Rob

Despite having people in I took Rob out for a look at the lines. He is the one who stayed with me when I had my accident in Fiordland back in March and he stayed behind with me to wait for the helicopter. I invited him to stay here for a night to thank him. Of course I have to show off our traps.
 
We start with Piccadilly Line and nothing in all the traps. Disappointing. But on the way just before the coalmine there is a bunch of Bellbirds in a tree and singing loudly above us. Very impressive that was. Eat that buddy!! Then on we went onto Circle Line up to top and over stile and down the trapline along the edge of bush.
 
Nothing until we got to T22. From afar I see it overturned and something must be in it. Getting closer we can smell the thing and then there is a possum very mangled and done. I get it out of trap and want to throw it over the fence holding it by the tail. But it is so rotten that the tail comes off! What a mess that is. So I have to pick it up on the fur and gently throw it over. I did not want it to splash all over me. Maggots and all.
 
Then on we go and nothing until T31. I look at the trap and oddly something is in it. I thought a small possum but then looking closer it is a rat! Another vegan rat. They go for the apple. Not often we get that. Anyway I dispose of it.
 
Then on we travel up to lookout point and onto Northern Line. Nothing in the trees and I expect nothing more really. But then we get to T16 and a nice large possum quite fresh so not messy is in it. Get it out and throw it over fence. No problem with this one. So my friend is quite impressed. Two possies and one rat!
 
On the way I also show him more Maori Onions and the NZ Jasmine flowers. He is very pleased.
 
So now we have reached 679 possums! Do not think we will make 700 by end of year. Maybe by the time you come. Tomorrow I promised to take our other guests, from Holland, out on the same walk. They want to see trapping. Should really charge them for it. Maybe I can tell them to buy one of the fantails. Hopefully we see one or two down there. So will be a memory for them.