Backpacker Naturalist: Wild Times Down Under - Softcover

James Hanlon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1908241020 ISBN 13: 9781908241023

Publisher: Brambleby Books, 2011

Synopsis

In this splendid illustrated travelogue, the author realises his dream of travelling in search of antipodean birds and other exotic wildlife by first hitchhiking around New Zealand before moving on to Australia. Armed with a backpack, a pair of binoculars and a sketchbook, Hanlon meets up with many wild animals and also has his fair share of adventures. Truly wild times down under!

About this title

Review

Back-packers, particularly with an interest in wildlife, will love this lively travelogue. --Australia & New Zealand Magazine, Jan. 2012

Traveller's tales are always interesting and this narrative by James Hanlon is no exception. James, a keen naturalist and artist (the book is enhanced by 48 of his own sketches plus 48 colour photographs), recounts his travels in search of Antipodean wildlife by first hitch-hiking around New Zealand before moving on to Australia and Indonesia. His exploits are brought vividly to life - which is perhaps surprising as they were undertaken over a decade ago (so this book is a prequel to the author's highly successful 'UK500: Birding in the Fast Lane', 2006). But obviously maturity has not diminished his memories. Wine, women and song feature significantly. But there are also many encounters with birds, cetaceans, seals, dingoes and the like. And the reader contemplating similar notions of going it alone 'down under' will glean much useful information, ranging from which hostels are recommended to the efficacy of an inflated condom as an improvised pillow on a long coach journey. --Bryan Bland, Birding World 2012

There are countless books about travel, and about backpacker and budget travel, but James Hanlon may have just created a unique niche. In his latest book, he recounts tales of his exploits in Australia, New Zealand and south-east Asia as a young backpacker, but through the eyes of a keen birdwatcher and naturalist, in 'Backpacker Naturalist - Wild times down under'. This book will appeal to those who travel to discover the natural world in all its wonder, those who want some inside tips and perspectives on backpacking in Oz and NZ, and those who want a light read and in the process is likely to learn a fair bit about the nature in the antipodes. As a recent traveler to NZ myself, I used some of Hanlon's tips to find good places for birdwatching. His detailed descriptions of encounters with Kiwis and other amazing wildlife clearly convey his wonder of the natural world and its fragility. Those who have fond memories of their misguided youth will also relish the 'warts and all' tales of encounters on the road, the struggles of working in foreign countries and amusing cultural clashes. Hanlon generally does a good job of leaving some bits to the imagination, however some sections, especially those detailing the use of illicit substances, render this an adult read rather than being suitable for children! So if you are yearning for travel and adventure, sit back with a copy of this book to learn and brighten your day. It's the next best thing to the real thing! --Dr Rober Davis, Lecturer at ECU, School of Natural Sciences, Western Australia

... Wine, women and song feature significantly. But there are also many encounters with birds, cetaceans, seals, dingoes and the like. And the reader contemplating similar notions of going it alone 'down under' will glean much information... --Birding World, Jan. 2012

Edition details

• Publisher: Brambleby Books
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1908241020
• ISBN 13: 9781908241023
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 216