Sunday 23 November 2008

Week 19 – How it ends

What a boring week, all we did was continue to clean and pack our gear in preparation for going home. Oh, and welcome the new guys. They certainly are a mixed bag this lot, come from all over the place. Good luck to them I say, they have a hard reputation to live up to. The week concluded with the end of tour function which started at the high commissioners place. The lone thought in all our minds was ‘Oh my god, beer! This is awesome!’ That was until we tasted the local beer know as Solbrew or as we quickly came to call it, cat’s piss. The canned stuff tasted slightly better than the bottled, I can’t remember, either way, it was still pretty shit. After an hour of two drinking here we were taken back to base by a very grumpy bus driver (Aussie, what a surprise) were we had an hour of drying off before we were allowed back at the bar. The bar involved me and Pinnie somehow defeated some Aussies in pool even though we were rather toasted and continued drinking. However I was disappointed in the lads as I had smuggled booze to the room to continue drinking after curfew but they all piked. Ending up being me and one other drinking in the dark, not so much fun. So all the remaining booze I gave to Solly, our good friend from the Solomon’s police force.

Sunday saw a few hangovers for our final goodbyes and the plane ride home. Got a ride in a jet this time, and with ample room, 3 seats between 2 troopies, lovely. I got a bit of sleep and before you knew it (bout 4 hours) we were coming in to land at Ohakea. First thing I did? McDonalds of course. Nowhere near as good as I had built it up to be. That and an hour later I was regretting it as my stomach was no longer used to processed food. After a decent sleep and my first real sleep-in in a long time I was feeling much more human. In summary, it was a great trip. I become close friends with some great people, I saved a heap of coin, I got some great experiences and I helped make in difference in some peoples’ lives. In saying that, I would not go back to the Solomon Islands with the army. Don’t get me wrong, the place and the people are great, but having to work under the police and Australians? Not worth it.

I am definitely glad to be home also, being able to go outside and not immediately breaking into a sweat, not being told what to do all the time, being able to do things on your own. Some things have taken a bit of getting used to. Not having my weapon with me 24/7, not having my section by my side, not having to scan and patrol when out and about. In the 3 or so weeks I have been back I have more than made up for the 4 months without drinking on deployment, gotten into some mischief that is memorable and some I simply can not remember, and basically had a great time being home. To anyone thinking about joining the Territorial or even those not, Now is a great time to enlist, not only do you get primo kit, you can be deployed within a year of joining if you are good enough. Not to mention the skills, adventures and friends you make by being in the green machine. I’m doing my part! Are you? (Service guarantees citizenship* (* not valid in this reality)).

Now it is nearly time for my next great adventure to begin. At the very twilight of 2008 I am moving to London to return to my original career as a science teacher. Luckily everything has worked out (so far, touch wood) with my visa approved, job secured, etc. All that remains now is for me to arrive in London and find somewhere to live and then the next chapter in “It seemed like a good idea at the time: A Peter Cadle Story” can begin. I am looking forward to it.

Sunday 16 November 2008

Week 18 – Red door left!

Final full week on duty is over. What did it encompass? Urban live firing baby! We had a structure set up at the range and had a great time blasting away with steyrs and pistols. After this we spent the rest of the week doing sentry and cleaning house, etc. Although Saturday saw us get out on the town for lunch. We had the opportunity to go for dinner but decided lunch would be a better idea as we could shop and wouldn’t miss the league. Our day out shopping ending up being more exciting as it could have been as we gained good intel on possible trouble and aided in the arrest of an escaped felon. Our section can’t help but be awesome, even when off duty we are working. The advance party arrived today so we are definitely on the downward slope.

Sunday 9 November 2008

Week 17 – This is an illegal gathering

Well, the platoon is back together again, yay... Don’t get me wrong, I like most of the guys here, especially my section, but there are a few who ruin it and with the platoon come all the rules and bullshit we had been without. Once the others had sorted their lives out we took over as QRF (Quick reaction force) and got into some riot training. This was old hat for 2 section as we had done a lot before our demo for the duke, so we got back into the groove of things pretty quick. We also discovered that it is not as tiring and difficult now we are used to the climate here, although it still gets the clothes soaked in sweat wearing all the armour and gear. It being a Sunday we are on rest today, however I am on watch duty again, because our section lucked out with the timings, oh well, it’s only half a day anyway, and it is not like there was much else I would be doing when I can go on the net and watch movies at the sentry point anyway. Hooray for two weeks left!

