tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post4516486924163561664..comments2023-04-01T22:26:20.745+13:00Comments on Musings from Aotearoa: Cloud HiddenRuahineshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-292178864101798732010-08-22T00:19:46.099+12:002010-08-22T00:19:46.099+12:00Kia ora Robb
Indeed a delightful post and I have ...Kia ora Robb<br /><br />Indeed a delightful post and I have to agree with you too "I am tired" of all the shenanigans of the corporate world. Soon it will be springtime for you and the Ruahine ranges will shake off the wintry wear. No doubt, you will be there to celebrate with her and you will send my way lots of pictures as I shall be waiting.<br /><br />Cheers<br />PaterikaPaterika Hengreaveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09296611217840599396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-83884680446325535832010-07-29T11:57:51.435+12:002010-07-29T11:57:51.435+12:00Kia ora Beth,
There are certain times I love big ...Kia ora Beth,<br /> There are certain times I love big cities and the human contact they offer in music, art, food, vitality. Yet I tend to tire quickly of too much human stimulation as sooner or later it gets back to the grind and hustle.<br /> In the wild, when I am there for days I am always amazed at my sense of hearing, or maybe I mean Listening. I stop trying to equate a human explanation for everything I hear and begin to be more in the natural world. That is when I smile. Kia kaha my friend.<br />Aroha,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-36197782207341224152010-07-29T11:53:20.057+12:002010-07-29T11:53:20.057+12:00Kia ora Joe,
Ha! It is indeed reassuring to find ...Kia ora Joe,<br /> Ha! It is indeed reassuring to find we are never too alone in our aloneness. I like that!<br /> I agree completely with the premise the article and will look forward to reading it. I spend a lot of time alone away from people and stuff, or relatively so. I am still waiting for a few a clear vision of my calling.<br /> As I wrote above just posted on my recent trip and reflections. As always the mountain experience for me is fresh and new with much to learn.<br />Rangimarie e hoa,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-22142834219998850312010-07-29T11:48:24.564+12:002010-07-29T11:48:24.564+12:00Kia ora Pam,
Cheers, and I just returned from my ...Kia ora Pam,<br /> Cheers, and I just returned from my trip to the Ruahine, and posted a new offering. Yes, it is good to leave all that behind. It will all be waiting for us when we get back. Kia kaha.<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-28685164744112983182010-07-29T02:26:50.327+12:002010-07-29T02:26:50.327+12:00Robb, this is beautifully written and I know what ...Robb, this is beautifully written and I know what you're talking about. That fatigue seems to grow stronger with age and awareness, though we're often distracted, and the only solace is to be with nature and wilderness again. It's odd, isn't it, how one's insignificance in nature isn't disturbing at all, while feeling insignificant in a teeming city can have just the opposite effect.Bethhttp://www.cassandrapages.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-75148153072352782892010-07-26T11:58:32.824+12:002010-07-26T11:58:32.824+12:00Robb: I'm glad to read that the surgery and te...Robb: I'm glad to read that the surgery and test trek back into the mountains were successful!<br /><br />Your words about misfitting and aloneness resonate; I often find it challenging to break through the near all-encompassing state of aloneness to accept the love, friendship or kinship of other misfits (or even apparently well-adjusted individuals). Reading about others' sense of misfitting helps me feel a little less lonely in my aloneness.<br /><br />I recently read one of the most inspiring essays I've encountered in years, <a href="http://www.theamericanscholar.org/solitude-and-leadership/" rel="nofollow">Solitude and Leadership</a>, by William Deresiewicz, the subtitle of which is <i>If you want others to follow, learn to be alone with your thoughts</i>. Deresiewicz contrasts people trained to be "world-class hoop jumpers", who make "excellent sheep", and "who can climb the greasy pole of whatever hierarchy they decide to attach themselves to" with those who have the confidence and courage to argue for their ideas, even when they are not popular. And he argues this confidence and courage <i>only</i> comes from solitude, through which one can get clear about one's calling, away from the calling(s) of or from others.<br /><br />I'm glad you are again able to seek the solitude of your special place, the Ruahines, and look forward to more of the inspiring insights and experiences that you share whenever you come down from the mountains.Joe McCarthyhttp://gumption.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-8567175826979937222010-07-24T11:36:38.406+12:002010-07-24T11:36:38.406+12:00Hi Robb.Thanks for your visit and comment recently...Hi Robb.Thanks for your visit and comment recently. I did enjoy my time away from the city and went for many hikes. The hard part was coming back to all the tacky advertising signs and traffic. I thought "thank god animals can't read, we'd be bombarding them with signs of instructions and temptations daily." I live for the times I can get away - can't say I'm happy to leave the mobile phone at home because I've never had/wanted one! People seem glued to them. I am thankful for aspects of technology however, because it means I can visit here. Enjoy your upcoming hike, and glad the hip is going well!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-89188070770126401382010-07-23T12:49:59.059+12:002010-07-23T12:49:59.059+12:00Kia ora Snow,
I hear ya...
