Tag Archives: review

Protecting Paradise, by Dave Hansford (my thoughts)

Posted on 31 January, 2017 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

Before I launch into this, I’ll insert a word for one of the best presentations I’ve ever seen on how the world’s going, and the impact we’ve had on it. Less than a week before his death in May 2001, … Continue reading →

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Tramping – A New Zealand History, by Shaun Barnett and Chris Maclean (my thoughts)

Posted on 17 March, 2015 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

Until now there’s been a major omission in publications about tramping. So far all we’ve seen are route guides, narratives or yarns, tourism guides, diaries, local histories, blogs and other websites, biographies and autobiographies, newspaper articles, safety manuals, fiction, club … Continue reading →

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Collins Ultimate Navigation Manual, by Lyle Brotherton (a review)

Posted on 18 August, 2013 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

I don’t normally refer to material without a direct New Zealand connection, but I’ve made an exception in this case. In my kiwi-centric world (at least on this website) I’m very interested in outdoor navigation. Globally the Collins Ultimate Navigation … Continue reading →

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Safety In The Mountains (review)

Posted on 18 August, 2012 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

I’ve never read a copy of Safety in the Mountains until now. It’s a booklet, first published in 1937 by Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC), to collect important points of safety for exploring the back-country, and designed as a carry-with-you reference … Continue reading →

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Rivers and Ropes and Mutual Support

Posted on 22 December, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

I’ve written a little about river crossing techniques in the past, and I’m about to do so again. Before continuing, I’d like to stress that this post is not meant to be instructional in any way, so much as commenting … Continue reading →

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NZMS 260 and 262: Our Metric Topographical Heritage, edited by Graeme Jupp (review)

Posted on 16 October, 2011 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

Topographic maps worldwide often appear utilitarian, if not a little boring graphically. By comparison the new 260s were stylish and modern without losing any utility. They were undoubtedly among the best looking topographic maps in the world. —David Balm, In … Continue reading →

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Huts: Untold stories from back-country New Zealand, by Mark Pickering (review)

Posted on 21 December, 2010 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

This is the second book I’ve read by Mark Pickering, the first having been A Tramper’s Journey, which I liked (the review is here). He’s written many books, and this is a topic that Mark Pickering is especially suited to, … Continue reading →

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Spooky Friday

Posted on 7 November, 2010 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

It’s lacking in plot, and provides no explanation of this “Fred” person who’s suddenly been inflicted upon the protagonist. I don’t rate the narrative aspect of this novel highly. On the other hand, consider the correct use of full stops, … Continue reading →

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Tararua Adventure Guide, by Jonathan Kennett (a few thoughts)

Posted on 30 October, 2010 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post
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A Trampers Journey by Mark Pickering (my notes)

Posted on 23 June, 2010 by Mike McGavinPrint This Post Print This Post

Several years ago I picked up this book by Mark Pickering titled A Tramper’s Journey, subtitled Stories from the back country of New Zealand, and noticed the entire opening section was all about the author’s 1970s experience in Tongue & … Continue reading →

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