tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post4576714282457338252..comments2023-04-01T22:26:20.745+13:00Comments on Musings from Aotearoa: Hononga (Connection)Ruahineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-4838842436141738952009-03-31T18:56:00.000+13:002009-03-31T18:56:00.000+13:00Really great picture, I love these pictures.Really great picture, I love these pictures.Web Hosting Delhihttp://www.rayhosting.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-33696558462782195422008-12-29T17:17:00.000+13:002008-12-29T17:17:00.000+13:00Kia ora Bob, Of that I have no doubt. I am lookin...Kia ora Bob, <BR/> Of that I have no doubt. I am looking at a photo of him with Harry Ayres and Ralph Warburton on Mt. Cook in 1955. Legends, as are you! Happy New Year to you as well my friend.<BR/>Cheers,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-3291373938587546332008-12-29T17:14:00.000+13:002008-12-29T17:14:00.000+13:00Kia ora D'Arcy, You make me happy viewing your pre...Kia ora D'Arcy,<BR/> You make me happy viewing your presence here! I KNOW you are one of those special people. I would be honoured to share the Ruahines with you.<BR/> Your journey mirrors mine in many ways, and I have so enjoyed watching your growth. And it has only begun. Kia kaha my lovely friend.<BR/>Aroha,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-87870806708970239692008-12-29T07:11:00.000+13:002008-12-29T07:11:00.000+13:00Good morning RobbI am back in Ch Ch and busy inter...Good morning Robb<BR/><BR/>I am back in Ch Ch and busy interviewing Peter NcCormack, a mountain guide who operated out of Franz Josef for 40 years. He is now 86. What a story he has to tell.<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year to you, Tara and family. BobBob McKerrow - Wayfarerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13832128768908667724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-38341663087224521812008-12-28T17:57:00.000+13:002008-12-28T17:57:00.000+13:00Dearest Robb, This was more than just a trip, it w...Dearest Robb, <BR/><BR/>This was more than just a trip, it was a journey. I too have found that the people who I have connected with over this medium of blogging have turned out to be true and real and amazing and as full of life and energy as the words on the written page paint them to be. I have a feeling, Robb, that one day, we too will meet in person. You'll be my guide in the Ruahines.<BR/><BR/>What a wonderful year you've had, full of life and wisdom and love and fighting and struggles and so many things. You live life fullly my friend, and I hope to catch a bit of your enthusiasm, take it into my pumping heart, and send it forth into this world of ours.<BR/><BR/>Rangimarie and kia kaha.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17584248569655542892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-13976401920626449962008-12-28T12:02:00.000+13:002008-12-28T12:02:00.000+13:00Kia ora Robin, Thank you my wonderful friend for a...Kia ora Robin,<BR/> Thank you my wonderful friend for all your beautiful words and thoughts, and actions of support and aroha. I am slowly finding my Path, and it has been inspirational to connect with such amazing people, including yourself. Your selfless, open, honest, and genuine presence has been a great Gift this year.<BR/> As I wrote to Ophelia you two were both very much with me, and I felt your Spirits at Kura Tawhiti strongly, I lie on those sun warmed limestone rocks and felt embraced by the Earth, could almost hear you two laughing and talking. It is a special place, as is all Nature. And it is no simple pipedream to imagine ourselves there, it can Happen. We have created a door that simply awaits being Opened. The Maori are a people of great patience, as are almost all indiginous peoples. I am learning that, so the door waits patiently for us to Open it. By staying connected here, we step closer to that reality.<BR/> Robin, enjoy the rest of this year, and may you be blessed with abundant aroha, and interaction with Nature. I am off in a few days for 5 days in the Ruahines! Stay Tuned. Rangimarie and Kia kaha.<BR/>Aroha,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-11741518639539495122008-12-28T10:10:00.000+13:002008-12-28T10:10:00.000+13:00Kia ora MB, I am so happy to read you are in the c...Kia ora MB,<BR/> I am so happy to read you are in the company of loved ones and hope you are enjoying that White Holiday Season! Hot and muggy here though I shouldn't write that as a complaint after talking to my snow bound family in the states.<BR/>I wish you a happy New Year as well MB. You have a treasured connection here as well. Kia kaha.<BR/>Aroha,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-2519571027616163032008-12-28T10:02:00.000+13:002008-12-28T10:02:00.000+13:00Kia ora Steffi, Thanks for the visit and my best H...Kia ora Steffi,<BR/> Thanks for the visit and my best Happy Yuletide wishes, and Happy New Year to you and yours!<BR/>Cheers,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-42644254152832767812008-12-28T10:00:00.000+13:002008-12-28T10:00:00.000+13:00Kia ora Mike, There no doubt is a fine line betwee...Kia ora Mike,<BR/> There no doubt is a fine line between writing and sharing thoughts of interest and pure self indulgence.