Sunday 2 November 2008

Week 16 – Summer camp 08

Remember what I said two weeks ago? Yeah, this week was basically a repeat with less work and fewer patrols. We would spend the mornings yarning and playing cards before the usual routine of touch, swim, dinner, movie, sleep. This week also saw the removal of half of the section back to GBR. God have I missed this place; food tastes so much better when it was once alive. Although it did take us a while to get used to sleeping on comfortable beds once again. It is good to be able to use the gym and other facilities here. Speaking of which, I am off to boxing.

Wednesday 29 October 2008

Week 15 – Because it was there

So the patrol ended up being pretty good, except for the fact the guy we were looking for wasn’t even in the area at the time. Like looking for a needle in a haystack and discovering you’re looking in the wrong haystack. The section I was with for the task was originally FOB security. You know, guarding the officers, sigs and medics. This lasted all of three hours before we were tasked with climbing a big fuck-off hill. One which nearly took me out on the first day. We are talking 70 degree slopes at times to a height of 250m on the first leg. After overnighting in a clearing on a ridge we continued on to the top of the hill 510m which, although at times as steep as the first leg and with little usable track, was a lot easier as we started early in the morning and we were relatively fresh. We took a break at the top and then went down the side. This was a bad idea, 80+ degree slope that was wet with moving rocks and little hand holds. We met one of the other sections heading up and eventually stopped for the night down by the river. Understandably we were all pretty tired at this stage.

The next morning we walked up the river to meet up with another section to act as a communications relay with the FOB. This proved to be a waste of time as that section split and did it themselves. Instead we spent the day guarding a pleasant piece of river and jungle. The fourth day saw us heading back towards base along the river. However just before we got there we were placed as an OP and then saw a group of people that may have included our person of interest. We gave chase up river for about 3 kilometres before we called it off (Those islanders can move fast) as we were spread along the river and it was getting dark. That night we set up an OP in a different place and settled in for an uncomfortable night. The final morning we walked down the river and caught a waiting chopper back to Avu avu. Not bad work for a security section aye.

Wednesday 22 October 2008

Week 14 – I’m getting paid for this? Part 2

We arrived at Avu avu the night before the rest of the platoon got in from a three day patrol. In this time we discovered that there was a long drop for a toilet, a tap in a field for a shower, tents for accommodation and rat packs for meals. Understandably we were a little put out. However as soon as the platoon got in things got better. It was so good to be back with the brothers. We spent the rest of the week doing little bits of work in the morning, followed by touch and a swim in the afternoon with a movie after dinner. Almost like a damn holiday camp. We were also doing overnight patrols to local villages, however unfortunately I came down with some crippling bug hours before I was due to leave. I hated having to watch the boys go off without me. Luckily it was only an overnight thing and after throwing up I felt much better. At least I did until I was told that they were splitting up the sections again for a four day patrol. I can’t speak for the other sections but when they do that to us it is like splitting up a family. Always a bad idea.

Wednesday 15 October 2008

Week 13 – Rollin’ on the river

Funny how things work in the army, although by this stage I really shouldn’t be surprised. ¨You’re going to Mbambanakira for a month, no changes¨. Lo and behold, one week in and we get shifted to join the rest of the platoon at Avu avu. Bambam was a sweet gig, sleeping indoors, real plumbing, and occasional fresh food. Easy patrols. It wasn’t just a walk in the park though. While I was there I went on three patrols, one that included acting as security while the body of a baby was exhumed for investigation. The others in the patrol were not impressed that I could eat my lunch with the stench of a corpse in the air. We also got to do some mean whitewater rafting on an airbed which was great. But it was not to last. Avu avu here we come.

Wednesday 8 October 2008

Week 12 – I’m leaving on a chopper, don’t know when I’ll be back again .

Three days left at Mbalisuna now. We are supposedly going to the Weathercoast (South Guadalcanal) but that all depends on if the fugitives are still at large. So now most of the platoon is off to Avu Avu. I say most because me and five others are off to a place called Bambanakira which is a good 60km away from Avu Avu and that is over mountains as well. Our task there is to act as security for the police station and... Well actually, that is all I know so far. So much for using my time at GBR to get fit and tanned, sorry ladies. This also puts a dent in planning things for when I get home; things like Kelly’s stag do, my visa, etc.

