Mt Grey

I finally did my mountain! With the help of my mom and Mr B I walked to the top of  Mt Grey.  The way up was slippery, not ideal climbing conditions at all. However, I much preferred it down there once we arrived at the top. There was so much wind and no shelter. To make matters worse the top wasn't as close as we thought it'd be once we came out of the trees. After a grueling trudge to the actual top we waited for a bit, snacking on some food. We then found a road down, a much nicer way compared to the sloped path that twisted, no surface to really grip to. We ate lunch, then began our trek down. We finally arrived back to the car at 4 PM. The trip was fun, don't get me wrong, climbing up mountains isn't at all my strong suit.

Kayaking

On the 9th of November all of the Yr 8's, including myself, went all the way to Christchurch for kayaking. I was placed in a group that I would remain with for the rest of the day. The day moved quickly, with us all trying to steer our kayaks properly and ending up bumping into others anyway. During one of our activities we had to stand up in our kayak, it turns out that I have terrible balance because as soon as I tried I promptly fell into the water. Though, I redeemed myself later in the day by successfully standing up. It was at the end of the day when my favourite part occurred, Jack and Eb had decided that pushing a kayak down the bank, while in it, would be great fun. After failing in a few of their first attempts I was called to help. I proceeded to spend the majority of the time left pushing other people in kayaks, though I did get a turn myself.

Overall, I had a blast kayaking and now it's safe to say I've finished all my WPCA Activities. 

Lake Daniels

Lake Daniels*

It all started with the long drive, winding and hurtling down roads. Not quite racing to our starting point. It was an amusing car ride to say the least, and I was getting excited as we drove on. It was around 5-6 when we arrived and began piling food onto our flimsy plates. The looks on everyone's face when we found the pasta was still warm is still etched into my memory.

Once we'd all finished and Westport arrived we were split up (much to my dismay) into two groups. However, it mildly redeemed itself when I noticed I had Haylley, Anna, Brooklyn and Hayato to keep me company. This is when the painful yet hilarious trek in the dark started.

At first the path was easy to spot, no need for the headlamps and torches we had put on earlier in preparation. This was also when we weren't getting pain in our feet or bored enough to start up games. It was then I decided to complete the challenge we had been given. We were to find someone (we didn't know, so sadly I couldn't pull a trick) and learn 3 facts about them.

I found Coral and discovered her and her mother came from england when she was 16, her favorite track is the Heffy because the scenery changes and she knew a girl who winged her entire speech and got through. It turned out later that no one would check of we actually did it.

It was a few minutes after that, that the Boredom settled in. And the chaotic singing erupted from our little cluster, which I can say proudly, was at the very front of everybody. All through the track we were belting out lyrics, and singing off key. We were running off of the adrenaline that came with the very loud, very out of tune songs. It was a blur for most of the track, except when we were filmed doing our little haka.

My feet were beginning to hurt, the ache setting in as we settled into walking along a flat path. It was just as we were starting to voice our complaints when we heard the sound of ducks. The normally irritating noise, I figured out, meant we were likely near a source of Water. A Lake to be more precise. Mere seconds later our little section was sprinting towards the sight of a cabin.

After snacking on some food, I decided that this was definitely enough for one day. Sadly, I was the one of few who did that. Everyone else kept on talking and talking.

Then, magically produced by the power of sleep, it was morning! And we all very slowly woke up. I quickly consumed y up and go, along with some of food before choosing a spot on the bench. After I had claimed said spot Lachlan, Jack and EB made an appearance. Absolutely soaking wet. They had. Either bravely or due to some bad choices had decided to go into the lake.

More Walking occurred. Jokes were said. Things were lost. Those things were found. We walked faster. We met some men with brooms. Then the trees stopped.

We had finished. Technically.

*Doesn't include the Lewis Pass

Community Service

I am glad to announce I have completed my twenty hours of community service. And more.

