tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31484727647942505702024-03-05T21:09:20.065-08:00Gradient & WaterGW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-28811500465503182102020-06-06T00:05:00.001-07:002020-06-06T00:16:15.784-07:00Zimbabwe<br />
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-816e0937-7fff-aa7a-5def-9d774b6637d1" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">It has been a tumultuous last couple of weeks here for all of us in New Zealand, and for me it has
been a great time to reflect on our recent trip to Africa. Africa. The word itself means different things
to different people, but I feel the constant association with Africa is the opportunity for exploration.
Be it the wildlife parks of the Serengeti, cultural immersion in ancient cities like Casablanca,
self-exploration by way of experiencing vastly different cultures forging their existence or exploring
the rivers that provide life to all the occupants of the african landmass. For Ari Walker, Dewet Michau
and myself, it was the latter that would draw us to Africa. To be fair Dewet is actually from South
Africa, but his motivation for exploring and experiencing other parts of his home continent aligns with
ours… we want to know, experience and be shaped by Africa. And this first expedition, of many if this
Covid thing ever relents, would begin our journey.</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 411px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="411" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nkzTEGk7eeAUCNRlRcYvPHO4u12m1CAk1YXN4HhmCsfD0XSOk6TtrK5paw6SA4M42CsNaa9nPSLz3nCE-COqXA_Nwud8ZNs8TfBU5QsBmu1w4RdgZJtSZi6NX8lu3lS99ftSBsVJ" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">In the interest of keeping this ‘brief’ I will summarize or skip over large parts of the trip, which was
only 26 days but each day would almost have enough for write-up on its own. The trip seemed to
start off without an issue, all our bags arrived, phones sorted, linked up with Dewet and our driver
arrived with our kayaks that somehow made it from Pyranha UK → Cape Town → somewhere else
in South Africa → overland to Bulowayo → Harare, Zimbabwe. Thanks Matt, Andrew K and all
involved. Our driver was an eccentric Zimbo called Zuga, who arrived in an impressively decorated
1990 Hiace. A Hiace that we would essentially spend the first 10 days in, driving around trying to find
rivers in the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Eastern Highlands but to no avail. The drought in the Honde Valley was running deep
into the wet-season, the rivers were dry. We were so desperate to kayak and equally adamant not to
turn this into a Zambezi trip, that we literally looked at a rain radar for Southern Africa and drove to
where there was gradient and water. This would take us to Mulanje, Malawi. Getting to and from there
was maybe the most ridiculous part of the trip.
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 360px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="360" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/2uL02UnsqL8hyBnTxgWYToBcivgCbMMxFgvuWEWR4uKoab7aJk9la_f_-GC39a4ILjb-h6o8mRjbg1Y5Fh62RjuTGYw1WvFPec0gJ-W7f_LbBHNs4rTMBbQfR0xjUMSSrEPhdbvo" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">On the way we had to go through the Nyampanda border-crossing into Mozambique and then out the
Zobue border-crossing into Malawi. A</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">series of events led to us not making the push through
Mozambique before the latter border closed. So without any money or information we </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">had to try to
find a place to stay on the main road. I managed to dredge up some portuguese from our trips to
Brazil and organized to camp at a security guards house, well at least that is what I thought I had
achieved. We gave some chicken and supplies to a small boy we found alone at ‘the’ property, who
he was we will never know but we do know he was a happy chappy. Later that night we were woken
by a large group of people, some jovial voices and some less so. Either way they didn’t directly bother
us, thankfully. Early the next morning, we made a hasty departure but not before I spoke, haphazardly,
with someone who seemed to be a leader and who was definitely not that security guard. We
shook-hands and then left. We made it through the next border and to the salvation of Malawi.
</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 640px; overflow: hidden; width: 427px;"><img height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/KIIqvdzT-mqfISfxKZP7DESpOBmwN1uTHhbb-s59hWnNHNcUK9xJbRD0VQceMLCL4xzGpJ1V2Gr4t5D3xgXVigd5NjOsOe5Scil8l-jJEzHI1bnF7RCIxR1kA8QDsXPgjS_GDEQr" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="427" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 7.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Image: Ari Walker</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 411px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="411" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/LPilw9TIcm30wgyc6uMuTCdMOauIsI1IjbFADycYqZqOxiugygHfwFB4I4zVlDFenHzAHY7nQ9RO40Pgr8zjp139uP0Ou8rzGrhNkUV04vGRqM1yGKSdN_OV15BKtydP2g5mEX_y" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Back to at least some spoken english, friendly people, food and what would turn out to be our first
whitewater of the trip. After scouting a section of the Shire (thankfully we did not run into crocs,
hippos or snakes while walking through the long grass) we rallied over to Mount Mulanje in hope of
paddling Likhubula Falls or any of the rivers that ran off the unique little mountain range. We weedled
our way into the Likhubula park and after some 4-wheel sending in the van, I took over driving for that
part, we made it most of the way to the falls. Two persistent local lads followed us and basically joined
us by osmosis. Self-proclaimed local guides, we gave them a token donation for them to walk with us
but we didn’t employ them. Electing to carry all our gear and just talking to the boys are the area
during the hike in. At the falls it was the classic, ‘</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">we have driven all this way… but god damn it is
dubious’</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">. Cue Ari. He figured, “it’s not bad a go”. So after some fairly thorough scouting, planning,
considering… Ari sent her, straight down the only possible line. The hit at the bottom was not nearly
as savage as we envisaged, with Ari hand rolling in the pool and surfacing with two thumbs up. I knew
what that meant, my turn. Same line, same result. Poor old Dewet. Something this tall with all its risks
just gave out two seamless lines, enough to twist a kayakers arm but still. Would it give a third? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Dewet Michau</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 360px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="360" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/EEkvl2_TBcWrhE0WywJqdoQjOxhoCFgv5zOOFyKdOCbSroV8b_9XR2kVQLNgjUPyFxQFLSR1gck9IBjomU6lf32rl8k1HttlTKdSq8Lmc1H2gassj9q0wk5ZWGFROQFzGaIOStkC" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Dewet couldn’t resist and put into the lonely little eddy above the falls. ‘</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Whoop, whoop’,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> safety was set,
cameras on and the local lads were fired up to see another crazy mzungu (white-man) fall off their local
attraction. Dewet dropped in, and took off. Literally. Carrying in a bunch of speed and flying off the drop,
flat as a pancake. Luckily he was tucked forward and his back was strong. Stoked on our first descent
we’d treat ourselves to some actual food, finally, and even a few beers at the local. Turns out mzungu’s
do not go to ‘the local’, but we did, they will remember us and we will be most welcome back next time
we are in town. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 360px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="360" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/gYO_flSofqlKxxgUVONXrZ_5wgpqo7csJ-wStZOm5El8FwliROG2eFw_BTYzeXjC30IxEwcQnoOkY__bKqYLoXKKmKxJ1Ln5EFLPfQi7Ti6L5vahSDiub8Z0TyjBEX8ljqhIKKEM" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Jordy Searle</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The next day we popped up the main southern drainage of the Mulange ranges, we didn't have the
flow required to get the best out of the river. But still, we did find an epic section of class III-IV (or more
if you got the flows) that you can drive to the put in and pick up fresh cut tea from the source at
take-out. After this, we checked out the northern drainage but that would need a biblical amount of rain.
After another great night of sleep we figured, let's leave Malawi. The affordable, safe, happy,
whitewater little paradise we had discovered and head back into Mozambique? To a river we picked on
the map in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Fun fact, if the river is in the middle of nowhere in
Mozambique… you will probably not be able to access it.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 360px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="360" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/niLJ-mfqMvzgkZvFcmLhEm6tzKgy3Vawc4desMzGo9SIu_b-w89pwZ-we0UMY2GpZVP0cTL_tdVxa7_GKnJS8CEP71kVOn6mtKFuH9ivMGXNOCjMl6eYcZYj3OvIwJoAJVOXWjEt" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Jordy Searle</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 427px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OgXzAsqOz5o6IFrjmNUjt5Gh7dy0qFlg7mXHvl4AP0MY-mWKVOm6nC-exj8fsfWRUn5noCUNvNdLT17LMSeEK5PFglZDrcKUvJ4EXG93rLVV5abqGVLzKtCDqZhas9GtbMU6Bm_-" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Jordy Searle</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">So after a 4 hour debacle at the Muloza Border crossing, over the production year of the US $100 we
were paying with (you need the new blue ones in Mozambique), we were on our way back to
Zimbabwe. Kinda off. Turns out the highway we planned on and then went through was a dirt road
that took 10 hours, through a Renamo (militant political party) stronghold and was under some heavy
construction. Somehow we made it, after re-attaching our clutch in the middle of a rain storm and
managing to find petrol in the most lawless town any of us have ever been in. As we popped out off
the N322 highway (do not ever take this road) to the main road, there was an armed checkpoint that
was definitely not expecting us to pop out in the middle of the night. After a quick shakedown looking
for guns, drugs or whatever we were on our way. We spent two days in Chimoio, not a bad part of
Mozambique, and then the next saga began. Our drive lost his shit. That is kiwi for, he became
inconsolably angry. We weren’t sure why but in reflection we can understand somewhat. He thought
we were going kayaking like the Zambezi kayakers he knew… but two days earlier we had driven him
through a militant strong-hold as well as driving his van up 4wd walking tracks, multi-border crossings,
questionable ‘camping’ and a lot of banter. After some negotiating we came to an agreement that he
would take us back to Harere, thankfully, and that day would be maybe the most awkward in my life.
But we got back, dumped with all our gear and not sure what to do. So, we had a beer with Jan and
his wife Amy. Jan is an OG Zimbabwe kayaker and knows everyone. His neighbour Hamish came
over, and he had a beer too. Ultimately Hamish gave us his wifes egg-delivery van to use for the
remaining 10 days of the trip, lucky Bridget was a down-to-earth kiwi and even made sure the vehicle
was full of petrol before we disembarked. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 640px; overflow: hidden; width: 427px;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/__ivPVqfBsbehUPW2TUXg8IG-gYHT6FYA4KJw04xvAxozK19_PQXQguRZFTcUWtuj5pF9Yg1Cv3Sybkh5EdXK48_v-q9jjZA7jpGHBH-Cl5U2F6ZO2xiYpyQ1F_7OBPUozHOMhaz" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="427" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">It looked as if our fortunes were changing, but at this point all 3 of us were cautious in believing that.
Before Hamish (Bridget really) came to the rescue we really were considering just calling it quits and
coming back another year. I had to snap my mind out of it, nothing bad had happened. We had just
been dealt a few bad hands, but we had a few chips left on the table and to be fair, coming to Africa
wasn’t exactly based around playing it safe. So we climbed into the 1300cc Toyota Lite-Ace egg
delivery cart and headed back to the highlands. The first check-point went better than any previously
and it looked as if rain was on the way. We were heading back to the Honde Valley.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">We had been in touch with Chris Craig, manager of Aberfoyle Lodge, administrator for </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Far and Wide,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
organiser of the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Sky Run Ultra</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">, avid kayaker and resident in the Honde Valley. He was telling us that
the rivers were high, and he was not wrong. Rolling into the valley there was water filling every little
depression in the previous parched landscape. Several of the road bridges were just above the
rich-red flood waters, it was on. Dewet, thankfully, convinced us to just start out by paddling the
commercial section of the Pungwe. The hike down through banana plantations was beautiful, but I
couldn’t help but wonder if we were about to get skunked at the other end of the spectrum, would it
be too high? The river was definitely swollen, so much so we couldn’t get out enough to see
downstream. Dewet had been down at moderate flows but even he was uncertain. As a reader it might
seem absurd to put on a massive swollen river with no idea of exactly what is downstream but there is
more to it than 3 bold fella’s trying to risk it for some adrenaline fix. I knew rafts go down it, meaning the
river is not going to be too steep overall and from where I was sitting the river looked very wide. I
confirmed with Dewet there are no specific sections where it constricts drastically, where a dangerous
feature could form. Most importantly we were a good team so as I began to don my gear both Ari and
Dewet did the same. All three of us knew we were putting on for the right reasons, and thank god we did.
The saying ‘big brown monster’ is a term a lot of kayakers use to describe flooded rivers, well this
monster was a dragon. Initially smooth and beautiful, with a surging power beneath the hulls of our
kayaks. Then once we rounded the first corner, it was on. Crazy big laterals and features, some you
wanted tolet move you laterally to avoid things, whole others would take you to places you did not
want to be. I scouted one long section for the boys but couldn’t put it into words, it was a ‘follow me’
scenario with a flippant, “get right at the bottom, even if I don’t make it there myself’. Powerful low
angle slides, unavoidable ledge holes and two must make boofs. The river was frothing. Even writing
this I am getting goosebumps, a phenomenal river. People that know me can attest to the fact I
despise unwarranted superlatives, this truly was one of the best sections of river I had ever kayaked. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 359px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="359" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HATm8zJEYdmO66NcsLvHTfLR-bKCX6ldUY6FsvLd8dNM6-rOltcAFrRXV-0CLd45W7S5bhCs-lRM07WsW9nGz7vqRKkcBMi8vm3bPHqPWCBr3SFMq8NicvCYE4Q1FHt6igNojelR" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 356px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="356" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/iW9YvvWSwQcXKrQ7WaaSh3y4NRPM8Ta8xdDzOXzZS5w7hemp8SWgTGeOHKYheZIPuODdAy--US7A26POQPXUsz4znpD-Yt-DHdhDiI9eCZihF5z0B6MHOSSgkQTmkrfnzCT0Lm7-" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">We arrived at the take-out to a huge crowd of locals excited to welcome us. Dewet and I got out at the
bridge but Ari paused. So, Dewet and I routed him through the massive rapid below the bridge. He
made it, the crowd erupted in elation and we were now welcome in the Honde Valley. On the way up
to Chris’ house, our base for the next few days, we paddled the Nymangura. Again super high, but this
threw to Ari and my skill set. Steep creeking, it was like paddling the Turnbull at a decent flow. An
incredible day, that was topped off with some steak and beers with Chris and his partner Chanti. We
spent the next few days doing several sections of the Pungwe, including the dewatered section below </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">a hydro-scheme. Living was good. We even managed to take Chanti down a lower section of the
Pungwe, a little loose by all accounts but she champed it and will never forget her first step up to
class flooded class III+ with us. We had the flow to ride out the rest of our time in the Honde Valley but
we also wanted to paddle the ultra-classic Garezi River. This risk of commiting to go over there was
that the river could be too high, meaning more lost days paddling wise, cash, admin and stress. But we
decided to go anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 360px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="360" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/VC7-ih0cFem_o5Ca4xK2WP71vsHARENuM_2R_kk2Q9OF8tKn7udUfwNMgrAXJvna2mZoDB2eSk_gecOCMPt7Kt3UxlGBQvfYaiiEkHfi-a0SqELm5tYMz665rtUfc7NL1-ZVqkI3" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Leaving early to take into account finding petrol, the constant struggle in Zimbabwe, we made it to the
river around midday. Dewet was concerned about the amount of water in reference to the gauge at the
put in bridge and I could see Ari beginning to get frustrated. This river was a different consideration to
the Pungwe, it was steep, tight, technical and substantially more isolated. It didn't look like much water
from the bridge but it was a foot higher than when Dewet had previously paddled it, ‘high’. I was
thinking Fastasy Falls gauge, it never looks that high… but I would never consider putting on a foot
higher than the high flows I have been through there before. After two hours of needless bartering by
Dewet and Myself, this almost broke Ari, we saved $5 on a cabin. The local house-keeper sourced us
a ‘village chicken’, imagine a chicken with just enough functional muscle to survive… that is what we
got to add to our now normal dinner of onions, tomato, some form of spice and sadza (a maize wash/
grain). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 360px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="360" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/0JPDwsVxsrLO50ekeuu2BagMJOyZRK3_TVSy3RtmYx6aKuBuePIznP1gRP7bkDqsYF-ZDgZ_wgwyT110fexcPBKZ5LG1Fr5L-3YIIspWOisipLzLUezVZ-cxLDY3VTcymvNOZ5Q7" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Ari Walker</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The next day we awoke to incredible weather and would have a nice early start on the river. The cabin
was upstream of the bridge but we were putting on regardless of flow, unless it came up guess guess?