Wednesday 1 October 2008

Week 11 – A new oxymoron, military organisation

Life continues apace in the doldrums. We have now spent a week on admin and security. Well, almost a week. Well, long enough anyway. Finally got out of this place for a decent length of time in the last few days. This also happened to be my first patrol as section commander for the tour. I wonder if I get paid extra for this? Tuesday saw us out west on a patrol with the civil-military liaison guys. This involved us following some Aussies around while they scouted for future CML tasks. I.e. sheds to be built, things to be fixed, etc. In reality it wasn’t great. The first village we went to they tried to teach some kids how to skip rope and got them to draw pictures on a blackboard. Woo-fucking-hoo. Second up we went to a college. In the holidays mind so there were few people around. Apart from me sending the guys to talk to whoever they could find, this was basically a lunch stop. Finally we went to a further village were they played soccer with some children and I had a nap in the vehicle while on radiowatch. Still, it was good to get out of the cage.

Thursday saw us out on a swanreq. This started off in the requisite clusterfuck fashion what with trying to get weapons and transport. However, after a few ´wu-sah´ moments and change of plans we got underway. We ended up visiting a museum that had some old warplanes and cannon pieces, including a wildcat that still had a folding wing. This was followed by a visit to a Sherman tank, and finished off with a swim and some shopping. Overall a pretty good day was had by all. Only one week left out at Mbalisuna, but where we go from here? Who knows?

Wednesday 24 September 2008

Week 10 – At least rats don’t know what they are missing.

A pretty uneventful week so far, spent most of it on rest and admin. Starting to find this place very boring and cabin fever is starting to set in on the boys. I hate being stuck in one place. It is too hot to do anything outside or to watch movies or read inside. We got to get out and build something on Thursday. Not something useful for the locals like a school or a water tower. No, we were building a porch for the Australians, a much better use of our time. Still, managed to have fun building and it is starting to look pretty good. We were supposed to go back to finish it on Friday but something came up. Something that meant our section got broken up and some are going off to do a mystery task while the rest get stuck here with even less chance of getting out. The remainder of the week was spent, as expected, trapped in our rat cage with little to do.

Wednesday 17 September 2008

Week 9 – And all that I could see, was another fucking mountain.

Did a drug bust on Monday, always a good way to start the week. We went back to the crops we had found in our previous patrol with a few cops and half of the other section. Spent a good five hours ripping up plants. Wound up with at least 2000 plants with a value of $60,000 Sol. However sold in New Zealand it would have been worth a lot more. Although, as I predicted, all the credit went to someone else. Apparently the Solomon Islands Police Force found, removed and destroyed the crop all by themselves. I happen to know for a fact that the pile of weed remained outside the police station for a few days afterwards. Probably drying out.

Tuesday through Thursday saw us pretty much stuck at camp with the exception of meal runs. It is alright in this place but it is always good to get out of here. We also celebrated the little mans birthday with cake and a signed flag as a present.

Friday morning saw us head out past the gold mine to do a bit of a route recce and play some soccer with the local kids. We were looking for a track across the island and we found one alright. Unfortunately we soon got into a game of ‘just around the corner’. Before we knew it we were almost halfway across the island, after crossing some pretty big hills. We also had a great laugh at the aussies as their land rover got stuck going up a hill that our LOVs had no trouble with. Apparently a team is going to do the crossing at some point and get picked up by helicopter, hope it's us.

Wednesday 10 September 2008

Week 8 – Heart of darkness

You know that scene in Apocalypse Now redux, the one where the boat arrives at the camp by the river and it is pouring with rain, the tents are falling down, everything is a mess and everyone is crazy? That is similar to Mbalisuna FOB, with the exception of the river and a few less crazies. The camp is situated smack in the middle of a palm plantation which the Islanders use for oil extraction. It is about 2km as the crow flies from Honiara so it is somewhat isolated, hopefully here we might see a croc. We soon settled into our tent, for once finally separate from the other sections which will be a sanity saver.

From here we set off on a 3 day patrol around the immediate area. This was a mixed bag with someone screwing up the planning and saying our night locations were aware that we were coming; when it turns out they have been abandoned for 10 years! Someone dropped the ball on that one. But other than that the patrol was pretty good, we stayed at schools like last time and showed the kids movies. We treated some wounded locals, shifted some coconut logs that were in the way and talked to a lot of people. Oh, and we found a huge crop of Marijuana growing not 50 metres from the road. However as we were only informed of the general location of the crop and going off a hunch we stealthed in through thick jungle and passed within 10 metres of the locals without them seeing or hearing us. This was probably the first time on the deployment I used the skills I had learnt in basic. Still, we got in and out unobserved, took some photos and a few samples and hightailed it out of there as Breidahl and I had been bitten by some somewhat poisonous spiders. Overall a success I would say, although it is likely someone else will claim the credit.

We finished the week off with a trip out to Bonegi and pebble beach, not so much wreck diving this time and more getting hammered in the surf and off the rope swing. Wrapped up the trip with a chocolate brownie, a chocolate thick shake and a game of spot the white chick at the cafe in town.