I am very cognizant o...Kia ora Snow,<br /> I hear ya...<br /> I am very cognizant of what I do in terms of training and such. I used to love to run, and have done a few marathons, but no more. And my mountain travels are much slower paced and less hours than a few years ago. That is just something I cannot give and I am willing to risk. I can only deal with the replacement one at a time, and if I get 10 years of being able to spend in the mountains, I'll deal with the next one then. Knees are definitely more problematic than hips. Kia kaha - Remain Strong.<br />Cheers,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-12983893183332817212010-07-23T11:54:51.401+12:002010-07-23T11:54:51.401+12:00"there are many stories out there of people d..."there are many stories out there of people doing incredible things with new hips, knees, even artificial limbs."<br /><br />I'm not suggesting that I know better than your doctor in your particular case. What I do know, generally speaking, about artificial joints is that they come with limitations. For example, a person with artificial knees shouldn't lift heavy weights.<br /><br />When I mentioned to my orthopedist that I had heard of people climbing mountains, running marathons, etc. on artificial joints; I was told that, although such things are possible, they put more stress on the joints than the joints were intended to carry. Also, each replacement of an old artificial joint has less chance of working than its predecessor. It is for these reasons that I don't already have new shoulders and new knees.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-63953908611898191662010-07-22T09:34:34.473+12:002010-07-22T09:34:34.473+12:00Kia ora Snow,
I won't be long winded here as ...Kia ora Snow,<br /> I won't be long winded here as I left a comment over at your place in regards to hips and knees. Suffice to write that there are many stories out there of people doing incredible things with new hips, knees, even artificial limbs. It may be more about finding that comfort level of what we can and can't do, and I am learning that everyday. However, putting a fairly heavy pack on my back and discovering I can still walk in that sort of terrain took a bit of doing. I am going to enjoy it while I can.<br />Cheers,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-66104604574149287472010-07-22T09:22:51.855+12:002010-07-22T09:22:51.855+12:00Kia ora KB,
Yes, the misfits have always had more...Kia ora KB,<br /> Yes, the misfits have always had more appeal to me. Bukowski, Thompson, Kerouac, Whitman, Muir, Abbey, Steinbeck. Maybe it is that it is far more interesting to keep asking questions than to assume we know any answers.<br /> We are indeed kindred in that feeling of being Home in the mountains KB, and as I have written before your continuing journey to be there was a huge inspiration for me, and continues to be in pushing beyond my perceived physical limitations.<br /> I will think of you up while up there and smile. Kia kaha.<br />Aroha,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-26614930824327584872010-07-21T19:34:16.358+12:002010-07-21T19:34:16.358+12:00"having the door to the mountains reopened is..."having the door to the mountains reopened is too much for words really."<br /><br />Maybe new hips come with fewer limitations than new knees. I had to give up mountain hiking due to arthritis, but I'm told that if I get new knees, I still won't be able to take such hikes.Snowbrushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00436087215476479042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-309057688084129442010-07-21T16:34:22.412+12:002010-07-21T16:34:22.412+12:00Kia ora Greg,
Thanks for your thoughts and the to...Kia ora Greg,<br /> Thanks for your thoughts and the tough question. Sometimes that is the very conumdrum which can drive me to feel very depressed about the world and my place in it. I admit I have one foot firmly planted in the system out here. I have a job that requires me to drive a car, a mortgage that requires me to have a job, 2 growing boys to feed and clothe, and so on. So for me to simply drop out and abandon any of the responsibility would be, well, irresponsible. <br /> What I can do is to start with myself and family. My beautiful wife is changing far faster and far more totally than I am, so that is the first start. How we buy our food, clothes, our plans for the future being based on a more sustainable interaction with the earth and the world out here. Doing little things like more complete recycling, a better job with our food purchasing and budgeting - so as not to be getting into the car for a daily round trip to the stores. Turning off our lights and electronics at the power points, making sure we wash a full load of clothes or dishes, not having a clothes dryer, putting in a wood fire, or reinsulating our house, puting in a garden and utilizing our fruit trees. These are things we are doing now or have started to do.