A Brief Bio...

I was born and grew up in New Zealand where I enjoyed the outdoor life, hiking in the mountains, climbing all the volcanoes and fishing for trout. Maybe this is why I like travelling in Chile and Argentina, countries which have similar scenery to New Zealand. Life was not all play, however. I graduated from Otago University (MSc geology/chemistry) and Victoria University (BCA economics) and later went on to the USA to do a PhD degree in geochemistry (Penn State) and received a diploma in gemmology. Since retirement from professional work I like to travel the world for 3 or 4 months each year. My favourite parts are Latin America and Southern Africa.

Now I make Adelaide in South Australia my home. The region has a wonderful Mediterranean climate and a huge production of wine. It has a very active Field Geology Club. Adelaide is a convenient base from which to go and explore the world. The following articles explain my enthusiasm for living here. See more About Me

South Australia

  • Mt Gambier - January 2004 Tasting the Coonawarra reds and exploring Mt Gambier's volcanoes.
  • Adelaide - November 2003 On Adelaide's old pubs and a trip to Hallett Cove to study the Permian Ice Age.
  • Adelaide - February 2001 This summer is a scorcher and the focus is on doing things to escape the heat.
  • Adelaide - November 1999 The 30 kms of sandy beaches confining Adelaide's western suburbs are perfect for enjoying the approaching summer.
  • Adelaide - October 1999 An adventure on the River Murray is a must for all visitors to South Australia.
  • Adelaide - September 1999 After visiting perhaps Australia's best market, escape the city and wander in the Southern Hills.
  • Adelaide - August 1999 A great introduction to the place voted "Most Liveable City in the World".

    New Zealand

    The "Shakey Isles" .. A youthful land of mountains, volcanoes, hotsprings and millions of sheep munching on lush green grass.
  • Venture Into Auckland On volcanoes old and new. Visit to Rangitoto Island and White Island.
  • Trout Fishing at Taupo -- Past and Present An introduction to Taupo fishing.
  • Great Places to Fly Fish - Taupo, New Zealand What Oh at Taupo!
  • Taupo Tales -- Short Stories of trout fishing on the Tongariro River in the good old days (1970's)

    Mexico & Central America

     A Monarch butterfly sanctuary
  • Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary See photo left: A visit to the sanctuary on top of the mountains near Morelia, Mexico.

    From Mexico to Panama is a wonderful, diverse region to explore. The Latin American culture is fascinating, the scenery is superb with tropical beaches and rain forest, active volcanoes and ancient Aztec and Mayan cities.

    This southern summer I roamed around Mexico and Guatemala again, travelling over 6000 kms by bus. I started in Mexico City and travelled along the Gulf Coast to the Yucatan and thence into Guatemala visiting Flores and the Western Highlands including Lago Atitlan. I returned north via San Cristobal de las Casas and Oaxaca to arrive back at Mexico City for Christmas. New Year's I had at Queretaro and then during January I visited many towns in the north as far as Zacatecas. I returned to Mexico City via Pachuca, El Tajin and Xalapa.
    Below are some articles about this region.

  • Gem Materials of Mexico and Guatemala A look at opals, jade and amber.
  • Mexico City Revisited Allano explores Mexico City after an absence of 5 years.
  • Monarchs of the Mountain About a Monarch butterfly sanctuary near Morelia. (click on Articles)
  • Mexico City - Mexico Allano explores "el DF", the largest and most facinating city of the Americas.
  • Acapulco et al., Mexico A frolic at the premier pacific beach resorts of Acapulco, Ixtapa and Puerto Vallarta.
  • Guanajuato - Mexico On the silver city and birthplace of the Mexican Revolution.
  • Uruápan - Mexico On avocados, trout and Volcán Paracutin.
  • Oaxaca - Mexico Mexican Christmas celebrations at Oaxaca.
  • Guatemalan Interlude Touring Flores and the Western Highlands again.
  • Tikal Ruins, Guatemala Allano tackles the Mayan "skyscraper" pyramid in the jungle of Guatemala.
  • Jade at Antigua, Guatemala The old colonial capital is home to some of the best jade in Central America
  • Copán Ruins, Honduras Roaming the huge ancient Mayan city of Copán found deep within the Honduras jungle.
  • Gulf of Honduras A unforgettable boat ride from Belize to Honduras.
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