Wednesday 3 September 2008

Week 7 – But where’s my steak?

Admin section at GBR is an okay gig. We usually only get one or two taskings a day outside of the usual cleaning and meal runs so it means a lot of personal time for facebook and the gym. Our section was going to boxing class 3 times a week but last class we were down to 5 and now we are not even in GBR so I guess that is the end of it for now. Maybe when we come back in a month. We managed to go out for dinner the other night, wanted to go to the casino restaurant but apparently we are not allowed so instead we went to the Hong Kong Palace. There were some grumbles to begin with as we were looking forward to western food but these soon subsided when the food came out. For the equivalent of less than $20NZD we each had a huge feed of Chinese, Pinfold even had a whole fish, head and all. Although I am still disappointed about my steak. I was expected a slab of meat, but apparently Cantonese style means it is sliced so it can be eaten with chopsticks. I ended up getting maybe 2 slices of it. And chopsticks! Another disaster, still funny to watch. I ended up using a fork that came out with one of the serving dishes. On the ride home we had the sounds cranking and stopped for ice-cream, I reckon the shop keeper had never had that many people say “keep the change” in a row.

The following day we went out shopping in Chinatown and I got myself a $20NZD G-Shock and a $33NZD Omega, didn’t have enough to get the $33NZD Rolex though. Afterwards we went for a swim in the NZ High Commissioners pool which was very relaxing. To finish the week off we are now sitting at the Observation Post above Rove prison and it is raining solidly, probably the first decent spell of rain since we arrived here. The OP is ok because you are away from everyone but I do miss the lack of a gym and internet. Oh well, off to Mbalisuna next which is very similar, but apparently improvements are underway so we will see.

Tuesday 26 August 2008

Week 4 - Week 6: Somewhere in the South Pacific.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. This has become something of a motto to our section. This sentiment has lead us to some difficult situations (nearly got charged for operational security breach, which it so was not, also the reason this journal was only released on return to NZ), some situations that shall not be spoken of here (but it looked awesome, Quiet Tommo, Stephen J and Pete!), and some great situations (showing the local kids a movie, being so on the ball that people actually get pissed off at how good we are). But as always I am getting ahead of myself. Where did I leave off last time? Oh right, patrolling from Rove prison.

We got out to a place called Bonegi beach where there is a sunken Japanese wreck which we got to swim around, it would have been better with a calm ocean and scuba gear but I still managed to get some good photos. After this we went to another beach called pebble beach that had some wicked-cool rope swings. It was good to get away from it all for a few hours, even though we got screwed on time due to incompetent people. They finally realised it doesn’t take a whole platoon to watch a prison so now two sections are at the main camp at Guadalcanal Beach Resort (in air-conditioned comfort!) and one remains to watch the prison from the OP.

We went on our first 3 day patrol the other day, the first for the platoon. It was a great experience, getting away from everyone, meeting the locals and seeing the conditions they live in. The people here and particularly in the outlying villages are just so friendly and welcoming, offering us food and places to stay. I actually felt bad that all we had to offer were clean water and empty water bottles. We gathered some intel, took lots of photos, got in a few swims and some fishing, and overall had a great time. Although I have to laugh about the time a bunch of locals were sitting on the beach, not daring to go into the water and laughing as three white boys splashed about, at sunset, in a bay known to have a bigfulla crocodile. Can’t wait for the next patrol. Now we are just sting in GBR, pretty much on our own, with a great mess (3 types of melon! 3!), 24hr gym access (although we have a curfew at 2200) and as mentioned air-conditioned rooms. Soon we are off to the more primitive camp at Mbalisuna with no internet or any mod-cons. still, it’s a new place and new patrols so I am looking forward to it.

Wednesday 30 July 2008

And I am getting paid for this?

Third week in country and I am on the third of the roles I will be doing in the first phase of this op. We are finally getting out among the public and seeing how things are run here. Much more interesting than watching a prison or cleaning up after the others. One hiccup so far is that for some reason I am one of the few people with the right license to drive the boss around. I enjoy the driving but would rather be doing other things.

We got into the ocean a couple of times for a swim, rather fun having a jetty to jump off but it soon leads to stupid competitions like bombing, diving and creative jump styles. We also got out to play volleyball with some of the locals the other day which was great fun. Although it brought to light the fact that we need more practice in the game.

we have had a bit of downtime here, mostly it is filled with reading mens magazines and watching movies. It occurs to me that I may have underestimated the number of movies I should have brought. Luckily one of the other guys has lots too. Also discovered that there is nothing better after a hot day than a nice cool Gaytime. Golden Gaytime that is, the ice-creams we have in stock at base and the source of many a joke. Time to go and get ready for some more action.