Anyway, as we floated under the bridge the flow had dropped, by about 6 inches. We would have taken
any drop, of course, but this lifted our spirits. It took a couple of km’s for the river to reveal its hidden
treasures but once it did, it was incredible. And hard. It has been a few years since I have found a river
to be very hard, as an overall average for the river. Steep, tight and technical with a very healthy flow
pushing you downstream. Lots of scouting and safety but the majority of it was good to go. Then
suddenly you arrive as a series of progressively steepening slides, stacked and consequential. We
paddled all of them, although one triple set I portaged as the middle looked very unpredictable and
there would be no safety downstream. I set safety and the boys ran it, both having cleaning but
somewhat dubious moments in that middle section. With this, the run was done and we just had to
paddle 5km down to the bridge. A hilarious finish as once Ari and I caught Dewet at the bridge he
apologised for not waiting for us, but what for? Turns out there was a crocodile risk in the flat and
pools of the paddle out… during which ari and I were lazily floating most of. We will not be doing that
next time we are in africa.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 640px; overflow: hidden; width: 480px;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jyNwpwwI7K2n9Wa_mh98nsQ-E6-VLfds_TlGaw46Y2ONXuISwbepdlP3F_gEGKCdUlozurHNHVsB6SyM-O51sl7I0AK4kRKAkRfMIYdAUQoSREIl1Ik7o7n0Y3q7jxexLbakiJs5" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="480" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Jordy Searle</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 427px; overflow: hidden; width: 640px;"><img height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_Ks5pezM4KkUpzaMi0My1XXW6yGRyoHMb7Mj9smDa_BvC3AVz20wa0MdyYZJSXUdu-mF_T9Ov5EbFdegL3LfWyAV4JkPzjEEcNVBRkN_ElAQfD2uIXOdfWz8SDGp93HJn8tkPnmB" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">image: Jordy Searle</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">With the Garezi complete so too was the trip. We made our way back to Harare, slowly in the poor little
Hiace, and would then take a couple of days to derig, clean the vehicle and our equipment before
parting ways. It gave us a good chance to reflect on the trip, during which we unanimously felt
compelled to come back to Southern Africa next season. Africa was a hard one, which I think is the
appeal. During all the trials and tribulations of this trip we were only 8-10 hours from the Zambezi, one
of the best sections of reliable whitewater in the world. But even now, I think if we went there at the
first sign of trouble I would not have had my authentic experience of Africa. Kayaking is important, the
driver. But it is the context in which we get to kayak and travel that really makes it what it is. We’re
thankful for a safe journey through Africa and all the people that helped make it happen. There were
plans to go back December 2020 but with the current environment we have decided to push that out
12 months and make a more sound plan for the next expedition… but all 3 of us now know that even
the best laid plans will fall apart. And I for one are looking forward to it. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Stay Safe,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jordy</span></div>
</b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-34034527694456969582020-01-24T21:03:00.002-08:002020-01-24T21:03:59.085-08:00Kyrgyzstan - Saryjaz Expedition 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here is a short film made by the late Adrian Kiernan, show casing Kyrgyzstan and most notably the Saryjaz expedition that he, Ari Walker, Jakub Sedivy, Jordy Searle, Kristoff Stursa and Sam Grafton. </div>
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Evan Moore was a late omission from the Saryjaz due to the health of his mother, but we supported his decision to leave and be there for her. He was missed throughout the trip but will get down this amazing river sometime in the near future. </div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wIa51VyODGc" width="560"></iframe></div>
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One of the best adventures any of us have been on and a true test of teamwork and character. </div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-49273061352977901672020-01-24T19:56:00.000-08:002020-01-24T19:56:09.121-08:00The First Descent of the Baliem<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been a couple of years since our cameo on the popular expedition show with British celebrity Steve Backshall, namely 'Down the Mighty River - with Steve Backshall'. It was a unique experience to see what a big production TV shoot was like, to be relied on so heavily for my experienced opinion and to help Steve and a skeleton TV crew down a full on river in the remote jungles of Papua, Indonesia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0yXz4_Mk4CigKjbBcvp0sltWKrebvTGpSPsmAS-ucxHiuSVlXukKmJ53gUuwwRXnZRTvxmGGvw2I9cE402Nt7qW7fCi7u-NEa5ZC_p8vjelNY7ONTMPxl_Kd4JkOm22kuDFSX_BFaUzr/s1600/P1090445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0yXz4_Mk4CigKjbBcvp0sltWKrebvTGpSPsmAS-ucxHiuSVlXukKmJ53gUuwwRXnZRTvxmGGvw2I9cE402Nt7qW7fCi7u-NEa5ZC_p8vjelNY7ONTMPxl_Kd4JkOm22kuDFSX_BFaUzr/s640/P1090445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Baliem in all it's glory - David Bain</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div>
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There is a lot of background detail that I could get bogged down in explaining how we came to have the role, but in short it was thanks to Patrick O'Keeffe for giving us the shoe in and several other key people for talking well of us. In addition to us completing two successful expeditions to Papua New Guinea in 2011 and 2013.<br />
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I (Jordy) was part of a reccy to Papua, Indonesia. The is the western side of the New Guinea landmass, where the eastern side is the more known Papua New Guinea. The focus of the trip was to assess the feasibility of a raft/kayaking trip down the 'unpaddled' Baliem River. I met up with Alexis Girardet, a renown producer from the BCC, and Joe Yaggi. Joe is an America ex-pat that has been in Indonesia for more than 20 years and has developed the fixing/logistics company 'Jungle Run'. We spent 6 days buzzing around in choppers, assessing the river environment, meeting with local interest groups and just acclimating to the region. After this, we presented our findings and recommendations to the BBC Exec and with some heavy persuasion from Steve himself, the BBC eventually gave us the green light. We were going back to attempt the Baliem.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8t_nu5GJuP_SAsAy8ICM-dRASO3yS-3d87XAVIi7Opwg1T_kFCX8cWNikNTqPDAkaHDob3oJ6BbHlO_BYh_GmdY49mdZdgorHaLvsFlRWJ-24vIAof8mqDjEv5c4FI0T-vrWjgoQWhyphenhyphen9f/s1600/DSC06943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8t_nu5GJuP_SAsAy8ICM-dRASO3yS-3d87XAVIi7Opwg1T_kFCX8cWNikNTqPDAkaHDob3oJ6BbHlO_BYh_GmdY49mdZdgorHaLvsFlRWJ-24vIAof8mqDjEv5c4FI0T-vrWjgoQWhyphenhyphen9f/s640/DSC06943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Preparation is key, here Yanto, Alexis and Joe looking of anything and everything to give us</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">a better idea of the place we were going to - Jordy Searle </span></div>
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One of the coolest parts of this trip was I was fortunate to be able to hand pick the entire rafting/river safety team. And I definitely knew a lot of well qualified misfits that would be happy to come along. For raft guides I invited Nate Klema and Adrian Kiernan, both of whom had years of experience getting humpy dumpy's down serious whitewater in loaded rafts, on the Grand Canyon the the Franklin respectively. For the kayaking it was simple, Barny was my obvious choice as we've done all our expeditions together and the other would be David Bain. As recently I had been doing a lot of paddling with David and it would be useful to have a safety team member in the UK to go over preparatory plans with the rest of the production crew. After a couple of months of emails, deliberating about gear, risk management practices, contingencies, paperwork and all that fun stuff, the date was set and we were booked to fly to Wamena.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKYYrnF4qzS_MIE3GmCQzDn6WjhGLEfNmWGwlfNtp0qGPYwUnl4JSMqP5PBRyYW0bGHydgAcGAXKskJghj3qY1mq-VUdqg4jlR1nX9DE32mb7hZQVdBfzCRAKgkY3M1A0iKAooG_yc92n/s1600/David+Bain_Photo37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKYYrnF4qzS_MIE3GmCQzDn6WjhGLEfNmWGwlfNtp0qGPYwUnl4JSMqP5PBRyYW0bGHydgAcGAXKskJghj3qY1mq-VUdqg4jlR1nX9DE32mb7hZQVdBfzCRAKgkY3M1A0iKAooG_yc92n/s640/David+Bain_Photo37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Never just a book by its cover, this crew may be young but there was a wealth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">of experience taking care of the behind the scenes work - David Bain </span></div>
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To give an indication of the trip we were about to embark on, the flight there is actually a good start. We had to sign a waiver as we were taking a domestic flight on a carrier that did not meet the international aviation safety standards. All went well, and this gave us an indication of things to come. We had a couple of staging days, where the separate teams organsied their gear and Steve, Alexis, Joe and I planned and re planned and re planned our itineraries, until it was go time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1Vogs36Izx95GkHLh2OWuE1RcKl53_MhlBve-RpFBWHASBqbx7o3sG6ZGHYrEx3IpQaJ1YvZz13yBpvwdfcFvx_5rJykUOIh0fNhzP4v1CqtCuQPKG8g93NedNacjLqClQGcWRd3Guv-/s1600/Barny+Young_Photo12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1Vogs36Izx95GkHLh2OWuE1RcKl53_MhlBve-RpFBWHASBqbx7o3sG6ZGHYrEx3IpQaJ1YvZz13yBpvwdfcFvx_5rJykUOIh0fNhzP4v1CqtCuQPKG8g93NedNacjLqClQGcWRd3Guv-/s640/Barny+Young_Photo12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gear and Helicopters, pretty much the entire trip revolved around this - Barny Young</span></div>
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Part one was flying to the alpine Lake Habema, then kayak/raft down to where the river goes underground and through a mountain range. This is where our first issue arose. Adrian fell sick in the first couple of days in Papua, and he wasn't in a state to be rafting. It was unfortunate for Adrian, but was a blessing in disguise in the end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxheKnjQ1LOHxBc4WtMtrUOpK5ri6a8xfOMoxt2iYOhysK6TA3n1BUsCpvHDKdXmxUPmB92ZRZiELIAaEggzU-Q11c2Ox-QVbqPR4qaxOWRVsuWdOZK-__O3F95sNDg36Nx8v7MJhKc2oo/s1600/Barny+Young_Photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxheKnjQ1LOHxBc4WtMtrUOpK5ri6a8xfOMoxt2iYOhysK6TA3n1BUsCpvHDKdXmxUPmB92ZRZiELIAaEggzU-Q11c2Ox-QVbqPR4qaxOWRVsuWdOZK-__O3F95sNDg36Nx8v7MJhKc2oo/s640/Barny+Young_Photo4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">If things weren't bad enough in Adrians world, Mr "Never miss a moment" Alexis </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">was into it, building his story - Barny Young</span></div>
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We decided to continue with a light gear load and only one raft, putting in just downstream of the lake mouth. This was the first place we could genuinely float a boat, and insulated us from the potential trouble of people who lived/had interest in the lake and may have not been happy with our presence. At over 10,000ft, this was a high altitude put in and the fern covered alpine flat land was a surreal landscape to behold. In a region of the world people generally, and justifiably, associate with hot humid weather, the air was fresh and brisk. The river was tea coloured, from the tannins of the surrounding forests and before long the river's edges turned into walls and the whitewater began. Low and manky, kinda of to be expected but we bounced our way down to a beautiful camp in the middle of the river. Things were going well, but this was going to be short-lived.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh798nj0Z30wU2yD3yk8owg3byVyrV8mPEhcVs9K-_vibTp1hV4DcWm6G1-nBUdcIVsoJ0dFMDxGIdFkSYcqx5vb1Qt36lpouepeBfBfSuxgRifhjQHcqcXwx4rYOsJEeXGIPK5-KBk9Sn-/s1600/Barny+Young_Photo19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh798nj0Z30wU2yD3yk8owg3byVyrV8mPEhcVs9K-_vibTp1hV4DcWm6G1-nBUdcIVsoJ0dFMDxGIdFkSYcqx5vb1Qt36lpouepeBfBfSuxgRifhjQHcqcXwx4rYOsJEeXGIPK5-KBk9Sn-/s640/Barny+Young_Photo19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Entering the Upper Baliem gorge, it was crazy paddling at 10,000ft in the south pacific - Barny Young</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rlMzWa7r5DQe5S1xVthv-wM1L_N-69ziw9rs5WkY6_xizGKaqjafSkbeuKzk6BDPU44gNzhL2w7ALj7SmOt_TW-f5c8vQqlRRTgP7FaJkqcR0oDyRc6MK5UOmmrl1NxBE_WV5HUEqDmf/s1600/David+Bain_Photo64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4rlMzWa7r5DQe5S1xVthv-wM1L_N-69ziw9rs5WkY6_xizGKaqjafSkbeuKzk6BDPU44gNzhL2w7ALj7SmOt_TW-f5c8vQqlRRTgP7FaJkqcR0oDyRc6MK5UOmmrl1NxBE_WV5HUEqDmf/s640/David+Bain_Photo64.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">An unconventional bivouac, a raft balanced on kayaks. But it served it's purpose - David Bain</span></div>
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Immediately downstream of camp the river constricted more, and the entrance to the next gorge was a nasty, coarse sieve pile. It was definitely a no go for the raft, which was fortunate as now Nate was struggling health wise, and after a scout downstream it was pretty obvious this river was no place for a raft at all. Steve was fired up to continue further down with Barny and myself, which was a conundrum for me. Any normal day I would not think twice about dropping into a blind gorge, but the fact of the matter was that Steve was my responsibility and this was at the top of his ability. Barny and I discussed the possibility of getting Steve down the gorge, but in the end the cons just out weighed the pros in this situation. Shitty, sharp, manky, rapidly steepening, locked in class IV or more and a guy that is so busy working on TV, environmental projects, climbing, diving, skiing, training, canyoning and anything you can imagine, that he struggles to find time to kayak as much as he once did... it was a hard yet simple decision. We would need to extracted. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQge82IdqJtkwL8W_zYIDFniqztQm-TE6cnHUgvLsuZ5GjiDrm_NG-MmtZajHx0JK0yHeG720jKy_sMvCfHzj1taWg18jPFPlJJQkjNORoVNrWn1TzdscT5icM8hIIavf9G9JWvGaKERPl/s1600/David+Bain_Photo65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQge82IdqJtkwL8W_zYIDFniqztQm-TE6cnHUgvLsuZ5GjiDrm_NG-MmtZajHx0JK0yHeG720jKy_sMvCfHzj1taWg18jPFPlJJQkjNORoVNrWn1TzdscT5icM8hIIavf9G9JWvGaKERPl/s640/David+Bain_Photo65.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The team deliberating early on day two in the Upper Baliem Gorge - Photo David Bain</span></div>
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We had to be relocated to a landing strip adjacent to our location, and then could be taken by vehicles back to Wamena to stage for part of the trip. In the mean time, Steve was off checking out the local Flora and Fauna, hoping to spot a bird of paradise or see some exotic plant life. To his credit he knew an astounding amount about the Papuan environment, it was quite impressive and we all learnt quite a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe91vpykGM8mzisNvnGOiknI4Uodg0n_McecLwKs5FpDgFH-7s0bOjOpJ_rHyGEY6i9v9MxB_U8rjg1HTf3nHT2JwN5x9uToSH4F7WWUI0vsnOlg_0wqVIrKSyazAIs19lpRviM7cq77a/s1600/Nate+Klema_Photo19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxe91vpykGM8mzisNvnGOiknI4Uodg0n_McecLwKs5FpDgFH-7s0bOjOpJ_rHyGEY6i9v9MxB_U8rjg1HTf3nHT2JwN5x9uToSH4F7WWUI0vsnOlg_0wqVIrKSyazAIs19lpRviM7cq77a/s640/Nate+Klema_Photo19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Steve frequently used a light-sheet to attract critters during the nights - photo: Nate Klema</span></div>
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Due to some local politics we couldn't 'safely' put back on the river below the gorge where we had been extracted, which meant we'd have to put in just below where the river resurfaced after it came through the mountain range. The locals, flow and whitewater from here was much more suited to rafting. Adrian was back on the ledger but this time Nate and Baino were on the very sick list. Alexis was struggling a bit himself, but he is the personification of the saying 'the show must go on', and he did accordingly. Once back on the river we really felt like we were getting our first proper strokes. The day included some good class IV rapids, a crashed drone and a semi suitable campsite for all but poor Adrian who has several hammock malfunctions during a night of pouring rain. Perfect really.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3SZqrihWFQai9wua-p47nK2gx9nyBu0HpSdeWXj4sVZmViBPk3IVrale4OQ9gOfGdHWS3rkzikxs3Z90MTrBBukwTfUi_Qz8xi_EjFjDCNYwBWg6w8aRvIqwN_oifOvYnjZdHY8AlCJb/s1600/Barny+Young_Photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3SZqrihWFQai9wua-p47nK2gx9nyBu0HpSdeWXj4sVZmViBPk3IVrale4OQ9gOfGdHWS3rkzikxs3Z90MTrBBukwTfUi_Qz8xi_EjFjDCNYwBWg6w8aRvIqwN_oifOvYnjZdHY8AlCJb/s640/Barny+Young_Photo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adrian back in the hot seat - Barny Young </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEjLrY7IkWhjs_xnmCSfIIAfRRU4FC_lkaBkghwiNBmXwIQjmdEsFOs8_Up-D2k-O0sZqSLicnB_YvVZRl_pdKNaT9mkW6VzGy7abX3_NQMKaE55bPTHmlQYb-O-8CAbtV9ukpTAZrN0D/s1600/Barny+Young_Photo10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEjLrY7IkWhjs_xnmCSfIIAfRRU4FC_lkaBkghwiNBmXwIQjmdEsFOs8_Up-D2k-O0sZqSLicnB_YvVZRl_pdKNaT9mkW6VzGy7abX3_NQMKaE55bPTHmlQYb-O-8CAbtV9ukpTAZrN0D/s640/Barny+Young_Photo10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Me leading Steve through some boogy, making TV - Barny Young</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQpRJKbEXrliEyktcnzDl1i76ctOBDUy-q7ErIfqFn9Ta6Vm_KQDL3VwcRDGDzAA2PdXT7PNEk8WbSTj76ZeS9Ilu5OX1t0tQphpoh1xsicy-vFlqx02tsVDxxA5ma7JjOZjAWwC2YIBo/s1600/427A8575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQpRJKbEXrliEyktcnzDl1i76ctOBDUy-q7ErIfqFn9Ta6Vm_KQDL3VwcRDGDzAA2PdXT7PNEk8WbSTj76ZeS9Ilu5OX1t0tQphpoh1xsicy-vFlqx02tsVDxxA5ma7JjOZjAWwC2YIBo/s640/427A8575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Glad Barny and I went for the tent option, considering Adrians shitty night - Barny Young</span></div>
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The next day we paddled the second part of this 'middle' gorge, more pushy rapids but just good fun really. We continued down into the Baliem or 'Grand' Valley, where we were invited by a local village to spend the night. It was a semi-traditional Papuan settlement, but with one notable difference to the villages I had been to in Papua New Guinea... there was a mummy! Legitimately the wrapped and smoked/petrified remains of a 200+ year old Papuan Elder, kept in a spiritual shelter/hut that only the men were allowed to enter. We were allowed to see it, but it was only Steve who was permitted to sleep in the spiritual house. In hindsight, however, it seems like that wasn't bad as Steve hardly slept as the locals chatted all night and when the choking smoke from the fire lessened, the mosquitoes did there best to ensure Steve got no rest whatsoever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CmDNUEXbAjr5wAdqsW_VHJ6lkuVkTeDbV5lmGru6D2i8HZhXbAd-fpbm24llh5yDcLD9ODRM-VYXookHFYFJsdSVtRkCQLGhurlNChZVjJrsYqRnSXsZumazw-FksQIv2qRQwM20uM55/s1600/Barny+Young_Photo32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CmDNUEXbAjr5wAdqsW_VHJ6lkuVkTeDbV5lmGru6D2i8HZhXbAd-fpbm24llh5yDcLD9ODRM-VYXookHFYFJsdSVtRkCQLGhurlNChZVjJrsYqRnSXsZumazw-FksQIv2qRQwM20uM55/s640/Barny+Young_Photo32.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adrian taking some pretty valuable cargo down the river. Not only all the camera gear, but the production</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">crew and, most importantly, ALL of our food - Barny Young</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Steve and I finally worked out this else was telling us story about how they used to hunt </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">the birds in the area - Adrian Kiernan </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSF_1MakckOJhLsYwEBl4Xh59lT5ErRZLPiWHWMrWbS5pn8uiCJ0Bb-jV927rIL4nxUiFiEzv3TCoRvYHc0PXXbvKZMS7ERcBGeM3gI8tEm-paUIJre2_toN27NXYXPq4lIEvHD8XDccl/s1600/Adrian+Kiernan_Photo6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSF_1MakckOJhLsYwEBl4Xh59lT5ErRZLPiWHWMrWbS5pn8uiCJ0Bb-jV927rIL4nxUiFiEzv3TCoRvYHc0PXXbvKZMS7ERcBGeM3gI8tEm-paUIJre2_toN27NXYXPq4lIEvHD8XDccl/s640/Adrian+Kiernan_Photo6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">He may have been small, and looked like there wasn't much to him, but he definitely commanded respect </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">and keep our attention every time he was present - Adrian Kiernan</span></div>
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After a long night of sleep, for us, we continued down the river back to Wamena. We would have a few days to prepare to paddle the Lower Baliem Gorge, meanwhile Steve and the crew were going to try get into some caving exploration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWqQRnWK87OVkte1ehyphenhyphenAqc7MIIb7f-4339gpwt1PbWGgKx1xHipNwP6SCsGF8VwDWVjDi60acum0DjxpSfa_mBwHotETzE-znzCJzzyEKGbNS8DVH-C9Jv4pEW-mKPxqQylP2fgiSuePF/s1600/David+Bain_Photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWqQRnWK87OVkte1ehyphenhyphenAqc7MIIb7f-4339gpwt1PbWGgKx1xHipNwP6SCsGF8VwDWVjDi60acum0DjxpSfa_mBwHotETzE-znzCJzzyEKGbNS8DVH-C9Jv4pEW-mKPxqQylP2fgiSuePF/s640/David+Bain_Photo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Steve and an elder literally jumping with joy after coming to an agreement about</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">accessing a virgin cave system - David Bain</span></div>
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As with most things on the expedition, the caving team ran into issues
at every turns. Lead by Stephen Jones who pioneered multiple cave
systems in New Guinea in the 80s and 09s, the team had set out to
identify a cave system that Steve could be the first to enter.
