tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post1764522077457175105..comments2023-04-01T22:26:20.745+13:00Comments on Musings from Aotearoa: ChoicesRuahineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-7623600738439411532008-07-27T03:26:00.000+12:002008-07-27T03:26:00.000+12:00A birthday trek, how fine! Happy Birthday! May thi...A birthday trek, how fine! Happy Birthday! May this be a joyful year for you (and your family).<BR/><BR/>:)vegetablejhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15449145190852647832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-11130291654946107922008-07-20T12:35:00.000+12:002008-07-20T12:35:00.000+12:00Tena koe Ophelia, Cheers for that. I love that se...Tena koe Ophelia,<BR/> Cheers for that. I love that second photo as well, it has a very haunting quality to it.<BR/> I think growing awareness is the first step we all must take. When more and more of us start doing little things we can then hopefully begin to impact larger issues. Being less greedy as individuals for instance, living more simply as you are trying to do. All good things.<BR/> Tom Russell has become one of my favourite artists. He has had his songs recorded by Springsteen, John Prine, Johnny Cash, Steve Earle amongst others, and has a very excellent body of work on his own as well. One of America's most under rated song writers.<BR/> I am like you, in needing to know some wild like place is nearby. I think that is what Edward Abbey is getting at. We need to know and have these places even for just vicarious connections. Until we can get there! Kia ora Ophelia.<BR/>Rangimarie,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-80196110013783869662008-07-18T12:37:00.000+12:002008-07-18T12:37:00.000+12:00Also, I just wanted to say that, whenever I'm in c...Also, I just wanted to say that, whenever I'm in civilization, I MUST know that there is that lovely lake, that mountaintop, that vast ocean, maybe not right next to me, but here in the world. I think we all must be aware of this, or perish, literally, figuratively, and spiritually.<BR/><BR/>Just wanted to add in that small thought...(sorry)!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-45387967781521118642008-07-18T12:30:00.000+12:002008-07-18T12:30:00.000+12:00That second picture just sort of stuns me into sil...That second picture just sort of stuns me into silence. "How beautiful!" seems such an insignificant way to describe it - there are almost no words for it. But, I'll say it, anyway - how beautiful!<BR/><BR/>There are so many things in the world that I feel are injust, horrible, backwards, etc., and I feel so frozen and incompetent when faced with issues like starvation, war, and environmental issues, to name only a few. I like the idea of finding the one issue closest to your heart, and doing whatever you can do to solve it - anything is better than nothing. I would have a difficult time choosing where to focus, but would have to conclude that focusing on our environment is perhaps the most crucial (if one can evaluate these issues based on the relative importance of each, which I'm not sure can be done with any kind of objectivity). Anyway, our world is our home, and without it, we are, quite simply, lost. <BR/><BR/>I fear that greed is going to be our undoing - greed might be a major factor in the steady collapse of our ecosystems and wildlife, a collapse that cannot be duplicated or repaired, once the damage is done. We are in a crucial state right now, in many respects. I can only hope that somehow it can be turned around, and at times, I feel completely helpless and sad. But I know there are people who are out there, fighting the good fight, while I stand by and cheer them on. Not a great help, I know. I need to examine my life, and how I am living it. I need to come to a decision regarding what I can do to help. <BR/><BR/>The quote from The Ballad of Edward Abbey is wonderful. It reminds me - who does speak for the ones who have no voice? The animals, the trees, the forest, the oceans, and so on? It is up to us to speak for them; we are the responsible ones, we are the ones who have "captured and tamed" this earth. I think it's time to let it go; to set it free.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for a beautiful post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-21562548876184033042008-07-18T03:35:00.000+12:002008-07-18T03:35:00.000+12:00Kia ora Sugar, Stop by anytime and thanks! Some do...Kia ora Sugar,<BR/> Stop by anytime and thanks! Some do call this place Godzone, and it certainly offers a large variety of nature's wonders, land, sea, mountains and air. Cheers.<BR/>Ka kite ano,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-26587663830696044442008-07-18T03:33:00.000+12:002008-07-18T03:33:00.000+12:00Kia ora D'Arcy, That is incredibly thoughtful of y...Kia ora D'Arcy,<BR/> That is incredibly thoughtful of you, kia ora!