<br /> In terms of actually getting to the point where I use no petroleum based products and such, well that is a long slow process. I have not bought any new tramping gear in years, aside from boots, and a job I had years ago at a merino wool clothes place enabled me to lay into pretty much a lifetime supply of merino wool gear, sock, long johns, tops, and pull overs, hats, gloves. <br /> I have to state that while I think the system needs to run itself down and get to other ways of providing energy, that I have never stated I have the answers to living completely off the grid, or wearing completely natural fibres and such. There are those out there who do, Allan Stellar who visits here is building an off the grid home using recycled timebers, straw, hay, and mud, and nearly finished, and there are many others who visit and comment here whom could no doubt provide better in depth answers to your question than I can. I take inspiration and knowledge from that as well, that there are others out there who can teach me and show the way. I am a work in progress no question. I found the mountains fairly late, and fairly recently, so I am still a neophyte at this in many ways. Maybe my place is to work on myself, my boys, and encourage others to get out an enjoy nature. And just go from there.<br /> I hope this helps in some way Greg, as long you are asking the questions that has to mean something. Thanks for tuning in my friend.<br />Cheers,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-44655598735652953752010-07-21T16:06:13.038+12:002010-07-21T16:06:13.038+12:00Kia ora JJ,
Well you know JJ, there is peice of m...Kia ora JJ,<br /> Well you know JJ, there is peice of my soul back home along the shores of the Great Lakes as well, and if I listen in my heart close enough I can still hear those same waves lapping the shores. But yes, being here the mountains do call strongly. My best to you and Jeff.<br />Aroha,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-36381504292178525842010-07-21T12:27:58.368+12:002010-07-21T12:27:58.368+12:00Kia ora Pete,
Thanks for that. It means a lot com...Kia ora Pete,<br /> Thanks for that. It means a lot coming from a photographer and writer I admire very much. Both those photos were from the same trip on the Whanahuias and just spoke to me, so it was more just being in the moment to observe rather than any skills I have as a photographer. But I like them as well. <br />Cheers,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-46806420754657335472010-07-21T11:00:42.184+12:002010-07-21T11:00:42.184+12:00I'm tired of the same things that you are... I...I'm tired of the same things that you are... In the past few years, I got off the fast track of an ambitious career and spend more time out in nature than ever before. I'm happier, despite the spine pain that plagues me.<br /><br />I think that the non-misfits are boring. Misfits are what make this world go around... I'm one too but I'm learning that I fit perfectly in some places, like my mountains. I think that it's the same for you.<br /><br />I wish you a wonderful time in the mountains. Rejoice!!!!! You earned it!<br /><br />Kia Kaha,<br />KBKBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16885661679762446456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-81734736426500958232010-07-21T10:49:54.322+12:002010-07-21T10:49:54.322+12:00Kia ora LC,
I am getting ready to head into the m...Kia ora LC,<br /> I am getting ready to head into the mist, and truly test how the new hip will carry me. I feel good and strong. My tin cup will honour you.<br /> Sometimes I wonder about humans....<br />Kia kaha brother.<br />Aroha,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-39709190771479474572010-07-21T10:23:08.679+12:002010-07-21T10:23:08.679+12:00Kia ora Snowbrush,
Haere mai - Welcome and apprec...Kia ora Snowbrush,<br /> Haere mai - Welcome and appreciate the visit. Kylie's is a favourite place of mine as well.<br /> The hip replacement has come along well, to be pain free and more mobile is amazing, and of course having the door to the mountains reopened is too much for words really. In my case it was a matter of having the next 10-12 years to do things I want to do. And really it was just getting to be too much to cope with. It is hard to realize that in proper context until the pain and immobileness is gone, if that makes sense. All the best with the shoulder and knee. If it can be managed delaying it is probably a good idea.<br /> Kesey can be a hard slog at times, but I enjoy him. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is still pretty relevant, maybe even more so today. Oregon is beautiful spot, not too unlike New Zealand in many ways. Glad you enjoy the photos, I certainly enjoy being psrt of the moments.<br />Cheers,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-8953876771288465612010-07-21T10:12:34.243+12:002010-07-21T10:12:34.243+12:00Kia ora Wilma,