First I must say that starting it early on was amazing advice given to me by the previous Yr 8's. It's a great feeling to have nearly everything you need to do done by Term three. I get Term four off! If anyone was to ask me advice about Community service starting early would most definitely be my answer.

I got most of it done at the library in Rangiora, by shelving books and blacking out the tags on books they were giving away. It was great to give back to them especially since I get books out frequently. I also used the chance given to me by the school to do Rotary Club. Time flew by really quickly when I was in charge of the stove. Although my face almost got burnt a few times! I plan on adding a few more hours to achieve my goal of 46 hours at the end of the year. I think I might cook for the local church, where they'll give it away to those who can't cook for themselves.

I hope others found this as rewarding as I did. I feel grateful that I was given the opportunity to give back.

Ropes Day

Ropes Day

I’m not sure about how I felt before we started climbing, or before our team building games for that matter. Most of my attention was focused on the high ropes course, half of which was suspended and swing in the breeze. I vaguely remember feeling anxious and a slightly excited but I'm blaming both of those emotions on adrenaline.

Thankfully the didn't just shove a harness in our direction and send us up the climbing wall. They only sent us up the climbing nightmares later. First we had to split into groups and play some games based around teamwork and trust. I enjoyed most of them, the rope swing one wasn't too bad in the end except for the fact your personal bubble was not considered.

Now, after we had eaten, they gave us a detailed explanation on how to out our harness on correctly, placing a big emphasis on the ‘do it right or you'll severely injure yourself part’. Or maybe that was just me. Then we put on our helmets (mine wasn't as secure as I would have hoped but it finally tightened) and watched a quick belaying tutorial by the instructors.

Now, I only have time to share one climbing wall in detail so picked by random I'll be doing The Vertical Terror Playground.

It started with a pole, the holds a decent space apart and it looked easy enough and when Ellen said an adult could stabilize it I shrugged it off as it being a slightly wobbly. Until I put my foot on it and it started swaying and twisting as I climbed up higher. My favourite part of the whole climb was the next one I came across on my journey upwards. A totally stable, unmoving, held in place by strong wood, simple climbing wall. Although one of the vital hand holds was slippery and near impossible to grip I made it up surprisingly quickly.

Then it was on to a wooden X with hand holds scattered on it, I used more of the structure than the intended holds though. Next on the treacherous towering object was a net, I personally believe it was designed to torment me. I hung there clinging to the rope and struggling to grasp the red seat above me. Eventually though I managed to swing my leg over and grab the elusive rope that I used to haul myself up. Then I was travelling back down, bumping along the obstacles that I had previously struggled to pass.

After completing many courses both similar and different to the first one I conquered, we began to head back to school. I went home with many bruises, a set of sore arms and a bang to my head. And some good memories.

Rakahuri Rage

Rakahuri Rage

The main thing I remember about Rakahuri Rage, a traumatic six hour bike race, is the heat. Boiling sun pounding down onto my back as I pedaled as fast as I could, which wasn't very fast. Before I get too carried away though, I'll start from the beginning.

Unlike many serene mornings where you sleep in just a bit and wake up to people chattering quietly, or waking up to the sun on your face (it's proven to actually make you happier), I was woken up more abruptly. The sound of my mom yelling if I'm trying to be precise. I'm probably exaggerating but I was tired, oh so very tired. But all was forgiven once she uttered the word ‘food’.

After polishing off my plate and gulping down some water I was still tired pumped up and ready to go. Once I changed into my ‘professional’ biking gear (my WPCA top and some ten dollar shorts) I was off. To the couch. Trying to regain those precious minutes of potential sleep that had been ripped from me. Sadly, my attempt at a nap failed when I opened up my phone to many notifications, too many.

What felt to be only a minute later I was getting into a car, alongside my enemy. The bike. Once we arrived to the crowded car park I got out my bike and started to wheel it towards the infinite sea of gazebos, I was almost sure that I would get lost and meet some weird bike related doom, when Holly M called out to me. My friend in shining sports gear.

