After last week's Friday Stoke I had imagined it would be back to normal (ie. less about me and more about proper cool folks). Well, apologies but this week it is all about me again, or more accurately one of my expeditions.
, a human powered source to sea paddling descent of the Amazon River was, for me, a life changing experience. It showed me the sort of things I could achieve and on a simpler level, was a catalyst that led to me pursuing adventure and expeditions as a way of making a living. It was a tough descent, but now, I look back on even the hardest parts with a smile. Those uncomfortable times were where I grew the most. Where I learned the most.
So, I am stoked to be able to finally show below a little 3 min trailer about the journey. For one reason or another this footage is being turned into something useful about 2 years late, but, hey what can you do? I am just stoked to be able to relive the expedition again. Perhaps going back to what it was like on the river provided the push for me to decide upon the 7 rivers, 7 continents project. Whatever the case, check it out. I hope you enjoy. A 15 min cut of the footage just won top prize at the in South Africa which was pretty cool.
On a side note, I leave France on Monday, headed to Tanzania via London to lead a pretty special group of people up Mount Kilimanjaro. It's a place that seems to put a very big smile on my face every time I step foot on it's slopes. Now, I know your grandma climbed Kili the other year and, for Pete's sake Chris Moyles and Cheryl Cole managed to top out, but you underestimate a nearly 6000m mountain at your own peril. Plenty of people summit Kili and get their photo taken at Uhuru Peak, but you know, plenty don't make it. Lack of prep or just bad luck dashes the hopes of many on the mountain each year. So, think about having a crack at the summit without the use all your limbs. Next week I will lead a mixed group of able-bodied and amputee trekkers towards the top of Kili, with one of our team being a quad amputee (yes that's right, quad). It will be an amazing, interesting and challenging climb for the trekkers as they try to reach the top of Africa and for myself as I try to get them there. I am so amped to meet the inevitable obstacles that will be thrown my way.
I won't be updating from Africa but will be sure to let you all know how it goes up on my return. I get a week at home afterwards, chilling and surfing before I head back out to take another group up. The things we do. Lucky I dig it!
Enjoy your weekend!
Well its got me well and truly amped watching this sitting at my desk at work on a boring Friday. Can’t wait for the full length version, when does it get released?
Mate, still trying to get it picked up. First in Oz and then who knows. Fingers crossed, but I have a few more rivers to worry about as well!
cant wait buff, it will be awesome
Hey Mark,
Was with(followed) you guys on the Amazon trip. Lost contact, but the reconnected through Sarah O. Wherever you go there’s always a hairy moment, or two, to keep your post alive and lively. Your posts informing or introducing other adventurers to me are also valuable assets to your efforts. Quit knocking yourself down and knock up a few more hairy adventures to show me you’re worth your salt. This old goat can’t butt as hard as he used to, But I still knock a few rocks off the cliffs and still slap a few waves. Best to ya, youngster! Live yer life… freely.
Ron in Vancouver
Gday Ron, I knew after we started chatting on this website a while back that I recognised your name from back on the Amazon!
I am determined to crack on with these rivers and any other adventure I can get my hands on. Has its ups and downs but I love it!
Cheers for your encouragement mate. It is awesome to have!