<BR/> I guess keeping my own place here based mainly around my love and interaction with Nature builds in a natural safe guard. Though I have had a few friends whom have questioned how much, and what I have chosen to share about myself. Yet I can't "edit" the realities of my life simply to make myself more interesting, or together, than I really am. Goes back to the writing honestly and genuinely, and for me, thus far, it has produced satisfying and interesting results. But it certainly is for each of us to decide those limits. And if we post it here we have to acknowledge we are putting it out there for enjoyment, critisism, anaylsis, ect. And you are so right, I would rather connect with people via this way than dating sites, 0900 numbers, chat rooms. And as written above in the post, actually meeting people I have has been a very honest and pleasant experience. Tara and I are having dinner this evening with another interesting writer and photographer met through here, Pohangina Pete, linked below. You would enjoy his place.<BR/> Mike, have a great trip to the Naki, hope you get out under the mountain for a few days and get the solitude you seek. I shall look forward to reading about it.<BR/>Cheers,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-7889976221401324122008-12-28T09:47:00.000+13:002008-12-28T09:47:00.000+13:00Kia ora JJ, Ah that scene you paint with your word...Kia ora JJ,<BR/> Ah that scene you paint with your words reads lovely. I miss the white christmas as you know, but had a lovely one in any case, and I hope you did as well. Stay warm, and snuggled in front of that fire!<BR/>Aroha,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-23973402880164810022008-12-27T07:39:00.000+13:002008-12-27T07:39:00.000+13:00I am, once again, sitting here with tears in my ey...I am, once again, sitting here with tears in my eyes. So much comes to mind reading this. I hope I can sort it out and leave some understandable response. <BR/><BR/>I am NOT surprised at all, Robb, that you have drawn such wonderful people into your life, kindred lovers of nature. Because you always speak from your heart and very soul. I believe we draw to us more of who we are, especially if we are in touch with ourselves and not running from ourselves. <BR/><BR/>Your greatness, Robb, is equivalant to any greatness you meet. Always remember that. You are truly a great man, one of courage, depth and sincerety. I too believe that we can meet people online who are absolutely stellar people. I have met you and Ophelia and know without doubt, in my deepest heart, that you both are part of ME. Who knows, we may have been connected long before we connected. :) I just know I can be myself with both of you. <BR/><BR/>Remember the greatness you see in these new friends of yours is also the greatness ALREADY in yourself. It's why they are coming into your life. <BR/><BR/>Also....I felt SUCH a longing, a naked unashamed hunger to see the Kura Tawhiti. The photos brought immediate tears to my eyes. I yearned to just lay down upon the smooth stone and NEVER leave. I wanted to explore there SOOOO badly. It reminded me a little of some of the places here in the southwest that I don't want to leave. <BR/><BR/>We just spent a few days exploring some ruins here in New Mexico and I didn't want to leave there either. I hope to make a video of what I filmed when I have more time. <BR/><BR/>I read Ophelia's comment and it hit me that when I have more time and money I would love for the two of us to come to NZ and meet you and your family and go treking. I'm going to keep that in my mind and heart for down the road. My connection to both of you is very strong and healing. It also gives me something to aim for through my intense workload right now. I know the next couple of years (right now getting my book ready and then once it comes out promoting it) will probably be quite hectic but eventually things will calm down and I want to do some traveling. Although I've been to NZ I wasn't able at the time to explore the mountains, which I STILL want to do. I've always been drawn to the south island. <BR/><BR/>Robb, I am so glad you are in the world and that you SEE, FEEL and appreciate all the beauty we humans have been given. Bless you for that. Your photos here are precious, warm and simply stunning....I really LOVE Kura Tawhiti. Someday.....my friend. Someday. <BR/><BR/>This was a remarable sharing and I am so happy for you. Hugs and much Aroha, RobinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-80636386704627058772008-12-26T16:30:00.000+13:002008-12-26T16:30:00.000+13:00Robb, happy holidays to you and yours, and wishes ...Robb, happy holidays to you and yours, and wishes for much love and happy adventure in the new year! Thanks for checking in. I'm enjoying a white Christmas (relatively rare here) in the company of loved ones, and hope you are doing the same! My best to you.MBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14515233228776181123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-11260357370622172322008-12-26T11:51:00.000+13:002008-12-26T11:51:00.000+13:00It is truly a delight to visit here Robb, thank yo...It is truly a delight to visit here Robb, thank you.This year I <BR/>have felt very much on the periphery of Nature instead of where I love to be, in the centre.The seasons come and go regardless, as I have been busy doing other things.It has just been one of those years therefore I cannot thank you enough for sharing your insights, photographs, beautiful family and friends,and for making these walks and climbs you have shared with us, a priority.Your enthusiasm has ingnited my spirit and given me incentive to dust off the backpacks and camping gear and get back to interaction with environments that I really enjoy. Have a wonderful holiday season Robb with excellent company!