From:
Guy Wooles
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Penguin Project
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 27th, 1999
Dear Dave,
My name is Guy Wooles
and I am currently in my 3rd year at the University of Western
England (Bristol) studying Fine Art in Context. My latest project
involves conservation and wildlife protection issues. For the
past three weeks I have been creating penguins out of newspaper
in preparation for a residency and to develop my own style of
practice. One of my creations recently asked if he could have
a holiday. Being a kind and considerate person I agreed to see
what I could do. His name is Dennis (as in hopper(!!)), and
he stands approximately 12-16 inches tall. I am writing, and
hoping, that you might be willing to take Dennis for a few days
and take some photographs of him with his cousins and the surrounding
areas, plus anything else you think he would like to see. He
would, of course, bring his own camera and return ticket. Joking
aside, I would like to give Dennis his own history and background
besides the ones that have been crumpled up to create him. This
might all sound a bit crazy but I believe it could be an interesting
experience for him(!) and for myself and perhaps help put across
some serious issues regarding waste and conservation amongst
others. I do hope you can help me in this project and I look
forward to hearing from you soon.
My e-mail address
is Guy@**********.co.uk
All the best
Guy
From: Dave Houston
To: Guy@**********.co.uk
Subject: Dennis
Date: Friday, October 29, 1999 11:54 AM
If Dennis wanted to
come over for a look around, I would be pleased to introduce
him to some of his feathered relatives.
Cheers,
Dave Houston
Department of Conservation
P.O.Box 388,
Oamaru,
New Zealand
Thought for the day:
Consciousness (n): that annoying time between naps.
From: Guy Wooles
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Dennis
Date: Saturday, Oct 30th, 1999
Dave,
Thanks very much
for offering to take Dennis for a few, he's over moon. As soon
as he's packed he'll be 'winging' his way over to you. Just
to give you some idea of what to expect I'll tell you his history
so far.
Dennis is the first penguin I made for this project and was
created using only photographs in books as a guideline. So he
might look like a cross between a number of penguins! I realise
that he should be at least two and a half feet tall but he is
only a few weeks old.
Dennis is made entirely out of paper and plain old sellotape
but he is quite solid. I haven't painted him because I quite
like him the way he is. I didn't want to hide the fact that
he's made of waste material.
Please don't worry if you damage him, just stick him back together
if you can. I expect him to come back a little 'travel weary'
anyway.
Was my e-mail dated 18/6/99? My computer is playing up and puts
weird dates on everything. If not ignore the last question!
So, anyway, thanks again for the prompt reply and Dennis wants
to know whether he can call you 'Uncle Dave'?
Good luck in the Rugby. I'm rooting for New Zealand (I think)
'cos I'm Welsh and so is Dennis. Oh, and thanks for Graham Henry!
Iechyd Da ('cheers'
in Welsh)
Guy
From: Dave Houston
To: Guy Wooles
Subject: Re: Dennis
Date: Saturday, October 30, 1999 9:36 PM
I look forward to
Dennis' arrival. He might get a yacht trip to Stewart Island
to survey Yellow-eyed penguins if he behaves. Will see some
blue penguins and might even see some Fiordland-crested's.
Yes, you computer
still thinks it's June.
Kia Ora,
Uncle Dave
Thought for the day:
Logic (n): the art of being wrong with confidence.
From: Guy Wooles
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Incoming Dennis
Date: Thursday, November 04, 1999 10:07 PM
Dave,
I have just waved Dennis off at the Post Office.They tell me
he'll take about a week to get to you so he should be with you
around next Friday. You wouldn't believe the problems I had
trying to get him packed. He's not too heavy, but if I'd put
him in a box he would of been too big to send Air Mail due to
his odd dimensions. Are your penguins as much trouble?
So he's snugly packed in a heavy duty bag wearing cardboard
helmet and boots! You'll laugh when you see him. I hope he's
not too pissed off with me when he arrives. He's got his camera
with him so I hope it survives the journey.
If you keep his packing and his bag then you can send him back
the same way, if he does't complain too much. He weighs approx.
1.57kg, so when he arrives if you could let me know how much
it's going to cost to send him back in New Zealand money I can
send you a cheque or transfer the money to you. The little man
at the Post Orifice said that this would be the easiest way
otherwise I'd be sending you hundreds of International Reply
Coupons.
I am hoping that he has no problems getting through customs,
it would ruin his holiday if he had to endure an internal body
cavity search-oooohh owww!
I was wondering, if you had a spare film, could you take some
back-up photos just in case his photos don't come out due to
airport x-ray machines or something? Then if they didn't come
out you'd have a spare set. I'd pay for the film, of course.
