DZP4UZQHCNHWVOB6S4HBGZFS6MBEF6X2XQ35J576X4GDSQSX7GWQC ---layout: post.htmlauthor: David Carydate: 2024-10-28title: Labour Day 2024 Newsletter---It seems like the bad weather never ends. When will summer come?Two weeks ago there was a glimmer of hope, and I headed off to Homer and the Bowen for a trap check, and then a day later to Pomona Island to service audio recorders.The sunshine was great for the few moments it was out, but the rest of the time cloud prevailed. I was grateful for the calm.Thanks to all who have been buying trapper belt pouches in which to stow the smelly stuff. Keep up the good work.I am making a new 75l Alpine pack, similar to a 65l Alpine but wider. Unfortunately I am over pack photography, so no images yet. It may be my best balanced large pack yet, very similar to a Macpac Ascent, but only 1.2kg or so.I have always made big packs somewhat grudgingly, but I need something bigger for an upcoming mission if summer ever comes. It surprised me with its niceness on a recent load carry in the rain. A new FP product.Thanks to the family that kindly waited for me to paddle into Moturau hut recently. That is the first time I have seen a customer pack in the wild (other than those owned by people I know). It was a special pack too, the second Sandwich Pack (45l) from a lifetime ago. I am frequently asked if I have changed them, the answer is no, nothing major is different.In the beginning I thought I could make a living from 35l packs like others in the UK and USA. Alas, not in NZ. We are a hard bunch. I had to make a 45l, 55l, 65l... Now there is a really big one too 75l.Get out there, and let's make the world a better place, just a little.Happy trampingDavid
---layout: post.htmlauthor: David Carydate: 2025-01-05title: Gorge River Epic---I am recently back from an epic trip to Gorge River to collect 9 audio moth recorders placed in February 2024. They recorded a 1 minute sample of audio every 30 minutes, 24/7, for 10 months.This time it was a 13 day solo trip that began and ended on the Hollyford Road. I needed to get it done in the quiet time before returning to work on the 6th of January 2025.Raft to Martins BayWalk to Gorge RiverWalk up the Gorge River and over to the CascadeRaft the CascadeWalk to Gorge River, then Big Bay, then Pyke CrossingRaft (mostly) the PykeWalk out from Pyke LodgeIt was a very satistying trip, the whole of the Gorge River is very special.There were 9 audio moths. 3 between Barn Bay and Spoon Hut. 5 near or on the heights above the Gorge River. 1 in the Cascade.I have analysed my data. Only 1 distant kiwi call was recorded high up the Gorge River.If I record using the same schedule near to an active pair of Haast Tokoeka, I would expect around 100 calls. There is no, or almost no, kiwi activity where I recorded.However I did get an exciting new lead on the way home, thanks to a Big Bay resident. There may be kiwi in the Skippers Range.Thanks to the wonderful kind residents of Gorge River for the greens and best christmas cake I have ever eaten. I spent new years day in Gorge River Hut reading a book.Thanks to Sammy Stoat for rescuing me from a fierce headwind in the Pyke.Thanks to Stanley Mulvany and Paula MacFarlane for kindly helping me place the recorders last summer.
---layout: post.htmlauthor: David Carydate: 2024-10-28title: Labour Day 2024 Newsletter---It seems like the bad weather never ends. When will summer come?Two weeks ago there was a glimmer of hope, and I headed off to Homer and the Bowen for a trap check, and then a day later to Pomona Island to service audio recorders.The sunshine was great for the few moments it was out, but the rest of the time cloud prevailed. I was grateful for the calm.Thanks to all who have been buying trapper belt pouches in which to stow the smelly stuff. Keep up the good work.I am making a new 75l Alpine pack, similar to a 65l Alpine but wider. Unfortunately I am over pack photography, so no images yet. It may be my best balanced large pack yet, very similar to a Macpac Ascent, but only 1.2kg or so.I have always made big packs somewhat grudgingly, but I need something bigger for an upcoming mission if summer ever comes. It surprised me with its niceness on a recent load carry in the rain. A new FP product.Thanks to the family that kindly waited for me to paddle into Moturau hut recently. That is the first time I have seen a customer pack in the wild (other than those owned by people I know). It was a special pack too, the second Sandwich Pack (45l) from a lifetime ago. I am frequently asked if I have changed them, the answer is no, nothing major is different.In the beginning I thought I could make a living from 35l packs like others in the UK and USA. Alas, not in NZ. We are a hard bunch. I had to make a 45l, 55l, 65l... Now there is a really big one too 75l.Get out there, and let's make the world a better place, just a little.Happy trampingDavid