Although there were several prospects, there would always be a last
minute 'interest group' or 'issue' that would arise. But this seemed to
be overcome with one particular site, so it was go time. David, Barny
and I decided to go along and help with the rigging as it was a good excuse to get out of our rooms in Wamena and with a sly hope of getting to enter a virgin cave system. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8pHneez48tkRCEs0Rf9HNT5sowuIFdTDprD5Z03H1PAhzFkrSvY0p_3QSMVhkqrhwz4byFawoRGkI-1g0T-UU54A_ThjQMLFMCMluEJz1QsXt8CK0wyaXzRSo3iVscB2h23FuSouuSAM/s1600/David+Bain_Photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8pHneez48tkRCEs0Rf9HNT5sowuIFdTDprD5Z03H1PAhzFkrSvY0p_3QSMVhkqrhwz4byFawoRGkI-1g0T-UU54A_ThjQMLFMCMluEJz1QsXt8CK0wyaXzRSo3iVscB2h23FuSouuSAM/s640/David+Bain_Photo4.jpg" width="640" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Action-man Aldo Kane and Steve all smiles while rigging the ropes to access the cave - David Bain</span> </div>
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There was quite a production involved in the rigging of the caves, Stephen had two other specialist cavers with him; then there was Steve and Aldo; Alexis and Parker (the soundy), Desak on behalf of Jungle Run and then Barny, David and myself. There was a truckload of gear, literally, and it was no small feat to get it down to the staging area. Luckily we had the help of locals, and soon the team had ropes in place. At the same time Justin, Stephens go to man, was rigging the redirect for the first rappel, I was told through Desak that we had to stop what we were doing immediately. What I thought was a cordial conversation turned out to be quite the opposite. Another 'landowner' had turned up and was not how about our activity. We left everything in place and all returned to the access area in hope of talking through it. But after lengthy talks, even with a respected elder talking on our behalf, there was no consensus and it was explained to us that to continue could lead to disagreements and violence between the different groups. In no way would we have wanted our presence to be the cause of any civil unrest or ill feeling, so we respectfully removed all our equipment and retreated back to Wamena.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iT9DOKULPwU_kjJLo-w8hL1GlnreRLpDbhJBV5_RsU5bzGBwZ5Fh18AzXkALIpqMAFWH2-wsyX9OluDgZUBVoVU1dmXIVAYb0CoDLAJG-Yc1wO1HcKa6ZI9n_8x8VNMaghuRH1xdUJK6/s1600/David+Bain_Photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iT9DOKULPwU_kjJLo-w8hL1GlnreRLpDbhJBV5_RsU5bzGBwZ5Fh18AzXkALIpqMAFWH2-wsyX9OluDgZUBVoVU1dmXIVAYb0CoDLAJG-Yc1wO1HcKa6ZI9n_8x8VNMaghuRH1xdUJK6/s640/David+Bain_Photo3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Steve, with a heavy-heart, carrying out the heavy bags of climbing/caving equipment - David Bain </span></div>
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So it was onto plan E, or whatever we were up to. We had been given guaranteed access to a cave system that had seen some limited exploration before but the team was hoping for a virgin cave system. With most of our resources exhausted, Stephen Jones and Steve decided that it was now or never and that there was a good possibility the could push deeper into the cave than any previous trips. Alexis agreed, the show had to go on so the caving and production team set off for the cave, with David as the photographer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZgFDkyNpe1uO_PlGk2vbPiunktpSx7TPjWPTjv8sCym1XnvCyqawL-IAwrNFisGWU-dvDloUW5AbLdaC-3kpfLFuLzj6_Pgyo6qTiGRraidwm17ERZrOA51aiI8p0GB9JTFTK8afzR4S/s1600/David+Bain_Photo9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZgFDkyNpe1uO_PlGk2vbPiunktpSx7TPjWPTjv8sCym1XnvCyqawL-IAwrNFisGWU-dvDloUW5AbLdaC-3kpfLFuLzj6_Pgyo6qTiGRraidwm17ERZrOA51aiI8p0GB9JTFTK8afzR4S/s640/David+Bain_Photo9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The main chamber was as impressive as any that the team had seen before - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdDMJe_70Ij28fYu6ykRxR4rxwP5BuDLXEESNKNysIWIQUja2EVoTjN_CnpWV82bVETVzjRP9UZC4vhrDbRKTjy1wkG6ZhcPgbY7koTtPD7kskZGA7fn3DrJPU5656BoNP1FtdlvxUfhD/s1600/David+Bain_Photo12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdDMJe_70Ij28fYu6ykRxR4rxwP5BuDLXEESNKNysIWIQUja2EVoTjN_CnpWV82bVETVzjRP9UZC4vhrDbRKTjy1wkG6ZhcPgbY7koTtPD7kskZGA7fn3DrJPU5656BoNP1FtdlvxUfhD/s640/David+Bain_Photo12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cathy Jones, Stephen wife, pushing deeper into the unknown section of the save - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpKTf09eWdH44U_3KHtloRHOrqMdFNHyLzmKoqZwkjhyphenhyphen_DkeQjbTqiDmrqbo6Mtf0TLuEAArN4I9XKkj1Us_aoITmzWrvAvZMZcipjr9aFB7wW6AuU0g5iphIxcoZ6WPA5S0g6ENDQKMI/s1600/David+Bain_Photo14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpKTf09eWdH44U_3KHtloRHOrqMdFNHyLzmKoqZwkjhyphenhyphen_DkeQjbTqiDmrqbo6Mtf0TLuEAArN4I9XKkj1Us_aoITmzWrvAvZMZcipjr9aFB7wW6AuU0g5iphIxcoZ6WPA5S0g6ENDQKMI/s640/David+Bain_Photo14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Steve observing the 'flowstone' like curtain formations in a remote chamber of the cave - David Bain</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The team spent the night underground and resurfaced with some pretty cool stories. They had exhaustively explored the entire cave system but were reluctant to say they had been the first to discover any of the caverns. Although there is very little documentation about this cave, I guess there has been a lot of exploration in this area and it's better to find out for sure opposed to claiming something and then having mud on your face. Regardless, it sounded pretty special and something I am gutted I missed out on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While this had been happening, the river crew and I had been going over film footage and we unanimously, yet reluctantly, decided that the 'monsoon/highwater' itinerary was the only plausible one for the river at its current flow. When we had arrived the river was quite low, and had looked ideal for rafting the majority of the lower gorge but ever since Adrians sleepless night in the rain/malfunctioning hammock the river had been progressively rising. To a point that it was near similar to the flow during the reccy, something the very few kayakers in the world would consider let alone two rafts full of kit and some folks that do not spend much time in the river environment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Simply too much water for an attempt on the first section of the Lower Baliem Gorge - Jordy Searle</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The start of this itinerary involved a heli insertion about 40km downstream, this is the steepest and most continuous section of the river. It hurt Steve having to leave that section unpaddled, but it was the river crew that it really upset. Every member of the team is a renown expedition paddler and that section was going to be a proper test piece for us, but at this flow it would of been suicide. Even without the production crew and rafts, there were several kilometres of locked in continuous class V+/P (the highest grade of whitewater/P meaning portage as it unnavigable) and a very real chance of flush drowning if you had to exit your kayak. So we would be putting in at the first place possible below that section, and we would make our way down to another steep section and see if we could paddle it, walk around it or just anything really. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wHLl_xD9gpyxOio_XaiUoYl83jbOQ_xePkkHpFneThgQCAa8ePPBWc6a1kdOOyj-jmb-ShO95j4yR-j7a3cdl9qPIXikiujSuvTkdCEx2v9E6x4i-i9L_c19bXi8Z3ygtJOaX5BHkQsE/s1600/Barny+Young_Photo17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wHLl_xD9gpyxOio_XaiUoYl83jbOQ_xePkkHpFneThgQCAa8ePPBWc6a1kdOOyj-jmb-ShO95j4yR-j7a3cdl9qPIXikiujSuvTkdCEx2v9E6x4i-i9L_c19bXi8Z3ygtJOaX5BHkQsE/s640/Barny+Young_Photo17.jpg" width="640" /></a></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We used a fixed wing to stage at a village near the insertion point, piloted by a crazy German - Barny Young</span></span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUEMRGPa9__eBc9cp1Bj1mBAYO2k4wzNBjvc0ifVXZNEhfW8IyVktfjVaDJCArx0XBfSWDWcNAI_z3zNt7ALBHHLtEUmavaLeJ2ZOkzaaNyRT6_G1ySgrtsYZKqMdUTLlBvJgsuJOXn35/s1600/David+Bain_Photo17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUEMRGPa9__eBc9cp1Bj1mBAYO2k4wzNBjvc0ifVXZNEhfW8IyVktfjVaDJCArx0XBfSWDWcNAI_z3zNt7ALBHHLtEUmavaLeJ2ZOkzaaNyRT6_G1ySgrtsYZKqMdUTLlBvJgsuJOXn35/s640/David+Bain_Photo17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Then an even more crazy french chopper pilot put us right in the middle of it, literally - David Bain</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The river was a LOT bigger than we expected, and I think we all felt we had made the right decision putting in where we had. We had 10km to camp, and a few isolated class IV rapids to deal with. Or so we thought. Rounding the first corner we had what can often be one of the harder river features to deal will... the entire river pounding straight into a wall and causing a huge pressure wave or buffer. These features are hard to avoid, as your fighting the flow and if you do end up in there the buffer creates an inconsistent seam that sometimes you lean into, and sometimes you lean away from and a lot of the time you end up upside down trying to roll in highly aerated water. Steve and I jumped out to have a scouted, as did the raft guides, and we all came to the same conclusion, "try and get right, and deal with it if you don't make it". Barny, Steve and I would go first in that order, as to have the kayakers downstream if the rafts flip and we needed to help collect any loose gear. Barny was first and Steve planned to follow his as closely as possible, but unfortunately got surged left and in doing so ended up essesntially at the wall but on the wrong side on the entire river. I paddled down and, before Steve could calculate the severity of his situation, asked Steve to follow me and put EVERYTHING into it. We charge into the current as hard and fast as we could, trying to ferry/traverse the river above the buffer. Neither of us make it but when I turned around I was astonished to see Steve not too far behind me. He flipped at one stage, but popped straight back up and continued to paddle with all his might. And it worked. Steve made it over to the eddy where we were sitting and erupted in exaltation. We all did, it was pretty special to see someone simultanously achieving their dream and overcoming big hurdles at one time. The raft came down and Adrian was very very lucky not to flip. After crashing into the wall head on, the buffer lifted the boat onto its edge but some how it sat back down and the team paddled into the eddy. We had another couple of rapids to deal with on our way getting down to a monstrous one that we didn't know if we could portage around. This would be camp for the night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb5CKXIi1tJQbzh4WXQgrx1qG94WK4E78xZkUOSZFKvn4qv-B2-0V0I4q7PYG7YLcgIPyo6XAQzIKJRTAS_AJCAtRHb0tdiMU9c4rZyBKGAxhBUBB2F47ykQwBEDcdzNpZq2KvC6L7FNX/s1600/Adrian+Kiernan_Photo12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb5CKXIi1tJQbzh4WXQgrx1qG94WK4E78xZkUOSZFKvn4qv-B2-0V0I4q7PYG7YLcgIPyo6XAQzIKJRTAS_AJCAtRHb0tdiMU9c4rZyBKGAxhBUBB2F47ykQwBEDcdzNpZq2KvC6L7FNX/s640/Adrian+Kiernan_Photo12.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A very serious looking Alexis holding on to Nate as we attempted to scout a section - Adrian Kiernan</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Steve making it happen, paddling the goods and getting his first descent of the Baliem - David Bain</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9okBS2xgW2yL1CeexWe-ukq_4Xdr6Cr8EJuSz_QpCEjPAdqa7RAFeaOoAMs-pHuHezK5KfiYZKGefAe9dbZN0A1xRJs4m5jjSsMos3ch8Ypc6FxQLIp4X0eR6vAAYUX8QvOEELivLuG-G/s1600/David+Bain_Photo38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9okBS2xgW2yL1CeexWe-ukq_4Xdr6Cr8EJuSz_QpCEjPAdqa7RAFeaOoAMs-pHuHezK5KfiYZKGefAe9dbZN0A1xRJs4m5jjSsMos3ch8Ypc6FxQLIp4X0eR6vAAYUX8QvOEELivLuG-G/s640/David+Bain_Photo38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The kayaking crew for the Lower Baliem, we had to throw David in a raft for man power and as a contingency for if the whitewater got too hard for Steve, then David could jump in the kayak and Steve in the raft - David Bain</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The night was wet, in the comfort of our hammocks it didn't feel too bad but I could see the river from my hammock and I am not sure whether it was real or my imagination, but the river looked higher every time I looked. In the morning we would refuel and assess our options for getting downstream. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSOxQ5M4Z2N7cxr-R892Nbx9hmImIGaoiRZ4312MX4fU1J2i8V12j8D0RgJ4wtoItm0La3VnYuSU6DyLzkycvnxgDTNhUq65VuXYV5g0t4wczayajNZSCUGOfEbzg0aZ1jJzkgzLxtMHJ/s1600/David+Bain_Photo18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSOxQ5M4Z2N7cxr-R892Nbx9hmImIGaoiRZ4312MX4fU1J2i8V12j8D0RgJ4wtoItm0La3VnYuSU6DyLzkycvnxgDTNhUq65VuXYV5g0t4wczayajNZSCUGOfEbzg0aZ1jJzkgzLxtMHJ/s640/David+Bain_Photo18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The comfort of our hammocks, would be our sanctuary for longer than we thought - David Bain</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the morning we ate breakfast and finally absorbed the environment we were in. Dense jungle, massive river, ominous clouds that would squeeze out deafening amounts of rain and a group of surprisingly chipper adventurers. While I devoured 800cal of freeze-dried goodness I knew there was no way we could paddle any part of the rapid before me, and then gorge walls down stream did not look like there would be passage around. After breakfast Steve, Aldo and myself went for a quick scout to see, and very soon realised it wasn't going to happen. Our skeleton crew was almost our undoing as we had to heavily loaded 16foot NRS rafts, 3 full loaded kayaks and only 10 of us to move it all. Not to mention vertical walls to deal with and several kilometers of jungle for the next respite in the rivers ferocity. If we had unlimited time I am sure everyone would of rolled up their sleeves and committed to the multiple days portaging in the jungle but we only had a limited amount of time so called in the chopped to help us move downstream once again. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Eating a big breakfast, feeling very small - Nate Klema</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcK5raHXxN-NR4gVcu3qp_L3sd4L1ux3frOF859CgtqHKyzVrpzOG73_Q2HC0eQrEt_GVwmj_LYVRfHQPF3jugYnNJO3fEMp-TkIMUzlD4w8eGKVqyJcdYsAIenp3OLdpyOHC7Vr-3sxK/s1600/Adrian+Kiernan_Photo8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcK5raHXxN-NR4gVcu3qp_L3sd4L1ux3frOF859CgtqHKyzVrpzOG73_Q2HC0eQrEt_GVwmj_LYVRfHQPF3jugYnNJO3fEMp-TkIMUzlD4w8eGKVqyJcdYsAIenp3OLdpyOHC7Vr-3sxK/s640/Adrian+Kiernan_Photo8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Everywhere we went, somehow Alexis and Parker went backwards, without looking, with all their </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">equipment and happily - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fRiPJec6-Nr9gDwHu2n8bPMNXkpPUNBd2TUNTUKicBro8l3ng7PZxh71FBdcCzfVPM8VQXN8GpH_XKLP9kwWpvUY_2S_wNJtpHZdFhQgXK79PTyKB7Mw4wpYVmgpMhpx0df5G_oS3d39/s1600/Nate+Klema_Photo21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fRiPJec6-Nr9gDwHu2n8bPMNXkpPUNBd2TUNTUKicBro8l3ng7PZxh71FBdcCzfVPM8VQXN8GpH_XKLP9kwWpvUY_2S_wNJtpHZdFhQgXK79PTyKB7Mw4wpYVmgpMhpx0df5G_oS3d39/s640/Nate+Klema_Photo21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The 'kitchen' and 'living room' - Nate Klema</span><br />
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We relocated down to a section of river that I had identified during the initial scout of the Baliem at high water, where it would be spicy but safe for the crew to move down the river. The river was wide down here and there were big waves and holes all over the place to deal with. We camped by a good section of whitewater and this would be the last night for the entire team together on the river. Steve spent the night looking at the rapids he'd have to paddle the next day, rapids right at the top of his ability, and he was completely and utterly excited! In this seemingly isolated location we were suddenly visited by a young hunting party. Initially there was some angst/hostility but this was quickly overcome and Aldo even went so far as to treat a wound on the hand of one of the hunters. Some of our crew even purchased a bow and arrows that were used to hunt birds and small crocodiles. Both parties parted was happy and smiling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJV15dDj3nYUgFiy6v91elWcBf4oDGGoXEXiHR8zLOUB4sNH6cUc67QpSrBdZJyV0R-ZZ_O4v3x_6LptZHXigdOwinUB83FM7HGFeHum7YNCDFbwFTgYGjhCCPSZGfuYE35rWgKHlqVRL/s1600/David+Bain_Photo27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJV15dDj3nYUgFiy6v91elWcBf4oDGGoXEXiHR8zLOUB4sNH6cUc67QpSrBdZJyV0R-ZZ_O4v3x_6LptZHXigdOwinUB83FM7HGFeHum7YNCDFbwFTgYGjhCCPSZGfuYE35rWgKHlqVRL/s640/David+Bain_Photo27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Loaded up for the piggy-back down stream, only after two days of laying in a hammock </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">listening to a thundering Baliem River - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhyphenhyphenx8NIxhlgkowyER8SI2KjtOtaEj6UVFlOfBQ0K6Loic8NG75voMLf6ngnNBxKVHlBR2qszwL6Gu29n_wOMoXWbcHR0dvfLBnSYELJBtZxFJkyFxxswDDWu7F57d7AAoTC_QOQYfOBej/s1600/David+Bain_Photo28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhyphenhyphenx8NIxhlgkowyER8SI2KjtOtaEj6UVFlOfBQ0K6Loic8NG75voMLf6ngnNBxKVHlBR2qszwL6Gu29n_wOMoXWbcHR0dvfLBnSYELJBtZxFJkyFxxswDDWu7F57d7AAoTC_QOQYfOBej/s640/David+Bain_Photo28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Barny waiting for his ride - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuq7d_3ndSu_nFMGvNG5DxBjuT10HzBkhHAba9CSL8LqBRZhbBVETDOm82rb8JnV7ap75ZNDY4FyBDaspmLntmHcFh3iR1jnQ7d-yIxCVZFD5LHR305AaVrSIjPKmLX4gEpwRA39FzLvNO/s1600/David+Bain_Photo46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuq7d_3ndSu_nFMGvNG5DxBjuT10HzBkhHAba9CSL8LqBRZhbBVETDOm82rb8JnV7ap75ZNDY4FyBDaspmLntmHcFh3iR1jnQ7d-yIxCVZFD5LHR305AaVrSIjPKmLX4gEpwRA39FzLvNO/s640/David+Bain_Photo46.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Expedition medic Aldo, helping to ease things over with the locals - Nate Klema</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBfm2QredxOJksKXU69c88hR1F_Up65VUNLvWTtcw9UMXIivKdmANjGR76tymWfxGGAsjA6NytotwDvTR17V8OW6bHAzfiB3ESdJ-PrAUA0sKosWkgOsC3WkECEjLOyuNr2LuMcys8NYH/s1600/David+Bain_Photo47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBfm2QredxOJksKXU69c88hR1F_Up65VUNLvWTtcw9UMXIivKdmANjGR76tymWfxGGAsjA6NytotwDvTR17V8OW6bHAzfiB3ESdJ-PrAUA0sKosWkgOsC3WkECEjLOyuNr2LuMcys8NYH/s640/David+Bain_Photo47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The happiness of the children in developing nations is infectious and inspiring - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAHGeVk0mcVoIS7zbm5GZGAoO_mOKwiqJh-cu7qM7sgWiV4F9HoMfnBS5h3grQciGvMxaxeOibdNGeGLuEBhZWZNMe9aCgyirJuvUoDOn0h6_vg99KyjaN8xPJbgaP1neuaFNtXsG5Cr4/s1600/Nate+Klema_Photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAHGeVk0mcVoIS7zbm5GZGAoO_mOKwiqJh-cu7qM7sgWiV4F9HoMfnBS5h3grQciGvMxaxeOibdNGeGLuEBhZWZNMe9aCgyirJuvUoDOn0h6_vg99KyjaN8xPJbgaP1neuaFNtXsG5Cr4/s640/Nate+Klema_Photo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Barny and his new found friend, after they spent some time shooting birds - David Bain</span></span></div>
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In the morning Steve was first to have eaten, pack up and in his gear waiting to go. The rest of the crew slowly went through the paces and were ready for another good day on the river. We started with some continuous class IV with some big holes for dodge. Steve followed me through the rapids and Barny would be on sweep. The lower gorge has impressive walls, coated in thick jungle. We glimpsed a few of the exotic birds and Steve told us all about them. It was actually impressive his knowledge of the flora and fauna of Papua. After 18km of rapids broken up by fast flowing pools, we came to South Gate. This is where the Baliem emerges from the Jayawijaya Mountain and pours into the delta. We paddled maybe 8 km down into the delta to where the first signs of develop in the last 80+km began. Soon we meet with some local banana boat owners who had driven 2 days up river to meet Steve and the crew, and this is where we would be relocated to a small airstrip and then return to Wamena.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRQfXMoGX1MSmM4RC9zrpooiIgKXjyEm7de4HmltqUAO3E59LUYt0EUwZjNZzTj63yhVYu_im3N3LhdxaWq0rD3-IS6wkf8Zs8YJGze-rekWizK9k6UgnsncPUbdub0m3ofTJAODwypIM/s1600/David+Bain_Photo31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRQfXMoGX1MSmM4RC9zrpooiIgKXjyEm7de4HmltqUAO3E59LUYt0EUwZjNZzTj63yhVYu_im3N3LhdxaWq0rD3-IS6wkf8Zs8YJGze-rekWizK9k6UgnsncPUbdub0m3ofTJAODwypIM/s640/David+Bain_Photo31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Steve getting ready for some serious whitewater - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_cZ6pQGzpQZnpgahOOS55gayMJqRPzxHVEAhcKACSRsVTPnzQ5m72zOIqS-mCh_UnIDcY5StOHKCF0fXtaDn0i8x1-spXHMQNo_fYKrvMyBNzT7HyqLZ5fpIA1VmTbdawEzS8mQzGW2L/s1600/David+Bain_Photo32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_cZ6pQGzpQZnpgahOOS55gayMJqRPzxHVEAhcKACSRsVTPnzQ5m72zOIqS-mCh_UnIDcY5StOHKCF0fXtaDn0i8x1-spXHMQNo_fYKrvMyBNzT7HyqLZ5fpIA1VmTbdawEzS8mQzGW2L/s640/David+Bain_Photo32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">I<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">t was impressive to see Steve push himself on the white-water, pushing </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">into the class IV-IV+ realm - David Bain</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp42wOIHwKMuY00zkkzB1tBp6UnOfXc2ShV1Ekbas-40ioEl1RreiZTC4c3CagRcKy4Ejzw8fB_q7qY9jh3_8ChNw8aRS9CCibh1mv7d6GugVgckmfTU8RbMA6hWPz5txIIs8dtphm2nA/s1600/David+Bain_Photo33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcp42wOIHwKMuY00zkkzB1tBp6UnOfXc2ShV1Ekbas-40ioEl1RreiZTC4c3CagRcKy4Ejzw8fB_q7qY9jh3_8ChNw8aRS9CCibh1mv7d6GugVgckmfTU8RbMA6hWPz5txIIs8dtphm2nA/s640/David+Bain_Photo33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">More of Steve in action - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b0KxFrEAvVGXvy75Eo4XZBDWwLIDjEXJECKfI6KliLRUvAkL9lP9iy_vtbGIyOegrh-0PE2KRb4SBskfCdFhWqrnHub1uI-WThX8gNW68AyC7CeISF4XPDrSC63dvwKAPiCoqKda3IUt/s1600/David+Bain_Photo41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4b0KxFrEAvVGXvy75Eo4XZBDWwLIDjEXJECKfI6KliLRUvAkL9lP9iy_vtbGIyOegrh-0PE2KRb4SBskfCdFhWqrnHub1uI-WThX8gNW68AyC7CeISF4XPDrSC63dvwKAPiCoqKda3IUt/s640/David+Bain_Photo41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It was funny looking back and seeing this throughout the trip, but making </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">TV was paying the bills! - David Bain</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkhaIfxmuEqXCDevg4mb5Sn_FHTxg6wpEDLsAG0DsmIkjlCygsI5a3Dg89JScyeXAOkEMPllQQz9o9TAZZrRjTpwb6w0rYJaAnYtKzBhamZUZbiBC2JIKaUCVKdpSIB_tXyDKl64QgDXZ/s1600/Nate+Klema_Photo11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkhaIfxmuEqXCDevg4mb5Sn_FHTxg6wpEDLsAG0DsmIkjlCygsI5a3Dg89JScyeXAOkEMPllQQz9o9TAZZrRjTpwb6w0rYJaAnYtKzBhamZUZbiBC2JIKaUCVKdpSIB_tXyDKl64QgDXZ/s640/Nate+Klema_Photo11.jpg" width="640" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Barny and myself looking in dire need of a shower - David Bain</span></div>
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It was a mixture of feelings. We had completed the descent. Well, all of the sections that were possible. In the amount of time available. And we weren't going to be doing the last part of the journey. We had an epic journey with some incredible people, most notably Alexis, Steve, Aldo, Joe, Ingrid and Parker. But I felt, we felt, there was more left in there to be explored. That said, we were thankful for the opportunity to work with Steve and the BBC, to be exposed to the incredible environment that was Papua and felt reinvigorated to get out and explore.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOywbdcvzb3-FV0_P6y7jXVvb9FsBHyGcCQ8dj5AtZwSTLoMr0JCnPUZlPpBdQkeVQTvFZIoTuALtV5PzjLebiZpg446soqq1iIKgcdze3BYsXMcg5mfgguxxi9D9P17-T5owbXIcvyqbP/s1600/Nate+Klema_Photo16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOywbdcvzb3-FV0_P6y7jXVvb9FsBHyGcCQ8dj5AtZwSTLoMr0JCnPUZlPpBdQkeVQTvFZIoTuALtV5PzjLebiZpg446soqq1iIKgcdze3BYsXMcg5mfgguxxi9D9P17-T5owbXIcvyqbP/s640/Nate+Klema_Photo16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The flight out, a fitting end to what was an epic trip. And a image that will stick with me forever, the late Adrian Kiernan looking out in wonder... what next, where and when? - Nate Klema</span></div>
</div>
</div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-87438004594542608212017-11-07T20:47:00.002-08:002017-11-07T21:40:37.125-08:00How To: Laos - 4000 Islands section of the Mekong<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_XMS_3DYqcuK6pKiCaOvA3b6EnyzLnidTGo4hqLDq9fOBnSgNb5po7yENxd2RGdGZO_xK5-QrIZvww0278LO88mWH9aGjhxyVFvrVsRqmbX-Xbcdt6N1q6YZWogBg89NVBEgGwxraaWZ/s1600/DJI_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_XMS_3DYqcuK6pKiCaOvA3b6EnyzLnidTGo4hqLDq9fOBnSgNb5po7yENxd2RGdGZO_xK5-QrIZvww0278LO88mWH9aGjhxyVFvrVsRqmbX-Xbcdt6N1q6YZWogBg89NVBEgGwxraaWZ/s640/DJI_0039.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Mekong is the 12th largest river in the world and is navigable for the majority of it’s 4,350km
length. Linking six ‘Mekong’ countries, namely China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and
Vietnam, this waterway has served as an important trade route for local and international
communities. A trade route that is interrupted only once, by </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black;">ສີ່ພັນດອນ</span> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;">(</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Si Phan Don),
which is Laotian for ‘</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;">4000 Islands’</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">. A deserved name, as this area of the Mekong splits between
a plethora of islands. A few larger ones with guesthouses and restaurants, some with huts,
small agricultural patches or thick jungle and then thousands of smaller islands. 4000 Islands is
where the ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ trade routes meet and are briefly forced onto the Laotian
mainland,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">resulting</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">in</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">development</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Nakasong</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">series</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">small</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">trade-based</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">villages. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the late 19th century French colonialists made repeated attempts to navigate the falls in an
effort to develop an unbroken trade-route, but their efforts failed. Though for different
motivations, I guess these men were ahead of their time as it wasn’t until 2000 when Australian
Mick O’Shea convinced Mikey Abbott, Alex Nicks, Tyler Curtis and mega crew to go and explore
the region. This began what is and will continue to be a rich history of whitewater kayaking in
4000</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Islands. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Easily accessible class IV-V whitewater, cheap food and accommodation, a good night life, a
relaxed island vibe, smiling locals and the river pretty much to yourself. This destination is a
suited to not only class V senders, but would be great for class IV to V kayakers looking for a
little adventure and would be a great place for a paddler to take their non paddling partner. The
goal of this article is to give people the fundamental information and a head start when planning
a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">trip</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Si</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Phon</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">or</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">4000</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Islands. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1ftktRKONGadziCxmzgKo3RTgkD3cQeSVmGneULnhEx3jAYjwpgoO75YQ8jKC_1k-z_Q0Z30rtctNdvRs5Ul1mdXfpI-sXEjYmMzaReV9khasdc5xTDUws245vfUat3uDEWpli8qf35n/s1600/DSC03028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1ftktRKONGadziCxmzgKo3RTgkD3cQeSVmGneULnhEx3jAYjwpgoO75YQ8jKC_1k-z_Q0Z30rtctNdvRs5Ul1mdXfpI-sXEjYmMzaReV9khasdc5xTDUws245vfUat3uDEWpli8qf35n/s640/DSC03028.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">go: </span></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As with all kayaking trips, flow can make or break your trip. Fortunately at 4000 Islands there are
numerous channels that can be paddled at a variety of flows. That said, the general consensus
is to be there somewhere between December and the end of January. Australian Lachie
Karracher was once there in September and experienced ‘biblical’ flows.The ‘Gradient & Water’
crew of Jordy Searle, Ari Walker, TT Cakekinson and Sam Ellis had near perfect flows from mid
January, paddling all but two channels as the river dropped more than 3 metres in the big
volume</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">channels,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">during</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">their</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">two-week</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">stint. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ns5eCii4XQynMWNdPLZJPa_k2_D7EGRZO_tLxkbKV_G0SN9iGhPl8W-_3ny5_49u4saBGDUFJ9P0V0SBdn2DLQdwy43YiPTeO6oqtnAvbzZ0-DNtIgFrLI3iu-ga_tRr3YyqhxRJaRZS/s1600/Jordy_Laos__27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ns5eCii4XQynMWNdPLZJPa_k2_D7EGRZO_tLxkbKV_G0SN9iGhPl8W-_3ny5_49u4saBGDUFJ9P0V0SBdn2DLQdwy43YiPTeO6oqtnAvbzZ0-DNtIgFrLI3iu-ga_tRr3YyqhxRJaRZS/s640/Jordy_Laos__27.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>take:</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
In short, you do not really need to take too much with you. That said there are some
fundamental</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">things</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">that</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">will</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">make</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">things</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">much</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">easier</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">more</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">comfortable</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">for</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">you.
