in 1984, when Ross receives an invitation to undertake a forestry consulting job in the secretive, closed country of Burma, he can’t turn it down. It is here, in a perilous land split by militant factions & guerilla warfare, that Ross comes face to face with the beautiful & powerful Burmese timber elephants. It is fascination at first sight & Ross regales his readers with wonderful stories of these enthralling creatures, both emanating from his own experiences & from those of the men who lovingly train & work with them. Ross’s Burma story is a unique insight into the fascinating life & work of the Burmese timber elephant & the teak forests where no foreigner has been permitted to venture since the British departed in 1948. Once Ross moves to Singapore in 1989, he’s off on business with his usual boundless energy to South Africa, Swaziland, Thailand, The Philippines, Japan, & many of his old haunts around Indonesia. He even manages to negotiate the red tape of communist China to achieve a three-week lecture tour in the Land of the Dragon,

This book includes some 100 unique photographs

REVIEWS:

A thoroughly enjoyable read written in a warm intimate kiwi style (often humorous) that really draws you into Ross’s experiences. At times I felt like I was there with him facing the myriad of challenges, joys, hardships & fun of a kiwi bushman's life in S E Asia. It is equal part personal experience, people & culture, environment, nature & Ross’s work life in forestry. It’s told from the kiwi bloke adventurer perspective in language that’s easily relatable - although very informative, The book strikes a great blend of personal recounts, observation and information based on the context of the events. This is an inspiring tale, especially in a modern age where we’re overly tempted to take the easy route and live vicariously through digital domains such as social media - this will light a spark in every youngster to get out there and LIVE!. Brent Strathdee-Pehi, Kaikohe