The photo above, shared by Jim McIntosh, was taken during his volunteer placement with the Elephant Human Relations Aid (EHRA), a Namibian organisation working on long-term sustainable solutions to facilitate the peaceful co-habitation between farmers, the community and desert elephants.
Jim is a traveller in the Matador Network, a custom shoemaker and a passionate blogger. He was recently involved in co-ordinating Blog4NZ, a grassroots blogging and social media effort to support New Zealand travel in the wake of the Canterbury earthquake.
In Jim’s words :
I want to write about our lifetime of travel, beginning in the mid 70’s but in a manner to highlight wildlife conservation or social issues. Travel has been a priority in our lives, ever since that 6 months in UK and Europe soon after we married. Even with 3 kids in nappies we still travelled, even though it was in an old caravan we towed up and down New Zealand. So I need to develop a unique edge with my travel writing based on our real experiences. Rather than just writing about a place, I’ll tell a story from our experience. I’m not writing to be published -I don’t need to build a writing career. But there are issues I can help highlight.
Read more from Jim on his blog Holes in My Soles
About the author
rebecca
Oh so great to see this up here Rebecca! The work Elephant-Human Relations Aid, EHRA do is so important. I’d love to see more wildlife conflict mitigation organisations getting support.
Can’t wait to get back there, leaving to return to EHRA in less than 4 weeks!
Thanks for this.
One of my must read blogs. Jim is in that group of elite bloggers that others learn from.
http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/04/we-are-honored-with-versatile-blogger.html
Fantastic to see a review of Holes in my Soles – great content, fab photo’s and an absolute diamond person to ‘boot’.
Great to read this about Jim. I very much enjoy reading his blog. He’s such an interesting person and I admire his dedication to social issues and volunteerism.
A man with a vision and moves forward no matter what comes his way. He is head strong in his views yet is gentle and his volunteer work is proof of that.
Congratulations Jim
Great post. I always am sure to stop by Jim’s blog, I love to read about his traveling ventures and I find his humble heart always leaning towards helping others-both human and animal, inspiring.
Another Jimshu fan over here! I love his posts and his poetry.
Wow, some followers have found me here. Thanks for the support everyone.
Poetry? Yeah, well did write a few lyrics and one sort of took off. I am amazed that one of them has taken over 1500 pageviews.
Thanks for the write up Rebecca, I really like highlighting EHRA. Elephant poaching is escalating throughout Africa sadly and everyone can play a small part in helping spread awareness.
Jim is one of the greatest people around in the blogging world. He is a gem, an wonderful photographer with a heart of gold.
xoxo
Jessica
Oh one of my favorite bloggers too. Loved this post for obvious reasons then : )))
Thanks to everyone for stopping by and a BIG thanks to Jim, for sharing his photos and time.
Best of luck on your next placement with EHRA – we’d love to do a follow up after your May trip!
Not only could Jim repair the holes in my Manolos, he inspires me time and again, that’s why I’m a BIG fan!!
Jim is very inspiring. I’ve stopped his blog before. I just want to take the time to say thank you Jim for you contributions and also rebecca for highlighting this.
Thanks Inka, you have big fans too.
Thanks for the opportunity Rebecca, and sure I’ll hit you with a follow up. It’s amazing how when you start blogging , your outlook, or how you ‘see’ a place changes. You know, a different eye for a photograph, thinking about a place as a potential story, wanting to talk and listen more to locals to be able to write from their side.
Great to be a part of this travelblogging world.