Observiews: Quarantine island

One of the boats near the jetty looking out into the peninsula. It used to be intact, however the military decided to try and save some wood so it blew it up and wrecked some window in order, leaving this beautiful hull.

Quarantine Island- my home for a night, I beautiful break from life (no internet!)

This weekend I made the journey to Quarantine Island in the Otago harbour. The island contains a delightful little community that working to preserve its heritage as well as environmental education. My mission- do volunteer work, and woof- meaning I would get free room and board!

I biked out to Port Chalmers bright and early in the morning so that I could make it to there at 9:30 to catch the boat. As we arrived at the island I was introduced to the sight of a beautiful jetty boardered on both sides by ships deliberately sank there to protect it. I and the others in the boat made the small walk up the cottage, we had a little bit of the islands history as a quarantine, to its period as a military base, and finally as the island community.

I though we were going to get to work right away- I was pleasantly surprised by Tea and cookies and the opportunity to learn a little bit about the buildings. The only remaining structure is the families' quarters of base, this is only part of a building that used to house the family, women's, and dining quarters. The men's quarters used to be behind the women's and families quarters, they were later moved to the neighboring island- goat island, to prevent "events"

There is also the chapel- it is built in the shape of a sail and took a few year to build, I though it was reminiscent of the Sydney Opera house, which is also based of the shape of sails.

After tea and biscuits (cookies) We headed out to check out the buildings. The families' quarters are pretty cool, the exterior is restored, and is painted to look like the day it was first built, the interior is stripped- there is no second floor remaining- poles prop the building up- it was leaning beforehand, but propped up quite nicely.

We also so the remains of the marching ground and and the remains of a hospital (the chiminy) as well as the islands cemetary. We then took a walk around the forested area and headed back for lunch.

And what a lunch it was- a potluck- I felt like I was back home again, there were soups, breads, sandwiches, eggs, a pizza, and pies, it was quite nice.

Afterward we finally did some work- widening a path and removing the overhanging brush. I helped cut through a large branch, more like a tree. At that point I was sure wishing we had a chain saw. But eventually we got it, it involved some handing on the branch like a monkey until it cracked but we got it!

Just a little of the path was a cave -Te Ana- (maori for cave, It was a nice hallowed out layer, I think it was just a weaker bed that was eroded.

When we finished most people left, I, however, was starying the night, so I got to take a kayak out and go kayak into some caves, there, was a point in them were the light of the day was completely hidden and we had to feel our way be hand, frightening, but also very fun!

Dinner was another potluck- the leftovers rather. Afterwards we sat around the fireplace in the parlor, and swapped stories. I learned a great deal about the NZ government, it was nice to finally hear from someone not a professor or in my age group.

I even went to sleep early- such a treat!- especially on a Saturday night! The next day I slept in- no sunrise. But I think I needed it, and after a nice breakfast, and type of service in the chapel -only 5 people, more of a discussion of hopes for the island and experiences, very nice, We headed back towards the mainland.

It was definitely a great weekend, I hope to get back there and maybe help out with painting. I think I could get done with a fair amount of work, I look forward to helping them more!