Total Views To Date

Here is a list of the top 10 countries viewing my blog.

New Zealand              3405

United States                373

Russia                           207

Germany                        78

China                              37

Australia                         32

Ukraine                           31

South Korea                   20

United Kingdom             13

Hong Kong                     10

Total views so far 4381

O.M.G These potatoes are growing fast!!

Lettuces have gone to seed but the potatoes are taking over.

I went up to the garden with a load of worm food and I easily spotted massive plants taking over! I quickly realized it was my potatoes.  Man, they have grown fast!

Recently, we had been scheduled to camp in an overnight bivouac.  Unfortunately, our teacher got sick and we then had to decide if we were going to do it or not.  Sadly, we have had to call it off = ( . So this has concluded my William Pike Experience!  Prize giving is tomorrow and I will be updating the blog for the last time with photos of that.

Challenge Five: Rafting!

Well!!!  Unfortunately due to me breaking my arm back in October, I was unable to go with the WPCA Group on this challenge.  BUT!....  Luckily back in September I went rafting with my Dad, his friend and some Outdoor Tourism students and tutors from NMIT.  So this means Ms. E can tick my name off as completing the Rafting Challenge.  

We were about to raft a hard section of the Buller River.  We were well dressed in wetsuits and safety gear, then instructed and practiced what to do and how to do it.  We started at the Gowan Valley Bridge and slowly but steadily rafted down the river.  Then it was all on!  We were doing hard areas and then resting in easier patches, until we came across a Grade Five rapid called 'The Granity'.   In our approach, we got it slightly wrong!..... All of a sudden, we were dumped into the FREEZING water, causing me to hyperventilate!  I felt my breath being ripped out of me causing me to breath fast and shallow!  In a flash, Dad washed past.  I raised my arm and shouted "Help".  There were throw bags and ropes criss-crossing the river and instructors leaping from raft to raft.  Dad grabbed a rope and held on, grabbing me as I went past.  Next thing I was being hauled up into a raft and we were out of the river.  Once I composed myself I said to Dad that "that was awesome!"  We went on to complete the run coming across some more rapids like "The Devil's Elbow".  I had a great time.  We talked about it the whole way home.  Luckily Dad's car has a good heater because I was wet right down to my undies!

My Last Summer Planting

This week (with a broken arm, due to a little bit of enthusiastic trampolining at home!) I headed up to our garden with a shovel and a container full of potatoes that we had left to sprout in the garage over three weeks.  I grabbed three potatoes and placed them into the wee holes Dad was making.  As yet there is no sign of any sprouting coming through but I will continue to water and check them. Hopefully they will be ready by Christmas!

Although this is my last planting, I will still be keeping Mum's herb garden up to date.  There's a bit of trimming to do and a few new plantings!  Also a couple of weeks ago I replanted some lettuces.  I realised in the Summer that they grow 25% faster than in the Winter!

Challenge Four: Orienteering :-)

ORIENTEERING!  I thought it was a slow walk around the bush with a compass at hand.  I was seriously wrong!  We started off with a practice around the school.  My group was sprinting to the next control, stamping it and then heading off to look for the next.  The controls were orange and white signs with letters forming a code.  Our group of three was made up of Harry (Harry's WPCA) and Fergus. We were quickly writing the code down and then hammered off to the next control.  Soon after we formed an alliance with Matthew, Fletcher (Fletcher's WPCA), Josh S (Josh's WPCA) and Sam (Sam's WPCA).  Matt had tried to jump a fence then he fell and couldn't walk so his team carried him to the class where he recovered quickly.  Rapidly we were closing in on the finish only to see another team approaching also.  This was the race for 4th or 5th!  I put the hammer down and sprinted.  We made it in time for the 4th place.  Overall I thought this was a great, unique experience and would love to do it again!