Thursday 17 July 2008

The great journey - prologue

In the lead up to my deployment I decided it would be a good idea to do some traveling around the North Island and visit some old friends. Last Tuesday I drove up to Hamilton Where I had dinner with a old flatmate however due to a communication breakdown I did not see anyone else from this area. Wednesday saw me on the desert road where I set a new distance record for my car, 615km on one tank.

I carried on South through Palmerston North and got to Wellington after nightfall. This did not aid me in trying to find the house of an old friend in the suburbs. However I did and after a quick catch up I carried on into Wellington Central. Stayed with another old flatmate right in the heart of the city in Mount Victoria. Had a few drinks here then walked down to Courtney place where I found a nice Irish pub and some friends from the army. Continued drinking and had a very good night. side note, you know you are an alcoholic when you go home from town and keep drinking.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday saw me drinking in Palmy with Simon despite the fact I was going to continue my tour. However this would have been difficult as When I was not drinking I was either sleeping or hungover. Overall had a good time in Palmy. Finally on Sunday I drove home and then got my brother to drop me off at Ohakea for my flight on Monday.

The flight itself was long (6 hours) and relatively uneventful. I spent the flight either sleeping on top of luggage in a raised nook or staring out the window looking for land. Arrived in Honiara to discover that it was unsurprisingly, hot. I have spent the last two days trying to get used to the heat and the routine here. The locals are very friendly and wave all the time, some gave us some watermelon today. Had better wrap this up now as I still have things to do and tomorrow is a busy day. Oh, it is 10pm as I write this and it is still hot.

Tuesday 8 July 2008

You live and learn. At any rate, you live.

About bloody time I wrote on this thing. So PDT is finally over. And what came out of it for me? Two concussions, one case of mild hypothermia, two visits to the hospital, 3 x-rays of a suspected arm fracture (it wasn't), and numerous cuts and bruises all over my body. Still, I managed to survive all that. But lets do this week by week hmm.

Week 1. Range shooting and briefs. I finally got to fire the pistol and of course fire the rifle and gun lots more. I gotta say, as a shooting coach for some of these troops you'd think it was the first time they had held the weapons, loading rounds upside down, screwing up the drills. this was accompanied by numerous briefs on a range of subjects, the majority of which I can't even remember now.

Week 2. Ex raven and riot training. The second week started with basic urban drills including building protection, vehicle checkpoints and the like. this culminated on the wednesday which was the Exercise. A whole day of rotating through Security, patroling and Quick reaction Force. I think this was primarily a means of finding out our starting point. After Raven we started on our one day of riot control training before we were thrown to the wolves that are 1st batallion. The riot action lasted about half an hour. In this time we sustained about 10 casualties and two broken shileds. I guess thats what happens when the enemy have axes and whatnot. This was followed by a weekend of leave which I think we all needed.

Week 3. Live fire in Waiouru. The first day in the field was pissing with rain and cold. We went through basic field shooting and instinctive/ reactive stuff. Luckily on day 2 the weather cleared up and we got into fire and manuvuer starting in pairs and over the week build up to section strength in close country. We also covered vehicle ambush drills and on the saturday we did this moving with live rounds and high Explosive 40mm grenades. Pretty awesome stuff.

Week 4. Wanganui, boating and Ex Solomon Step. The first day in Wanganui was once again shit weather and this was the day we did boating, including man overboard and capsize drills. All I can say it this, the water was cold, damn cold. After a day or two of rehearsing of stuff we got into the Exercise. Similar to Raven but over 4 days, and for some reason it was nearly always 2 section that got called up to action. One stand out action was when we got called out to resond to a brawl. The enemy players got angry and attacked the boss, he shot one of the enemy and from then it go ugly. We walked away from that one with a mud splattered vehicle that had a shattered windscreen and a missing drivers window. This being after we had evacuated two enemy casualties to the hospital.

Week 5. Admin week. This week involved tidying up everything from the past month, loading our gear for the plane and basically getting drunk every night. It culminated with the course function which found me walking back to Ohakea from Palmerston North at 4 in the morning as I didn't want to pay the $70 for a taxi.

I am now on leave for the week and If I get things sorted out will spend the remainder tripping around the North Island before I fly out monday.

Wednesday 21 May 2008

Einen minuten bitte

You know what's great, what's really great? Having a fire to keep you warm during these cold months. Well, that and being sent to a tropical island for the worst of winter, both work. Luckily, I get both too.