<BR/> My pack sits here beside me, heavy and full, six days in winter means cramming a few extra items in! My excitement grows. I pick up my friend John Tuesday early afternoon, your Monday, and off we go. Today my friend Adam arrives for the weekend to play fiddle with his band Parcel of Rogues at the local Irish pub. Which will mean a saturday drop in jam session here at our house, which is always very cool. I am happy you have decided to keep your violin. I will take and post some photos of Adam playing as he is a brilliant classical violin player, yet his passion is the fiddle.<BR/> In any case cheers D'Arcy, and I will share my journey when I return.<BR/>Rangimarie,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-15015361695539149342008-07-18T03:25:00.000+12:002008-07-18T03:25:00.000+12:00Tena Koe Amy, Interesting as well that often time...Tena Koe Amy,<BR/> Interesting as well that often times we have to go away from our own places, Turangawaewae, to find that connection to Nature - and maybe the Turangawaewae we were meant to find. I am happy for your daughter and I understand that moment for her very well. I know the Ruahines changed me forever. Cheers Amy,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-35927385248801001982008-07-17T17:07:00.000+12:002008-07-17T17:07:00.000+12:00I'll have to come back and read later. For now, I ...I'll have to come back and read later. For now, I was taking in all the pictures. Wow... clearly, God loves NZ. I hear he lives there...Sugar Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14350485179045324078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-47998848834755030682008-07-17T12:37:00.000+12:002008-07-17T12:37:00.000+12:00Robb, I am not sure when you are leaving, but want...Robb, I am not sure when you are leaving, but wanted to wish you a safe journey! I've been thinking about your journey with a bit of envy!<BR/><BR/>Be safe, be well, be thoughtful and come back to share with all of us the amazing offerings of New Zealand.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17584248569655542892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-85160975155236305552008-07-17T05:06:00.000+12:002008-07-17T05:06:00.000+12:00Robb, fantastic post. I've always felt reverence f...Robb, fantastic post. I've always felt reverence for the wild and bonded to particular areas. It's been interesting watching my kids grow up. I didn't think my older girl would ever get attached to anything outdoors, but a trip to the Rocky Mountains a few years ago actually moved her to tears. People need that connection to the earth, and when they feel it, they are changed forever.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03656235714427761274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-18224788491810734442008-07-16T22:33:00.000+12:002008-07-16T22:33:00.000+12:00Kia ora Gustav, Ahh!! Colenso still calls strongly...Kia ora Gustav,<BR/> Ahh!! Colenso still calls strongly to you brother! We shall wander there together Gustav, relishing each moment, each ripple, we shall share the doubts of the journey, and celebrate the joys of leaving our fears behind. It is much more than just Being at Colenso that awaits us my old friend. We shall dance by the lake, the mist rolling over us. It's So Quiet in Here!<BR/>ArohaRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-7086802610252342622008-07-16T22:25:00.000+12:002008-07-16T22:25:00.000+12:00Tena Koe MB, I have no idea why that photo can be...Tena Koe MB,<BR/> I have no idea why that photo can be made larger and others not. It must be something very correctable. I must write after reading your comment I had a look at it larger myself, and it is a very cool photo. Lake Colenso is a very mysterious and spiritual place in the Ruahine. I also must give credit to my mate Nigel who took that photo and the 2nd one as well. Both taken with his fine 35mm film camera many years back. Nigel now lives in Korea so he will appreciate these as well I hope. But cheers for the feedback MB as that is a feature that is certainly really cool about your beautiful and detailed photos I love, and I will have to figure<BR/>out how to do that with all of mine. Kia ora MB, always a pleasure to read from you.<BR/>Rangimarie,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-22515208824723865322008-07-16T12:51:00.000+12:002008-07-16T12:51:00.000+12:00I have been coming back to see the pic of Lake Col...I have been coming back to see the pic of Lake Colenso often.<BR/><BR/>There is somethang that draws me to that sacred place.<BR/><BR/>All the pics are awesome and may you have another incredible journey into the mountains for your birthday.Gustavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14007035018960992565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-78703250338208387682008-07-16T10:23:00.000+12:002008-07-16T10:23:00.000+12:00Kia ora HWHL, Cheers, and I am feeling much better...Kia ora HWHL,<BR/> Cheers, and I am feeling much better, though now my boys both are sick, which is almost worse than being sick myself!