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- USD: This is always handy to have with you in Asia, particularly in smaller
denominations. This will help with border crossings, avoiding ‘expensive’ transaction
</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">fees when getting local currency in laos and paying for transportation to and from 4000
Islands.
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Good Shoes: Hot days, warm water and the short nature of the water water here might
lead you to believe that you can just wear a light ‘mesh’ pair of water shoes and you’ll be
fine. And you might be, but the rock in Laos is extremely sharp, abrasive and you will be
walking</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">on</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">it</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">LOT.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Something</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">with</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">solid</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">sole</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">is</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">grippy,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">you</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">will</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">be</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">thankful. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Sun Protection: It might seem like a no-brainer to some, but if you forget to bring your
own it will cost you. Sun-block is exuberantly expensive and after a few long days in the
crispy sun, you’ll be wishing you’d brought what now seems like a cheap $30 bottle from
home. A bucket hat is a good idea, especially if you’re planning on chasing the more
isolated</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">channels</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">that</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">take</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">time</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">get</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">from. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Paddling kit: Obviously take your standard kit, but there are some things that become
fundamental here that most crews omit. Bring a collared long sleeve shirt to paddle in,
you cannot buy one there for some reason. Jordy Searle took shorty and almost
ended</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">up</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">with</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">heat</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">stroke.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Having</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">lifestraw</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">in</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">your</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">PFD</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">would</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">be</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">pretty</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">handy</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">too. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Smartphone with waterproof case: Encouraging kayakers to take a smartphone on a
kayaking trip may seem a little redundant but having one with a waterproof case will
save you a lot of energy and time pulling yourself between spider-ridden bushy islands
while swearing at your mates. Having google earth with you all the time will help you line
up with the bigger islands so you drop down into the correct channels, and more so help
with</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">big</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">ferry’s</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">back</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Khon/Don</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Det. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeMUKGNM9sRekYQ-GWe8u0CAJtBX7glN7VLPy0iH6VlP-Q1hVhsHnrtDb1lqy25K-l-rCmYAekxdQyzTCxa_76UGNeIJjjSAc9eEUMUrnyAa-L6QKTutmklpVPIJvYnhbIMDgZdiTum5B/s1600/Jordy_Laos__35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeMUKGNM9sRekYQ-GWe8u0CAJtBX7glN7VLPy0iH6VlP-Q1hVhsHnrtDb1lqy25K-l-rCmYAekxdQyzTCxa_76UGNeIJjjSAc9eEUMUrnyAa-L6QKTutmklpVPIJvYnhbIMDgZdiTum5B/s640/Jordy_Laos__35.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">How</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">get</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">there: </span></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Getting to the 4000 Islands section of the Mekong is not particularly easy. Ideally you would fly
into Pakse in Southern Laos and then catch a bus to 4000 Islands, which is around 4 hours
drive. Expensive flights and bad connections, however, has meant that most paddlers fly into
larger airports in neighbouring countries and travel overland to 4000 Islands. Make sure you
have that USD with you, it is $30 for the Laos visa and you pay $2 - $5 to leave Thailand and
the same for an ‘administration’ fee to enter Laos. You pay that again when you leave too, USD
is key. Keep all paperwork, tickets, receipts and check that have your departure location,
destination</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">price</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">paid</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">noted.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">are</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">some</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">options</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">for</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">getting</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">there:
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Bangkok: From the airport get a taxi to the Bangkok Bus Terminal, look for a provider
that has a set price and be pushy about getting your boat in too. From there, get an
overnight bus to Pakse that should cost you about $50. You’ll go through the Chong Mek
Border Crossing, make sure you pay for your visa, get a stamp in your passport and you
keep any paperwork that you’re given. Sam Ellis thought he’d found some form of hack
during his commute, but nearly 3 hours or intense questioning on his way back to
</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Bangkok proved him otherwise. Grab another bus down to Nakasong, which is the
settlement/port that services Don Det and Don Khon, you’re there. Return is easier, a
booking operator will get you from Don Det or Don Khon all the way to Bangkok with one
booking. It might be a random assortment of rides, but as long as you have that physical
ticket</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">they’ll</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">generally</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">get</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">you</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">there.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Siam Reap: This is the major airport close to the Cambodian - Laotion border and might
be appealing as you can couple the paddling trip with a visit to Angkor Wat and get
some tailored suits made. You have to stay one night in Cambodia, so get some
accommodation sorted beforehand and once you’ve stowed all your kit get to sorting a
ride. It is Asia and it will take some bartering. You kind of want to show them your kayaks
to make sure you can get them on, but at the same time you also kind of want to surprise
them and just pressure them into taking them. The GW crew ended up chartering a van
because there was 3 of them with kayaks. From Siam Seap to Nakasong was $200USD,
which is kind of pricey but takes a 12 hour journey down to about 7, the ride will be more
comfortable and you’ll have an easier time at the border. Mr Heng is based in Stung
Treng (088 5 955 950) and speaks good enough English to make an agreement and
really looks after clients. He helped the Kiwi crew after they had been hustled and left
semi-stranded. Like coming from Bangkok, you’ll end up at Nakasong and you can
paddle across or get a $2 ticket from the ‘office’ with the green roof to the right of the
boat</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">ramp.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Either</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">way</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">you’re</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">in</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Si</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Phan</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Vientiane: Though more expensive than the other flight options, this option avoids the
hassle of border crossings, visas and probably ends up costing similar overall. From the
airport itself you’ll pay anywhere from $90-$150 for the twenty-two or so hour journey
down to Pakse and then another $8 - $15 for the bus from Pakse to Nakasong. The first
leg is in a sleeper bus that has 1.6m shared beds, not quite a double but a little more
than a single. So if you’re travelling solo or you are the shunned 1 of a 3 pack travelling
together, make sure to befriend someone small because you’re really going to get up
close and personal with someone on that bus. This is probably a good option if you’re
just</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">trying</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">do</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">whirlwind</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">trip</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">want</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">keep</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">it</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">simple. </span></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVzpKvxc1ynywc4XehD5VGwNZ4x6VUVHmi3c0rV63DRFdRyjZSqnCxMyMTDQ40wGkpaPZKVFh88s_BYuH_NKVvYZpq_GCV80vLKsCZF4kfH3GqLwyVHRZLC-XIsDGnqd4e1HZOztJ2t0Z/s1600/Jordy_Laos__41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVzpKvxc1ynywc4XehD5VGwNZ4x6VUVHmi3c0rV63DRFdRyjZSqnCxMyMTDQ40wGkpaPZKVFh88s_BYuH_NKVvYZpq_GCV80vLKsCZF4kfH3GqLwyVHRZLC-XIsDGnqd4e1HZOztJ2t0Z/s640/Jordy_Laos__41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><u><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Accommodation</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Food:</span></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Once you have made it to Nakasong you have two options for places to base yourself, that is
Don Det and Don Khon. Don Khon is the bigger Island that has the waterfall park next to it and
is where Mikey et al based for their exploratory trip in the early 2000s. More recently it has
developed into the more expensive of the two islands and generally attracts an older and quieter
crowd. Don Det is the smaller, cheaper and more ‘youthful’ island. For this reason the majority
of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">crews</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">nowadays</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">have</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">chosen</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Det,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">so</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">all</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">beta</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">from</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">here</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">is</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">about</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Det:
</span></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Accommodation: You’ll want to find yourself a place on the Sunset (west) side of the
islands. There are a variety of places that you can stay at, from the plush Mama Luerth’s
</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Guest House for about $10 a night, mid range places like Oi’s Place or Tena One for $5
a night and there are some cheaper options that have shared bathrooms and no hot
water. The further south you go, the more ‘hippy’ or ‘rasta’ the demographic becomes, if
those are the people you prefer to meet. One thing to keep in mind is that your Laotion
family hosts may observe some traditions or beliefs that you do not, please be sensitive
to these. Also, respect any house or island rules as the host family will also be punished
by authorities for your behaviour. All that said, it is a pretty relaxed setup and I couldn’t
imagine</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">many</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">kayakers</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">behaving</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">in</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">way</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">that</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">would</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">cause</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">trouble</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">here.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Food/Drinks: One thing that really makes this destination is how cheap the food and
drinks are. Fresh spring rolls for $2, incredible Chicken Tikka Masala for $4 and $7 for a
bucket of Gin & Tonic, just to give a measure. You’ll probably eat around a little bit but
there are some reliable places to fall back on; for breakfast Dalom and 4000 Islands Bar
are great; Oi’s Place and One More Bar are good for small meals; and all the Indian
places, 4000 Islands and the Kebab place on the Sunrise side of the island have
kayaker sized portions of tasty food. There a lots of option, most are pretty good. Except
Lao Lao. Lao Lao is the cheapest liquor on earth is tastes like just that. You’ll try it
anyway,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">proceed</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">with</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">caution. </span></span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Getting</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">your</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>bearings:</u></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Once you’re checked in and fed you’ll be fired up to get on the river. It is as simple as just
paddling downstream, but when the river is 14 km wide things can initially feel a little confusing
and complicated. You will have had a little look at google earth, may have even seen Alex
Nicks’ “Jehovas Wetness” or some YouTube videos but nothing can substitute for seeing things
personally to get a reference. The best idea is to hire a bike, for a massive $1 a day, and head
down</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Tat</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Somphamit</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Waterfall</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Park</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">off</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">west</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">side</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Khon.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When you cross the bridge from Don Det to Don Khon you’ll be asked to buy a ticket to the
waterfall park, pay the fee. A British crew avoided the fees and kayaking was temporarily
banned in the area. The fee is 35,000kip ($4.30), not much to pay in any part of the world and to
maintain an amicable relationship with locals and keep access open to one of the most unique
kayaking areas in the world. Pay this fee EVERY time you enter the park. You might not have
an opportunity to pay on the days you chase the more isolated channels but it may be worth
buying</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">an</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">extra</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">few</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">tickets</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">have</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">on</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">hand</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">just</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">incase</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">some</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">official</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">turns</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">up</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">asks</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">for</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">one.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When you get down to the waterfall park you’ll see several channels, these will give you an
indication of the power of the Mekong. You’ll also get a feel of the sharp rocks, how dense the
jungle is, notice human-sized fish traps in some of the channels outflows, how warm the water is
and the availability of water, tuk tuks and food at the park. Keep all these things in mind when
you’re out exploring. There is even a bar at the takeout for you to get a can of coke (to kill
waterborne bugs) and to leave your kayaks if you’re sessioning the waterfalls over a few days or
hiking</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">up</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">river-right</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">‘mega-slide’</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">access</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">some</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">central</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">channels.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The bar is the take-out for pretty much all the whitewater you’ll paddle. You can hike back up
the channels to pre organised boats to take you Don Det, but they’re not that cheap and it can
be hard to establish exactly when/where to meet. When seeking out the goods over toward the
cambodian side you can get a taxi back upstream and ferry back to Don Det. In 2015 Liam Kelly
managed to sort one for $15 without much hassle but crews recently have been getting
‘out-bartered’, paying more like $30 and have been lucky not to get extorted at the checkpoint
along the way. You can ferry and attain back across to the bottom of Don Det, to a different
beach</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">about</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2km</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">from</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">waterfalls</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">park</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">work</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">it</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">out</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">from</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">there.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The back channels are a bit more difficult and have a lot more fish traps. Construction has
begun on a dam in one of the channels, so access to that area will probably become restricted
or lost. But if you do head into the back channels you can flag down boats for a ride back to Don
Khon or at the worst you can paddle to the Laos mainland and get tuk tuks back to Nakasong.
That</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">is</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">longest</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">most</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">expensive</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">option,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">so</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">have</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">plenty</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">kip.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now you know where things are and how to get back, sort of, it is time to climb into your kayak
the has been sitting outside you little bungalow and paddle down to some of the best whitewater
in</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">world.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Note: if you’re taking a drone, which is an incredibly useful tool for scouting/navigating around
the Mekong, do NOT use it where people can see you. People do know what they are, and
officials have a very hard line on people using them without a permit. Be discreet and try refrain
from</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">buzzing</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">incredibly</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">picturesque</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">boats</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">moving</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">along</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mekong.
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Whitewater:</u><br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">There are four general areas that you will paddle, each with their own character and hazards.
</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">is</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">bit</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">of</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">breakdown.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Somphamit Waterfall Park: Definitely the easiest place to get bang-for-buck, and a good
place to warm up for the other areas. ‘Morning Glory’ is 10’ footer or a stout hole lead in
to a 25’ falls, it is also the best way to paddle into the waterfall park. “Gutter’ or ‘Easy
Channel’ is a fast class IV-V chute to the right of Morning Glory that finishes in the same
pool as Triple, a chossy set of drops that Brits strangely rave about. Then there is
‘Mega-Slide’, you’ll know it when you see it. Li Phi is the prize jewel in this area and most
crews will build up to it. Tread lightly and be respectful in this area as the falls is believed
to be a ‘spirit trap’, a result of the history of wars in the north and the resulting bodies
that</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">have</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">floated</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">down</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">into</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Si</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Phan</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Don.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Central Channels: You cannot see these channels from any of the major islands or the
mainlands but there is a worthy amount of whitewater out here. The two major channels
are ‘Volume’ and ‘Deadcow’ and have a lot of other channels running into them. One to
</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">watch out for is ‘Gun-Barallel’ that runs in parallel to the top of ‘Volume’. What seems like
a seemingly welcoming walled-in chute actually has a horrendous entry hole and the exit
is super backed up a medium to higher flows, scout it thoroughly. Between ‘Volume’ and
‘Deadcow’ is another channel that requires higher flows and can be exited by climbing
over the island on river left after you go through ‘Tricky’. There is plenty more out there
to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">find,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">just</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">do</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">your</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">homework</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">on</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">how</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">to</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">get</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">there</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">check</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">outflow</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">for</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">fish</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">traps!
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Cambodian Side: Heading over to this area is a cool mini mission that most crews will do
a couple of times. Definitely ferry upstream and towards river right for much longer than
you’d think before you begin to drop down to the ledge. And do so with caution, as at
higher flows you might paddle yourself into a place that forces you to paddle something
you do NOT want to. The second channel in from the Cambodian mainland may be the
most picturesque in the 14 km expanse, that is ‘Mr Clean’. First Descended by little Ali
Marshall, this 20 - 30 foot falls is intimidating but plays out really well and is lappable. Ari
Walker ran it 6 times in a row, on the most recent trip to the area in late January 2017.
There is a very stout and consequential rapid against the Cambodian mainland, set
adequate</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">safety</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">and</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">keep</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">boof</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">it</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">all.