The Nelson Prep WPCA group

Fitness Needed For Completing The W.P.C.A

To successfully accomplish the challenge, I have realised you have to be fit, motivated and determined.  Recently I have made the Nelson Bays Under 65kg Representative Rugby Team.  The fitness for rugby I have done this year and currently doing is going to help both my William Pike stuff and my rugby.  I am a Tight Head Prop and have started in every game so far!  I have even played with a sprained ankle!  We have only lost one game, to a big Marlborough team.  In the first week of the school holidays we are all off to Dunedin for a tournament.

Towing the sled, 15kgs of water!

Dragging 15kgs 20m at a time

My Post Views So Far

Here are the top 10 countries who have viewed my blog.

New Zealand	2762
United States	208
Russia	204
Germany	73
Australia	30
Ukraine	20
South Korea	16
United Kingdom	10
Mexico	9
Nicaragua	7

With a total views of 3447 to date.

Garden Update - Winter Harvest!

Recently I went up to the garden and I had noticed that the broccoflower and the beetroots had grown, along with some weeds!  I jumped and grabbed the knife and chopped off the divine looking broccoflower.  I was eating it raw because it was so delicious!  Dad helped me pull the beetroots out.  It was awesome and I am now preparing for a Spring garden.  This will involve pulling out the dying Winter plants, adding some fertiliser and mulch, and then planting some Spring and Summer veggies.

Challenge Three: 8.3km Trail Run

"All on the bus?" shouted our teacher, with a quick reply of "Yes Sir" we were all off to the Tantragee Saddle for a trail run!

The categories were a 4km run, a 6km run or the big 8.3km!  I chose to do the big one.  I wanted to test my body and also set myself a challenge!

As we started off, I smiled towards my Grandad's camera and took off.  It was strangely tiring for me at the start but eventually we could all see the top which helped us to go faster.  It was a mission to get to there but the lovely parents were cheering us on and motivating us to get to the top!

Finally we had hit the saddle.  The parents took more photos.  I was not looking my best as the sweat rolled down my face.  We had a QUICK squirt of water and were all of a sudden off running again.  I was quicker going downhill but I took it slow because I didn't want any injuries.  

The 4km stop approached but nobody got on the bus, so we all kept running down past the golf course, through a grassy paddock to where the 6km stop was.  I nearly ran over there because I thought it was the next water break!  Anyway I kept running and then approached a bridge.  I ducked under that which took me out onto a cricket field. The bus driver was there along with the parents, but they had gotten mixed up.  Further still?  So I kept on running to where we all were meant to stop.

Eventually with the end was approaching, my legs were burning, my eyes were stinging and my lungs felt like they were on fire, but I wasn't giving up!  I was greeted at the end by a round of applause and a yummy hot chocolate. YUMMMM!  Thanks Tracy!

I thanked everybody and headed off with Mum to catch the plane to Christchurch for the start of our two week school holidays!!!!! 

"Here we come Grandad!"

Some Of My Blog Has Been Quoted!

Earlier this year William Pike was interviewed by by an Australian magazine called 'Wild'. It includes a quote from my blog!  Dad was sent a copy of the magazine and we read it aloud. 

Wild, The magazine which quoted my blog.

Challenge Two: Six Hour Mountain Bike Race In Kaiteriteri

On Sunday 23rd June I woke up early and packed my bags ready for a 6hr extreme biking event.  As I got into the car I quickly snuggled up into a very warm position!  We drove to Harrison's house to pick him up and was now completely ready for the fun!

When we arrived I registered our team and sat in front of the warm, cosy brazier.  We all listened carefully to Wayne when he was giving the CRUCIAL briefing. 

I was the leader of our team of four along with Fergus, Sam and Harrison.  Fergus started us  off with a very quick lap.  Following him was Sam who took it nice and easy with a nice time.  As now it was Harrison's turn and taking him ages due to the fact of him helping a lady who had come off her bike and had broken her ribs!  Now finally as Harrison tagged me I set off, pedaling away.