If this is going to be a pain in the butt, don't worry, I'm
sure the camera will be fine.
If you could let me know when he arrives, that would be great.
Thanks very much,
Guy
PS Sorry to hear about the All Blacks. Bloody French! What with
British Beef and now this, eh!
Cheers
From: Dave Houston
To: Guy Wooles
Subject: Re: Incoming Dennis
Date: Thursday, November 11, 1999 6:00 AM
G'day,
Dennis arrived a couple of days ago, but hasn't seen much because
I've been out of town. He wasn't subjected to any embarrasing
internal body cavity searches.
I've decided not to take Dennis to Stewart Island next week,
instead he is spending the time with Denis, the manager of the
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. I'll install him on Friday night
and introduce him to a few of his small feathered relatives.
I'll drop you a note when I get back to let you know how he's
getting on.
Cheers,
Dave Houston
Thought for the day:
Flashlight (n): A case for holding dead batteries
From: Guy Wooles
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Dennis' Holiday
Date: Thursday, November 11, 1999 9:19 PM
Hi, Dave,
Glad to hear the old bird is okay and that he hasn't suffered
any embarassing experiences. Thought I'd better tell you that
Dennis does like his beer and he has my permission to go down
the pub if he wishes (he is Welsh after all !). If he gets too
frisky mention the dark night in Cardiff and the one legged
pigeon- that usually sobers him up pretty sharpish!
A weird thing happened the other weekend I thought I'd tell
you about. I was talking to my partners mother about this project
and she mentioned that she went to a penguin colony in Oamaru
last year. She said that she had spoken to a man who was looking
after the penguins along with a younger man and she said his
name was Dave something. Was that you???
Talk about small world if it was, eh!?
Anyway, say thanks to Denis for looking after Dennis while you
are away.
Have a good trip,
Guy
P.S. Feel free to take whatever photos you think would be good
(or funny). Cheers.
From: Dave Houston
To: Guy wooles
Subject: Re: Dennis' Holiday
Date: Thursday, November 11, 1999 11:34 PM
It most likely was
me!
From: Guy Wooles
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Penguin on holiday
Date: Sunday, December 05, 1999 3:22 PM
Hiya Dave
How are things on the other side of the world? They're pretty
lousy on this side. How was your trip to Stewart Island? Did
you get to see any Fiordland-cresteds? How many species do you
actually look after and how many penguins in total does that
make? I hope that, at this time of year, you're up to your knees
in Blue and Yellow-eyed penguin chicks, not to mention all the
others in New Zealand. Has it been a good year in terms of successfully
raised chicks?
Yesterday, my girlfriend and I went to Bristol Zoo to see their
new Seal and Penguin Coast. What a fantastic exhibit! I don't
know whether you've heard about it, but it's definitely one
of the best enclosures I've seen. They have Gentoo, Magellanic
and two King penguins all sited down in, what looks like, a
natural sea cove that has a wave machine sending the water crashing
on the rocks. There is a kind of cliff walk that extends above
and around the back of the enclosure for the penguins, giving
them views across the rest of the zoo. They've also created
a tunnel that goes beneath the water, giving you a crabs-eye
view of the swimming penguins. I didn't realise how beautiful
and graceful they are underwater- like fat rugby balls with
eyes! All in all they've done a fine job of trying to create
as natural an environment for the penguins as they can in the
middle of smelly old Bristol. Do you have any contacts at the
zoo? Because next year I was hoping to send one of Dennis' brothers
or sisters to them for a working residency- I know they are
heavily involved in conservation and education. My girlfriend
is a Biologist and runs an environment and conservation club
at the school where she works. She invited Stephen Woollard
from Bristol Zoo to a careers conference she organised one year.
Do you know him? Is this the man I should be contacting? One
word answers are acceptable!
Anyway, now I've bored the pants off you about Bristol Zoo,
how's the old bird? Is he behaving himself? If he is, then it's
a first. What's he been up to, the lucky b*****d? I hope it
hasn't been an incovenience to you 'cos you must be extremely
busy this time of year. If you get a chance to drop me a quick
note to let me know how he is that would be great, if not don't
worry. I'm sure he's in good hands. Just don't let him lead
you astray. Dennis doesn't know the meaning of the words "just
a quick beer" or "don't "! You know that picture of you on your
website, is that really an Albatross or is it actually an overweight
Husky?
This short note to find out how you're doing has turned into
a short novel, hasn't it? The sun has probably risen and set
whilst you were reading this and you've missed your tea. If
so, I appologise, I just reckon you've got one of the best jobs
I can think of.
