Part II

Where have you been? No No No, where are you going?

Who knew 3 months could fly by. Ferris Bueller was right. If you look closely in this blog post (last one for a few weeks probably, you'll find the videos I've been meaning to post, yes VIDEO, Finally)

Before our adventure


Swimming/Watering Hole


Chillax


The only way is UP


Turn around every now and then

Hop Scotch

I've officially completed my projects with ISV and my oh my what an adventure it has been already.

Before pictures at Lynley Park

The last group planted over 5000 trees in 4 days at Joyce Rd Bird Sanctuary and also at Lynley Park. We also weeded an entire hill side of wottel an wooly night shade (invasives) and helped release plants that were planted by ISV the year before.

After Pictures at Lynley Park


The only way to go is UP

The participants also got to participate in finding bait lines and bait stations used against rats. This involved following existing lines and markers through the bush, quite the experience for them.

Waiting on the bait

Fun Fact Vid #1


Fun Fact Vid #2

As for community development we worked with a primary school, teaching the students the importance of planting trees and conservation of the habitat that was around them while also sharing a little about where we were from. The students then showed us how rugby is really played. Of everyone, I got a gashed foot, another one of the participants sprained their ankle and another a black eye. The school kids, just fine.

Planting trees with Primary School Students

Answering questions


Man Down

We also worked with members of Avalon, a center where people with disabilities (both physical and mental) come to rehabilitate and show that they can contribute to the world just as well or even better than able-bodied people. We potted over 500 plants in less than an hour and then got to watch them perform a circus routine for us; afterwards we got to go up and try some of the activities ourselves, quite a fun time had by all.

Spinning and balancing plates

The last night involved a concert put on by the Marae and one we put on in return. I have to say that the last group really came together and put on the best show I've seen in all the projects. We had songs: Bohemian Rhapsody, Lean on me, "In the bush" a remake of "In the jungle," comedy acts and even shadow puppet show; we ended the night by all singing "Lean on Me."

Found us a good ole fashioned watering hole

After dropping the last group off at the airport I was on my own. It has truly been a great experience volunteering and getting to meet people from all over the world. There have been funny times, times when I felt a little low, other times a little sick, but it was all part of the experience. To see the difference we can make as a group of volunteers it keeps me going and it makes me want to go out in the world and do more. Sure NZ is smaller than most countries but there's so much to offer and there are good people here doing good things.

Rocking out near the Mount #1

As for now I am on my own trying to figure out where to go and what to do. For the next few months I'll be wwoofing and volunteering wherever I can. I don't have a car or a bicycle (though I may purchase a bicycle sooner or later), but I do have that sense of adventure and the urge to learn more. I'm going to start by learning more about organic farming, foods and principles.

Rocking out Vid #2

From there who knows, maybe I'll stay here even longer, maybe the Indo Pacific/Asia, maybe the moon? Well either way I hope you are all doing something that makes you happy and that the summer is treating you with nice weather wherever in the world you may be. Take the time to smile each day and remember to take some time out for yourself. Go out and walk in the park, go find a hiking trail somewhere, hit the beach, take a stroll with your dog, run around and play soccer or frisbee, read a book under a tree on top of a hill, whatever you d o be sure to never forget the simple things.

Going our separate ways for now, that is until they plan a reunion ;)

Until next time, whenever that is that I get internet access (could be a few weeks-months), I wish you all the best and hope to stay in touch with everyone, be safe, have fun, smile,

Cheers,
Ty

P.S.

"Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."