I approached with caution as I slowly weaved through the sloshy brown mud.  In my mind I thought it was "Glue"!  I got to the top and felt something bounce off my bike but I didn't think to look back.  As I approached the steep downhill I took my time slow and easy while other experienced riders steamed past me.

I got to the bottom and was greeted by all of the other Pikers!  I quickly tagged Fergus as he smoked off without warning.  My time was down a little as my chain had fallen off its sprocket up on the hill and I was helped by Mrs Shurmann's daughter, which was GREAT!!

After an hour or so it was my turn to go again and this time it was way muddier and way harder to steer.  Eventually I got to the top and found my drink bottle in the bush.  I took a sip to hydrate myself and was off again.  At the bottom I was greeted AGAIN by all the Pikers.  I also found out that I had won a spot prize which was an awesome bike tool kit valued at $80!

I thought it was an awesome day with all my fellow Pikers as we enjoyed EVERYTHING!

I thoroughly recommend this event for all serious MTB's.

Nelson Mountain Bike Club

Waiting for the briefing

Starting my first lap

About to hit the mud

Having a great time up in the hills

Community Service: Finished....whoooohoooo!! Basketball Subs

For the past five weeks I have been helping my brother's basketball team by doing the subs bench.  Dad is the coach of the team and I'm the 'Assistant Coach'.  I have been changing the team for what the game needs, as in, changing good players for weaker players and weaker players for good players.  It has been easy and fun!  I work on a game plan after observing the first five minutes of play.  It helps me think ahead for what is needed.  I also get to choose the 'Player Of The Day' which is always exciting.  So far the team has won three out of their six games which is a pretty good average for a Year 5 and 6 grade.  The game goes for 30 minutes and so far I've done two and a half hours which gives me a total of 20 hours Community Service!!!!!  But I am going to continue on for the next 14 weeks of play, this will be an extra seven hours.

Community Service:  TOTAL 20 hours!

High 5's after a very close win 24/22

Why Is My Broccoli Not Forming?

I have noticed that my broccoli is very leafy but not forming the broccoli itself.  This question and response came through on the Tui website we subscribe to.  I will be looking for some potash (whatever that is!) today at Mitre 10 Mega.

Hi, we are growing broccoli and it has a lot of leaves but no broccoli heart growing in the middle. We are also growing silver beet nearby, which is flourishing. What can we do to get the broccoli growing?- Andy. Hi Andy, there will be too much nitrogen rich organic matter in the vege garden – compost, blood and bone and sheep pellets – which are all great for leafy vegetables such as silver beet and spinach but not so good for your hearting vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage.

To fix this add potash and the best to use would be Tui Fruit and Flower – Sulphate of Potash which is a commercial grade, very fast acting and water soluble. It can be mixed with water and applied in a watering can or sprinkled around the plants and watered in. If you want to get more technical you could test your soil to find out which nutrients are deficient - soil test kits are available from garden centres and hardware stores.

Community Service: Boulder Bank Clean Up

On Sunday, my two brothers, my cousin, Dad and myself travelled to the Boulder Bank and set off on a rubbish clean up.  My cousin and brothers decided to slide down rock slides!  I grabbed my bag and focused on the little amount of rubbish to be found!  There were mainly drink bottles, an onion bag, alot of plastic tags and even a small dead eel!  I was very surprised with the little amount of rubbish that I had collected.  We walked about 4.5km and filled one and a half bags in total. This surprised me!

The Boulder Bank is a natural sea wall stretching 13km along the Nelson coast and is made entirely of rocks.  It is one of only two such natural structures in the world.  The other is in Japan.

Community Service:  17.5 hours to date

Mmmm.... where is all the rubbish?

"Keep up Sam"

Trying to annoy Dad!