I gently lay my bike down onto grass as I stepped past a row of cars and was met with excited chatter. The time flew quickly and after what seemed mere moments we were sitting front row to the briefing. Yay. After the not-boring-at-all briefing we were sent back to our little set up, before being redirected to the starting line. I felt like a sheep being herded but it was better than me being a lone wolf and getting trampled by bikes.

Next thing I know we're being placed in front of the sea of impatient cyclists. I wasn't convinced it was necessary, and thought I was about to be attacked by numerous wheels, chains and pedals. But happily, we were repositioned on the sidelines to do a little countdown, not that the front bikers paid any mind to us. We were at two and someone took off, which was like a chain reaction.

I searched the bikers as they zoomed past, but didn't manage to spot one of my two teammates. I was pretty sure she was going to fast for me to register. So proud. Then I found myself back at the site waiting, quite content to be doing so. Not even twenty minutes later, Holly came barreling through the transition zone, preparing to tag Piper. Then in a gush of wind, and a lot of cheering Piper was off. Captain America not so far behind (favorite costume of the day)!

In a flash (and after I ate some more) Piper was back and I begrudgingly took off onto the grass. The extremely annoying grass. After a few bumps and crossing the road I was in the forest, making the most of the shade. After what seemed an eternity I had the race course in my sights, Hayato getting smaller as he raced along in front of me. Then I was coming down the stretch of grass, the gazebos clear now. After skidding around a corner and searching for my peers, I came crashing past the tape and tagged the awaiting Holly, who promptly took off.

The following laps followed the same pattern. Holly speeding (pretty sure she went dangerously fast), Piper being the sane one who went at a moderate pace, which was actually pretty fast if you consider it. Then me, going as fast as my legs could possibly go, which was slow. Although I did cut off ten percent of my time on my second lap and made it over two hills I couldn't get up previously.

Then after all of that hard work and painful pedaling. I was done! Finally I could sit down without having to get back up to cycle the excruciatingly long track. I could say something else dramatic like ‘This was freedom’ or ‘never again shall we face this horror’ but just writing about it is exhausting. So to conclude my adventure I will make my last paragraph about the joys of Ice cream.

Now, after all of that I deserved something delicious, so the obvious choice was Ice Cream. So after I got the money off my mom, that she gave willingly…..I went with Piper and Holly to the truck. My ice cream was a one (technically two) scoop cookies and cream with bounty and Kit Kat mixed in.

THE DAY HAD FINALLY FINISHED!!!

10KM Walk

10 Km Walk

Guess what I did! I ran *drumroll* Tweeeeelve kilometers! And I, along with you, am still wondering how I didn't fall over during this excruciatingly long walk. However, I was victorious in completing this walk that was two km over what I had to do.

I go over and beyond :D

I didn't do the walk alone though, at the start I was walking along with Hayato, Zoe and Riely. Then we split up and I continued walking as fast as I could with Zoe. I was very grateful that she stayed with me at my sloth pace. Given that my speed wasn't too fast though.

I got overtaken by a woman pushing a pram and holding a toddler. She was made of pure determination, she had to be. After the tiring fun run/walk we made it to the end and I sprinted. As fast as I possibly could, I nearly tripped over as I sped up to pass the finish line.

Then I got……...CHURROS! The best dessert you can consume (almost) although I have a feeling it was just sugar. Caramel sauce and Sugar and cinnamon smothered onto a sugary deep fried dough. It doesn't sound nearly as good when I describe it to myself.

Then it was off to my house, and I had a couch with my name on it waiting for me. Don't worry though because next year I'll be doing it again.

Again. I don't think that's registered yet....

Hawdon Hut

Hawdon Hut

Day One

I must say that one of my favorite parts of this trip, had to be the driving.

