This year I helped teach Otago's third year field classes as I did last year. It started with a 4 day trip to the Catlins, studying structures in the coastal exposures of the Southland Syncline. Here it rained frequently during the day. During the evening, I enjoyed some long runs along the beach and estuary towards dramatic blue-black skies as the hills were vibrantly lit by the sun peaking through clouds behind me. Good photo weather but mental pictures will have to suffice.The same day I returned from that trip, I left again for another 10 days in Central Otago for the Swinburn mapping exercise with many of the same students. The students are given a large field area and more or less turned loose to map it as best they can. This means lots of running around for the teachers, trying to chase down students in fluorescent hi-vis vests on distant hills. Good exercise for me. While I enjoyed the hottest days, I could see the Kiwis (who are usually not accustomed to such heat) melting. I had one student start asking me a question and just stopped halfway through!
A few of the days I ran along the dusty country road to the Kyeburn River for a swim. I relished the peacefulness in this part of my day. The views of the Kakanui Mountains and ever-changing Central Otago clouds along the way were amazing.
We stay on a working farming station with the woolshed converted into a fully-functional classroom. The students have to turn everything in (map, cross sections, report) at 8AM on the last day which usually results in at least one all-nighter per student. It was a good group of students but exhausting due to the large class size. The trip may be over but the grading has just begun!
Catlins
Kakanui Mountains
The kitchen (aka the old Ranfurly jailhouse)
The infamous woolshed
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