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Back Channels / Laos Side: This area is quite a bit of work, has a savage amount of fish
traps, a dam is being built and is completely flow dependent. The first few channels east
of Don Khon are smaller, therefore require higher flows and you MUST check the
outflows as everything has fish traps. Oppositely, the furthest east channel from Don
Det/Don Khon against the Laos mainland is the biggest channel in 4000 Islands. This is
where </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">ນໍ້າຕົກຕາດຄອນພະເພັງ </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">or Khone Phapheng Falls thunders unrelentlessly. Also
known as the “Big Falls”, it is the biggest waterfall in SE Asia. To date no one has paddled
the main channels of these falls and it will probably take a marriage break-up or a drastic
development of kayak technology before someone does attempt it. Chris Korbulic and Ben
Stookesberry had a dabble into some of the fringe drops but the main lines remain
unpaddled,</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">as</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">far</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">as</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">we</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">know. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJzAlo_y8dbSak6vDgzPouFMdWJT_cdyYDKA8M-qr69yRct4Xj5XAsO4kbQhjW044HU_no6JAeOBIB8HPxJLEPvaSv7Du_HHNgvxvlunKgp7M6E1715QmVX-UgHJBWdDKbp6cjAB-6wAq/s1600/DSC03337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJzAlo_y8dbSak6vDgzPouFMdWJT_cdyYDKA8M-qr69yRct4Xj5XAsO4kbQhjW044HU_no6JAeOBIB8HPxJLEPvaSv7Du_HHNgvxvlunKgp7M6E1715QmVX-UgHJBWdDKbp6cjAB-6wAq/s640/DSC03337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Si Phan Don has a incredible of whitewater and pretty much all of it goes, you might just have to
wait a few days for some things to drop or to feel comfortable dropping in. You should be able to
find and paddle everything in like 5 - 8 days paddling, so factor in a reccy, rest/hungover day(s)
and a spot of sight-seeing if you happen to take your non-kayaking partner along for the
journey. Sam Ellis’ advice sums it up nicely, “pound a couple of litres of water before your cheap
breakfast, sun-block up, take 2 litres of water with you, send until you’re hungry, walk/bike/tuk
tuk</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">back</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">for</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">feed</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">then</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">get</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">into</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">few</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">or</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">more</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">than</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">a</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">few</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">cocktails.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Then</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">repeat”. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG-zCVBjQQATZ6FvIvbXpWvUrcjDKRm9wSRqGxTa6W7aVbG1_ApQ7QocxeNeJdhGZ6hwvuvtFcunlqvzGbIuWV5jD9N1Ym5z6nnyH0PUmp3WKFYb_48CxAIRiQKGSVsLv2aZXrKJkhdJv/s1600/DSC03409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJG-zCVBjQQATZ6FvIvbXpWvUrcjDKRm9wSRqGxTa6W7aVbG1_ApQ7QocxeNeJdhGZ6hwvuvtFcunlqvzGbIuWV5jD9N1Ym5z6nnyH0PUmp3WKFYb_48CxAIRiQKGSVsLv2aZXrKJkhdJv/s640/DSC03409.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">- Jordy</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Searle</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">(Gradient</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">&</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Water)
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-32531772348541866362017-11-03T22:42:00.000-07:002017-11-04T21:32:14.409-07:00Gradient & Water Calendar 2018 - The Best Yet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K5wIAgjvtd1AhLxAz8oSKWh7YnAwxrMvWWd-x3bOwkwRkiwgnSpuNUNOnOBsOMK_zeI7Ge55hC4RW0JIHxI_H5KRz2IcLaKspYMrvLqsFk3W3mhxD9gcqGy4EARb1ck3yRWkTdz8q7dS/s1600/Cover_2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="686" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K5wIAgjvtd1AhLxAz8oSKWh7YnAwxrMvWWd-x3bOwkwRkiwgnSpuNUNOnOBsOMK_zeI7Ge55hC4RW0JIHxI_H5KRz2IcLaKspYMrvLqsFk3W3mhxD9gcqGy4EARb1ck3yRWkTdz8q7dS/s640/Cover_2018.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
What a year! Some how each and every year seems to be getting better and this calendar will illustrates that. Epic NZ paddling, Laos, Kyrgyzstan and California... we still can't believe it. <br />
<br />
We've gone for a different format this year, offering a "Standard" or "Premium" quality/sizing, and they'll be shipped straight from the site. So you dont have to wait until we get off the river to send them, and we dont have to get off the river and spend hours in the post office. A WIN - WIN! <br />
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-21930061866253045762017-02-06T04:49:00.000-08:002017-02-06T04:49:02.847-08:00First Descent of the Poerua<div style="text-align: justify;">
Driving south from Hokitika you drive across numerous rivers, all of which have world class white-water towards their source. The Hokitika/Whitcombe, Totara, Kakapotahi, Waitaha, Wanganui, Whataroa/Perth and more. There has always been one bridge, between the Wanganui and Whataroa, that many kayakers have looked up and wondered... what is up there? why has that not been done? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3PR7SaD4yRHVTPpg_hWdr_Va8F9gdyj3nMh9gluahQgXLBW14QNNd9LYmPk0yQNs6aszqTfrA0tsNEI4PQv42hnOBWKYJeIuJddvoTuqV3e3Xu2xLWhHYLf3GRsuUHni9S3fw4TlpqE4/s1600/427A1409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3PR7SaD4yRHVTPpg_hWdr_Va8F9gdyj3nMh9gluahQgXLBW14QNNd9LYmPk0yQNs6aszqTfrA0tsNEI4PQv42hnOBWKYJeIuJddvoTuqV3e3Xu2xLWhHYLf3GRsuUHni9S3fw4TlpqE4/s640/427A1409.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year Ari and myself (Jordy) came up with a few plans before we linked up together in NZ and the Poerua was one of them. We planned to hike in and scout the bottom gorges and then find an access on an adjacent ridge, as the drainage is in the Adam's Wilderness area. Ari ended up going on a solo scouting mission, but after 4 hours of hard work and some encouraging but vague views he decided to call in a chopper. Barny drove down for the scouting flight too, and what the boys found... well lets just say it was ON!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM_AccY9B30sG_sri546SzYpAybWhhRkWtrze3RyOwZBSZCIMa4box1eyIy3wT8utDFKmsOtm2cDgD_FbK5jMc-ej-y8JZGprH2zj4X_cxc9BkVTmnfgLAQh5gARs-v1LZc_elP6b2kaV/s1600/DSC02650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM_AccY9B30sG_sri546SzYpAybWhhRkWtrze3RyOwZBSZCIMa4box1eyIy3wT8utDFKmsOtm2cDgD_FbK5jMc-ej-y8JZGprH2zj4X_cxc9BkVTmnfgLAQh5gARs-v1LZc_elP6b2kaV/s640/DSC02650.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhyphenhyphenZ1nkKmxOAaXItM754tWUfkTQ7zAWwJAe0GrKJVScL1Gr9joqeqIoOa8E4oqZrAZB5LYKopn2ki_A_dnh9bG4HKBKsKz8O5xXYH3W_D4LhUxMY688HEETXp1OXJevBAgRrk0xVwHNg9/s1600/DSC09118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhyphenhyphenZ1nkKmxOAaXItM754tWUfkTQ7zAWwJAe0GrKJVScL1Gr9joqeqIoOa8E4oqZrAZB5LYKopn2ki_A_dnh9bG4HKBKsKz8O5xXYH3W_D4LhUxMY688HEETXp1OXJevBAgRrk0xVwHNg9/s640/DSC09118.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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We knew the flow we wanted and the crew formed with the "Ghost of the Alps', Justin Venable, just happeneing to turn up to Barny's two evenings before we planned to have a crack at the river. JV enlisted Masty (from Flat & Dry and the half successful Expedition Inception) and we had the usual solid as she goes coast team for the trip. The plan was to meet at the takeout at 8am, fly to the wilderness boundary, hike down a shit-chute and then a creek to the Poerua River itself. All went well apart from one small factor, JV forgot his helmet and we couldn't find a replacement in time. Well we got a standard mountain bike helmet but it wasn't quite up to the task. The team was four, and we were dropping in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpA-RJlhtUbcGUr-o4Qw1lpZDdfIsfflqQW6lwhEucOpo8oFZTvm15kP5_unQzoanjDGG2LeobuRQESbgmrucxeZ1AgP6bMNRTa7Bqwbz2KhevI11knsGSJsN9IknrrV6NxSf_D4Y4zj81/s1600/DSC09150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpA-RJlhtUbcGUr-o4Qw1lpZDdfIsfflqQW6lwhEucOpo8oFZTvm15kP5_unQzoanjDGG2LeobuRQESbgmrucxeZ1AgP6bMNRTa7Bqwbz2KhevI11knsGSJsN9IknrrV6NxSf_D4Y4zj81/s640/DSC09150.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The river itself was classic West Coast. Steep boulder gardens with stacked sections, most went but we left a few for another day. There was some massive stuff too, including a huge Norway-esque slide into an intimidating hole, but with time pressure, the unknown downstream and 3 deep gorges to deal with we decided to keep it safe. There is the option to go huge in there. After 4 hours on the river we reached the first of 3 gorges which was short and after some inspecting by Ari while I was trapped on river-right, we managed to paddle through the class IV-V and out to safety. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgMkhFHg_o2qm0mhSKhbIQEIijPt_p76RUucMr33vCyBxf89DtKA25AXVr1p5-lo-gE7nkQsriJxJmm8hXkzc4MfWHsqCK0z6A9V41VxHnRIS7c58idAQykiZsV0bAzIRgeuDwxd7tLe5/s1600/DSC09210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgMkhFHg_o2qm0mhSKhbIQEIijPt_p76RUucMr33vCyBxf89DtKA25AXVr1p5-lo-gE7nkQsriJxJmm8hXkzc4MfWHsqCK0z6A9V41VxHnRIS7c58idAQykiZsV0bAzIRgeuDwxd7tLe5/s640/DSC09210.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The second gorge was boxed in but just before it we managed to climb to a shelf and see the whole interior, all good with one river wide hole at the end. Fortunately for us as Shannon put it, "modern boats" helped ensure we made it over the whole. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxQIJHPntnrM78Y3KeZf90_JGsXAdAx9syH_ra0UcDc5BhlIjynYsoG0puHSDySgxoi77h0KMiFu6oS0KhWCqbh3Z-BS-CCj47T5OpY1AsCtKOjOlYro-lJL1_ey5_SCMSfDLIyk32XrY/s1600/427A1822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxQIJHPntnrM78Y3KeZf90_JGsXAdAx9syH_ra0UcDc5BhlIjynYsoG0puHSDySgxoi77h0KMiFu6oS0KhWCqbh3Z-BS-CCj47T5OpY1AsCtKOjOlYro-lJL1_ey5_SCMSfDLIyk32XrY/s640/427A1822.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyS8bAi09xGB9oMMHe2d6RrlNuFF6tL0zMUhfc9JUTZ7ikKFr7Hlalm_0_kdv3kzSbyKm22_aaZkAXKJGmUsjYx12f9WiaLKWqwUApwUsvdkSSYibHHSH7BuZaP6J0sMyTpVJR_kxJf7B/s1600/DSC02691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyS8bAi09xGB9oMMHe2d6RrlNuFF6tL0zMUhfc9JUTZ7ikKFr7Hlalm_0_kdv3kzSbyKm22_aaZkAXKJGmUsjYx12f9WiaLKWqwUApwUsvdkSSYibHHSH7BuZaP6J0sMyTpVJR_kxJf7B/s640/DSC02691.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And then we got to the 3rd and final gorge, the Crux. I initially scouted it solo from river left and concluded that I didn't want to enter. The other boys went and had a look for themselves, Ari came back with a similar idea to me but Shannon and Barny were keen to drop in. We deliberated for a moment and all decided to do a staggered entry so we could escape if we needed to. Through some impressive 'slippery rock smearing' by Masty and rope we we managed to portage the crux of the gorge at river level and seal launch to a must run drop, and gain our freedom. <br />
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This was a true mission in all sense of the word and there is definitely more in there for another fired up crew to go get. We didn't take any photos from within the final gorge, except the seal launch, but if you do enter. Take your time, go slowly and take care. Enjoy the adventure and the unique place that few will ever go. </div>
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-88819263633902394212016-11-06T20:11:00.000-08:002016-12-22T21:30:17.885-08:00Gradient and Water - Calendar 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VVuMgDT_r8WNWsxQEiW7VyVIm828TCPnMAus9mkoIg9rTbWmIKTQNQkF0-o0TRrCWqdDd_ZQ7ljAPHKsebSv2sNtU0SOf_ZkZp0mr75ENphIa_x_pIVDP0nSZBJUOOxBeez4Itp1tMK7/s1600/2017+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VVuMgDT_r8WNWsxQEiW7VyVIm828TCPnMAus9mkoIg9rTbWmIKTQNQkF0-o0TRrCWqdDd_ZQ7ljAPHKsebSv2sNtU0SOf_ZkZp0mr75ENphIa_x_pIVDP0nSZBJUOOxBeez4Itp1tMK7/s640/2017+Cover.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Sean doing what he loved on the Upper Whitcombe</div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SOLD OUT - ORDER NEXT YEAR!!!</span></b></u></div>
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It's that time again and we're stoked with this years calendar. With images from Canada, Norway and our home, NEW ZEALAND! <br />
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This years cover is a tribute to Sean Curtis, who passed away on a trip down the Upper Whitecombe in January. He was an inspirational soul to everyone who were fortunate to meet him and will always be source a of motivation for us. Catch you soon bro. <br />
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Photo contributors this year are David Bain, Barny Young, Ari Walker and Jordy Searle. <br />
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And thank you for your support from these companies: <br />
<br />
- LIQUIDLOGIC KAYAKS<br />
- EARTH SEA SKY<br />
- KOKATAT<br />
- WERNER PADDLES<br />
- WATERSHED<br />
- LONG CLOUD KAYAKS<br />
<br />
Thanks you to everyone and we look forward to seeing one of these hanging in your house when we come by!<br />
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<br />GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-70344811958376743562016-10-01T21:08:00.000-07:002016-10-01T21:08:15.757-07:00British Columbia - thee Great White Gnarth<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the moderate to horrid snow packs
in the western united states since 2012 it seems that BC has become the
natural progression for EVERYONE who is looking for whitewater. It has
always been a worthy destination but now it has been the only place that
has good paddling after July. And we're not exempt, after our 2014 tour
to BC we have been trying to get back and 2016 it would happen. Ari was
coming in from work in Mongolia and David and I were fresh off an
expedition in Papua. We'd start in Whistler, head to the Sacred
Headwater Area and then come back via interior BC. One month, three guys
and a soccer-mum van. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Wo0zdZVQnssMiKjDQOuo-TnGhlZT0OBGw84tV7ITC09c8-7jelth5q_fBSD56DxFWp5ZvNZJzRaJk3pIavCqfflXdizne01jUo4cZaPZ2p8-BG97Z542efFZWhe3o7md_gBZncGsa7Di/s1600/DU2A9344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Wo0zdZVQnssMiKjDQOuo-TnGhlZT0OBGw84tV7ITC09c8-7jelth5q_fBSD56DxFWp5ZvNZJzRaJk3pIavCqfflXdizne01jUo4cZaPZ2p8-BG97Z542efFZWhe3o7md_gBZncGsa7Di/s640/DU2A9344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Accessing the Sacred Headwaters</div>
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Sam Grafton on 50/50 </div>
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Ari enjoying some Shlu Livin </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpQULbm7a49Dzr7QvYVEVrElYGCRqe6gx6p0AJwt23ThjNGayjVR5yLwtCLAH74QFfk3wrTpDWVe5ecvtqC9AOl19Gi7LbjJ0ufgkX_S8T3jExKT9xU9vNoSNKUy-fFywoz850o1Gwfot/s1600/DU2A9966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpQULbm7a49Dzr7QvYVEVrElYGCRqe6gx6p0AJwt23ThjNGayjVR5yLwtCLAH74QFfk3wrTpDWVe5ecvtqC9AOl19Gi7LbjJ0ufgkX_S8T3jExKT9xU9vNoSNKUy-fFywoz850o1Gwfot/s640/DU2A9966.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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Scotty on the Elk</div>
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Ari in the Ashlu Box </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxICTxSVFR0uODO41QTJj_jarQwofX3lKKkHjuZqcd-Ofd_GfuoLHZRJ6K0oXhBQgluRAH7m16-GdFsdczREhs-mwxz-06u4PFyXKmyh_20xHi7migk0207L6MPlzQtl0umUexGYMyghY/s1600/DSC06100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxICTxSVFR0uODO41QTJj_jarQwofX3lKKkHjuZqcd-Ofd_GfuoLHZRJ6K0oXhBQgluRAH7m16-GdFsdczREhs-mwxz-06u4PFyXKmyh_20xHi7migk0207L6MPlzQtl0umUexGYMyghY/s640/DSC06100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Afternoon stroll </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJq9AZJ1y4lvHDrgKREnIYdxKGGYXlDURe2Xwk7cZ8duxlBfbq4348k4EMxbBqcqKrpaFgAnX-wxaJfGPYeSWic171QwcLkFcvxGBUw3AtO9dzDccbbM7V06Bw-g-a8wIEy3i1fHxNCa8/s1600/DU2A9407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJq9AZJ1y4lvHDrgKREnIYdxKGGYXlDURe2Xwk7cZ8duxlBfbq4348k4EMxbBqcqKrpaFgAnX-wxaJfGPYeSWic171QwcLkFcvxGBUw3AtO9dzDccbbM7V06Bw-g-a8wIEy3i1fHxNCa8/s640/DU2A9407.jpg" width="640" /></a> Paddling the access creek to the Nass</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ArecLo4dgNxGq1XLJVNnGmCdmk5EhGZmnqmSgOkqV-s_1eUO9t6oCrUNCieEmF95c-CRXeeCMJXBHda7ubazu8dtiOfvsK2pIqwQRvzEAHDCfvdqVceL98qtbSXDRQVmCaaBCPPry8rS/s1600/DSC06151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ArecLo4dgNxGq1XLJVNnGmCdmk5EhGZmnqmSgOkqV-s_1eUO9t6oCrUNCieEmF95c-CRXeeCMJXBHda7ubazu8dtiOfvsK2pIqwQRvzEAHDCfvdqVceL98qtbSXDRQVmCaaBCPPry8rS/s640/DSC06151.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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David found the remnants of a BC moose </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnQtxHzFaM8a7xuFiskhES0-oGMVGI1p3Qkws8rsHtBhd5VMPtsWot8EKziI7sejKQDcK-gVzN2TfTGpanB2GVoPrjx1Az1623NKL9-Iwqdb6lW9AjLQz2mHIPoPiu8EZjesUFdf5cBUe/s1600/DU2A9515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnQtxHzFaM8a7xuFiskhES0-oGMVGI1p3Qkws8rsHtBhd5VMPtsWot8EKziI7sejKQDcK-gVzN2TfTGpanB2GVoPrjx1Az1623NKL9-Iwqdb6lW9AjLQz2mHIPoPiu8EZjesUFdf5cBUe/s640/DU2A9515.jpg" width="640" /></a>Ari on a trib of the Nass</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UOGaOqlmTk0L1K3wmmfk8_UXN9vAoialuZcmG7TS7PK2M8fOPDUCYtcaG5znbMN0hhpJtKVy3cp6ArRk0bfzFfG6qJsV6hky717hqzAXy-y32VLI4UOPQ7vzwBUulWpsejy_0FEtnTPV/s1600/DSC06177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UOGaOqlmTk0L1K3wmmfk8_UXN9vAoialuZcmG7TS7PK2M8fOPDUCYtcaG5znbMN0hhpJtKVy3cp6ArRk0bfzFfG6qJsV6hky717hqzAXy-y32VLI4UOPQ7vzwBUulWpsejy_0FEtnTPV/s640/DSC06177.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Logjam portage </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzh32ot_hezH1k7eU5ThgGO5ts2AUaPJhkg0dfFyr5VvUMuRNI2Qjwx47db3lIQS1LgcpfTq4XaZCfE-TAX6R8It2Si6-tv0FPw0xcythfKdjhRQh3xOixB11iGwLsPhFPC-78MsoWFoF/s1600/DU2A9530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzh32ot_hezH1k7eU5ThgGO5ts2AUaPJhkg0dfFyr5VvUMuRNI2Qjwx47db3lIQS1LgcpfTq4XaZCfE-TAX6R8It2Si6-tv0FPw0xcythfKdjhRQh3xOixB11iGwLsPhFPC-78MsoWFoF/s640/DU2A9530.jpg" width="640" /></a> Two paddlers, two moose. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6opI-rikMnfZsT1w9vffI3lRmjNn4iU63BXFKOym9buNJ5IkCimCaWr9yXb8cRTU9YZkLoEbAzkoFn5Tdul3Ppag-YgMNOSpw_nRIhDRKjSOENT_VnEG6Au1e48vSRumrs3mDd85bFt39/s1600/DU2A9325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6opI-rikMnfZsT1w9vffI3lRmjNn4iU63BXFKOym9buNJ5IkCimCaWr9yXb8cRTU9YZkLoEbAzkoFn5Tdul3Ppag-YgMNOSpw_nRIhDRKjSOENT_VnEG6Au1e48vSRumrs3mDd85bFt39/s640/DU2A9325.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Probably should have used my carry system </div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_BuCtlCgYRXR_CGNz0geGXu3GB95v2FACT5FPLwf_0TOVLGdWs6qFwv9iGuuS_zcw-jO45CnJs9paCgww2PBG71n5lbQwE4BUZEGa8VpfbtN0hxD6j3FdrU95SWxlb2JAn3YjS2EagBU/s640/DU2A9174.jpg" width="640" /> Jordy making the ABC move on the Stikine</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZfRK9Zlbzn4WaUh5EkCRDJpEyUbE8j3d3sWLe1TxJtsr_5jVfwb5wRQMsF1pxYBd7iTfYPj9ay-5NdK-UqL9iJTU-Tgh_EQo1WSuhLdMJwNowSLmMCJxsTZCx8gT8Qii9LjBLcSyuc2y/s1600/DU2A9497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZfRK9Zlbzn4WaUh5EkCRDJpEyUbE8j3d3sWLe1TxJtsr_5jVfwb5wRQMsF1pxYBd7iTfYPj9ay-5NdK-UqL9iJTU-Tgh_EQo1WSuhLdMJwNowSLmMCJxsTZCx8gT8Qii9LjBLcSyuc2y/s640/DU2A9497.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Logistics</div>
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Baino on the Stikine </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhod6SdEk5H4FInY-0rzWJC98W6jiKrImYSHIGMGJI7HQEzbh8yhm1Ry0xkCW1p80LqfS-OnSWHRuhdAgeQUAvnGq68_YsER16nt_nt3_jbZULcPrIkLu1HCT5Enu-z5cQGjFNpXmNbCy/s1600/DU2A9992.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhod6SdEk5H4FInY-0rzWJC98W6jiKrImYSHIGMGJI7HQEzbh8yhm1Ry0xkCW1p80LqfS-OnSWHRuhdAgeQUAvnGq68_YsER16nt_nt3_jbZULcPrIkLu1HCT5Enu-z5cQGjFNpXmNbCy/s640/DU2A9992.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
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Adrian Kiernan on the Elk </div>
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Stout Goat</div>
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Evan Moore styling Site Zed</div>
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Jordy entering Wasson</div>
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Kavu living. </div>
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-65199503821995421862016-07-16T13:58:00.000-07:002016-07-16T13:58:32.053-07:00Kawarau River - New Zealand<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdavid.bain.kayak%2Fvideos%2F1066716413388183%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe> </div>
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New Zealand is famous, or infamous, for it's rivers and whitewater.
