Tuesday 26 February 2013

Continuing Drought

The dry continues, the bush is beginning to look stressed and it is difficult to keep the garden going.  Water restrictions are in place 6-8 am and pm on alternate days, we must keep to these restrictions as the lake level is low. It is possible to walk around the lake edge to Omori at present and the rocks on the Pukawa Point make a good fishing spot.
Speaking of fishing the Pukawa Stream has been fishing extremely well after dark.  If nightime fishing appeals you are sure to be rewarded.
Easter would be a good time to prepare for the invasion of rats and mice who move into buildings in the Autumn, mice are already being caught in houses.
The birds have gone quiet, little wonder in the heat. The highest temperature I recorded was 40 degrees with 38 degrees common, even yesterday it was 35 degrees but the nights are cooler and signs of Autumn are appearing.

Monday 11 February 2013

The Tall Trees of Pukawa.


THE TALL TREES OF PUKAWA.
Who would embrace the earth?
As we do.
Brothers and sisters all.
Standing shoulder to shoulder.
In times past, from the mountains to the sea.
Giants are we, and remnants of Giants.
Our once proud march challenged by none.
Who would embrace the earth, speak to the stars, and count
the rising and setting of the sun and the moon?
Who would know of these things if not us?
Children of Man, you are so often wilful and destructive and ignorant.
From whence shall you draw you wisdom if not from us?
Will you listen to the voice of the wind?
Does it not sing loudly enough in our branches?
If you cannot hear that song then surely the grass must whisper in vain.
Grow into your wisdom, for that is your purpose.
Grow into your wisdom and open your hearts.
Speak to the tall trees and we will tell you many things.
For we are Brothers and Sisters all
And we share the way.

D.R.Stanley.

Sunday 3 February 2013

Rain

We had a wonderful steady rain this morning, 15 mls in the rain gauge.
It has cleared now, blowing a little but hopefully we may get more rain overnight.

Friday 1 February 2013

Quiet Birds

Our birds have gone quiet, little wonder in this heat. Few birds are seen flying and the quail who still come in to be fed quickly seek the shade.
Bush fire is an ever present concern. The undergrowth crinkles beneath my boots as I walk in the bush, tinder dry, we all need to be watchful to prevent fires.

Bizarre weather

The hottest day in Pukawa has reached 40 degrees, frequently 38 and 39 degrees have been reached but what is so strange is that we had two consecutive nights of 7 degrees and 5 degrees. I have never experienced such a swing in temperatures.