The live fire weekend went off without a hitch, lots of fun and training were had. Got to throw some grenades as well which was cool.The engineers were also making things go bang, but they were doing this while we were trying to sleep so not so cool.

Grad week was a drunken blur really, mine went off well, then I caught up with some class mates and then more mates and then blank... Other nights were of a similar vein. Saturday we had a bit of a party with a fire and fireworks and Indiana Jones, always a good combination. However did not go to town as the first place I got to was full with a huge queue and it was cold so I went home, still good night aye.

Currently using my last bit of holiday before I go armying and what am I doing? Mowing the freaking lawns. And they don't even need mowing! I mow them and I can't tell where I've mowed and where I haven't. Silly mother with her silly standards of lawn length. Maybe I will get some rest tomorrow but chances are there will be more work to do. Caio (While miming riding a scooter).

Saturday 19 April 2008

Mission complete

A grey clouds falls over WHS as I take my leave, everything will change until nothing remains. So yes, I have completed my tour at Waitara and am now officially on holiday, although I do still get paid through to the end of the holidays which is great. I wanted to make a memorable exit so I spoilt the junior classes with candy and shouted my year 13's KFC. I also had a couple of demonstrations planned however these did not go off as planned. Although the trial thermite demo worked when I did the actual one I couldn't initiate the reaction. Also my sodium demo was a fizzer, literally. Bloody Murphy's law. However I did the sodium demo last period with my year 9 class and it worked much better than expected. Better as in, exploded with such force the ceiling was wet, the glass bowl shattered and I am still trying to remove glass shards from my hand and arm. Certainly went out with a bang didn't I? Although I am still trying to convince myself it's over, doesn't really feel like holidays yet.

Went to watch the student's Shakespeare performance at the festival on Wednesday night. Took the bike and nearly got run over as some stupid cow didn't know how to look before entering an intersection. The festival was pretty good, although I did get roped into being doorman for it. Of the performances I did see, I thought our two were definitely in the top three, but neither won first. Then I got my first real night riding experience as I tried to beat the stupid 10pm curfew on learner licence bikers going at the stupid 70kmh learner licence speed limit. Stupid rules. Time to get some more practice in and find a course that will cut the time limit down before restricted methinks.

Tuesday 15 April 2008

You think I care?

Yay, last week. Four days to go and I will be finished with Waitara High School for a good while. As much as some days have been enjoyable, I can't wait to start my holiday and start gearing up for deployment. Apparently you need to do lots of things before you go overseas, who knew? If only I wasn't sick at the moment these four days would go a lot smoother. But at least this way I should be better by the time I go on holiday, woo!

Went to the staff quiz night on Friday. Played for the youngsters team which managed to come in second behind the dinosaurs team (which included my parents), Which I don't think is too bad. However I was the only science teacher there, but the science questions were hardly scientific. (What is the birthstone for November. Seriously?). And I still dispute the newest country question. It is not East Timor, that was created in 2002. The newest country is Kosovo, created in February and I know as I have a friend serving there and during their first independence day.

Paddled in the gutbuster on Saturday for the 'pie munchers' team. We came in seventh in our division which I think is pretty good considering I am relatively new to kayaking and our cyclist was 14 weeks pregnant. And the team that won had an olympic triathlete in their team. The 12km paddle went ok however it was longer than I thought it would be, every corner was a case of 'Just one more bend'. On the bright side, I still haven't been struck down with muscle aches and stiffness so I must have done enough training. Although maybe this cold is my body's revenge, stupid body.

Played poker on Saturday night. Texas hold'em is a rather complicated game with the big blind and small blinds and all that. As we drank more and more the game devolved into straight bet hold'em, asshole, last card and finally pyramid. Then I walked all the way into town and didn't go into a single pub, what fun. still, overall it was a good night, what with playing the old records on 45 (Bowie's a chipmunk!).

Oh, the bike is now complete, got all of my riding gears and tail pack so I can go touring in it properly now, just need a fine weekend or some free time to head off...

Monday 7 April 2008

Pridem: painkiller

The wandering soldier returns from another weekend training unbeaten and weary. Live fire this time which made for interesting times however nothing got shot that wasn't supposed to so all good. However we did face an enemy we had not anticipated, the dreaded thistle bush. Seriously, my body is covered with tiny wounds where the buggers got in under my uniform and then rubbed for the rest of the exercise. We practiced section assaults and jungle lanes and I managed to cut down a branch with a burst of automatic fire. Then someone decided it would be a good idea for us to walk along the ridgeline to the pick up point. A good half dozen or so kilometres later and we roll up to the truck, blistered, dehydrated and tired but otherwise fine.