I'll leave you to save the environment now.
Many thanks,
Guy
P.S. Do you know Simon King, the wildlife photographer from
the BBC? I'm trying to get hold of him because one of Dennis'
brothers wants to go and work with him on one of his trips!
Anyway, I've overstayed my welcome, bye.
From: Dave Houston
To: Guy Wooles
Subject: Re: Penguin on holiday
Date: Tuesday, December 07, 1999 5:44 AM
Guy,
Stewart Island was great, but I'm glad I didn't take Dennis
along for the ride, because I fear the drenching he would have
got would have been fatal.
The yacht that we stayed on for the first week got a bit of
a pounding on the way down and was wet inside and out. The fact
that it rained for the next few days didn't improve things much
either. It did however clear up for the second week and we were
able to bask in the sun.
Got to see lots of
Fiordland crested penguins and their chicks, but were disappointed
about the low number of yellow-eyed nests we found. Also saw
lots of blue penguins, but also saw a good number that had been
munched by cats.
It's too early to
say how good the penguin season is, or rather, how bad. We are
having having another la nina year and they are not good for
penguins. We expect poor breeding success and low juvenile survival,
but won't really see what happens till February or later.
I had some email
correspondence with someone at Bristol zoo re a link to their
web site, but that was my only contact. Must look at the web
page again to see how the exhibit has progressed. Dennis has
been working at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony while I've been
away. He's helped out with some nest monitoring and showed our
Prime Minister around the colony one evening (well ex prime
minister now, we just had an election last week). I'll introduce
him to the Mayor next week if I get a chance. We'll get out
and check some yellow-eyed penguin nests next week and after
that I'll get him to give me a hand up at Macraes Flat with
some predator monitoring work and fencing in a rare lizard reserve.
I forgot to ask, has he any fencing, welding or tractor driving
experience?
I'm at Macraes at
the moment, doing the above tasks, but supposed to be doing
lizard survey work, but the weather isn't co-operating. Just
hear the generator stop - better go and get dinner on for the
troops.
Cheers,
Dave Houston
Thought for the day:
Originality (n): The art of concealing your sources.
From:
Guy Wooles
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Dennis' DIY skills
Date: Tuesday, December 07, 1999 2:07 AM
Hi,Dave
Just a quick note to let you know that Dennis is well trained
in most martial arts. So he should be of some use to you in
combatting those predators. He recently became a black belt
in Origami. As to welding and fencing, for some reason he has
a slight phobia about fire- and if you mention 'fencing' to
him he'll think that you'll want him to get rid of some 'dodgy'
gear! He is capable of driving most vehicles but, unfortunately,
has had his licence taken from him due being drunk in charge
of his tricyle (I told him not to go out with the penguins from
down the road- so it's his own fault!).
Has
he run out of film for his camera yet? I can't wait to see them.
Did he get his picture taken with the ex-PM and did you vote
for him.
At the
moment I'm trying to get some sponsorship from McVities Penguin
biscuits so that I can set up a website around this adventure.
They'll probably think I'm mad- maybe I am! This whole project
has ballooned and everyone keeps asking me how Dennis is. I've
been encouraged by my tutors to expand, I'm now trying to get
one of Dennis' brothers into the Whitehouse. I'll have to tell
them he doesn't like cigars! I also want to send one of the
family to the North Pole, I understand it'll be the first penguin
to the North Pole!? If this fails I'm still holding out for
Tom 'the voice' Jones!
Do you
have any suggestions for Dennis' brothers and sisters that might
help your cause because I'd love to help- especially through
my website?
Anyway,
I'll keep you posted. Oh, and make sure you don't burn the toast!
Keep
smiling,
Guy
From:
Guy Wooles
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Xmas
Date: Monday, 20th December.
Dave,
Just writing to wish you and Dennis a very Happy Christmas and
hope you have an exceptional Millennium. Dennis is very fond
of mince pies (if you haven't found out already) and loves sherry,
but keep an eye on him or else he'll drain the bottle when you're
not looking! In fact I'd put him on early penguin duties so
that he doesn't over do it. Mind you that's probably like putting
the fox in charge of the chickens- you'll end up with thousands
of penguins doing the conga around Oamaru!
Anyway, here's wishing you the finest of the festive season.
Nadolig Llawen (Merry Christmas),
Guy
P.S. I'll be away from the 22/12/99 to the 4th of the next century
(I hope it's a good one for you and your team).
From: Guy
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Back Online
Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000. 15:49:02
Dear
Dave,
I have managed to get my computer back online at my old address.
Hopefully it will stay like this for a while and not break as
it is liable to do. Anyway you can contact me here for the forseeable
future - God willing! How's Dennis - can't wait for an update.