Pristine, remoteness, continuous gradient and often helicopter access
are all images that resonate when people dream about paddling in New
Zealand. There is one thing, however, that people do not think about and
that is "Big Water'. No, New Zealand cannot compete with the Himalaya
and the Coastal Range of BC for their big water titles but there are are
still a few gems to be had. The North Island has Aratiatia and Huke
Falls on the Waikato River and in the South we have the Kawarau. With
David Bain over from the UK and Ari and myself not working for the
entire summer, we continually found ourselves back there to paddle the
warm and exhilarating rapids of the K, namely Nevis Bluff, Citroen and
Retrospect. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUXDB9rp5HYa-xy4jtAnch3fVoEX8NsohOKyCT0oBIweejg5DFvq-1frrUZoPos5K1abQfbN22EY045gcBTsWnD_LgraJmwBPsXFOPSH44i867zADv_gT9mHHqGYAaNvxvZnq-KzkJCNZ/s1600/DU2A0437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUXDB9rp5HYa-xy4jtAnch3fVoEX8NsohOKyCT0oBIweejg5DFvq-1frrUZoPos5K1abQfbN22EY045gcBTsWnD_LgraJmwBPsXFOPSH44i867zADv_gT9mHHqGYAaNvxvZnq-KzkJCNZ/s640/DU2A0437.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
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Jordy entering Nevis Bluff</div>
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Road side, but you feel isolated in there </div>
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Ari about to enter the 3rd part of the Bluff</div>
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Stoked to rip the Braaap in there. </div>
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David launching </div>
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Adrian Kiernan feeling small. </div>
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Ari on Citroen.</div>
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-76406855015186859702016-04-11T02:56:00.000-07:002016-04-11T02:56:10.091-07:00Karangarua River - New Zealand<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 2015 Jordy Searle was awarded the North Face Expedition Adventure Grant - 2015, with the objective of paddling the Karangarua River, NZ. The expeditions goals were:<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />(i) to paddle the Karangarua from it's source, adding 12km to the lower Karangarua and being the first people to paddle the entire river. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(ii) To highlight the importance and value of rivers on the West Coast, by
illustrating the beauty, recreational value and fruitfulness of the
Karangarua Wilderness Area. <br /><br />(iii) To provide sufficient social media, through our blog, Facebook page, NZ
Adventure Article and potentially a news article, to contribute to point
(ii) and ultimately to inspire other young New Zealanders. In essence,
to illustrate that people can achieve their goals if they’re willing to
sacrifice and work hard towards them. </span></div>
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In late November Jordy, Ari Walker and David Bain scouted the entire
river, leaving with the impression that is was a possible and worthy
adventure. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB55FNQJP7IBQhk3uH_pogHd4ZOmNFDVNMlQalZMegoUpKRK2XtheqV9ekKkmPFL7zFJGQH-4ukwlJdlwTGg2dG5nRWfzjnoXpzF4OBoulgCx3ESZrQN4yAF1Qt8IuecrBNiBuqSfo0t3/s1600/DSC06039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB55FNQJP7IBQhk3uH_pogHd4ZOmNFDVNMlQalZMegoUpKRK2XtheqV9ekKkmPFL7zFJGQH-4ukwlJdlwTGg2dG5nRWfzjnoXpzF4OBoulgCx3ESZrQN4yAF1Qt8IuecrBNiBuqSfo0t3/s640/DSC06039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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David scouting the section just below Christmas Hut</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGQGpYBbsAyjGTe4IzVNuNaClnnxuVWR16z96cExOiZZcDFCm93mFiL-lR0Hr3-OrjWGlvAy7WjH0VNoxeTyDMmkiegFkxz4wo4YIENiaOhAO-LbevAzevXuAN8gY_meEw2nlkxaY0PgC/s1600/DJI_0033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGQGpYBbsAyjGTe4IzVNuNaClnnxuVWR16z96cExOiZZcDFCm93mFiL-lR0Hr3-OrjWGlvAy7WjH0VNoxeTyDMmkiegFkxz4wo4YIENiaOhAO-LbevAzevXuAN8gY_meEw2nlkxaY0PgC/s640/DJI_0033.jpg" width="640" /></a> We used a drone to help with scouting, incredible scenery</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RRGvbS8LnRDT9D3pyzmrY3kxtMaU8ufOp_Ltbgrmrrz_2JODOvFwXf5S_FGuKOX5VQG9koV_eEglv2DUmAxrxmDE632fPHp4ITrxLitGmRV9KFI8sWo7v42J5X406Ia7lkXdBgOlLXDz/s1600/David+Bain_Scouting+a+first+Descent+in+NZ_Jordy%2526Ari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RRGvbS8LnRDT9D3pyzmrY3kxtMaU8ufOp_Ltbgrmrrz_2JODOvFwXf5S_FGuKOX5VQG9koV_eEglv2DUmAxrxmDE632fPHp4ITrxLitGmRV9KFI8sWo7v42J5X406Ia7lkXdBgOlLXDz/s640/David+Bain_Scouting+a+first+Descent+in+NZ_Jordy%2526Ari.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jordy and Ari scouting the 'Serpent Gorge'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGQGpYBbsAyjGTe4IzVNuNaClnnxuVWR16z96cExOiZZcDFCm93mFiL-lR0Hr3-OrjWGlvAy7WjH0VNoxeTyDMmkiegFkxz4wo4YIENiaOhAO-LbevAzevXuAN8gY_meEw2nlkxaY0PgC/s1600/DJI_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2Tav0_FWZ5KY55N7AFwCoBSuvVzVMk8QPmMSY3W8qgmycvnlEPvDFPcqdfDpey3apcFQUJLmODXtoq1gH__3X4do5CBMobVa_0L3Ttgvmf1jdp6Rv3Dg_yWO_nhZN3-KZus192Ot9nGM/s640/Scout+Mission-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Trying to see as much as possible...</div>
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Less than two weeks later the team, this time with Barny Young, returned to the Karangarua and paddled it from it's source at Christmas Hut down to the confluence with the Copland River.<br />
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James leaving us at Christmas Hut, the trip was all go.</div>
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The team committing to the Upper Gorge</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyKKecnw0PNXZ2eTZP0onwRvbzAbDE4ANmFWvlLRNKqiNP9VCrJZAwjd2W810GBdQH2nCTi2WG8d9iEwDCv7pIgJa8Ajwd8JZvHghIObwTskwJoCVI1qhQDfxnm7JtO8tSdDHwCSlqCiP/s1600/DB_K+Gorge_Barny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyKKecnw0PNXZ2eTZP0onwRvbzAbDE4ANmFWvlLRNKqiNP9VCrJZAwjd2W810GBdQH2nCTi2WG8d9iEwDCv7pIgJa8Ajwd8JZvHghIObwTskwJoCVI1qhQDfxnm7JtO8tSdDHwCSlqCiP/s640/DB_K+Gorge_Barny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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David putting a lot of faith in 3 sapplings.</div>
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Not the usual scene for a couple of kayakers</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh2Q3LwTWMeSQdJnC7N_oSmgQ_RJxHnQl6piM4fFRWfZN2EBIfp_EqNu-XgQMLe9mK3K0ZPJNo2aocK9NjsRgUSxoHJTGgD-Ib54i8E_cLUy4K3yNBgRXLmUxvPA5qhQFwsh_dSzsHQN9/s1600/IMG_5812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijh2Q3LwTWMeSQdJnC7N_oSmgQ_RJxHnQl6piM4fFRWfZN2EBIfp_EqNu-XgQMLe9mK3K0ZPJNo2aocK9NjsRgUSxoHJTGgD-Ib54i8E_cLUy4K3yNBgRXLmUxvPA5qhQFwsh_dSzsHQN9/s640/IMG_5812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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About 1/4 of the way through the first cascade portage</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8VAP6s-dMBf8tG02sS5TfaadG6-RAE2z2-iXb_1e54sKv4KJafTDiyh7BTx9g-CwLgYwbtejewAiVNykIuWqgIvwzyI5AHqNFZ-1oUK4Rcr8SVyDp0f-rzymEvT9ZiS01T6Pt6i2nZZB/s1600/IMG_5822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8VAP6s-dMBf8tG02sS5TfaadG6-RAE2z2-iXb_1e54sKv4KJafTDiyh7BTx9g-CwLgYwbtejewAiVNykIuWqgIvwzyI5AHqNFZ-1oUK4Rcr8SVyDp0f-rzymEvT9ZiS01T6Pt6i2nZZB/s640/IMG_5822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Working and being rewarded at the same time</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLBVxxagTPolWAuep8AlLLrXKPkONToFUOk3CKvFo4I8l2s_O5J4qqkUvLo5L84aLj2qtYR34EgrjYF4T0LLdbG75Iw1Ou6Xff8aVwn7MwmPsXTpEYwMLozOiRrcMrhs55N46s_x29oEr/s1600/IMG_5855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLBVxxagTPolWAuep8AlLLrXKPkONToFUOk3CKvFo4I8l2s_O5J4qqkUvLo5L84aLj2qtYR34EgrjYF4T0LLdbG75Iw1Ou6Xff8aVwn7MwmPsXTpEYwMLozOiRrcMrhs55N46s_x29oEr/s640/IMG_5855.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The drop below the First Cascade portage</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4IgrW4hfKmO1JsSZbUDpc7rSyvJzy2bHvtjWtE8iC2z-_UTjR0GKvG1M657Wavj0S_Xt_tpFT-mMWMTHCjUCFNe4xjDTt-rtEcNKn4jSwmG8bFHVUK5mXpcuGmFwru7Jk28NmE6FUTeY/s1600/DSC01413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4IgrW4hfKmO1JsSZbUDpc7rSyvJzy2bHvtjWtE8iC2z-_UTjR0GKvG1M657Wavj0S_Xt_tpFT-mMWMTHCjUCFNe4xjDTt-rtEcNKn4jSwmG8bFHVUK5mXpcuGmFwru7Jk28NmE6FUTeY/s640/DSC01413.jpg" width="640" /></a> Barny cashing in too</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU05i7akjFJMRFNkKhsgk96oJhIQFfVrhCdkJp_2cblAW5HZUWAm4ik8U8djl7BrGQGv1p39O1A6JOGUmoKoo7xIuL2aF3KoAqFjKP7XDMlGpVlVhlP19yx8xv6ZkZAJyBnBmgTtEl8gN/s1600/DSC06435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVU05i7akjFJMRFNkKhsgk96oJhIQFfVrhCdkJp_2cblAW5HZUWAm4ik8U8djl7BrGQGv1p39O1A6JOGUmoKoo7xIuL2aF3KoAqFjKP7XDMlGpVlVhlP19yx8xv6ZkZAJyBnBmgTtEl8gN/s640/DSC06435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Barny and Ari stoked to link some moves </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzI-qnlVZJY0wEsXCpLiGsjNK70bEdqeekaCOirACDR8xFIIWy-GFoWy35MEmvJL49tlNuAC3W9b9tQ9boJ5xL4RN8lm9InkT1dOYDs3kCKO8JyhLJLKpSX1Dtw1qG0pWJWzQT6egaIbnc/s1600/DSC06467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzI-qnlVZJY0wEsXCpLiGsjNK70bEdqeekaCOirACDR8xFIIWy-GFoWy35MEmvJL49tlNuAC3W9b9tQ9boJ5xL4RN8lm9InkT1dOYDs3kCKO8JyhLJLKpSX1Dtw1qG0pWJWzQT6egaIbnc/s640/DSC06467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ari is a big guy, but is dwarfed by the Karangarua</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXDjxb0aej-03TblU2GXP298gHKWJ1KVL-2Ix9bLccNLYRTFDUOjxHsZRKFEGYjnzJRLlxiDyRM8DGouwgfjvrZvveXG6dbQLz6YPp6pn3bxJMjSD2jmzOGZXMe_hbddbYaSb9O4jC7cB/s1600/DSC01434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXDjxb0aej-03TblU2GXP298gHKWJ1KVL-2Ix9bLccNLYRTFDUOjxHsZRKFEGYjnzJRLlxiDyRM8DGouwgfjvrZvveXG6dbQLz6YPp6pn3bxJMjSD2jmzOGZXMe_hbddbYaSb9O4jC7cB/s640/DSC01434.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
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Barny accepting his reward </div>
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The 'Reward Falls', after the second cascade portage </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90eyVIcyB85Kv5vpq8o82mdMbeDd9fJtfjFgsBHmMlJeej8F_1ekqJgIqH3mcPWVAlaXyPNO9pU3qlKEcEw20-53Xvb3RI6q7DyMEDuFYH0P2tTeCjyYNnCpko9-kKWD-MKZJe7lfMTZD/s640/DSC01448.jpg" width="424" /> </div>
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Paddling the section below Cassel Flat with the added water from</div>
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the Douglas River. </div>
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This definitely wasn't a classic but was a worthwhile adventure and would be worth doing again, for a crew with the right skill-set and mindset. Get after it!<br /></div>
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-27351158018762634582015-10-07T19:00:00.000-07:002015-10-20T22:38:02.649-07:00Gradient & Water Calendar 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PSidrGu3zaECDSfRoZnQUtRGi2FSbiJLynz75lay5p8IRD0tfkLMPiKeiFDnj2uLxGlJS-Ox3CYPLgTOBTga2wA1CxMxFyC4DqBBxvBHkpP-ZZjHQ00dQO0-A657WTtQr7Rqexi7J2c7/s1600/2016+Calendar+Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PSidrGu3zaECDSfRoZnQUtRGi2FSbiJLynz75lay5p8IRD0tfkLMPiKeiFDnj2uLxGlJS-Ox3CYPLgTOBTga2wA1CxMxFyC4DqBBxvBHkpP-ZZjHQ00dQO0-A657WTtQr7Rqexi7J2c7/s640/2016+Calendar+Cover.jpg" width="448" /></a> </div>
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We're back again and stoked to be sharing the past years experiences through another picture calendar! And it has been an EPIC year all around, starting with an expedition to Brazil, spring in the Pacific North-West, Summer in Norway and other bits and pieces thrown into the mix. Contributing photographers are Ari Walker, Barny Young, Blair Trotman, Jordy Searle and Shea Kitchin. We're lucky to have the support of Liquid Logic Kayaks, Kokatat, Werner Paddles, Snapdragon, Earth Sea Sky, Watershed and the NZ based Performance Paddling, thanks team! We appreciate the support over the last 6 years while producing this calendar and thank you again for you support in 2016! </div>
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-83447311984784829992015-08-08T20:33:00.000-07:002015-08-08T20:33:17.668-07:00Norway 2015 - High Water and Big Lines. <div style="text-align: justify;">
Norway has always been that destination for me, the one I have always wanted and the one I was always nervous of. Its reputation of pushy, stout, 'high-volume' creeks was always alluring, and 2015 would be all that and more. With a near record snow pack in Western Norway, everything was going to be high... but we didn't realise exactly the extent of what we are about to drop in to. Ari Walker and Sam Grafton were also keen to escape the drought of the Western USA, so we booked tickets and gave ourselves 26 days in country. This would turn out to be more than long enough. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR5Ml_q5z775-GRJw2ChhQ0BzYMhMdgGU3IZzsFl5_Xtj-1EMHXVp9qisOteM4OGK_H1Scll2b0m7pgLkdGsiGSgrLWrA_K9Q1lO0h5JzI7U4u3r8yipMoR_uUwOqTuPC7RwYpmDz6u2q/s1600/Jordy+Searle_Grandiosa_Ari+Walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhR5Ml_q5z775-GRJw2ChhQ0BzYMhMdgGU3IZzsFl5_Xtj-1EMHXVp9qisOteM4OGK_H1Scll2b0m7pgLkdGsiGSgrLWrA_K9Q1lO0h5JzI7U4u3r8yipMoR_uUwOqTuPC7RwYpmDz6u2q/s640/Jordy+Searle_Grandiosa_Ari+Walker.jpg" width="640" /></a> Ari Walker - Myrkdalselva</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF52Slhi2Zpa20UenivdFUw6OpDJ3ZPwx5wd5nHydyfA3nsFTUUAfEwuiQvP3eTvby06wbWMebm3Q8nPY-E0830WlWCyda461uWbhpP8AaEDh0djOLldoBpBH74UhCPSlkm1HAmoLl2-2o/s1600/Adrian+Kiernan_Lake+to+Lake_Sam+Grafton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF52Slhi2Zpa20UenivdFUw6OpDJ3ZPwx5wd5nHydyfA3nsFTUUAfEwuiQvP3eTvby06wbWMebm3Q8nPY-E0830WlWCyda461uWbhpP8AaEDh0djOLldoBpBH74UhCPSlkm1HAmoLl2-2o/s640/Adrian+Kiernan_Lake+to+Lake_Sam+Grafton.jpg" width="640" /></a> Sam Grafton - Lake to Lake</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuggW4MoN7ZLIO4ualg1Vv2QheF7WYwpJSel_eDk1ncvLa_XAU7j6K0r_9kZxLhmBVtFYlVmAdmqQjaCbVTahJPeKp3owxiO-4f2_auyabpaSiOkX8fVYxKk2RN9TINfeRE7HyYlDBHI8A/s1600/Jordy+Searle_Exo_Ari+Walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuggW4MoN7ZLIO4ualg1Vv2QheF7WYwpJSel_eDk1ncvLa_XAU7j6K0r_9kZxLhmBVtFYlVmAdmqQjaCbVTahJPeKp3owxiO-4f2_auyabpaSiOkX8fVYxKk2RN9TINfeRE7HyYlDBHI8A/s640/Jordy+Searle_Exo_Ari+Walker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ari Walker - Eskingdalen</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCV0pTJZwvwilGYVaci2P__u9_cgKzYOfU0hZkWjP73ilOKDmh9rx1QyYexGDqXq3FKxVjf-IR9bwt_vPVcQlymUvWMKoEeATNVfhkq7ukY8myTI5x7NQT6X2BNpvgbe1p4K1VLoTJCFDp/s1600/Jordy+Searle_Brandset_Dag+Sandvik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCV0pTJZwvwilGYVaci2P__u9_cgKzYOfU0hZkWjP73ilOKDmh9rx1QyYexGDqXq3FKxVjf-IR9bwt_vPVcQlymUvWMKoEeATNVfhkq7ukY8myTI5x7NQT6X2BNpvgbe1p4K1VLoTJCFDp/s640/Jordy+Searle_Brandset_Dag+Sandvik.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dag Sandvik - Branseth</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjehPe2RFwvIy4fXYnNQx8pfUAdXvkzT5A4HEMiNjJd_A1wEm9sU3ygy5YFQeu4jzLctlTNhusETElJd8jCbG2ow_gcoScHtbWFjqWRVfyrAJiY_19T9BUy23mZJoiVAhiuWuGiutK_SM/s1600/Ari+Walker_Money+Drop_Jordy+Searle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjehPe2RFwvIy4fXYnNQx8pfUAdXvkzT5A4HEMiNjJd_A1wEm9sU3ygy5YFQeu4jzLctlTNhusETElJd8jCbG2ow_gcoScHtbWFjqWRVfyrAJiY_19T9BUy23mZJoiVAhiuWuGiutK_SM/s640/Ari+Walker_Money+Drop_Jordy+Searle.jpg" width="640" /></a> Jordy Searle - Money Drop </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNU1Lon5mNY0Due2PqqM5IHV8JGHAUeGqwcUaofg6imDE2DIsA5eBNcs6ia9c8AX37LBrvEd-JvYJPgF_Ldtad4g-F_pi1sy-IrSDz2JUkwzgzmb4MztGuf0kDxbF3dwkDSp2Rz5pWmGD/s1600/Adrian+Kiernan_Tyselva_Jordy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNU1Lon5mNY0Due2PqqM5IHV8JGHAUeGqwcUaofg6imDE2DIsA5eBNcs6ia9c8AX37LBrvEd-JvYJPgF_Ldtad4g-F_pi1sy-IrSDz2JUkwzgzmb4MztGuf0kDxbF3dwkDSp2Rz5pWmGD/s640/Adrian+Kiernan_Tyselva_Jordy1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jordy Searle - Tyselva</div>
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Adrian Kiernan - Tiegdal </div>
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Ari Walker - Teigdal "Double-Drop"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcpUW34AzRkenKt-9yWHVWXjdhCZ-B44KCvlq8IX4QvDpJyFCY9e1t2EPh1VuWzEzYk0WYsOBK4cJutasBq67bnKotik7FUmjtJrywPy8IQyOf3LpD1RMh3EbIDFCyqMxxjn3i97jgvVP/s1600/Ari+Walker_FD3+Hildalselvi_Jordy+Searle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcpUW34AzRkenKt-9yWHVWXjdhCZ-B44KCvlq8IX4QvDpJyFCY9e1t2EPh1VuWzEzYk0WYsOBK4cJutasBq67bnKotik7FUmjtJrywPy8IQyOf3LpD1RMh3EbIDFCyqMxxjn3i97jgvVP/s640/Ari+Walker_FD3+Hildalselvi_Jordy+Searle.jpg" width="640" /></a>Jordy Searle - First D of Upper Hildalselvi</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bf6EwJO32sXLM4FPZ-zYnO4RizTif3Z82OxM7LoaNjSNAvr_glC9XvkDfs_Xq0fEnely-JYHn95GVfvzjln6GF-pO7-JWK58PI4NuxEC11HEujR8dRQLJhY6Njc78AJlDXP7V10rrjWY/s1600/891A8286.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Bf6EwJO32sXLM4FPZ-zYnO4RizTif3Z82OxM7LoaNjSNAvr_glC9XvkDfs_Xq0fEnely-JYHn95GVfvzjln6GF-pO7-JWK58PI4NuxEC11HEujR8dRQLJhY6Njc78AJlDXP7V10rrjWY/s640/891A8286.jpg" width="640" /></a> Jordy Searle - Bottom Tora Slide </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmbXTx5-qqM1RBigUaD7iPN2_5ka61vDGy88ejUJwmZ0DZVGrberebjZCHapZFdIoVz-GWqJGEaJL79xDTQGXjLm1lYuCWLoLdPE7_h3SeC-F5dQ4GSH-KiJeAY8NX4J_TvHcmkPBgl1W/s1600/11840199_10153531336156565_769633610_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmbXTx5-qqM1RBigUaD7iPN2_5ka61vDGy88ejUJwmZ0DZVGrberebjZCHapZFdIoVz-GWqJGEaJL79xDTQGXjLm1lYuCWLoLdPE7_h3SeC-F5dQ4GSH-KiJeAY8NX4J_TvHcmkPBgl1W/s640/11840199_10153531336156565_769633610_o.jpg" width="360" /></a> </div>
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Ari Walker - Matze's</div>
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Anton Immler - Gaula #3</div>
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And these are just some of the highlights. High water made things scary and somethings impossible. We didn't even manage to get on the Rauma or Raundelselva, but there is always next time, right?</div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-8868410557243900582015-06-01T16:27:00.001-07:002015-06-01T16:27:57.220-07:00Seattle Area<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you’re in the Seattle Area and want to charge, you will quickly meet Sam Grafton. I met Sam last year up at the Stikine but unfortunately it didn’t line up to paddle together. But once he knew I was planning on spending the last part of winter and spring in the Seattle area he/we began hatching plans. Initially my back injury was holding me back but it wasn't long before Sam and I were charging hard. The water didn’t really give us everything we wanted, but we definitely got some juicy flows on most the classics in the area, and there are plenty of those! Robe Canyon, Deer Creek, Ernies Canyon, Icicle Creek, Tumwater Canyon, Top Tye and more. All within 2 hours of Seattle. Here is what we got up to...</div>
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg4ACLtgCBQEk-3_VQ1t4I7B1O4-tMH8_EWqUMrKAtmTY3aldxrhmLAeBa8cDMdQ9UyyW9g22mpkjoKU0Bip9G3KwfgA25A7Y_xVuSVzqXGIBjNrsnJQzvou0eyOY_BQSMdazlrfGyU1h/s640/Jordy+Searle_Icicle+Creek_Sam+Grafton+copy.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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Icicle Creek</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnPBmndAOE7s_9PZ_kOxopcqoV9jGc2i0VlBNhwneUbeacA8y-wkAydnULA9W6Fz_3J5G9sY5VF-KBKpjO245n02tFmYX9lXP-j2ohCLxSLoHyAe0PbnhRH1gBPzXDx4JQAkU7CO3xGts/s1600/Dawn+patrol_March24+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnPBmndAOE7s_9PZ_kOxopcqoV9jGc2i0VlBNhwneUbeacA8y-wkAydnULA9W6Fz_3J5G9sY5VF-KBKpjO245n02tFmYX9lXP-j2ohCLxSLoHyAe0PbnhRH1gBPzXDx4JQAkU7CO3xGts/s640/Dawn+patrol_March24+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dawn Patrol on Robe Canyon</div>
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Sam Chesley and myself during the team Robe Race</div>
