Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you not include route descriptions?
Why are some of your photos not as good as others?
What are the random bits of coloured text in your posts?
Do you make mistakes or bad decisions?
What is this blog about?
Adventures ‘n’ stuff?
This blog is a collection of my exciting and irrelevant adventures in NZ’s backcountry.
Basically a written account of any outdoor adventures I have. They can be epic week long trips or low-key fun wholesome day trips. If you’re only interested in a certain type of activity try filtering blogs by category and tag to find what you’re after.
Why did you start this blog?
Why not? I started it as a way to record some of the adventures I had. Kind of like an online journal. I really enjoy backcountry adventures, photography and writing. So this blog is the combination of these passions, an outlet for my creativity.
The process allows me to relive the adventure. In this way drag out the enjoyment and enjoy the trip three times. Once in the planning, once in the doing and once more in the writing!
I’m hoping one day this blog might actually make some money, to at least cover the cost of website hosting and site security but at the moment that is not the case.
How often do you post?
I aim to post a new blog every fortnight. On occasion I may get inspired to post a two in a week, especially if we go into a lockdown. On the other hand, if I am in the bush currying up a new adventure, I may not post for a while.
Why do you not include route descriptions?
For more remote or less well known places I only include vague locations like “Arthurs Pass National Park” or the “Landsborough Valley.” This is due to the fact that including specific detailed route notes, or locations can have a negative effects on these places and people exploring them.
?
There are several downsides to providing locations.
- It can lead to an increase in popularity of a location.
- Many of these places are beautiful and remote. If a photogenic spot becomes publicly widely known it can lead to crowding, litter and a perceived devaluing of that spot. I often do not include locations to preserve the value of these wild places.
- It can lead to inexperienced adventurers getting in over their heads.
- If I included detailed route notes, a random reader could get inspired and launch him/herself into the wilderness without the proper preparation. I don’t want to be responsible for someone getting in a dangerous position. Planning a trip forces people to consider risk, their own ability more fully. An experienced adventurer will be able to plan a trip based on the broad idea of what I have done, without specific details.
- I’m not going to pretend I’ve never got an idea from someone else, or a blog. The trick is to make it your own – do your own research and planning.
- Make your own adventure! If you are inspired, get out there and find your own place to explore, the fun is in the exploring!
- If you are still super intent on planning a trip based on what I’ve written drop me an email. Lets talk about it in person.
Why are some of your photos not as good as others?
It depends what camera I take on the trip. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the camera the better the photo quality. If I’m on a trip where I’m really conscious of weight or limited for space I usually take a smaller camera. Almost al my photos from kayaking and packrafting trips are taken on a small waterproof camera, which has limited quality.
What are the random bits of coloured text in your posts?
Coloured text indicates a I you hover your mouse over it, a pop up text box appears. I use this to explain technical words, translations or short explanations of words. This means readers who aren’t familiar with the term can find out what it means without interrupting the flow of readers who understand the term. Cool a
Do you even gnar bro?
I try to do gnarly things but in all honesty, I’m not that extreme. This blog is aimed at intermediate adventurers, and is written to entertain rather than inform.
Do you make mistakes or bad decisions?
Absolutely. I make lots of mistakes. I’m getting better at making good decisions in the outdoors, as a result of experience (i.e I’ve made bad decisions and mistakes in the past and learnt from them.)
I will write about mistakes and bad decisions in my blog so that the reader may gain an insight and possibly avoid the same mistake.
Why do you always wear a hat?
I’m bald! I get sunburnt in summer and brain freeze in winter. Wearing a hat is just doing what your hair does effortlessly and I’d appreciate if you stopped rubbing it in my face, you braggart!
How can I get in touch?
Use the contact form at the bottom of all my pages. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, or when I get out of the hills.