Are
you up to your ears in penguin chicks? I hope you are and that
you've had a good year. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Cheers
Guy
From:
Dave Houston
To: Guy
Subject: Re: Back Online
Date: Monday, March 06, 2000 9:35 AM
Dear
Guy,
Sorry about the protracted Antipodean silence. I've been rather
busy on the skink work at Macraes Flat and haven't had a lot
of time at home or do penguin work. As a consequence, I'm afraid
poor Dennis has been a bit neglected, so much so that he's taken
to sulking when I do manage to spend time with him - see the
attached pic.
We did
go to Queenstown for a Doobie Brothers concert, but it poured
with rain so we stayed at home in front of the fire instead.
Tomorrow, weather permitting, we're off to Macraes again to
work on a predator-proof fence. Dennis has offered to be bait
and try to entice some predators to break into the exclosure.
The
penguin year has not been a good one. Only about half the yellow-eyed
penguin chicks survived this year and the blues had a short
breeding season. Dennis and I are still working on the final
figures and they'll appear on the web site as soon as he's finished
typing in the data.
Regards,
Dave
Thought
for the day: Flashlight (n): A case for holding dead batteries
From:
Guy
To: Dave Houston
Subject: Dennis 2000
Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2000 11:12 PM
Dave,
It's good to hear from you. We were getting worried over here
- I had a line of penguins pacing up and down in front of the
computer waiting for word. We were about to put together a rescue
team and storm Macraes Flats in search of the Skink Eaters lair
where we thought you were both being held - ready to be boiled
alive and eaten. But I think we'd all drunk to much and the
garlic bread was starting to repeat!
Anyway,
less of all that drivel, how are you both? It's good to hear
that you've got Dennis earning his krill. Be careful that his
body odour doesn't repel the predators as opposed to attracting
them. I've told him many times to wear underwing deodorant but
he says he prefers to be 'au naturel'.
Have
you managed to get him to type with both wings or is he still
being lazy and using just the one?
I was
sorry to hear about the penguin breeding season. Was it expected
- do you tend to get a bad season every now and then or are
there outside elements responsible?
It was
great to get the photo of Dennis. Was that a Yellow-eyed penguin
with him? I can't wait to see more. If you want to send me copies,
I'll pay for the postage. But it is nice to get them attached
to the e-mails - it's like receiving photos from family you
haven't seen for years.
I'll
let you get back to putting bacon behind Dennis' ears.
Speak
to you soon,
Guy.
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: How's Life?
Date: Monday, April 03, 2000 10:44 PM
Dear Dave,
How's life treating you? Things are pretty miserable here at
the moment. We're having snow and it's the beginning of April
(Spring!!).
How is the Skink work going at the moment? Has the new fence
worked?
Things are going pretty mad here. I think I told you that one
of Dennis' brothers went off to a school in Hong Kong. Now I've
got one out in Edmonton, Canada, at some kind of eco company.
I'll find out soon what sort of company it is when they contact
me. I've also sent one off to New York to, hopefully, be taken
around the Museum of Modern Art. There is a risk that this one
(Betty) might not make it home. The person taking her mentioned
that she might get 'torched' on the Empire State Building!!
I am also sorting out the travel arrangements for 'Adele', she,
hopefully, will be going over to the Falkland Islands. Do you
know anyone over there who has the right sense of humour to
want to help in this project? I have a contact in the tourist
board over there who is coming to Cardiff over Easter and I
think she's willing to accompany Adele back over to the islands.
Anyway, I suppose I'd better ask how the old bird is doing.
Did he get munched by any predators? I shouldn't think he tastes
very good.
I'll leave you now to patch up the teeth marks on Dennis, he'll
look the part with a few scars!
I've attached a couple of pics of the new Bristol Zoo penguin
'coast' if you're interested.
Speak to you soon. Take care
Guy
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Long Time No Hear
Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 11:19 PM
Dear Dave,
Just a quick note to find out how you both are. I hope you're
okay. Haven't heard from you for a while, I hope it's not a
bad omen. Hopefully you're just busy.
I was contacted by Falklands Conservation last week so hopefully
I'll be sending Dennis' sister, Adele, over there in the not-too-distant
future. They seemed quite interested in you and Dennis. Soon
everyone will be wanting their very own 'Dennis'. You'd better
keep hold of the 'one and only' - he'll soon be a collectors
item!!