<BR/> The mountains are glimmering white and I am indeed anticipating my interaction with them. My pack is ready to go and so am I.<BR/>Ka kite ano,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-79244879582616701922008-07-15T15:41:00.000+12:002008-07-15T15:41:00.000+12:00Kia ora, Robb. I have always enjoyed your photos a...Kia ora, Robb. I have always enjoyed your photos and often wished I could see them in greater detail. So imagine how pleased I was to note the first one could be viewed larger. Not sure how or why just that one, but I'll accept the opportunity. It was worth the look — beautiful! I believe you will find a way to make a difference; even small differences are important. Kia ora.MBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14515233228776181123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-21604331546096640762008-07-15T13:24:00.000+12:002008-07-15T13:24:00.000+12:00Robb,I'm glad you've recovered from your flu bug. ...Robb,<BR/>I'm glad you've recovered from your flu bug. Sounds like you're getting ready for a relaxing and intimate foray into the mountains.... the solitude in the wilderness sounds heavenly. <BR/><BR/>Really a lovely post (and lovely pictures). I couldn't agree with you more that man has made quite a mess out of the magnificent creation that God entrusted us with, however, we certainly can't go back in time,,, therefore we have to 'bloom where we're planted' and you definitely are doing that. I applaud you for that, and for teaching your boys to respect their surroundings and to treasure the land. <BR/><BR/>I hope you have a rejuvenating and relaxing visit into the woods and enjoy your quiet time amidst nature and the Creator. <BR/><BR/>Take care. :-)<BR/>Happy Wife Happy LifeHWHLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07294913024458099382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-20385592140177093122008-07-14T12:37:00.000+12:002008-07-14T12:37:00.000+12:00Kia ora JJ, Hope you caught the sunrise. Those Gre...Kia ora JJ,<BR/> Hope you caught the sunrise. Those Great Lakes sunrises and sunsets are so amazing.<BR/> I spent large chunks of my childhood at a cabin in northern Wisconsin just by the Michigan border, and we ventured into the UP many times to hike, hunt and fish. It is really where I first heard this voice inside me. The clear waters of Lakes Superior and Huron always held me captive. I grew up in Green Bay, part of Lake Michigan, so the Lakes have always been part of me really. I hope they are doing well.<BR/> Yes Muir was an amazing man and writer. I used to spend hours at the University of Wisconsin where he attended, as did I, reading his works where he may have even contemplated himself.<BR/> I will look forward to checking out your photos and writings as well. Kia ora JJ.<BR/>Ka kite ano,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-77546224819228685092008-07-14T10:55:00.000+12:002008-07-14T10:55:00.000+12:00Tena Koe Adam, Kia ora for your words. Very though...Tena Koe Adam,<BR/> Kia ora for your words. Very thought provoking I must say. As I sit here with a mountain experience not far away some might say my excitement builds from the Possibility of Escape, from all that left over Roman vestige you write so well about. And that may even be partly true, yet I also know there is something almost undefinable waiting for me, the unknown embrace of Nature. Perhaps that is the Hope part of the equation, something to contemplate as I wander about. Kia ora Adam, enjoy the Wildness!<BR/>Rangimarie,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-89099061593747244322008-07-14T10:47:00.000+12:002008-07-14T10:47:00.000+12:00Kia ora Pam, The flu always seems to have a way o...Kia ora Pam,<BR/> The flu always seems to have a way of finding me in July. Though this year it seems not quite so severe which I am putting down to healthier eating. I am getting very excited to head out next Tuesday and will hopefully have an interesting tale to write about and photos to share. I really want to take my time going down the river and really "see" it, and hopefully some Whio as well.<BR/> Your point about voting is crucial. I take my right to vote very seriously and along with doing those small things we can hopefully make bigger things happe. Kia ora Pam.Ruahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-40171654956883276282008-07-13T05:33:00.000+12:002008-07-13T05:33:00.000+12:00What a lovely post and photos!!!>>>You said - "Tho...What a lovely post and photos!!!<BR/><BR/>>>>You said - "Those worries melt away and I am just there, amongst this place that fills my soul." <<<<BR/><BR/>How beautiful. Hope you write an inspirational nature book one day. Let me know when it's out and I'll be the first in line to buy it. We could use another John Muir. I love his work too. :D<BR/><BR/>Thanks for posting on my blog. I am going to share your blog link with my NZ writing critique partner. She's going to love this blog. :D<BR/><BR/>How cool you lived in Wisconsin and know the UP region. Jeff and I are heading to National Hiawatha Forest tomorrow. Want to catch the Lake Superior sunrise.