Righto, I should be still in the bush chasing stags. But its wet, drowning wet, and rather than float out I figured an easy walk out was a more prudent idea.
One observation I did make though was where we went (Mid eastern Ruahines,) the place as alive. Yawn you say, but rather than the usual deer here, bird there stuff it was cool to see and hear all the life there was. We had a profusion of frogs around camp. Little green fellas with not much fear. Birds of all shapes and sizes. Waxeye's, Tui's and Bellbird's and Im sure the crashing around in the canopy were a few pigeons with Shining Cuckoo and their telltale downwards whistle to boot. Morepork would call each other through the night (when you could hear them over the rain) and Im hopeful it was actually a kiwi I heard on our first night. Sounded right but Im no ornithologist (Morepork and Brown Kiwi I understand have a similar call). The rain also bought out big ass worms and the ugliest things like Tiger Slugs on the trails. To complement our natives, there was trout in the creek (and I bet a few eels) plus the occasional non committal stag.
I suppose its maybe an ageing thing, bit more observant? or a need to declutter a busy (mostly with bullshit) mind? but it would have to be one of the best ways to relax. Putting a few miles on Shanks' pony. Would have been nice to put something on the deck too but that was far from necessary.
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I thought this guy might be a native but it looks less likely now. Only small at around 25mm long for the largest frogs (bum to nose). Looks lie a Green and Gold Bell frog, but too small?
The only thing that ruined it was some bugger would try and start a chainsaw most nights in our camp.:XD: Must have flooded it or had a rooted carb as he never got it to go!