Anyway, take care and I'll leave you with an Easter joke:-
Jesus (on the cross) to Peter:
"Peter, Peter, save me an egg I'll be back on Sunday"
Cheers,
Guy
From:
"Dave Houston"
To: "Guy"
Subject: Re: Long Time No Hear
Date: Thursday, April 13, 2000 7:54 AM
Sorry about the silence,
I'm doing 2 jobs at the moment and am a tad busy. Dennis is
well and has been busy climbing mountains - full details will
be released as soon as the sherpas carry the photos out.
Cheers,
Dave
From: "Dennis P.
Gwynn"
To: Guy Wooles
Subject: Dennis calling
Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2000
Dear Guy,
Dave has proved to be a hopeless letter writer, so I've put
the flippers to the keyboard myself to let you know what I'm
up to. I've also scanned a few pics of my exploits for you to
add to the one of that snobby yellow-eyed penguin and me on
your great new website.
A wee while ago, Dave dragged me along on a trip to the Awakino
skifield to cut down some wilding pine trees. Personally, I
found I wasn't cut out to be a woodpecker, so I gathered together
a small team of sherpas and went mountaineering.
The first attempt
on Mt Kohurau (2015m) failed because of lack of light and we
had to retreat back to the ski lodge for a few beers. It was
suggested that the fact that we set off only 30 min before sunset
may have been a contributing factor in our failure, however
I blame the poor snow conditions.
[Mt
Cook - highpoint on day 1. Mt Cook, the highest peak in
NZ is the blob on the left of the skyline]
On day two we set
off from base camp early - just after lunch. In what has become
a legendary climb for penguins world-wide, I managed to struggle
to the summit mid afternoon [Kohurau
- at the summit]. The NZ Alpine club have, however, refused
to acknowledge this momentous event, claiming that because I
was driven by 4WD to within 200m of the summit and then carried
by an international team of 19 sherpas, it invalidates my claim.
I intend to lodge an appeal.
[Sherpas
- sherpas and I at the summit. Kiwis, Irish, Canadians, Dutch
and a Welsh penguin.]
Since the Kohurau
affair, I've been spending a bit of time helping out on the
lizard project at Macraes Flat. Dave's had me riding the 4-wheeler
about doing the trapping rounds for him [4wheeler]
and testing the experimental predator-proof fences he's built.
[electric
- testing to see if the electrics are on]
One
of the tasks I've been assigned to is seeing if the fences are
predator-proof. I sat on top of a rock in one of the exclosures
for weeks [rock]
and nothing happened. Then Dave passed on your excellent suggestion
of putting a rasher of bacon under each wing. Having decided
that it was worth a go, I then had to procure a bit of bacon.
Borrowing Dave's 4-wheel drive and rifle, I popped out the back
of the farm and got myself a wild pig [bacon].
I hope to get back out in the field and complete the experiment
as soon as the bacon cures.
Will let you know
how the experiment goes.
Kindest regards,
Dennis
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Fab Fotos
Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2000
Dear Dave and Dennis,
Great to hear from you both and what a surprise to see all those
photos. They're fab! How are you both? Are you still very busy,
or are things winding down a bit? A ranger's work is never done,
eh?
I never knew how jealous of a paper penguin I could get until
I saw those photos. You certainly have a big team over there.
Are there any vacancies for a paper penguin sculptor over there
(can double up as tea-boy)?!!
Anyway, I'm approaching crunch time with regards to my course.
My final assessment is next Tuesday (June 6th) and I'm busy
writing my Evaluation Report. We have a degree show, then, starting
on the 23rd and that goes on until the 27th. So, Dave, if you
are in Bristol during those dates don't hesitate to contact
me and you can be my guest of honour!
All the information and pictures for all my penguins will be
on display so hopefully I'll get alot of interest. As you can
imagine the pictures you sent will be excellent for my presentation.
God willing, this time next month I'll be Guy Wooles BA(hons),
AKA 'The Penguin Man'!
Did I tell you that they call me that already at Bristol Zoo!?
You should be called that, not me.
Anyway, I'll let you go and finish off eating that pig that
Dennis shot. Apparently the trotters are the best bit! Get Dennis
to show you his trick with the tail - just make sure you've
finished eating first.
Take Care
Guy
PS. What do the NZ
Alpine Club know anyway, eh? We'd both be millionaires by now
if he'd managed it unaided!!
From: "Dave Houston"
To: "Guy"
Subject: Re: Fab Fotos
Date: Wednesday, May 31, 2000
Guy,
Glad you liked the pics. We're both pretty busy. I'm trying
to finish a paper I'm writing for the International Penguin
Conference in Chile and Dennis keeps on wanting to party. Now
that the bacon has cured, we're back to Macraes next week for
a week of predator tracking followed by a week of predator trapping.