Not far to go now

Pretty pleased with the lack of rubbish

Community Service: Neighbourhood Food Collection

Earlier this week my brother and I ran down our street and put 70 flyers (see below) in the letterboxes of our street.  So we waited until Sunday and then started our food search!  Dad and my little brother helped me collect the cans, they were on one side of the road and I was on the other.  The first letterbox had sliced beetroot.  A quick look in some more letterboxes and all of a sudden there were quite a few cans and other goodies to fill our bags.  Upon opening one letterbox I discovered a big bag of cat food along with a very generous $5 for me!!  The message on the envelope was "for you to keep Josh"!  

I was very impressed with the generosity of the people in our neighbourhood.  I will deliver the food to the SPCA and Night Shelter this week.

A HUGE THANK YOU!!!!

Community Service:  15.5 hours to date

My Flyer

What a great neighbourhood!

Community Service On ANZAC Day

ANZAC.  Australia and New Zealand Army Corps.

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served." Originally 25 April every year was to honour the members of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at  Gallipoli in 1915. 

Source:  Wikipedia

Today I woke up early around 5:30am and marched along with Nelson's current and retired soldiers to ANZAC Park in Nelson city where we stood in the squishy, rain soaked, muddy grass.  We stood in silence, listened, sung, laughed and remembered those soldiers who have given their lives for this country.  After the formal ceremonies, I jumped in the car with Dad and motored down to the Nelson Suburban Club's R.S.A (Returned Serviceman's Association).  I met up with one of the staff and was asked to clear the glasses, cups and the napkins.  At first there was not much to clear but then 8:00am struck and it was all on, with napkins screwed up into a ball, beverages having been drunk and cups with tea stains on them.  I cleared that up.  In no time it was time to leave, but first I met Mr Derek Nees who is in charge of ceremonial duties and Mr Barry Pont who is the President of the Nelson R.S.A.  I got a photo and had a chat, then shook both their hands numerous times.  Mr Nees commented on my firm handshake!

I have attended the ANZAC parade with my family ever since I can remember and will continue to go as long as I can.

The ANZACs

ANZAC For Kids!

The Little Red Poppy

Community Service:  13.5 hours to date

Me taking the coffee jugs to the kitchen.

More dishes going to kitchen!

We Shall Never Forget Them.

"Can I please take your cups?"

Mr Pont and Mr Nees.

A Willys Jeep.

Update On My Garden And The New Pets

Today I went up to the garden to take a photo and noticed that my silver-beet had grown alot since we fertilized it and have had a lot of rain lately.  So I showed Mum and we picked some for dinner, Mum thought they were great so we got a couple pics.  We had to put a net over the young plants because birds and butterflies were attacking 'my babies'!!!  Since last year I've also been caring for our lemon tree by using fertilizer such as blood and bone, citrus fertilizer, Mum's favourite cafe Morrison Street's used coffee grindings and my personal favourite.... plain 'ole' wees!   I saw that on the movie 'The Worlds Fastest Indian'!!!!

My mum with the fresh goodies for dinner.

Look what's under the net.

What's for dinner tonight?

Another tree I look after, a lemon tree.
I water it like only a boy can!

 Just an update on my mice from Natureland....
they are doing well and loving their wheel!

Community Service has gone to the Birds, Fish and also the Mice!

Earlier in the week I spoke to Gail, a manager at Natureland about doing some community service.  So on Saturday at 7:00am, I woke up bright and early, slipped on some old clothes and set off for my four hours at Natureland - our local zoo.

I arrived and met with one of the staff, Stacy.  Stacy politely asked me to clean out the ducklings' container from the sick bay.  I grabbed the hose and some hot, soapy water and proceeded to scrub and scrub until it was spotless.  Then for good measures the hose came into action to just give it a squirt in case I had missed a spot.

After that stinky experience I went outside and uncovered Sadie in the chickens cage and fed her some fresh food.  Sadie was also raising five Guinea Fowl chicks.  Following that I fed and cleaned Tweetie, the talking yellow bird.