Me and Haylley had a sing-along session to Dolly Parton, which she was amazing in and I on the other hand was filed under tone deaf. I gave Holly P a few frights, by pulling somewhat creepy faces at her, to which she responded to by laughing; loudly. Then there's the sudden dance party outside the van, which was me getting Haylley to dance with me. The ride also, may or may not have involved a beat boxing (like a sheep) contest that I was surprisingly experienced in.

Add in some impromptu dance moves, an intriguing discussion on Maths and Emma getting a name change. I was definitely in my element, and this was just on the way there. I was pumped for the tramp, I'd somehow used up all that nervous energy; I wonder how?

Already having exerted most of my energy keeping myself occupied during the ride, a few doubts crept into my train of thought. What if I fell over? What if I broke my pack (which did happen) They were soon washed away though. Quite literally actually. My attention was turned to the cold, refreshing water of the first river. I remember stepping in and my socks stopped the water. In those few moments I had nice, dry and warm feet.

It didn’t last long though.

My shoes were soon soaked but I had to now focus on crossing with the rest of my group. Mainly the staying upright part. Luckily, I didn’t fall over, though I had a few close calls. Then we were back on our way, tramping over rocky terrain. The next hour or so was me just keeping up with my friends as I got used to the pace. Soon, though I had enough momentum to keep up and maintain a somewhat entertaining conversation.

At some point though everyone slowly began to realize, we hadn’t seen a river for a while. Then we noticed that our water bottles were almost depleted. There were the few lucky ones, I was one, who still had a decent amount. People were getting dehydrated. We even imagined we heard the sound of running water at some stage.

The running water was a lie.

Then when we were all on the verge of insanity, Benj tipped out all his water onto the ground. Just because it was warm. After a short scream attack from our water deprived selves we continued on our torturous journey. Eventually though we saw a river; we were no longer trusting our hearing. Running towards it we soon arrived at our glorious destination (Looking back, running might have not been the smartest idea).

After filling our bottles to the very brim, we dived under the refreshing water. It was cold but I didn’t really care. After swimming a bit more and making a few jokes we started to settle down. I sat myself on a warm rock near the river to dry. We all then put our packs back on, and continued up the river bed. We climbed up between two rocks, which I was about as graceful as a fish out of water doing.

Soon we arrived at the hut and got settled. Next we were at the river and Lachlan and I were seeing who could go the longest without getting wet. I am proud to say I won. Though this lead to me being behind Benj as we walked back.

Everyone else was back at camp and I assumed Benj saw which way they went. So when I stepped next to a massive rock that I didn’t remember seeing I got slightly suspicious. Shrugging it off I remained calm until Benj started to panic.

First it was a continuos “We might be lost” “Did we pass that on the way here?” then Benj thought he saw a large black animal. Finally, by far the biggest red flag was a massive river cutting off the path in front of us. Which we most definitely hadn’t crossed.

Benj’s Plan Of Attack:

Put on my other shoe

re-tie the laces

panic

My Plan Of Attack:

Figure out which way we had come from

prevent Benj from getting us even more lost (So, leave him)

find the way out

I think mine was pretty effective as ten minutes later I came stomping out of the woods, Benj walking slowly behind me. Turns out no one had noticed we were even gone.

Next was the boulder hopping. Now some would argue I fell over loads and was inexperienced. I would say my shirt toppled with me in it and that I was great at calculating angles on which to jump. Since mine uses better words, to me it's clear that I won that argument. I spent the rest of the night talking with the other year 8’s. And laughing of course!

Photos

The First River Crossing (Goodbye Dry Feet)

Cooling Down &  Slowly Regaining My Sanity

Taking a break Photo Opportunity

That Water Was My New Life Source

Day Two

After a horrendous night of sleep which included: tossing and turning, strong winds, the wind opening our door, a person opening our door, someone leaving a window open and extreme thirst; I finally heard someone's alarm go off. As I’d already been awake due to the lack of comfort I waited a while before the others woke.