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-18673696969291698732008-12-24T20:19:00.000+13:002008-12-24T20:19:00.000+13:00Fantastic pictures!I wish you and your family a ve...Fantastic pictures!<BR/><BR/>I wish you and your family a very "Merry Christmas"!<BR/><BR/>SteffiSteffihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17780074291143476485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-48103325423816522762008-12-24T12:19:00.000+13:002008-12-24T12:19:00.000+13:00Hi Robb.I guess it's a lot like an online diary in...Hi Robb.<BR/><BR/>I guess it's a lot like an online diary in many ways, except I tend to be more careful about what I say and how I say things when they go in my weblog, especially when I'm referring to people who I'm not sure would appreciate being mentioned online.<BR/><BR/>Over time I've heard many criticisms about people who write thoughts in weblogs, but I think it usually comes through either a misundestanding, an over-generalisation, or just a non-appreciation of what other people get out of it. If I ever feel bad about experessing thoughts in a weblog, I just think about the tens of thousands of people who happily pay a dollar to phone companies and TV networks every night to anonymously express their opinions in meaningless 0900 opinion polls. :)<BR/><BR/>I certainly hope you enjoy your new year's trip, it sounds like it'll be fun. I haven't quite figured out what I'll be doing yet and I've been getting out a little less often lately for various reasons, but if it's anything, I'll probably be doing something solo for a night or two in the vicinity of Mount Taranaki/Egmont. With any luck and if the weather plays nicely, I'll find a good place to fly-camp and I hope it'll be enjoyable.<BR/><BR/>As usual I'll look forward to reading about how your 5 day adventure turns out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-25805428695689192882008-12-24T10:09:00.000+13:002008-12-24T10:09:00.000+13:00A Very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones,...A Very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Robb!!!<BR/><BR/>I know you have a joyful house at this moment. You are one special dude.<BR/><BR/>Jeff and I are socked in with back-to-back winter storms but we have the woodstove, wine, chocolate and...each other!!!<BR/><BR/>Cheers! JJNature Nut /JJ Lochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02895220529481743313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-49950361829357742852008-12-24T08:50:00.000+13:002008-12-24T08:50:00.000+13:00Kia ora Anne-Marie, It was an awesome experience, ...Kia ora Anne-Marie,<BR/> It was an awesome experience, as was meeting you and Pete as well.<BR/> I hope you have a lovely Christmas as well, and a lovely trip. See you in the New Year!<BR/>Aroha,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-39266811389161601742008-12-23T19:42:00.000+13:002008-12-23T19:42:00.000+13:00Kia ora Mike, An interesting subject eh! I started...Kia ora Mike,<BR/> An interesting subject eh! I started this place for my family and friends back in the states, and a few whom have shared the Ruahines with me. I thought it would be a cool way to keep them in the loop as it were.<BR/> After a few months I was ready to shut it down, my family did not respond, nor my friends, or at least they did not comment or let me know they were aware of its existence. Then I became aware that a few people were checking it out. Since then it has taken on a life of it's own. Is that important to me? I would be lying if I wrote it is not cool to see comments from people whom read and view here. I think the fact I have now met 5 connections from here speaks volumes. Not that I have met them all as a group, but all 5 of those people together in one room would be a very awesome and intersting gathering. And the people I have met through them in turn simply addds to the eloquence. There is a pattern there. Somehow that is very reassuring to me for my own reasons, and even ones I have frankly shared here in my own place.<BR/> Yet I agree with you, that ultimately this is a place for me, to record significant thoughts for my later life, for my boys, for future family generations. Though how I share here is not a whole lot different than the 25 or so hand written note books outisde in my garage. Just easier to read here, and store on a disc. Those notebooks though are still pretty fun to read through from time to time. Do we access the words and photos here like those notebooks, or family albums that gather dust? I wonder.<BR/> By the way Mike, your place is great, the trip reports I find valuable and excellent reading. If I was even 10 years younger I could, and did, a lot of those routes - but never as fast as you guys. Nowadays 5-6 hours a day does me fine, and slower has its own benefits as well. I am heading out to take an American friend of mine out for 5 days on New Years Day. I think he will be blown away by things he least suspects! Happy Yuletide Mike and I shall look forward to reading about your travels over the holidays as well.