My day also consisted of feeding fish, cleaning cages, putting food in, taking old food out, but the one thing that stood out for me was cleaning out the cages of mice and shifting all the three day old mice to the other side of their house.  It made me think about the mice, as their future here as Meerkat food is not very bright :-(  After heaps of texts to my disagreeing mother, we finally compromised and I ended up bringing home two female mice as pets!  I have named them Portia and Star.

Natureland is Nelson's 'little zoo' and has been around since before my Mum and Dad were born!  Dad says it is in some financial trouble and is in danger of closing.  I would hate to see this great place close down as they do so much valuable work.  Please, if you are in Nelson get along and support them and keep Natureland going.

www.naturelandzoo.co.nz

A huge thanks to Stacy, Gail and all the staff at Natureland 

Community Service:  12 hours to date 

Washing out a dirty food bowl

Uncovering Sadie's hutch while the clean up crew do their job

Mrs T the 40 year old tortoise

All the baby mice huddled up keeping warm

Great photo of me and the Tui

The annoying but funny talking Cockatoo - Bloody Aussies!

The one-legged whistling Magpie

Look What I Grew!

Today I pulled out my first fresh lettuces and we placed them in our wraps that we had for tea tonight. The best thing about them was how tender the veggies were.  I am very happy because the garden has started producing veggies!  Yummmmmmm!!!!

Lettuce for dinner

Community Service: Stacking Wood

Two days ago I went and helped my aunty stack firewood.  It is the first time I have ever done this because our family does not have a fire.  I really enjoyed it because it was hard work and also pretty good fun picking up all the little bits of wood.  My aunty found a big hairy bush spider so we safely rescued it back into the bush.  Thanks aunty for letting me help you so I can keep my hours ticking over.

Community Service:  8 hours to date

Community Service: Return To Green Gables

Yesterday I returned to where Grandad works, Green Gables Rest Home in Nelson.  Tea was scheduled for later than usual so my Grandad made up some questionaires to ask the kind and friendly residents, to show them some attention as visitors can be few.  I sat down with my pen and paper and  politely asked them some well thought out questions, including where they were during World War II.

I questioned five people for their details and then shook their old, kind and friendly hands.

A big thanks to those ladies who spent some time with me.  I really enjoyed myself.  Josh.

Here are two of the five questionaires.

Community Service:  7 hours to date

Flo and I

Val and I

Comments Invited

If you have enjoyed reading a post on my blog, please feel free to comment.  If you don't have a Google account, then just select 'Anonymous' in the Select Profile Box and be sure to press 'PUBLISH' when finished.  Sensible comments please.   Josh Mc

Community Service: Beach Clean Up

Today I continued on with my community service with a local beach clean up - Tahuna Beach.  I walked along 1. 5 km of the beach for 1 hour picking up pieces of litter and tossing them into my supermarket bag.  I found beer bottles/cans, cigarette butts, plastic tape, potato chip packets, cardboard and many, many more types of litter.

I was amazed at how little rubbish was on the beach and how well the rubbish bins were actually being used, most full to the top with rubbish!  Also, I was a little disappointed with the adults that the beer cans and bottles were not put into one of the several rubbish bins along the beach.

Community Service:  5 hours to date

Me with the bags of rubbish after half an hour.

One of the two bags of litter collected.

Planting the Seedlings

On Saturday I slipped on some gloves, jumped into some old clothes and slapped on some sunblock, now I was ready to plant some veggies.

I got into the garden and laid down newspaper to stop weeds coming up, followed by lots of pea-straw.   After that Dad and my brothers wheelbarrowed some soil to me off the trailer while I dug out the garden.  Next, I got the trusty 'ole' rake and smoothed out the soil.  After about an hour of that, I started digging small holes to place some veggies into.  Meanwhile my brothers were separating the plants and handing them to me.  I continued to plant everything while thinking about how much greens we are going to have in our dinner in the coming months...... out of MY homegrown garden!

Called on the brothers for a hand.

Concentrate!

One of us is working, the other thinks he is a scarecrow!