 27/11/2021 A trip of pain and pleasure, our party of five take the little-traveled off-track hard route to Roaring Stag via Kaiaporo from the Makakahi River roadend. Do we regret it? Leaving Wellington at a leisurely ~7:30am, four of us blat over the hill and meet... Continue Reading →
Tramp: Te Mara Blue Range Mikimiki loop daywalk
Te Mara / Mikimiki daywalk loop 03.10.2021 A bunch of Bushcraft Wellington Meetup folks camp and tramp a daywalk loop on the eastern Tararuas similar to the popular western Tararua Kapakapanui circuit. We are Mich, Mark, Hannah, Hannah (they can decide who's first) Mike, Alain, Loretta, Ange, Nick and I. We head over the Remutaka... Continue Reading →