Once they all did, I slipped down the ladder, more literally than I prefer. I eyed my mess of a pack that I had hurled things at the previous day before bed. A sigh escaped my lips as I repacked it all at snail pace. After what seemed to be eternity Brooklyn and Anna called me to taste their masterpiece.

Which I might have drowned in sugar.

Then I drowsily started up a conversation which turned into the best part of my morning, seeing as it improved my irritable mood. Slightly happier, I wandered outside and made my way to the edge that overlooked the river. I stayed there, talking until we were about to set off. On yet another loooooong day.

Placing the pack back on, I could feel the weight considerably weighing me down. I also came to realize I’d completely lost all concept of time. However the sugar was in effect and I found enough energy to sluggishly move forward. I stayed in this tired and slow daze until the first rays of sunlight hit me on my face. Which was around 12 or 11 since the mountains annoyingly blocked it out.

My pace remained slow but I happily walked along, behind the group today. I distracted myself from the straining on my legs by running writing scenarios through my head. Soon enough we hit the river bed, the sun heating up rapidly.

Up ahead I spotted a big river and a smile stretched across my face.

Cool, refreshing water. So when the opportunity presented myself I started to walk downstream in the water.

Sadly, I soon reached the other side (after falling down) and I spotted the rest stop. Pleased I’d survived this far I picked up my pace until I rejoined Holly M and Piper. After another quick river crossing we caught a glimpse of the main road in the distance. The cars travelling across it miniature from our point of view.

This was great incentive to keep up though and I soon found myself walking up the final hill! Only stopping once; which was to look at a butterfly before that. I finally came to where we’d stop to eat lunch, which was music to my ears. I ate speedily, finally feeling full I took my well deserved rest.

Then we were off to our next adventure….

Cave Stream

and I couldn’t wait!

Cave stream

After the quick drive to the cave we all hopped out, tired from the walk but adrenaline pumping. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as we grouped up. Walking along in the heat in thermals felt as though it was the challenge, but soon we stared into the what we could only assume was a cold abyss, as the water refused to give away it’s depth. Three groups at a time. That’s how we would start, huddled in our group within a group.

As we began, the loud yells and high pitch screams (Benj) answered the unspoken question on it’s temperature. Others looked warly at the water as I stepped towards it once more. Following after the person in front of me I sucked in a breath and submerged my foot. Unlike my peers, who were shouting and nervously laughing, I kept a straight face.

I would call it a poker face, but I’m terrible at card games.

After everyone shouted about how cold it was, and I found a sturdy place to stand we were quickly briefed on what to do. Then we set off, deeper and deeper. My eyes scanned around, taking in the rugged look of the rocks. The running water prevented you from gathering how deep it was when you took a step, which resulted in a few stumbles. We continued up stream, my mind wandering as we walked further.

Eventually we came to a point where we all had to turn off our headlights. As the last one faded off we were consumed into darkness. It was as if an ebony blanket had smothered all the details, leaving nothing but pitch black. After a few seconds of silence and darkness, the lights slowly flickered on.

Once we’d finished our little moment in the dark we continued. With surprising ease I completed the walk, reaching the end area with just enough time to take in the view. The metal rungs looked slick with water but I could tell they’d be easy enough to grip.

I spotted a small little waterfall in the corner, someone deciding to stand under it. It reminded me of when EB and Holy had gone under. I slipped off my helmet and my torch and gave them To Holly M standing beside me. I took in a breath before submerging my head under the refreshing water.

After crawling along the small ledge, slightly concerned of its width as I did so, I joined the others in a small pool. I clung to a rock, it being warm, the polar opposite of me. Soon we had to leave and I must say I was a little disappointed. I never thought I’d have so much fun on a two day tramp, and a walk through cave stream.

Did you have fun?

Of Course, It was great I enjoyed it to it’s fullest.

Would you do it again?

...

It’s in the process of being considered.