Kapiti Island

This Saturday I went to Kapiti Island with Barb.  It was wonderful to leave the city and see a bit more of this beautiful country.  I am really looking forward to having the time and energy to travel.  I cannot believe how fast time has been going here.  We went for a hike to the top of the island, stopping along the way to listen and look for birds.  We also talked with a lot of different people from all over the country.  It was really amazing to be outside and walking through the woods.  The birds are so loud here.  I got to see so many different kinds of birds and I really enjoyed learning about them.  On the way down we saw a Kaka while we were standing and listening to birds.  In came down on the ground and I was excitedly taking some great close pictures.  It then flew unexpectedly onto my backpack.  I freaked out and Barb and I had a great laugh over it.  Apparently it is quite common for them to land on you.  I’ve never seen a parrot in the wild before and it was amazing.  

My friend the Kaka!

Barb and I on the boat trip back.  She has been a wonderful host.

Just to give you an idea of what the woods looked like.  AMAZING!  I wish you could hear the noise that the birds make.  Barb described the morning birdsong as, "the dawn chorus," I think that's a very beautiful way to describe it.  I cannot wait to hear it while I am out tramping (backpacking) in May.  

How they get the boats in and out of the water.  They literally just attach them to these tractors and back them into the ocean.  I have never seen anything quite like it.  

I am still incredibly busy at school.  For all of you slogging through Dead Week and Finals back home, let me tell you know, it has NOTHING on Student Teaching.  I am plunging into a labyrinth of school demands and requirements for my practicum.