For a while now I have seen this book on the shelves in book stores and have been wanting to read it. Last weekend I saw it on the $5 shelf and grabbed it.The book is an interesting autobiographal account of a man, Robert Long (Beansprout) who basically dropped out of society to live in the remote South Westland of the South Island, NZ. For over 30 years Robert has lived in an old Foresty Service hut, which is at least 2 days walk south of Haast. He now lives there with his wife, Catherine, and two teenaged children, Christian (17) and Robin (14). Their only contact with the outside world is a helicopter or plane once a month, two trips a year out of Gorge River and on average 50 trampers a year who come through the region to the DOC hut at Gorge River where Robert has become caretaker.
Now, I like my comforts: running hot water, electric lighting, the dairy across the road, freezer filled with food, friends and family not far away, medical care a phone call away, local cafe (for my caffiene requirements) etc etc. I cannot imagine living without these comforts. I really admire this man and his family who exist in their isolated home without these comforts...and thrive on it! The family spend their time walking throughout the South Westland (most of the time in barefeet), guiding tourists, working to monitor native birdlife, and tending to their vegetable garden and hut.Robert supports his family by working on fishing boats, caretaking for DoC and selling his paintings and pounamu carvings. He has established a reputation as a renown painter and is often commissioned.
A very inspirational read!
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