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Sam at home in high-water Robe, 'Hole in the Wall'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4sOx80dwOVeHF6ujCXq3utrKZmGKYTfcfIPPjmUqqn9f2p7jh9OeIpnAddPt8jZzpeRBWOCpAh-BNgLqmXowq6GqZcDTmRyAJ8pOVC4hw_s5aOQQovVe-BGVkYJFgTrL6asqVyFA-ms2/s1600/emickelson_150418_2040+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4sOx80dwOVeHF6ujCXq3utrKZmGKYTfcfIPPjmUqqn9f2p7jh9OeIpnAddPt8jZzpeRBWOCpAh-BNgLqmXowq6GqZcDTmRyAJ8pOVC4hw_s5aOQQovVe-BGVkYJFgTrL6asqVyFA-ms2/s640/emickelson_150418_2040+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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More Robe</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr7DRURm-YghopogMIYwtalPTB9TMK2CmTSzFi2NUb44at6168uIMJMxRRSZsBMXwloQMre0LlosAjTs9ytDIEfSUOpcnt4-ZKktwMHKqq_PDgWkNqFq5RBkckqa4rAU5IvFVOrY19ETP/s1600/Sam_Face+Plant_7ft+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr7DRURm-YghopogMIYwtalPTB9TMK2CmTSzFi2NUb44at6168uIMJMxRRSZsBMXwloQMre0LlosAjTs9ytDIEfSUOpcnt4-ZKktwMHKqq_PDgWkNqFq5RBkckqa4rAU5IvFVOrY19ETP/s640/Sam_Face+Plant_7ft+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Over 7ft, and I am out taking photos. 'Face-Plant'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoZHuQ8iKf2uoqBtGR0KJ7zfCef9bs1O8azXf-XEF11quP-NJO2_gmvh0Q9nCEdimTv0LixaeKDBVw_CK0M8jwj6s2YsLP7KVrEvdTFF7XjRQBvVVKHPh-ppN2O6dU6k2VTrmAp2HJWj1/s1600/SamWALL_March18+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoZHuQ8iKf2uoqBtGR0KJ7zfCef9bs1O8azXf-XEF11quP-NJO2_gmvh0Q9nCEdimTv0LixaeKDBVw_CK0M8jwj6s2YsLP7KVrEvdTFF7XjRQBvVVKHPh-ppN2O6dU6k2VTrmAp2HJWj1/s640/SamWALL_March18+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tumwater's first challenge, 'The Wall'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5CuMnJki6lrZXS4aR2gqfhbYMx1i1wEO8mAkQmT8XQgEpwRM7e025s4w7z6_Ecoew08kInXQ_yw2Xq41Y8fGUTA3JpX6ZXgHF2uy8S7mvcYIEVN2jfvnU2G-mITTAlobVG1fyfro_Dtt/s1600/SamEllisWall_April5+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5CuMnJki6lrZXS4aR2gqfhbYMx1i1wEO8mAkQmT8XQgEpwRM7e025s4w7z6_Ecoew08kInXQ_yw2Xq41Y8fGUTA3JpX6ZXgHF2uy8S7mvcYIEVN2jfvnU2G-mITTAlobVG1fyfro_Dtt/s640/SamEllisWall_April5+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Brits, scared, coming through low water Chaos</div>
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Sam Chesley with a good flow on Chaos </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQiEpAEx3duo3To3R9WPj83tUNNt70qPyNfn5KwgKiztd90pkOwG0jcvoOG-Eguh7AwXY8J4mLY7qQ6lQggwaMQ7mYAHW4Eo08ez1pCpBBEa2xDIOI-LFV5pQ4MQaStk0XtOjLuF5qeRK/s1600/Todd_Exit+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQiEpAEx3duo3To3R9WPj83tUNNt70qPyNfn5KwgKiztd90pkOwG0jcvoOG-Eguh7AwXY8J4mLY7qQ6lQggwaMQ7mYAHW4Eo08ez1pCpBBEa2xDIOI-LFV5pQ4MQaStk0XtOjLuF5qeRK/s640/Todd_Exit+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Todd Wells following Aniols lead down Exit. </div>
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Sam trespassing on Sean Lee's territory, Ernies Canyon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFxDdkKlC3OnorQf9cpo-qIIY7xU9A61rbfeY3f-q2ZVc7xAuKU7krc95Txf03bqyCytLkEVdEiEo_14NPh3dUY2DsQJBYqSbh3uLhgtJb09Wc61UGdSwDT-VWJZTh1SKmKI0hUxdzWAS/s1600/ErniesJacuzzi_March22+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFxDdkKlC3OnorQf9cpo-qIIY7xU9A61rbfeY3f-q2ZVc7xAuKU7krc95Txf03bqyCytLkEVdEiEo_14NPh3dUY2DsQJBYqSbh3uLhgtJb09Wc61UGdSwDT-VWJZTh1SKmKI0hUxdzWAS/s640/ErniesJacuzzi_March22+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nate showing everyone. 'Jacuzzi', Ernies Canyon.</div>
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Sam Ellis smiling, you cant see it but you know he is!</div>
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This would be the extent of my paddling in the Northwest, just going between these runs as they came in and out. There were a couple of LW weekends are lower flows but it seems people don't really take photos down there nowadays. As flows began to drop, Ari arrived back to the US and the NF Payette came in, it seemed the stars were aligning to head to Idaho. But one quick trip to the Northern Cascades would keep us in Washington for another few days. Will post about that soon. </div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-48259988714441598402015-05-28T10:01:00.002-07:002015-05-28T10:01:43.603-07:00Back in the USA - Recovery and Charging<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once I made my way back to the Seattle area I was forced to rest for another 3 straight weeks before my next examination. So I was restricted to walking and cooking, that was about it. But once I had my progress x-rays, to my surprise, I was given the all clear to paddle again with the caution of 'avoiding trauma.' My plans to recover on Lake Union quickly were wiped away and I set out to paddle the Skykomish. With the exception of lost flexibility, I was feeling pretty good after 45+ minutes of paddling. </div>
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Stoked to be back!</div>
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The next day I would paddle Tumwater with Ari, and again felt great. Which was incredible as my initial consultation said I would be out for 9 months or more. From then it didnt take long before I was convinced to head down to the quickly dropping LW to catch its last days. No laps of spirit but that doesn't matter, I was paddling the LW at 3.3 only 6 weeks after severely breaking my back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2Jod8-5XnHR_YTKvm-hbmRq5cY2rHHyQJJ2AlW_BHmtLGHL7GBM6fIKrJCuzVbX9xRrUyrMOt-i8bq6Bf_InYYW-LuGLPJt6r6kO5bn4qro3V0ig6KnyzNA9AZkCmUi1fHiGOK2n9rxO/s1600/Jordy+Searle_Little+White+Salmon_Ari+Walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2Jod8-5XnHR_YTKvm-hbmRq5cY2rHHyQJJ2AlW_BHmtLGHL7GBM6fIKrJCuzVbX9xRrUyrMOt-i8bq6Bf_InYYW-LuGLPJt6r6kO5bn4qro3V0ig6KnyzNA9AZkCmUi1fHiGOK2n9rxO/s640/Jordy+Searle_Little+White+Salmon_Ari+Walker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It feels good to be back</div>
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The LW, Nick Murphy's playground. </div>
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Cuzza rounding off an afternoon lap </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUn8oY4Wnfd6EL5tmQB7dsak5CPzbQh6OqGCg5mGRx5M6_ouWr1TsLStjq0nRyPXkQ1iXBDcvHvEm5NVyL734HamCfqRYfcVzfBO-3kUYrI00225lfbhtSHdNQThA1S-yWmmF9ETSr1Ai/s1600/Toffer_Spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUn8oY4Wnfd6EL5tmQB7dsak5CPzbQh6OqGCg5mGRx5M6_ouWr1TsLStjq0nRyPXkQ1iXBDcvHvEm5NVyL734HamCfqRYfcVzfBO-3kUYrI00225lfbhtSHdNQThA1S-yWmmF9ETSr1Ai/s640/Toffer_Spirit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chris Topher really laying it out</div>
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After a solid working week in White Salmon, it was time to head back to Seattle for Ari to fly off to work in Mongolia and time for me to get my body back in proper working order while taking advantage of the short spring Washington was about to have.</div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-32179630298840964402015-05-24T14:35:00.001-07:002015-05-24T14:35:38.581-07:00Expedition Brazil - Santa Catarina stouts, a broken back and the boys finishing it up.<div style="text-align: justify;">
After we made the grueling 25+ hour drive south from Espirito Santo to Santa Catarina we made a b-line for the Rio Benedito to blow out the cobwebs. It felt good to be back on the water, but we came for bigger and better things. We got the call from Marcelo Galizio and Jake Greenbaum, who were in interior SC, and had just begun to breakdown a waterfalls section of the Rio Chepeco. So we charged our batteries that night, and the next morning ripped over to meet up with the boys. By the time we had got there the boys had First Descended several of the channels and the rowdy put-in 50+ foot falls, so the next day we wanted to try and put the whole section together and that we did. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNdm51Mh9dzQ-VnQLoqXpfXy9W6Wtt6NPaStPbZ-ZHBHZ1PzX1Re3LIrACKPzNoJaqGjRLl4VL6KLjTm_UhMiJ_w-jTS3XLs9TugXlL6oAb4jeZkHcnuP0Jh6N-w4lPJA0ENea7Mg7Qkp/s1600/Barny+Young_50Chepeco_Jordy+Searle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNdm51Mh9dzQ-VnQLoqXpfXy9W6Wtt6NPaStPbZ-ZHBHZ1PzX1Re3LIrACKPzNoJaqGjRLl4VL6KLjTm_UhMiJ_w-jTS3XLs9TugXlL6oAb4jeZkHcnuP0Jh6N-w4lPJA0ENea7Mg7Qkp/s640/Barny+Young_50Chepeco_Jordy+Searle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jordy on the entrance 50+ft falls. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprO7ImrptMWd9XQfBeuXBuEtYOM3bVuWGepUnYyXidZgCl3GE8ySQiDxSg6IY76M2abneRQ2d7e-EDhOFwIzdjLo6ZmPsQA1tiyIa76-HiBg6aaZOwvKwwUM6JTIrY1f2ENW7LX-LLJpG/s1600/Barny+Young_FD+Water+Park+Falls_Ari+Walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprO7ImrptMWd9XQfBeuXBuEtYOM3bVuWGepUnYyXidZgCl3GE8ySQiDxSg6IY76M2abneRQ2d7e-EDhOFwIzdjLo6ZmPsQA1tiyIa76-HiBg6aaZOwvKwwUM6JTIrY1f2ENW7LX-LLJpG/s640/Barny+Young_FD+Water+Park+Falls_Ari+Walker.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Ari on the First Descent of 'Waterpark Falls'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZojUzJ_FSr_kQxZ2rfuc5l4KZYNhT8JMKdvVtXP925qd9GeeU5-m9vSam0IdtN4DD3y2SGoKtMzNYHbniwbtcUHp25lovA4Yfs221-v1wZAYmcWU-Tf8H9xRBFCgcJQk3rVIRNvpqBou/s1600/Jordy+Searle_FD+Waterpark+Falls_Barny+Young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZojUzJ_FSr_kQxZ2rfuc5l4KZYNhT8JMKdvVtXP925qd9GeeU5-m9vSam0IdtN4DD3y2SGoKtMzNYHbniwbtcUHp25lovA4Yfs221-v1wZAYmcWU-Tf8H9xRBFCgcJQk3rVIRNvpqBou/s640/Jordy+Searle_FD+Waterpark+Falls_Barny+Young.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Barny on 'Waterpark Falls'.</div>
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After paddling another falls below Waterpark, that we just routed behind Marcelo and Jake, we had linked together the crux section of the Rio Chepeco. The drive had been worth it, we'd finally managed to paddle something since the Rio Preto. That afternoon we began to scour the surrounding area on google earth because we never had imagined we'd have been in this area of Brazil. Surprisingly, we managed to find several worthy options for the following days. One of which, was another big falls about 15km downstream on the same river. We went to check it out that night and to our surprise it looked to be another epic First Descent to be had. That was our plan for the next day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzkOxYcFFxev1qQ5Jju6ns_IVZ-TLcxExUG2xIF_04VEpIHEC4jvreuPgdN_s7Suwj7CdQiPJjDi59APjukmytGICuQo4jXChisdIAqfwkMaCRT_-Zaq0UJAVC5-R6gqoYQqCUVw_ZZIf/s1600/DSC09539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzkOxYcFFxev1qQ5Jju6ns_IVZ-TLcxExUG2xIF_04VEpIHEC4jvreuPgdN_s7Suwj7CdQiPJjDi59APjukmytGICuQo4jXChisdIAqfwkMaCRT_-Zaq0UJAVC5-R6gqoYQqCUVw_ZZIf/s640/DSC09539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Barny and Jordy scouting the Falls. </div>
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After another quick scout the next morning, Barny and I decided on taking the 'safest' line near the centre of the falls, not keen to paddle the big-water right line or the huge boof on the left. When paddling the falls, Barny ended up ahead of me on the lead in so ended up going first. He styled the line, indicated to Ari it was all good and I paddled it just after him, but with one small difference. I landed about 2ft to the left of where Barny did and landed on a hidden rock outcrop instantly knowing I had hurt my back. After hand-paddling the big water paddle out Barny got me to the side and the boys helped me to the vehicle and we drove 7 hours to the hospital in Santa Catarina. That was my trip over, 3 cracked vertebrae, a hernia and a cracked disc. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5jd61qPGd9wJhXAM_EvZEqRRB0rs2c6KGK-degt81JLQHPjEx_H49i52OCeqNf7kvObPhr6vRXHOYDF5NDxKNB5kzoMn7Ws8uWCTvyfvyELxWU10tfWey4JULZRDOQrfu6UicOEjx1Ij/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-02-06+at+2.23.21+pm.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5jd61qPGd9wJhXAM_EvZEqRRB0rs2c6KGK-degt81JLQHPjEx_H49i52OCeqNf7kvObPhr6vRXHOYDF5NDxKNB5kzoMn7Ws8uWCTvyfvyELxWU10tfWey4JULZRDOQrfu6UicOEjx1Ij/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-02-06+at+2.23.21+pm.png" width="640" /></a> My view pitching off the lip of Salto Saudades. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b-IXWOf17IvAu73v924INPU_nuYPzq6FnjIuFnSZXur1c0sUyNMZRzOgeqH63ctl9nPB3V25zUuDMskuAXz1aEo7il-wJTzuGI6mv6GWLj_SC60UvVdKPFcHYxKXkLJTtqsH9UfiLbJr/s1600/DSC09566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b-IXWOf17IvAu73v924INPU_nuYPzq6FnjIuFnSZXur1c0sUyNMZRzOgeqH63ctl9nPB3V25zUuDMskuAXz1aEo7il-wJTzuGI6mv6GWLj_SC60UvVdKPFcHYxKXkLJTtqsH9UfiLbJr/s640/DSC09566.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Salto Saudades - EPIC</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikttter3Lkbj_nPcccFd5ALsPJIO8P8RUUuu-p5bvHTHYa_WSfD43f2s7KiekwSSJwHAbjLd2JySzxZIOWSv3donue0unp6kjIgjgXyfTOVN49drL-uDBLSrtlbbe2pW0eXpwhkH4PVu8f/s1600/Broken+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikttter3Lkbj_nPcccFd5ALsPJIO8P8RUUuu-p5bvHTHYa_WSfD43f2s7KiekwSSJwHAbjLd2JySzxZIOWSv3donue0unp6kjIgjgXyfTOVN49drL-uDBLSrtlbbe2pW0eXpwhkH4PVu8f/s640/Broken+Back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After 24 hours, I was discharged and able to head to Marcelo Ludvichak's house to begin my recovery and wait to fly home. Barny and Ari hung around for a few days to make sure I was all sorted but the show had to go on, so they hatched a plan to take advantage of some rain around Florianopolis and try for the first descent of the Rio Chicao. They teamed up with Marcelo, Jake and the Pagnoncelli brothers for this mission. Unfortunately, the boys initially hiked an hour or so in the wrong direction, but eventually made it to the lower Chicao and got another First Descent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03x8xT2PwvGky447z3ITNtu3mGxjLJG6omkX-ZcCqP8gmmZWd1Gr9QZBOb06MzsIZBqmajp8gei4f0XBz8x_n7qabh8sRHRUUOrqUTT5X8qoNqk7osbw07n49-bv32iAzPB8_c4Nwy5Nw/s1600/Barny+Young_Rio+Chicao_Galizio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03x8xT2PwvGky447z3ITNtu3mGxjLJG6omkX-ZcCqP8gmmZWd1Gr9QZBOb06MzsIZBqmajp8gei4f0XBz8x_n7qabh8sRHRUUOrqUTT5X8qoNqk7osbw07n49-bv32iAzPB8_c4Nwy5Nw/s640/Barny+Young_Rio+Chicao_Galizio.jpg" width="640" /></a> Maybe on the right track now</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2i_2wFB-EY-t1Pmgp5tJueOEo0HG-9ECfmNrNjmY1-1dNIZRVjcZeEKwq_-Tu1BaCCoRWwEgVvn7S2dQ0nFt-kD2oMlcYqbpu_YcQkrzTspj29j5cknsNHJveAuiML8AQFKe89lMpgmv/s1600/Ari+Walker_Rio+Esbraiado_Barny+Young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2i_2wFB-EY-t1Pmgp5tJueOEo0HG-9ECfmNrNjmY1-1dNIZRVjcZeEKwq_-Tu1BaCCoRWwEgVvn7S2dQ0nFt-kD2oMlcYqbpu_YcQkrzTspj29j5cknsNHJveAuiML8AQFKe89lMpgmv/s640/Ari+Walker_Rio+Esbraiado_Barny+Young.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Barny stoked to finally be at the put-in</div>
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After this, the rains never really came to the state of Santa Cantarina again, but somehow the Itajai-Acu stayed at stomping flows, giving the boys some rowdy days of whitewater. Barny and Ari even went so far to drive even further south to the state of Rio Grande do Sul to check out some whitewater potential. Ari decided to paddle a super clean 30, but with low water, meaning a heavy hit, bagging himself a solo First Descent. After that the boys came back to SC to paddle some more laps of the Itajai-Acu, got a lap down the classic overnight trip on the Cubatao do Parana.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX-UK1eiLahrzsEWqueO06mhysxwlhhdLi_rnY0HNTHVGOK64Wsv8rqNIw_S_nf4tczT_ff2cWRlDfKUQ-fCxRy1_oodlBWigtYfsDQ-97ZsW5j8R4P4wUMNo9PSZrQb50laRhpQnHhgq/s1600/Barny+Young_Itajai-Acu_Ari+Walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdX-UK1eiLahrzsEWqueO06mhysxwlhhdLi_rnY0HNTHVGOK64Wsv8rqNIw_S_nf4tczT_ff2cWRlDfKUQ-fCxRy1_oodlBWigtYfsDQ-97ZsW5j8R4P4wUMNo9PSZrQb50laRhpQnHhgq/s640/Barny+Young_Itajai-Acu_Ari+Walker.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
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Ari routing the Itajai-Acu at highwater, the saving grace on the rains</div>
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stopped in SC.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0eEjirLXzKh_QYhf8frgSQawCRudZdzpPvAXmTGJN00prs2TuPAN2Sb4kW8-tzVgrVUbVjPq1ya6jmHlrh0FYv3Lb9NDZ9WmNdyT4Xv-SNkcs_c6L_6oRfH7cQrCdEfCGjRXsoH0Hx1z/s1600/Barny+Young_RGS_Ari+Walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0eEjirLXzKh_QYhf8frgSQawCRudZdzpPvAXmTGJN00prs2TuPAN2Sb4kW8-tzVgrVUbVjPq1ya6jmHlrh0FYv3Lb9NDZ9WmNdyT4Xv-SNkcs_c6L_6oRfH7cQrCdEfCGjRXsoH0Hx1z/s640/Barny+Young_RGS_Ari+Walker.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
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Ari getting another First Descent</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjnzMbmNArZ-YRGgyk7WPNPczXL2Fja79F4gborygUlzpqmlLE5d7oCmmywMMrKxmJc3u1-lZQrbpqfg9itQHQjB82gc2C2Iubx34bAnLb5Tz0ZKOkK4BKLh14xLmAIyEmgkPqj8yFkg9/s1600/Ari+Walker_Cubatao+do+Parana_Barny+Young.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjnzMbmNArZ-YRGgyk7WPNPczXL2Fja79F4gborygUlzpqmlLE5d7oCmmywMMrKxmJc3u1-lZQrbpqfg9itQHQjB82gc2C2Iubx34bAnLb5Tz0ZKOkK4BKLh14xLmAIyEmgkPqj8yFkg9/s640/Ari+Walker_Cubatao+do+Parana_Barny+Young.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The waterfall on the Cubatao do Parana</div>
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All in all our trip was a success, we managed to get our 6 First Descents but we left a whole lot more unpaddled than we would have liked to. But that is the nature of adventure recreation. You cannot guarantee anything, you cannot control the weather, you can only put in as much effort as possible, and stay positive. That we did, and we got a result. That said, I am sure we will be trying to get back there to finish what we have started. </div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-35140960374156492002015-03-13T16:41:00.001-07:002015-05-24T13:26:39.927-07:00Expedition Brazil - Drought, Stout and Heading South<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ari and Barny arrived to Sao Paulo December 27th and once we got through the bureaucracy of hiring a car, thanks Marcelo Ludvicah, we started on our way north towards Espirito Santo. This mean't driving up the Dutra and pretty much going directly past the Rio Preto (MG), one of the stand out runs from Ari and my trip in Feb 2014. So we figured this would be a good way to warm up for the rest of the trip. </div>
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Jordy running the first big slide</div>
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Low water but still spicy </div>
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Barny enjoying his first river in Brazil</div>
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After this we made the charge to Espirito Santo and scout out numerous First Descents that Ari had identified with google earth. And it was all GOLD! All we needed was rain, but sadly it wouldn't come. </div>
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All we needed was water!</div>
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Barny wishing</div>
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Granite river-beds are always exciting to look at. </div>
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Another sick drop, just not enough water. </div>
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We spent two weeks drooling over class V granite goods, but paddled
nothing. Eventually we decided to flip our plans and drive towards some
rain. The next phase of the expedition would be 28 hours south, back in Santa Catarina where they were getting mad rain. </div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-27919091425442681942015-01-21T14:48:00.004-08:002015-01-21T14:48:59.680-08:00Brazil - Sport NZ and a Quick Whip South.<div style="text-align: justify;">
So once again we're been fortunate enough to represent New Zealand under the banner of Sport New Zealand, Sir Edmund Hillary Adventure Trust, and this time it is in Brazil. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLq4DITZrmAI1HCsyFAflFMRWr-8nd3zOlW7Z40o8kzGEniTVhWTF7cF8axQ4e0u99g9Mw7QnELxyHFn01BIlSubROxlYPKf6VTdqbfDxaI9QWBfhAiW02l8OhcBHCnanS5kAy8VQ443V/s1600/Sport+NZ+White+Horizontal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLq4DITZrmAI1HCsyFAflFMRWr-8nd3zOlW7Z40o8kzGEniTVhWTF7cF8axQ4e0u99g9Mw7QnELxyHFn01BIlSubROxlYPKf6VTdqbfDxaI9QWBfhAiW02l8OhcBHCnanS5kAy8VQ443V/s1600/Sport+NZ+White+Horizontal.jpg" height="274" width="640" /></a> Thanks again for the amazing support - From the crew</div>
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Ari Walker and myself went to Brazil in February 2014 and were amazed with every aspect of the country. The climate, culture, biodiversity, white-water and, more so, the white-water potential! A part of Brazil that we kept hearing about... Granite, rain, waterfalls, bandits and massive mountains... was Espirito Santo. Other than one stretch of river the is commercially rafted below a reservoir, nothing in the state had been paddled. The only catch is, there had has been a two year drought in the state. With this in mind, we set a broad expedition goal of 5 First Descents and were set to meet in Sao Paulo just after Christmas. But I figured I might go ahead and try organise a few things ahead of the boys and catch up with some friends in Santa Catarina. It just turned out that Chris Korbulic had the same idea as me, with his Kaiak Season 7 filming, so we figured we'd link up and do some stuff down south. </div>
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Jordy charging in Sanata Catarina in Feb 2014</div>
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Chris and I had a pretty relaxed schedule planned for being down south, which consisted of paddling when possible, doing our best to mingle with the local paddling community and spending some time researching into our individual projects. </div>
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Chris and I enjoying some Brazilian hospitality before heading on out </div>
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separate expeditions</div>
