March 2013 Lessons from a New Year’s Tramp
Uncle Jacko spends New Year's tramping with his 17-year-old nephew and reflects on the lessons they learned together.
August 2013 Interesting Outdoor Mathematics
How do you measure the height of a bridge when alone in the backcountry? Uncle Jacko explains how nature provides what we need for mathematics and how according to one calculation, 1.4 kg of chocolate might just be an acceptable amount during a long tramp.
August 2016 What is a Pastime? Flames, Dutch Ovens, and the Definition of a Pastime
In this edition of UJCC, Uncle Jacko advises on stove safety, as well as discusses his view on the 'profitless pursuit of pointless pastimes' and being 'too goal-driven.' He also reminisces on the hallucinations that come when sleep deprived during a backcountry ultra-marathon.
November 2017 Te Kawa O Te Urewera
With its national park status rescinded in 2014, Te Urewera is now understood as a 'living entity.' While the values found in Te Kawa guide those who look after Te Urewera, they also serve to challenge and inspire all to live in greater harmony with the natural world.
November 2012 Sandflies and Battery Packs
Do you need a resource consent to build a snow-cave? Uncle Jacko finds a flaw in the 'Safety in the Mountains' handbook and gives us the inside scope on battery packs and the best antidote for sandfly bites.
November 2011 ‘Safety in the Mountains’ & Backcountry Meals
Uncle Jacko talks backcountry meal ideas, the medicinal benefits of swearing, and much more in this edition of his Cookery Corner.
August 2014 Winter Tramping
Uncle Jacko emphasises the importance of a good pair of knickers in the backcountry and how winter tramping often seems more alluring whilst in the comforts of an armchair.
November 2017 The Importance of Tea
Uncle Jacko poses a controversial question: which is the best tea to take along tramping? In his column from November 2017, Uncle Jacko reveals his love of Assam tea and emphasises the value of learning from one another in the backcountry.
November 2013 Whakawhanaungatanga
Uncle Jacko shares one of his joys in life: finding new words and ideas. In this edition of his Cookery Corner, Uncle Jacko passes on the meaning of the Maori word "Whakawhanaungatanga," as well as teaches us about the real value of calories in the backcountry and what's inside "The Dangerous Book for Grown-up Boys."
November 2015 Little Orange Track Markers
In this edition of Uncle Jacko’s Cookery Corner (originally featured in the November 2015 FMC Bulletin), Uncle Jacko covers a wide range of topics from DOC's orange track markers to the 421 different Scottish words for snow.