It was good to discover yesterday ...Kia ora Wilma,<br /> It was good to discover yesterday Wilma that there seem to be many voices and eyes out there who at the very least care these places are there. I take great heart in that. I will gladly head to the mountains in a few days and dhare the news with them.<br />Aroha,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-62367976870741272812010-07-21T05:17:26.361+12:002010-07-21T05:17:26.361+12:00Hi Robb,
I hear what you saying, and I can feel i...Hi Robb, <br />I hear what you saying, and I can feel it also. I hope one day to achieve this dream of mine - to live close to the nature, just as you try to. <br /><br />But I have this dilemma, and I'd like to hear your take on it.<br /><br />You say that people should live close to the nature, but from the other side you do use many of the civilization benefits - cars, buildings from modern materials, modern clothes, hell - hiking equipment. You know, all this was made with help of oil and stuff.<br /><br />So how can we solve this dilemma, and be honest with ourselves when from one side we don't want to hurt the nature but from the other we drive our cars and all that?Greg Bravehttp://www.nztramping.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-52576106491188677972010-07-20T23:18:47.810+12:002010-07-20T23:18:47.810+12:00A beautiful post and fantastic photos, Robb!!! We ...A beautiful post and fantastic photos, Robb!!! We both share the ideal that living simply is best and will always stay that way. I find happiness immersed in nature also. You have your beautiful misty mountain paths and I the lapping waves of Lake Huron and Superior.<br /><br />God bless you!!! So happy you are able to return to your old haunts that have captured your heart and soul.<br /><br />Cheers, JJNature Nut /JJ Lochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02895220529481743313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-91033208338766173772010-07-20T18:13:48.062+12:002010-07-20T18:13:48.062+12:00Kia ora Ophelia,
I feel you my sister. We are kin...Kia ora Ophelia,<br /> I feel you my sister. We are kindred in many ways, and that melancholia is always close at hand, sometimes most in the moments we should seemingly be enjoying the most. I have always felt different, but finding a different path is even harder to bear. My beautiful wife is on her own path away from all this, and what I am finding is that our seperate journeys bring us closer together. And also knowing there are souls out there like you, and Robin, and so many I have connected with, and accept my words for what they are, makes it all a little better as well. <br /> Take your family to the mountains, to the clear streams, and show them Ophelia. That is the place for us to be. Kia kaha dear one.<br />Aroha,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-54372806896836755612010-07-20T18:02:28.622+12:002010-07-20T18:02:28.622+12:00Kia ora Wild Sister,
You always bring a smile to ...Kia ora Wild Sister,<br /> You always bring a smile to my face with your unabashed love (and Claiming). All I can write is kia ora Robin. Your lightness helps me to balance the darkness I can often find myself slipping into. The only true safe place I have found from that is in the mountains.<br /> You would be proud of our little nation today. Our voices were heard in the protests, and the submissions objecting to mining our Wild Places, the Inheritance of our children. They backed down as the voices rumbled and grew louder. The fight has only begun, here and everywhere in the world, but the possibilities were evident today. At least today the mountains are smiling, and I need to be with them. Kia kaha!<br />Aroha,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-52733631863264139722010-07-20T17:52:41.903+12:002010-07-20T17:52:41.903+12:00Kia ora TB,
Well, between your one knee and my on...Kia ora TB,<br /> Well, between your one knee and my one hip we still add up to a Whole! You are more than welcome to come explore some trout spots I know of in the mountains.<br />Cheers,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699436745323436303.post-24560443342450146872010-07-20T17:50:48.581+12:002010-07-20T17:50:48.581+12:00Kia ora Don,
It is a pleasure to share here with ...Kia ora Don,<br /> It is a pleasure to share here with Like Minded people. I was roused out of my recent malaise by our right wing governement today back stepping from plans to mutilate our wild places by mining them due to the overwhelming response by people saying NO. It is a start, and a long battle lies ahead, but today is a good day.<br />Cheers,<br />RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.com