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As it just so happened, the rains came and we did a lot more paddling than we expected. We got a raging flow on the Rio Vermelho, but not raging enough to turn us away. We had a nice padded run down the little mirco creek and once we got to the first major confluence I looked up stream in amazement. There was more water coming out of this trib than in the Vermelho itself and there was a raging falls in sight. Chris and I expected the falls, both deeming it good to go. I ran it first and Chris styled it after me. A dream really, a first Descent within days of being in the country. Stoked. </div>
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Jordy on the First Descent of 'Amarelo Marcelo Falls' - Photo Chris Korbulic</div>
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After this was mostly laps of the classic Rio Benedito, but one particular day our friend Fabiano Pasqualli told us of a potential first descent just upstream. A little unmotivated but always curious, we decided to head up and see what it was about. It was sick! A big slide with an entrance, and you had to get left. Neither of us wanted to think about the consequence of ending the slide on the right. After 5 minutes I decided I was gonna fire it and was running to get my boat. Chris decided he would sit this one out and would be there on safety. Ten minutes, later Fabiano was helping me into my boat and I fired off another first descent, which I called 'The Hardt Way'. Two first descent in two days in a well kayaked state, incredible. </div>
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Jordy on the First Descent of 'The Hardt Way' - Photo Chris Korbulic</div>
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After this Chris and I would just get some more Benedito laps, do some more research and logistics before the boys would arrive to Sao Paulo. It was a pretty successful time in the south for us. That said, I was amped for the boys to arrive and get to work in Espirito Santo. </div>
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Showing Chris down 'Formiga' on the Benedito - Photo: Fabiano Pasqualli</div>
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Chris making the locals pay their dues </div>
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<br />After all this we had some more good food at Marcelo Ludvichak's and then headed North to collect the boys then to ES... hopefully Ari has done his Google Earth homework!</div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-8434572257380600942014-11-21T23:03:00.000-08:002014-11-21T23:09:08.532-08:00BC - The Final Push<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well I have emerged from my 2 month hiatus in Mongolia, trudging away at
work with Ari and dreaming of the next mission. Barny has been making
the most of the spring rain on the west coast of New Zealand and things
have been ticking over slowly. The last part of our tour together was a
month or so in the Great White Gnarth, more commonly known as British
Columbia. Barny had plenty of beta from his 2013 tour, although at times
it was hazy at best, and we had time to burn. We kept it classic,
keeping busy on the Cheakamus River between Ashlu releases, Fear Canyon,
couple of laps of Tatlow and the obligatory nights out in Whistler. But
what we really had on our minds was the Stikine, so once there was news
that it was dropping in we dropped everything we were doing and began
the rally north. But not without grabbing the 'young buck' Liam Fournier
to come for the ride. <br />
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Stock-standard check laps</div>
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Barny hiking into Tatlow</div>
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Tatlow laps!</div>
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Pete Lodge cashing in a day off for a Tatlow lap </div>
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Wall Drug, pretty damn committing.</div>
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Paradise</div>
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The split 40 on Tatlow</div>
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Freedom into Nymph Pool</div>
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Stoked!</div>
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After 20+ hours of driving, sleeping beside the road, hassling Liam
and listen the Barny preaching... we made it to the warmth of Tatogga
Lodge, a kayaking friendly lodge only 20minutes from the put in of the
Stikine. We waited a few days, maybe foolishly in hind-sight, for a good
weather forecast and eventually it came. We put on for a 3 day trip,
which would turn out to be a trip of the life-time for me! The Stikine
was every bit, and more, as good as I was hoping for and really put
value to all the time we had spent at the North Fork of the Payette.
Barny knew most the lines, and those he didn't he guessed pretty well
and we were all stoked. We ate racks of rips, ran a good amount of the
rapids considering it was at 420cumec and had a safe and stoke-fulled
trip. Sharing site zed camp with 14 mates but all splitting the next day
to have the river to ourselves. It re-energized me, motivated me and
gave me a new lens through which to look at kayaking. Fired up! <br />
<br />
After
a good debrief at Tatogga the night we got off, we sent Ari on his way,
hitch-hiking the 25+ hours to Seattle to catch a flight. He nailed it and Barny and I managed to bag another lap with Evan and Sven, this time in two days. Then the plan was hatched for a one-day, but I was a bit sore from a beating in V-Drive on our second lap so I drove shuttle for the boys who banged out a 6 hour lap. Epic. And that was it, we were done. We would drive back down, do a little bending and paddling some Ashlu's until it was time to leave. We got a small taste of B.C. and I am pretty sure we'll be back for more very soon. <br />
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Sleeping en-route to the Stikine</div>
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A view of Wall II and Scissors from our flight over between laps</div>
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The team about to commit </div>
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Ari leading me into Pass/Fail, we were 4 from 4</div>
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Liam 'Passing' with flying colours </div>
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Wasson's</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLvF4z5886-oV5X8uSQSXLh6-bISQh1AhsJTn4IsDiy9sWt19kD14-cNMf5SKA-Blj1nsTTyax7AH2WTj1Gcc0Qx-hPRsWccwg09FfymcFD4UlMIL8Eu2v8JNnWrK5VnVi8skY-pXmgAf/s1600/DSC04868.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLvF4z5886-oV5X8uSQSXLh6-bISQh1AhsJTn4IsDiy9sWt19kD14-cNMf5SKA-Blj1nsTTyax7AH2WTj1Gcc0Qx-hPRsWccwg09FfymcFD4UlMIL8Eu2v8JNnWrK5VnVi8skY-pXmgAf/s1600/DSC04868.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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this is what we have to deal with...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGpo6OLfXwKQS4kLqf3C3cKl1aLockL1Q-20d9kUQlNKCMImFD5oRvFu3NG5yB0-z9YwrKsc4FI-6MqJlsToRmlFCJy2lgnxCNAa-9kAV9B0Q9eeJQrxVcfBqh8A6bS75Fdvc0huglNna/s1600/DSC04872.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGpo6OLfXwKQS4kLqf3C3cKl1aLockL1Q-20d9kUQlNKCMImFD5oRvFu3NG5yB0-z9YwrKsc4FI-6MqJlsToRmlFCJy2lgnxCNAa-9kAV9B0Q9eeJQrxVcfBqh8A6bS75Fdvc0huglNna/s1600/DSC04872.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Might as well eat well</div>
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Kai time</div>
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Aniol entering Site Zed</div>
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Aniol about to melt in Site Zed </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxyVN3Lg7iVyEoeT4i6ewZ0Evxe83Kheah_ivhYG1r5XVgtxBOC2n7CEyuhAHe06OsUsW8dE3LtlGS2kjb1l2wu7c-ybYgWvAo2LKALFHsksEm87EH0JIG4RId3tH65BP2QdOILFUmfu-/s1600/IMG_9749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxyVN3Lg7iVyEoeT4i6ewZ0Evxe83Kheah_ivhYG1r5XVgtxBOC2n7CEyuhAHe06OsUsW8dE3LtlGS2kjb1l2wu7c-ybYgWvAo2LKALFHsksEm87EH0JIG4RId3tH65BP2QdOILFUmfu-/s1600/IMG_9749.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a> </div>
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Gerd lining up the main hole in Site Zed </div>
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ABC, the lead out of Site-Zed</div>
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Sven scraping through the "Hole that Ate Team Weed'</div>
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Routing into Wall I</div>
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Wolf-Den, beware the mice</div>
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Me roosting into V-Drive at 420</div>
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Barny entering V-Drive at 280-300</div>
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Tanzilla's Slot</div>
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From here Barny was back to NZ for work and the spring and Ari and I would be working in Mongolia until mid November. This is come and gone and now we're working out what's next, and in a few days time we'll know exactly what we're doing.<br />
<span id="goog_1019157099"></span><span id="goog_1019157100"></span></div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-59223563315830417642014-09-10T15:57:00.000-07:002014-12-21T17:54:56.071-08:00Whitewater Calendar 2015We're back at it again, FIVE years running. We're ready 6 weeks earlier than usual and we're fired up about this seasons calendar! We've gone back to the format from the 2011-2013 calendars as although we loved last years format it was costing $13 each for international postage, which nearly crippled us. Nonetheless, we've had a good years paddling and come away with some stellar imagery from New Zealand, Brazil, the United States and British Columbia. Special thanks to our boy Ari Walker for providing a bunch of images (bottles of whisky coming your way). Anyway, here is the back cover to show you what is going to be in this years edition and you can order yours online right here too! <br />
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Cheers for the support, <br />
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Jordy Searle & Barny Young<br />
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-76403198888322115052014-08-25T12:06:00.002-07:002014-08-25T12:06:50.722-07:00Washington - waiting for BC.<div style="text-align: justify;">
After cali Ari and I headed to Idaho to meet up with Barny for a few weeks of North Forking and the obligatory July 4th bender in Crouch, ID. After we got through this, barely, Chris Atkinson snuck into the wagon and we headed to Washington for a few weeks of creeking before making our way to BC. Turned out to be a sick month in WA and we even got some rain to bring in some runs we thought we'd miss. Here are some pics of what we got up to...</div>
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Ohanapecosh River</div>
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Ohanapecosh River</div>
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Ohanapecosh River</div>
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Upper Cispus River </div>
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Upper Cispus River</div>
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Upper Cispus River</div>
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Icicle River </div>
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Icicle River </div>
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Tumwater Canyon</div>
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Tumwater Canyon</div>
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Grand Canyon of the Elwha</div>
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Grand Canyon of the Elwha</div>
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After nearly a month in Washington and several trips into Seattle, to keep up our social status, we were ready for bigger and better things and decided to cross the border to B.C.</div>
GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-2193313610214811572014-07-26T15:33:00.001-07:002014-07-26T15:33:45.323-07:00Cali with Cuzza<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everyone thought that California would be a write-off this season with the dismal snowpack, but that wasn't to be the case. Sure it wasn't the best of years, like the huge seasons of 2010 & 2011, but pretty much everything came in and there was time for the motivated, and patient, people to get it all. I got in a little late, end of APRIL which is ridiculous, but still managed to bag a bunch of the Kaweahs, Bald Rock, two laps of Fantasy, some Cherry Creek and finally got the Middle Kings. It took a while and some patients, but it was definitely worth it. Here are a few snaps from a pretty epic cali charge. </div>
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Chucks Slide - Middle Kaweah</div>
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Rusty's Rampage - Upper Middle Kaweah</div>
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Curtain Falls - Bald Rock Canyon</div>
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Big Boys Pants (high-flow) - Fantasy Falls</div>
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Big Boys Pants (low-flow) - Fantasy Falls</div>
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Jedi Mindmelt - Fantasy Falls</div>
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Bear Claw - Fantasy Falls</div>
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Fantasy Falls</div>
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Fantasy Falls</div>
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Bishop Pass - en route to the Middle Fork of the Kings</div>
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Bishop Pass - en route to the Middle Fork of the Kings</div>
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Waterfall Gorge - MFK</div>
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Breakfast Slide - MFK</div>
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Post Cali we joined up with Barny who arrived to Idaho and spent a few weeks lapping the NF. After a hectic July 4th we made our way to Washington and have been here the last month. We've bagged a bunch while we've been here and even got some hefty rain to bring in a couple of runs we didn't think we'd get. Pictures of all this coming soon.</div>
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-71157202783067887842014-03-18T09:54:00.000-07:002014-03-18T09:54:21.856-07:00Santa Catarina - Southern Brazil<div style="text-align: justify;">
After chancing our arm and firing out endless messages to the Brazil kayaking community, we struck gold by coming into contact with Marcelo Ludvichak who hooked it up and just happens to be a sick paddler. First day we scouted a first D, second day we did the Rio Vermelho, next day did a super high water Rio Benedito all intertwined with good nights out Jaragua do Sul. After 5 days of amazing hospitality he put us on a bus and sent us down the Florianopolis and into the capable hands of Bruno alves de Mattoes and an American Geoff Steves. </div>
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We got lucky again with a whip down the Zimbira, then the Expedition section of the Cubatao do Sul and then a 2m flow down the race section of the same river. Then we had a kayak festival, came second in the race and won the party... although that was easy as Brazilians put more of am emphasis on going kayaking at their festivals opposed to our kiwi versions! Now we're linking up with Mercelo Galizio and hoping for some rain somewhere in Santa Catarina to round off our last week in Brazil!<br />
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This was my first attempt at Armageddon, definitely lucky to roll on the lip or I would of eaten the shelf. On the Sunday I went back and ran it again, cleaning up my line and getting some redemption! Also stoked to see Marcelo Galizio run it for his second time ever!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDmfQvzNUSqryHMcOEtz74fpUc57j6EKqdlws6GxeZeDmni0dpTtMc2rP110-ECoBKVVcnU-CsnAOrhgqcVNd3cWjMhkt1rbGcgPqQVoLEMo_X-shOBQ64AQhO4TneRI3QqGYk44JEjYb/s1600/DSC_0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-39393535158647112522014-03-10T09:57:00.001-07:002014-03-10T09:57:35.634-07:00Logistics, drought, Rio Paraibuna, Carnival and Rio Cubatao do Parana<div style="text-align: justify;">
So after immediately hitting gold with the Rio Preto, Ari and I were then hamstrung by various things. But we maintained a good attitude, drunk our fair share of Cachaca and cervaja and made it through it all! That said, we did see some stellar country, spent a few days on the amazing beach at Itamanbuca and definitely left our mark on Sao Luiz do Paratinga (or vice-verse) during carnival. Just before carnival we did a spec-ops poach of the Rio Paraibuna, but unfortunately it was a low flow. The river would have been phenomenal with more water but the spotting of numerous capivari, monkeys and a massive snake help ease the burden of the low water. We still got a clean 30 and 20 footer and some fun slides, but it was only a tease for what could of been. Here are a couple of snaps for that trip.</div>
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Tip-top Katie Scott about to get her first proper taste of Brazilian </div>
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white-water</div>
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This 20 flow out of the pool of the 30, then slides galour. Just not</div>
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Alex capturing a cool angle</div>
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After this we rallied to Sao Luiz and partied our lives away, literally. Im surprised Ari and I came through unscathed... but we did and we rallied to Garuva to line up a trip down the Cubatao do Parana. The heavens opened and is rained like hell, perfect! Mac pimped us a shuttle somehow and we would be doing a cruisy multi-day. Hard white-water but short days. Turned out to be awesome, with some cali like camping on granite slabs (thankfully as the jungle is moist and scary) and great white-water. We were all stoked on it that's for sure, and if you're setting your own shuttle the logistics are pretty damn easy just a long shuttle. Here are some pics from it.</div>
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Paddling Katie (Ka-ch-e) Love, Katie mobbed into this seemingly simple boof but got instantly back-looped, beaten and then swam to china... down for 40 seconds and popped up down</div>
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stream about 20metres!</div>
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From here Ari and I decided to split from the rest of the crew and continue our charge south, while the others would begin their march north in the hope of rain and then their departing flights. Turns out... Ari and I made the right decision to head to Santa Catarina, more so to Jaragua do Sul!</div>
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-12684720234083129042014-02-22T04:28:00.001-08:002014-02-22T04:28:12.937-08:00Brazil!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It really is hard to describe how amazing this place is. The culture, the environment, the architecture and pretty much everything! Ryan McPherson is THE man to be here with and has made this trip what it is. Kayaked straight after our 40 hours travel, places to say, amazing Minas Gerais food and a stout day bagging the 3rd D of the Rio Preto. We're on the road again now but thought I would share some photos from that amazing trip. It's like California... but surrounded in jungle!</div>
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<br /><br />A few more days paddling, then picking up Katie Scott and heading to Sao Luiz for a week long bender for carnival!</div>
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Ciao, Jordy</div>
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GW Boyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039561902337322202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3148472764794250570.post-45306740422545439822014-01-17T16:40:00.000-08:002014-01-17T16:40:41.210-08:00Toaroha Canyon - the Local!<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the later part of the spring/early summer, I was lucky enough to get numerous laps of the ultra classic Toaroha Canyon. From a solo lap, hiking in gear with a bunch of poms and even a fortunate heli trip where we bagged a couple of laps. The quality of white-water is amazing and everything is beautiful. Not too much more to say about it, other than thanks to all the people who shared good lines in there with me and that im stoked to be heading back in there soon for some of the local goods! Here is a compilation of the best photos in there from all my trips in there this season, cheers to Ari the Curry for some snaps of myself!</div>
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