Only got out on short cruises on the bike this week due to kayaking and other stuff getting in the way, however getting more and more comfortable with the lil beast. Still haven't thought of a name for her though. Kayaking is going well, got 5 days left before the gutbuster and no longer have to do the run which makes things easier. Had better get out a few times this week and practice. I went to the Mole on wednesday night to watch Joe Morton play some music at open mic night. It was reasonably busy for a wednesday and there were some very talented musicians there, especially since I was expecting it to be, well, not so much. Oh, and Joe was pretty good too with a good range of music played. If I was sticking around in this town I might have made it a regular thing.

School wasn't too bad this week. I mean, I had the usual scallywags giving me grief but overall it was good. Plus I now only have ten days of work left, haven't started counting the hours yet though but it won't be far away. I'm sure I can survive the ten days I have left, I mean, how hard can it be? (Famous last words).

Tuesday 1 April 2008

Ground floor: motorcycles, sporting goods and drunken memories

Three days have never seemed longer. It seems like you give these kids a break longer than two days and they forget themselves. The worst part is I have to then go and write it up on the computer. Oh well, only 15 days to go now anyway. Hopefully the coming week does not bring any unwelcome surprises as I don't even get a break next weekend due to army work.

Tried my hand (once again) at canoe polo on thursday. Gotta say, one helluva lot different from multisport I'll tell you for free. The game I was in was like one 30 minute game of spring scrag except with water and paddles thrown in. Still, it was a lot of fun and I even learnt how to roll, sort of. Oh and on the subject of kayaking, somehow my name got put down to not only do the kayak of the gutbuster, but also the run if the other guy doesn't finish the kayak before me. Funsy.

I now have my motorbike and I am starting to get used to going faster than 30kmh. After a few days on the paddocks I have been out and about on the roads with it, might nearly be time to go on a more substantial trip. say something which requires more than 15 mins. However, she runs good and as soon as I get my dark visor I'll look right evil in my riding get-up. As Bob says, bring on the hot biker babes.

Speaking of, went to a party last night, some guy's leaving party I think. 12 rounds with mister Cody and whatever else I was thieving have left my impressions of the night spotty to say they least. However I clearly recall playing a form of beer pong, Making fun of people for some reason that is entirely appropriate (Can't remember), messing with the sound system so it would only repeat one song, heading off to town with a couple of girls at some unknown time, never making it to town due to REDACTED, and finally walking back in the rain from some house at 11 this morning. Overall the word used to describe the night? Eventful, even if some of those events are foggy. Best head off to bed now, gonna need my sleep if I wanna do a halfway decent job of educating our future leaders.

Monday 24 March 2008

Insert funny heading

I can now legally drive heavy vehicles and motorbikes, adding to my arsenal of ways to cause general mischief and mayhem, and soon I should have my pocket rocket which will make travelling a lot cheaper so I will make up for that by doing more of it. It all balances out really. Counting down until when I am finished here in Waitara and get to go on my break, four weeks left now, and this week is only three days which is even better. Smack bang in the middle of a five day weekend right now. Already bored so that means some work may actually get done however this could change. Depends on what I find to distract me.

Still waiting on word from the army on whether I am actually going overseas. Otherwise I have to find a job or something. That or head to Europe early. However I have passed all the required checks already so shouldn’t be any problem there. Either way I’m looking forward to it, getting out there and living life, awesome.

Taken up kayaking with a vigour as a workmate has talked me into doing a competition in april, 14km on a lake in south taranaki. At the moment I’m doing 10km which isn’t too bad, just got to get up to 14km and do it faster now. Should also be a lot of fun. I just have to go out at the right tide so I can get high enough up the river, stupid river with its changes.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

A weekend wasted is never a wasted weekend

Breathalysers are fun. Particularly when some numpty calibrates it while drunk so a zero reading actually means far in excess of the legal limit. Because then of course everyone tries to get to the max mark on the device. This of course being ridiculously high and probably lethal. This course of action is, as I pointed out, a hella lot of fun. But I digress, the week that was, pretty normal except the gala. I helped run the horizontal bungy until we managed to destroy it then I busted out the fire staff to wow some kiddies. I really need more practice with that thing. Still, the kids seemed to enjoy it.

Spent the weekend in Palmy where on friday I drank altogether more than was sensible, watched some family guy and boondocks then stumbled out on the town, watching to be sure we didn't use any comedy from boondocks, as that stuff could get a Brother shot in the wrong company. Was a pretty good night from what I could remember which understandably wasn't much.