<BR/>Cheers,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-87412391265029035752008-12-23T19:13:00.000+13:002008-12-23T19:13:00.000+13:00Gustav my Brother!!, A hearty HOHOHOOOOOOOO!!!!! T...Gustav my Brother!!,<BR/> A hearty HOHOHOOOOOOOO!!!!! To both you and Maya.<BR/> In our own way we too our travelers and Learners, and you my brother have taught me so much. Your open honest acceptance has been a treasure in my life, and I smile now writing this thinking of you.<BR/> I hope we will speak in the next few days, or at least leave a few meandering messages howling our Greetings and Love!<BR/>Please give Maya a big Hug from the Dobber. HAPPY YULETIDE!!!!!!<BR/>Aroha,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-72112792936715882362008-12-23T19:08:00.000+13:002008-12-23T19:08:00.000+13:00Kia ora Jamie, That is great news! You and Penny a...Kia ora Jamie,<BR/> That is great news! You and Penny are welcome here my friend. I hope you two have had an awesome reunion and that the wedding plans are proceeding with clarity. My best wishes for the upcoming nuptuals and may you blessed by the weather Gods. Jamie I would truly be honoured to travel with you in the Ruahines, or at least behind you! Stay in touch and Happy Yuletide to you, Penny, Chris and Debbie. Please pass my regards on to them.<BR/>Cheers,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-69064782867703085662008-12-23T19:03:00.000+13:002008-12-23T19:03:00.000+13:00Kia ora Joe, I have been contemplating the meaning...Kia ora Joe,<BR/> I have been contemplating the meaning of reconnecting with Jeff in a few days, and yourself over this past year. The better part of thirty years has passed since those days at Ripon College. Jeff's love of Nature made a huge impression on me back then, and so did your Natural Curiousity about Everything. Interesting times indeed, and the fact I still am in contact with you,Jeff, and Iron Mike is a huge plus in my life, my memories. Your place is an inspiration, and along with Pete above the reason I went down this path. That is pretty cool in my book.<BR/> Joe, you and Amy and family are always welcome here to experience a few Moments. I would be honoured and proud to show this place to you. I will certainly share jeff's visit here, so stay tuned! Happy Yuletide Wishes to you and your loved ones my friend.<BR/>Aroha ( Love),<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-3668139227709632892008-12-23T13:14:00.000+13:002008-12-23T13:14:00.000+13:00Hi Robb, I'm glad to hear you met Bob and all thos...Hi Robb, I'm glad to hear you met Bob and all those other wonderful people and places. It sounds like you had a grand time!<BR/><BR/>I hope you and the family have a lovely Midsummer, Christmas and New Year. See you in 2009!<BR/><BR/>Anne-MarieAnne-Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06769343406187885283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-49161622994464803592008-12-23T11:14:00.000+13:002008-12-23T11:14:00.000+13:00Hi Robb.Sometimes I wonder what I get out of havin...Hi Robb.<BR/><BR/>Sometimes I wonder what I get out of having a weblog (I never quite caught onto the term Blog), and it's not always clear to me. I've always enjoyed online community involvement since playing in online forums in the mid-1990s, even though it has its ups and downs. To me it's just an augmentation of face-to-face communication, and I find it a different way to communicate which works for me. For some people it'll never work because of how they like to organise their lives or otherwise, and that's fine.<BR/><BR/>Self-gratification does have something to do with what my weblog is for, as long as you consider that interacting with people at <EM>all</EM> is for self-gratification. My own one is based around trip reports, and I think I'd write them regardless of whether I published them because I like the idea of recording detail for my own records. I also like reading other people's thoughts, though, especially when they're about places I've been to or want to visit, and that's much of the reason I decided to publish my own. (The insightful and sometimes correcting feedback from other people is a bonus.) It also just gives me an excuse and motivation to write, and I enjoy writing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-61467483122132710962008-12-22T21:23:00.001+13:002008-12-22T21:23:00.001+13:00BrotherYour post reveals the truth. You are a sou...Brother<BR/><BR/>Your post reveals the truth. <BR/><BR/>You are a soul that seeks to connect people, to energize, to bring disparate forces together.<BR/><BR/>Your blog is an example of that force. <BR/><BR/>So thank you my fine friend for lighting our galaxy and inspiring us to be ourselves.<BR/><BR/>Happy Yule Tide.Gustavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14007035018960992565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-74656950195554657212008-12-22T21:23:00.000+13:002008-12-22T21:23:00.000+13:00BrotherYour post reveals the truth. You are a sou...Brother<BR/><BR/>Your post reveals the truth. <BR/><BR/>You are a soul that seeks to connect people, to energize, to bring disparate forces together.<BR/><BR/>Your blog is an example of that force. <BR/><BR/>So thank you my fine friend for lighting our galaxy and inspiring us to be ourselves.<BR/><BR/>Happy Yule Tide.Gustavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14007035018960992565noreply@blogger.com