Climb Mount Maunganui, See the Essence of Tauranga
Allan and Ingrid share their experiences of this scenic and enjoyable walk on the North Island of New Zealand.
Allan is a former Army officer and logistics specialist. In retirement he writes articles and books ranging across military and naval history, biography and anthropology. He publishes through various association newsletters and websites and on Amazon. He lives in Sydney.
With the Sámi in Swedish Lapland
Read about Allan and Ingrid's journey 100km north of Arvidsjaur to a Sámi reindeer farm. Explore the deep-rooted connection between the Sámi people and the Arctic forest, and how history affects lives and traditions.
The Bogside – Frozen in Time
Allan visits the Bogside district of Derry, Northern Ireland. The killing stopped 25 years ago, but the wounds persist, and nobody is allowed to forget.
Sandakan – Giving, Enjoying, Healing with the Local Community
Allan looks back on when he led 40 Australian veterans and RSL members on part of the Sandakan Death Marches route in Sabah, Malaysia.
Traffic Jam in Agra – Immersion in Chaos
Allan finds himself in furnace-like gridlock on the way to the Taj Mahal. How will he escape?
Go to Malta, See the George Cross
The National War Museum at Fort St Elmo, just outside of Valetta, provides insight into the courage and determination of the Maltese people during World War 2. Getting there is a big part of the enjoyment. Bring sunscreen.
Monte Piana, Italy: An Unplanned Climb, an Unexpected Find
During a trek through the Dolomites, Allan found himself snowed in for a day. Instead of sitting around drinking hot chocolate, he and his friend walked up a 500 metre escarpment to explore the remains of a 100 year old battlefield.
Climb Mount Kosciuszko in Summer, but be Prepared
Allan and Ingrid look back on a memorable drive and walk, to the highest point in continental Australia.
Mount Hermon Via the Road Less Travelled
Mount Hermon, snow covered for several months of the year, is in the contested region between Syria and Israel. Read Allan's soldier's story of how he came to climb it.
Orkney Islands and the Mysterious Ring of Brodgar
What began as a day trip to trace a wartime family link in Scapa Flow turned into a journey through deep time — to Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar, where Neolithic mystery meets rugged Scottish beauty.