Book Review by Tony Orman
“A Journey Between Worlds” by Kim Rangiaonui Logan, published by Ugly Hill Press, Price $50.
The book cover is far from striking at first glance – it’s unusual – but its design has a subtle message that resonates strongly after delving into the pages.
Kim Rangiaonui Logan’s father was in the Maori Battalion in World War Two. It was a harsh traumatic experience that left deep scars and Kim’s father came home to New Zealand to his family. The scars were transferred to family members. For Kim his childhood was at times brutal bordering on a violent environment.
But the author discovered the outdoors and in particular mountains. Mountains imbue him with an increasingly positive outlook and a willingness to thrust his childhood into the background and forgive his upbringing.
He writes “I can now see this desperately lonely and painful part of my life leads me to the beauty of the mountains. I seek escapre in an environment I can trust where boundaries are clear, away from human interference, eventually finding solace in climbing.”
“I climb harder, higher. pushing myself to the extreme, beyond my limits, climbing away from my past.”
The author writes sensitively and yet with candour and one marvels at his ability to overcome the hard years of childhood and adolescence buoyed by the prop of the wilderness and the mountains.
Age does not weary him or his resolve.
“The older we get, the steeper the mountain. Take a moment to look and marvel, for only the clock ticks after you’re not.”
He learns to revel in the sternest of challenges.
“Mountaineering is full of decision making – you can’t afford to make the wrong decision in an uncompromising environment. You can always go back another day.”
You can always learn a lesson whether it be success or failure.
“My biggest climbing failures have also been my biggest learning points. Through climbing and personal disappointments, I’ve gained appreciation of how special life is, so don’t waste it.”
Dicing with Death
Mountaineering whether in the Himalayas or New Zealand’s Mt Cook always has the potential for accidents and death. The author has seen death in the fate of companions.
“Climbing is like a Russian roulette. There’s always a bullet somewhere. Your skill and experience may allow your gun to have more empty chambers. If you are inexperienced, there may be few empty chambers. It’s naive to think you’re any different.
There’s much advice to be gleaned from the author’s wide experience of the mountains. He gives hints for beginner mountaineers.
“There are four rules novice mountaineers should abide by:-
1. Piss poor preparation leads to piss poor performance.
2. Analyse every bit of information you can about the route.
3. Avoid the social aspect before a climb, a rule I have broken and been lucky to survive
4. Be honest with yourself about your abilities.
He says to listen to your inner instincts.
“If what you have learned tells you it’s safe, still listen to your gut feeling first. If it’s a no, don’t go.”
It’s an absorbing, engaging and often riveting account of the author’s life and mountain escapes that leaves a deep impression on the reader. Sections of colour photos enhance a fine book.
Very highly recommended.
More than ever ina crazy, mixed up world, people need to escape to the outdoors, whether it be mountaineering, tramping, fishing, hunting or what. Sounds like a great read!