Winter is approaching here, but Dennis is looking forward to
the snow and the ski season.
Cheers,
Dave
From: "Dave Houston"
Organization: www.penguin.net.nz
To: "Guy"
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 10:35:31
Guy,
Please accept both Dennis' and my apologies in that we are both
unable to attend your degree show.
Have a great day,
Dave and Dennis
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Big Wide World
Date: Fri, 7 Jul 2000 10:41:07
Dear Dave,
How are things going over there? I haven't written for a while
because I've been heavily involved in Degree Show mayhem. Everything
went fine and everyone seemed to love the penguin idea.
I've even been getting e-mails from people asking if they can
take a penguin around their home towns (Americans mainly).
The Degree is now over and I now have to try and make some money
- hopefully involving my penguins. I'm trying to get funding
and sponsorship so that I can continue my work and take it even
further. I have approached the local paper to see if they would
be interested in sending me and one of my penguins over to South
Africa to assist in the clean-up campaign! It' worth a try if
nothing else.
I desperately want to raise awareness about conservation and
waste using the penguins but I'm having difficulty in getting
the right people involved. I have a contact in the Natural History
Unit of the BBC who's willing to help me contact the right people.
At the moment I'm trying to get together some info that she
can send to David Attenborough. Unfortunately he doesn't seem
to have accesss to the internet or at least doesn't have an
e-mail address.
My girlfriend is going travelling for a year in October and
I'm thinking that if nothing has happened by Xmas that I might
borrow some money and catch her up - with a penguin, of course.
She plans to go to New Zealand and do some teaching, God knows
what I'll do!! So you never know we might meet up in person
soon. What a frightening thought for you!
Anyway, how's Dennis P Gwynne? Has he been behaving himself?
Elvis turned up at my degree show complete with gown and mortar
board with a real penguin feather on it. He is going back to
Bristol Zoo but he's spending a few weeks with me at home beforehand.
How does Dennis manage with the big rifle? Do you have to hold
it for him? Or have you got him a small one to carry round?
And how many shots did he take to bag that pig?
When he was with me he used to love taking his spud gun wherever
we went much to the annoyance of the people who copped a shot
in the kneecap!
Many a time I had to confiscate it from him before somebody
shredded him.
Hope you are all well and not too stressed
Speak to you soon
Guy
XX
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Post Degree
Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 16:34:57
Dear Dave and Dennis,
Please excuse me for not writing sooner but I have been busy
trying to drum up sponsorship and funding to no avail so far.
Also I have been asked to take part in an exhibition for the
South West Regional Development Agency in Exeter that starts
on the 4th September (I think!). The exhibition involves recent
graduates and has an ecological theme to it and they asked me
to take some of Dennis' brothers and sisters down to liven up
the proceedings a bit! My only hope is that there isn't a bar
there or else they'll get a bad reputation for themselves as
I'm not going to be around to keep an eye on them - and when
you get a group of penguins together you know what can happen.
Anyway, how are you keeping over there? Isn't it winter there?
It's still probably warmer than it is here at the moment. Did
you manage to get the paper for the International Penguin Conference
finished? When is the conference - is it the same as the one
held next year in Australia (Phillip Island?)?
I only hope that you didn't allow Dennis to edit it. As you
probably know he's got a wicked sense of humour, especially
when he thinks nobody's looking!
Have you done much skiing lately? I realised that I didn't pack
any snow shoes or skis for him. Do they make skis in his size
or have you had to fashion a pair out of lollipop sticks for
him.
Let me know if you need me to send out some penguin lolly skis
or a scarf and bobble hat. I'm sure there must be a market for
penguin skis, scarves and bobble hats. I know that woolly jumpers
have become quite fashionable with the trendy penguins in South
Africa - or is that Australia (I must try to keep up with these
fashions, they change so quickly).
How are the lizards up at Macraes Flats? Did Dennis manage to
scare them off? Just in case you wondered now that my degree
is over, I intend to continue my work with the paper penguins.
The response has all been very favourable and I still enjoy
it - although the pay is awful. I seem to be spending a lot
of time writing letters asking for sponsorship and funding and
not concentrating on the most important parts which are the
penguins and their hosts. I haven't been able to update the
website for a few weeks now because of all this hassle. But
once the penguins are settled in Exeter I can concentrate more
on trying to get a network of penguins around the world and
start to really push the conservation and wildlife issues. I'm
still trying to get one to the North Pole and am having a bit
of trouble finding hosts in Australia and South Africa - they
probably don't realise that under the humour I'm deadly serious.
South Africa are probably rather busy at the moment.
