Warning! Dangerous Canivore Spotted on the Project

Project Rameka - Nov 3, 2008October 1, 2015

Saturday 1 November 2008
It’s official folks. This photo of a snail casually minding its own business on Project Rameka was sent through to DOC for id-ing. The identification came back as Powelliphanta hochstetteri, the native carniverous snail. This critter can grow to 65 to 70 mm in diametre – guess it’s all in the protein snaffled from unsuspecting bikers. Legend has it that bikers disappear on the Rameka after falling down unobserved tomos. We now know this to be untrue. They have been eaten by snails!!

Be very, very careful on your bike rides and walks in the Rameka. This snail is only small because the project is so young.

Retro Snow Pics

Project Rameka - Nov 3, 2008October 1, 2015

From July 2008
Here are a couple of photos taken by neighbour Dave Lewis of the ‘Big Snow’. It was apparently one of the biggest dumps in living memory. This sort of storm leads some climate change denialists to say “Global Warming?! What Global Warming?!”. Meanwhile, every credible scientific organisation on the planet continues issuing warnings about “Climate Change”.

The Rameka Easy Track

Project Rameka - Oct 4, 2008October 1, 2015

Saturday 20 September 2008

The tree planting was followed by an extended pot-luck BBQ, with the highlight once again being a huge pot of soup and homemade bread supplied by Fil and Albie. Yum. That’s worth the trip up the hill on it’s own!

Feeling fully fueled up, we spent the afternoon extending the easy Rameka Track. At this work party, we were branching off the historic Rameka Trail to sidle around the main spur on the Project property.

At first, the digging was easy, and within 2 hours, we had covered over 200 metres. Then, as the terrain became steeper, progress slowed. It’s going to be a fantastic ride/walk once it’s built, but there is still a lot of work to do before it can be officially open.
Thanks to Frankie, Karl, Bronnie, Jonathan, Seamus, Derrie, Rickie, Patrick, Martin, Marie, Blake and Sam for plugging the hard yards.

Covering Up

Project Rameka - Oct 4, 2008October 1, 2015

Thursday 19 September 2008

Busy, busy, busy. And it’s all good fun too. On Thursday, Bronnie and Jonathan were joined by a few of the Thursday regulars.

John was first up the hill and spent the morning ‘releasing’ native trees of the faster growing pines. Now they have some space, we hope these trees can really spread their branches and cover some ground. Jonathan spent the day releasing native trees of barberry.

On the covering up theme, Andy, has been busy building the parts to a verandah. Bronnie was his helper for the morning, then John and Martin got stuck in and by late afternoon, it was really taking shape. A big thanks to Andy for supplying the inspiration, and to Simon and Sarah for donating the funds for the materials.

The verandah not only looks great, but it will also help keep muddy boots and wet clothes out of the Lorax Lair.

Just before dark, a posie headed off up the Rameka Track for a ride, and Martin, John and Andy stayed the night up at Canaan Downs.

Project Rameka Committee

Project Rameka - Oct 4, 2008October 1, 2015

Wednesday 18 September 2008

The Project Rameka Committee has made a lot of progress in the last three months. If you are a member of Project Rameka, then you will have already been sent an update from the secretary, Marie Langley. Here is summary of that update (for more information, join the Project Rameka Incorporated Society).

LOGO: Every good project needs a logo, so thanks to Josh and Cory for creating this one. Feedback has been very positive.

FUNDS: Seamus, the ultra-efficient Project Rameka treasurer, reported that the society has only has $447.74. We will have to start fundraising soon if we are to achieve the overall goals of conservation and recreation.

SAFETY: Johnny Mulheron from Mapua is working on a health and safety plan. This will be dynamic, so if you have any ideas on how to make Project Rameka a safer place, please pass them on.

PESTS: Matt has so far done 5 night shoots, 3 paid for by Project Rameka Society, 2 by Bronnie and Jonathan. He has also given quite a bit of voluntary time. The result is that no hares or possums were seen this week, and there is no evidence of damage to the recent plantings. There are plans for more shooting.

TREES: There are plans to plant 120 trees this weekend (see above). Aim will be to plant 1000 trees next year. Funding is needed (hint, hint).

TRACKS: Three main tracks are planned: easy (for riding up and easy down), intermediate and a technical expert trail. The easy track is the first priority. There is also a rumour that neighbours will be opening a coffee trailer this summer, right beside the border of Project Rameka. So we expect coffee addicts (ie, most mountain bikers) will want to build a track to it. Watch this space…

GENERAL BUSINESS: Jonathan acknowledged the time spent working on the Project by various people since the last committee meeting: includes further plant protection, track building, pine tree felling and ring barking, site exploration for future tracks etc, and the addition of various features around the Lorax Lair such as the outside bath, firewood shelters, and inside shelves etc. Thanks to all involved. A “To Do” list will be created for anyone who wants to go up and spend time working on the Project outside working bees. This will be displayed at the Lorax Lair as well as being available at the Quiet Revolution Cycle Shop or by email/phone on request.