Here it is winter – and somewhat rainy – this is great. The rhododendrons and mahoe suffered badly during the drought. We watered the Rhodos several times from January to June – responding to their drooping leaves – so the first rains were a great relief.
Over the last year or two several pig families have taken advantage of the low voltage and weak places in our electric fence and made themselves at home at close quarters to us all. Everyone enjoys seeing the piglets – so so cute – and then we all groan a little as we survey the damage they do. However, there is good news – over the last couple of months Matthew Eades and a few helpers have relocated the fence unit to the toolshed, driven in an expanded earth system, tightened wires and replaced posts and insulators. Voltage is now good – according to human reports! And confirmed by the fence meter – recording 5 kV regularly. A 15-person pig drive was very noisy, great fun and resoundingly unsuccessful in driving any pigs out – so we are now looking at trapping and relocation down the hill.
Wangapeka retreats continue to be powerful events in peoples’ lives. Both long retreats and short ones. I think all caretakers would agree what a privilege it is to serve this process. The land is also being blessed with consistent care – with Bonni and Matthew now living in Vast Expanse Hermitage, Mark and Kath based at Triple Gem, Georgia and me at Bellbird and a wonderful stream of Service as the Path participants doing work service or participating as solo retreatants. The maintenance committee is picking up the pace as well!
Service As the Path started in March and is just over half way through the six-month programme. It has provided great learning for all involved as we tussle with our preferences and grow in our ability to accommodate and appreciate each other. And meanwhile as we humans grow and heal various parts of the property show visible evidence of our service. Lots of clearing, weeding, track maintenance, minor building repairs and painting, with a dash of deck and step building.