The Hilarious, riveting and sometimes terrifying adventures of an Australian field bioligist in the jungles and mountains of New Guinea, one of the last frontiers left on earth. In New Guinea Pidgin, throwin way leg means to go on a journey. It describes the action of thrusting out your leg to take the first step of what can be a long march. Flannery observes the collision of cultures as Catholic missionaries seek to reform traditional beliefs and mining companies exploit the huge gold and copper resources of the island.