From blog to BBQ, Icebreaker to Antarctica

Front row l to r: Bob Headland, Robin Judkins and Bob McKerrow. Back row: Ed Cotter, Suzanne and Phil Ryder, Tara Kloss and Colin Monteath Photo: Robb Kloss

We had a rip-roaring barbecue last night with new friends I have met via the blog, and I invited my old friends who I have met through climbing and Antarctica. New friends Robb and Tara Kloss flew down to Christchurch for a five day holiday, Jamie drove down from Arthur's Pass where he runs an outdoor centre, so we have had an opportunity to talk about mountains, communications and blogs.

It is almost four weeks since I had total knee replacements in both knee and my recovery is well underway, so it was an opportunity to celebrate my new found health.

http://ruahineramblings.blogspot.com/ and Jamie Stewart, http://pennyandjamie.blogspot.com/


Bob McKerrow, Robb Kloss and Ed Cotter.


Robin Judkins, artist and Mr. Coast to Coast, Ed Cotter who climbed with Ed Hillary before he climbed Mt. Everest, Colin and Betty Monteath, owners of the world's largest outdoor photographic library, Colin and Betty brought Bob Headland who had just arrived in Lyttleton aboard a Russian icebreaker heading for Antarctica. He had a 24 hour stopover and made the most of a good supply of Red Wine I had got for the evening.

Bob Headland is a Senior Associate of the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge. His principal interest is historical geography, specifically concerning human effects on polar regions. Bob is an adviser to several expeditionary organizations, departments of government, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and a member of the Institute for Historical Research of the University of London.


Bob Headland (left) and me, Bob McKerrow (right)

His published works include books and numerous articles on his specializations. In 1984, he was decorated with the Polar Medal and is a member of both the Arctic Club and the Antarctic Club. Robert has written many books and wrote the classic, Chronology Of Antarctic Exploration and The Island of South Georgia.

So it was a grand gathering with my daughters Aroha and Ruia helping with the food, and Gavin making a splendid BBQ. As I post this, Bob Headland's Russian Icebreaker is leaving Lyttleton for the Antarctic. Celebrations are an important part of my life.