Do you have anymore photos that I can put on the site? Or anything
else that you think might be of interest - fun or serious? If
not don't worry. Anyway, your eyes are probably going square
by now so I'll sign off. By the way who dreams up all the games
on your website - do either of you do any work or do you play
games all day?
Did you hear about that Cod they caught in Cairns with the human
head in it's stomach - lovely!! I won't be able to look at 'Fish
Fingers' in the same way again!
Right, I'm definitely off now
Take care, both of you
Speak to you soon,
Guy
P.S. Any chance of a link on your page? Pleeeze!
I'm Gone...
From:"Dave Houston"
To: "Guy"
Subject: Re: Post Degree
Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 17:04:27 GMT
Guy,
I did get around to finishing my paper and am now in Chile ready
to present it next week. Unfortunately, Dennis had to stay home
to look after my flat and run the office in my absence. He rekoned
it would be OK, but I´m not so sure it was a good idea. I´ll
probably find that he´s sacked me in my absence.
I stopped at Easter Island for a few days on my way here and
was sure I spotted Dennis (or one of his brothers) lurking among
the Moai
(statues). I took a photo and will analyse it and interrogate
Dennis when I get back.
I hope to update my web pages, including some photos of Dennis
and a link to his page, when I get back, but I´m off to the
Snares Islands (below Stewart Island) a week after I get back,
so it may be a while before I can get it up. if Dennis plays
his cards right, he may get to go to the Snares, but I´ll have
to ask the Navy it it´s OK to have him on the frigate - he may
be a defence risk.
Adios,
Dave
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Post graduation
Date: Monday, October 30, 2000 5:11 PM
Dear Dave and Dennis,
How are you both? It's been a while since we've written so I
thought I'd write and let you know what's going on over here,
besides the lousy weather! I graduated last Tuesday and had
to go through the gown and mortar board debacle - it really
isn't me, all that stuff'n'nonsense. In the end I actually found
myself quite enjoying it. Unfortunately neither my parents nor
my girlfriend were there due them all off travelling the world
(lousy timing by the university I'm afraid). I did, though,
have Rachel's mother and sister there along with my brother
and his fiancée. So it wasn't so bad.
I took along Dennis' sister, Betty, to the ceremony. We got
her kitted out with her own gown etc. so there should be some
images of her getting her BA (Hons) on the website soon.
At the moment I'm trying to make some money but with little
success. I'm starting to concentrate, again, on more penguin
adventures and have one planned for Alaska and, hopefully, the
north pole. The north polar adventure will, I hope, be with
a chap called James Morison, who works for the American government.
He seemed pretty keen, initially, but I haven't heard anything
from him since - hopefully he's just very busy. I've also been
trying to get a penguin to the south pole to coincide with the
penguin at the north. All requests that I've made, though, seem
to have fallen on deaf ears.
Did I tell you before that I'm redesigning the website? It was
looking very studentish and I thought that it had to look a
lot more professional if I'm going to make it more than a final
year project. I also want to make the site available for the
penguin hosts, like yourself, to raise issues that are important
in the work they are doing. Thereby making the site more educational
and environmental. What do you reckon, mate? Think I can pull
it off? Any suggestions would be extremely welcome and if you
need any advice on how to look after penguins or skinks please
don't hesitate to ask!
Anyway how are you all doing and how did the conference in Chile
go? You must let me know all the gossip. Isn't it now summer
over there? This is when it all gets hectic over there, isn't
it? Do you have a forecast for the coming season or is it all
played by ear?
I do hope Dennis is pulling his weight - it's probably increased
over the past few months what with all the beer and that. I
hope he hasn't started smoking again. He knows very well it's
bad for his health and makes his breath smell (not that it didn't
smell before).
Have you got any more photos. You must have some of Dennis in
his Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses. In fact they don't have to
have him in at all - anything that looks like it might go well
on the website will do.
I must go now and cook my tea.
I'll speak to you soon.
Take care
Guy
From: "Dave Houston"
To: "Guy"
Subject: Re: Post graduation
Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2000 7:05 AM
G'day Guy,
After my excellent trip to Tahiti, Easter Island and Chile,
I then went down to count Snares crested penguins on the Snares
Islands for a few weeks. I only got back last week, so haven't
yet caught up with my correspondence.
I'll send a few photos and a bit of a yarn next week.
Cheers
Dave Houston
Department of Conservation
P.O.Box 388,
Oamaru,
New Zealand
houston@penguin.net.nz or dhouston@doc.govt.nz Penguins in New
Zealand - http://www.penguin.net.nz
Thought for the day:
Cannot find REALITY.SYS: Universe halted
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Update
Date: Thursday, November 30, 2000 11:20 PM
Dave,
How are you? How was Snares Island?