Saturday was another good night, not as drunk this time but still had fun, stumbled round palmy, visited a few paries, listened to some old school Blink 182, argued about nebulous shit (which is better, 1984 vs 1985, boxers vs not boxers) boozed it up in some bars, Saw some old friends and some new friends, then had a pie and went home.

On sunday I finally got around to seeing Pulp fiction and we also went to see 10,000 bc. It is a pretty good movie, however it did have elements that are similar to apocalypto and the story of Moses but thats all good. Also obviously a lot more entertaining to us intelligent types that understand about things and stuff. Also saw Superbad. Hi - Wait for it - Larious.

Today I had the day off due to Taranaki anniversary so I went to base to shit my life out, then travelled home, managing to burn my arm again. damn drivers arm. And back to the working week, wooo.

Saturday 1 March 2008

This isn't Peter, but I hear that guy's awesome

So it turns out i wasn't the one that overdrank on Friday night, that honour/disgrace goes to Simon. Not only did he have a couple of private moments with the fence to throw up, he also had to be carried home around 12:30, for shame. Overall my weekend in Palmy reminded me of what I am missing living in a small town. Yes I do miss it but if I was working in Palmy I would spend altogether to much time getting drunk so it is probably for the best.

So what else happened? Friday night, the aforementioned carrying of Simon, arguing with a girl over some burning issue like politics, democracy or the meaning of life, meeting a future soldier for the second time (strange that), and meeting a few old friends on the town. Overall town was quieter then I expected for the friday before uni.

Saturday night I decided to stay in Palmy again and was intending to crash a party which Simon was invited to. Before I continue you must understand this, I have lived in palmy for a long time. So is it really crashing a party when you know most people there? when I arrived at the party one of my mates from T-col walks out, turns out he and another t-col mate live there. I go inside and see my own flatmate, old vet friends and one of the guys from C Coy. Either I know too many people or Palmy is too small. Also made some new friends then headed into town. This night was more like I was expecting. Walking into the Empty Vessel, the best way to describe it would be oppressive. Stinking hot and barely room to move. I am getting too old for this shit. Still, was a good night again seeing more old friends, jumping the queue at the Vessel and once again outdrinking Simon (You have to actually finish the drink boy).

Sunday I returned home with most of my stuff via Hawera where I stopped in at a friends Birthday brunch. didn't stay long though which was probably for the best as I missed out on having to sing and being mobbed by the birthday girl's sisters (not as great as it sounds, trust me). Then of course I got straight into planning for my week and getting on top of all the chores. Yeah, right.

This week at school, once again a mixed bag. Sports day on Wednesday was a highlight as I got to sit on a reclining beach chair and supervise a game. Hopefully I also managed to impart some wisdom upon the future leaders of this country at some point during the week as well. This weekend, should be a quiet one. Should get some work done too. Unless of course I go to the rodeo, the relay for life, out boozing, out rowing, or any of a further dozen distractions that may come up. Only time will tell my friends.

Friday 22 February 2008

Because I said so

Seriously, why can't that be enough of a reason for the students to do what I tell them? It's in their best interests too as otherwise their just wasting their time and their parents money. Particularly the senior students who should know better, for shame. So obviously my second (the students third) week of school has had mixed results. A constant uphill battle to get some of these kids learning. At least there are some kids that are a genuine pleasure to teach and make it worthwhile going into work each day. Some of these kids though, I would rather have my pack and rifle anyday.

Speaking of, the annual field exercise or NK-08, as it will come to be known, was a reasonably good time. The trials were well thought out, challenging at times and entertaining. We managed to cover 55km in three days just walking between the trials however. Definitely getting some mileage out of my boots. The assault course was also fun, (should have some video up soon).The final function, also good, had some entertaining conversations with old friends and Australian diggers. However two hours sleep is not conducive to the next days work (bloody medics ).

This was followed by our unit function in Wanganui which included a shout on the bar so of course this was a very good night indeed. Except bloody Wanganui closes at 2am! Now I know some people think nothing good happens after 2am but those people are mistaken and can go to some subterrean area where it is very hot and smells of sulphur and talk to Lucifer for all I care. I have had plenty of nights where good things happen after 2am (like the previous night), hell sometimes even after 5am (I love Dunedin). Life is what you make of it people. It's no good going think, think, think and talk, talk, talk. You've got to do, do, do (hehe do, do). To help in this end, do as the Kid says, "You overthink, maybe it's time to overdrink?". Which is exactly what I intend to do on Friday when I return to Palmy. The bourbon is on me people. Bring your own coke.