<BR/><BR/>Best Regards, JJNature Nut /JJ Lochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02895220529481743313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-91737936930461057492008-07-12T12:15:00.000+12:002008-07-12T12:15:00.000+12:00Ah. Good words.For many, there is no real differen...Ah. Good words.<BR/>For many, there is no real difference between escape and hope- <BR/>We are part of a long history of those who hope in escape, looking forward to the places empty of 'busyness' and those who would drag a chain or make a speculative buck or two.<BR/>The Romans weren't the first to tame the wild people, to subjugate their fellow humans to the cause of making their superiors more comfortable or upwardly mobile in way of life, but they codified much into culture, law and writing. It was they, really, who set in motion or gave license to those who subjugate on a mass scale. It is us who are able to speak up for the land and one another who know we really depend on wilderness (both traditional wilderness and agricultural ‘wilderness’) for everything that we are or hope to become.<BR/>I only hope our own Rome won't have to fall too far before we come into some sort of balance. <BR/>I am very glad to read your words and look forward to whatever comes of your trip, both within you and through your words.<BR/>Ripple on, my man.<BR/>Adamghreeblestaffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06072148726508683576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-10181670449249640322008-07-10T23:12:00.000+12:002008-07-10T23:12:00.000+12:00All the best for heading out on the 22nd July Robb...All the best for heading out on the 22nd July Robb. Bet you couldn't believe you caught the flu when you had so much to think about and prepare.However it will be wonderful to spend time where your soul wants to be. I'm sure that soon there will be many more wonderful photographs to share with family and friends.Happy travels.By the way,to do my bit, when I vote, it is always a vote for the party where environmental issues are the key platform.I wish to be accountable to any grandchildren I might have in the future, by saying "I tried in the following ways"...even now I can think of more I could do.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-67365980485717480302008-07-10T20:17:00.000+12:002008-07-10T20:17:00.000+12:00Kia ora Marja, Yes, more and more I see how the m...Kia ora Marja,<BR/> Yes, more and more I see how the myth of "clean and green" New Zealand is really nothing more than a money spinning tourist web. Indeed there are areas in remote mountains and valleys where this is so, but once those river appear on farm land forget it. There are areas here by the Ruahines where pristine rivers coming out of the mountains are unswimmable less than 10-15 kilometres downstream. That really saddens me, and angers me, thus this voice inside calls stronger. Thank you for your thoughts and efforts, you and Bob are always on my daily stops. Kia ora Marja.<BR/>Rangimarie,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-56170855882434113452008-07-10T18:22:00.000+12:002008-07-10T18:22:00.000+12:00Tena Koe lynda, Sometimes just that fleeting conn...Tena Koe lynda,<BR/> Sometimes just that fleeting connection to understanding why is enough to sustain, at least for me. Thank you for reading and appreciating. And you are so right about respecting nature when we venture forth beyond the groomed paths, but would we have it any other way? I shall add you to my list as well for others to enjoy your writing, photos, and art. Kia ora.<BR/>Rangimarie,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-7948465733313970652008-07-10T15:00:00.000+12:002008-07-10T15:00:00.000+12:00Love to read your inspiring storiesfull of passion...Love to read your inspiring stories<BR/>full of passion about the mountains <BR/>Yes Bob is doing such great work. I feel humble and helpless as well when I read his posts. We all got our own mission though. With your passion for nature to help protect it, is an excellent goal and their is so much work to be done and much awareness is necessary. <BR/>i always thought New Zealand was clean and green untill I heard that the most poisones spray and inseticides are used, many rivers are polluted and farmers are allowed to put all their rubbish in the ground.<BR/>I was surprised how behind they were here in recycling when I came here and had difficulty throwing batteries in the rubbish after being taught how poiseness they are etc. We can do a lot of things ourselves to make a little difference and every difference counts.Marjahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17458942200244031009noreply@blogger.com