Just thought I'd send you and Dennis an update. Dennis' new brother,
Ferdinand, is currently at the University of Washington, Seattle,
waiting to become the first penguin to the North Pole. This should
happen some time in March. The other brother, Tawaki (from New
Zealand legend, I believe) is off surfing to Hawaii - tomorrow,
in fact.
There are still a few feathers flying here as to who will be jetting
of to Alaska soon.
As you can see the penguin adventures still continue but, unfortunately,
the funding and sponsorship still remains elusive. Never mind,
it's not about the money anyway but it would make life a little
easier.
I'll speak to you soon.
Keep smiling and give Dennis a kick up the arse for me (an affectionate
one, of course).
Take care
Guy
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Hello
Date: Tuesday, January 09, 2001 9:43 PM Dear Dave and Dennis,
How are you? I haven't heard from either of you in a while so
I hope you are both O.K. Hopefully you're just too busy and
not dangling from some cliff edge from your fingertips (wingtips).
I have decided to take the penguin project on tour. I am going
to be visiting Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga. Whilst
at these places I want to visit some conservation or environment
groups and document the work that they are doing. I will also
make a paper penguin out of the local newspapers and send it
back to myself in the U.K. thereby creating an international
paper penguin exhibition! What do you think? Am I being crazy
or what? I don't know!
Anyway, do you have any names or addresses of any groups in
these countries that wouldn't mind me visiting (maybe even Bali)?
Would you mind me visiting you? All this kicks off mid-March
and continues for approximately 8 months - 3 months travelling
round Oz, 3 months travelling round NZ, a few weeks in Rarotonga
and a few weeks in LA.
Obviously I'll have someone to manage the website if I'm unable
to do it whilst travelling.
Well that's my groundbreaking news, what's yours?
How is the summer going? Are penguin numbers up this year and
are they breeding successfully? Was the skink fence a success?
Has Dennis got over the Xmas excesses (probably hasn't finished
yet!)?
I hope you had a good Xmas and New Year. I understand the skiing
is good in New Zealand. I have never skied before so I thought
I might give it a try while I'm over there. I'm trying to get
a work permit for the time I'm there just in case I start to
run short of cash but I'm not sure whether I'm too old or not.
Any ideas?
Well I'd better let you get back to work. If you get a chance
drop us a note to let me know you're both alright and, if you've
got time, any other gossip you might have, you know the stuff
- which penguin's seeing which and who's having whose chick
- juicy stuff that any self-respecting member of the penguin
community should know!
Take care and stay warm
All the best
Guy
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Howdy
Date: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 6:00 PM
Dear Dave and Dennis,
How are things in New Zealand? Hopefully things are not too bad
and that you're finding time to enjoy the summer over there. Could
you remind Dennis not to forget to put plenty of sun-block on,
especially around his beak.
I am going to be visiting Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga
from April onwards, instead of March, due to my brothers wedding.
I am still trying to get in contact with conservation or environment
groups in theses areas but have had no success so far. I've tried
asking the local WWF, FOE and Greenpeace offices for ideas but
they don't seem to even want to reply. Do you think the Yellow-eyed
Penguin Trust would be interested?
I've had a number of schools around the world asking me about
my penguins and the one's I've sent them to have virtually altered
the curriculum to accommodate. This project seems to be turning
into quite an educational one. I can't remember whether I told
you but I have one in a school in Alaska and am about to send
one off to a school in Massachusetts. Another has been sent to
Hawaii and there is one waiting, in Seattle, to hop on a ship
to the North Pole.
If you have any suggestions regarding the project then I'd love
to hear from you.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Keep smiling
Guy
From: "Guy"
To: "Dave Houston"
Subject: Hello?
Date: Friday, March 16, 2001 12:00 AM Hi Dave and Dennis,
Are you still talking to me?
Luv
Guy
XX
From: "Dave Houston"
To: "Guy"
Subject: Re: Howdy
Date: Sunday, March 18, 2001 1:21 AM
Hi Guy,
Sorry about the lack of electrons being transmitted in your
direction, I seem to have been bogged down with a few things
lately.
Dennis is fine and sends his regards. He's looking forward to
seeing you when you come over.
Photos of Dennis at Easter
Island and admiring a sculpture in the Atacama
desert in Chile are attached.
The YEPT may be interested in your project (yept@clear.net.nz),
interestingly, the WWF forwarded your email to them to me!
Regards,
Dave and Dennis
Dave Houston
Penguins in New Zealand
http://www.penguin.net.nz
Thought for the day:
Proofread carefully to see if you any words out
