And stop.... I decided that I have been trying to race along with an uber heavy kayak (120 days of food does that) so much so even my paddle has started to bend into the stroke position. I have lost quite a bit of weight after about only 1500km (ish).  

I have about 3 max days until Iquitos and the Rio Amazonia starts in 20km from here. I should declare now that it is my intention (providing I can repair my Kayak - minor) that I want to see how far I can get down the Rio Amazonia unsupported and unassisted. This is not important, as just completing a solo journey from Saneraza is good enough for me and just getting to the end point would be an achievement. So much can prevent a solo unassisted and unsupported travel (as i know from Antarctica) but in reality the journey so far (solo) has been testing and checking equipment, supplies and routines. I want to do this as a challenge for the next step to what I hope to be my next adventure that will take another leap in the 'challenging the boundaries' adventure. 

Today (my day off) will be used to repair, eat, sleep and sleep and eat and eat some more...in fact by the time I finished this post and after popping by taxi to Iquitos, I am going to make it 2 days rest and eating. I have lost quite a bit of weight, more than my liking over the last 6 weeks ... so I will use this opportunity to eat. 

The last week and a half I have easily done 40-50km, well until its due a thunderstorm when the temperature and humidity spikes and well at this point I cant paddle ( or shouldn't try to as the amount of energy used spikes as well). In reality though, i have been doing over the 50km mark daily in real paddle km - a far cry from the planned 25km a day. 

The (solo) journey has been eventful already and well there is defiantly a story to tell

already (so hoping to get to the end). It will be a long old slog and the next 3800km (ish) will be eventful too. If i average the 50 odd km then i should be near the end in 100 days (or less)....  but I am hoping to find a good quiet beach (or two) further down the line that I can spend a day on ....

But, what is it like? Well, so far, from what I can see it is very family orientated - large families. Whole families go out fishing, together, for food (fish). I have seen many children running along the beach beside their mother and father who fish and others in the boat helping at all ages. Children learn to throw a net by practicing on the shore with a smaller one.... and repeatedly trying again determined to get it right. 

Folks know when a stranger is 'in town' and one (or more) will come and find out the story. I have been stopped so many times along the way and then see folks pass the message along through calls, word of mouth and gestures. They are protective and rightly so, with so many children, who wouldn't be. All communities are the same and should be. 

English is a no go, even though children (and therefore adults) even on the river and high in the mountains learn English in school. I love this and even though my Spanish is very limited, I have to use every word (and gesture) that I know, even though some will laugh at my usage and having been told that the word for 'little' is very similar to a rude word!!! (I wonder how often I have got this wrong). But I try and I guess that goes a long way - frustrating that it is as I want to talk, interact and listen to so much more. 

The community whistles and signals are the hidden communication that is repeated and have changed along the river - almost like the dialects in the UK and around the world. Some have initially been warning signals that dissipate as they become aware that I am a solo female - luckily. Interestingly here the female has a very strong role especially in villages (the home) and especially the women in the boats who approach, beam when they see that I am a female (moreso after the initial shock look).

Music too (my love) plays a significant role here in Peru. Music is everywhere and is blasted around whether in the streets or on the river. It makes for a very happy and joyful place to be .... and i have to say, this continues through the night cause these folks know how to party alllll night long. As I write sitting on a bench in the town square, without an announcement - music has started and there appears to be a dance group setting up to present. I think I have said before, although I have only heard sound system music so far, I have been reassured that 'live' music is still very much alive. There is a traditional theme though to the music, a certain drum beat that is fantastic. 

I have to say, I love this stripped back culture

(even though everyone have phones) - it does take me back to pre internet (although internet is here - the strength of signal is such that folks don't wander down the streets whether in villages or town looking at the phone). 

Bright clothes, red, blue and white with pockets of orange and green throughout. There is clearly a political undertone that i am not privy to (dont understand and in short don't want to either). 

As I have progressed through the country, there have been significant changes different but the same. I have to say it was great to see even in the little river communities joined only by the river celebrating Perus independence. I have to say that Peru has so much potential and is rich in so many ways - this richness could be more widely spread - but would that change the other richness of the country. 

Having seen the light where in years before , I hankered after what I thought was the better life of parties, new car and clothes in a very disposable way, today, having my home on my back (or now in a kayak) seeing and experiencing the world outside of the town and city life, I couldn't be happier. Long gone are the days of working day and night, weekends and holidays and I am defiantly a better person (personally) for it - I recognise that for many years I gave myself to others too much that somehow I lost myself in it. For some it would be a sign of selfishness but a work life balance that many speak about is true. Ultimately I know, that this could be the last of my big adventures for a while but I have no regrets at all and will make every effort to continue this life that I am currently leading that I hope (and have been told) has made impact on other peoples lives too. The world is huge and so much more to explore, I wish that others would join me on this way of life. 

The road (or river) ahead may have potential difficulties (I hope not) and so I reflect whilst on my couple of days rest - hence why I have put some thoughts down on paper. I have only 10 days max in Peru and it has been a journey (a great one) that I would never have had if I remained in a 6 am to

1am, 7 days a week job that I loved and was so passionate about. But, no matter what, I have no regrets at all. 

'Dont put off tomorrow what you can do today'......

(Backup) Into the jungle ...

It certainly was a great moment .... as we headed through the last of the rapids (well with a very sad 'ish' attached! - there were a couple of 'new' class 2's to do that wern't on the map!). 

By this stage we were on the last supported stage - the start of the Pongos (the place that the river cuts through the mountains)! Although as I write this in Santa Maria De Nieva with the solo part near, my secondary school Geography lessons just burst into life! The pongos by nature are very remote - very remote. 

But... and there is a big but too..... from the river - it is very much different to the imagination and snippets of film from all of those years ago! 

From the river, I have seen just a few birds fly overhead or in the sky. Its quieter too - i was expecting a deafning call of birds and high pitch buzz of grasshopper type calls ... but at this stage -the huge moving and bubbling mass of the river makes more noise as do the folks working on the banks.

The homes have changed as we moved further along. The mud houses of the mountains have moved to

those of bamboo or wood with traditional vegetation roofs, until of course, large towns buldlings of brick and glass come together. 

Oh and there has been much music heard along the banks as we pass....but through massive sound

Blasting hifi speakers.  I have been assured that the traditional music is still very much alive .... as i hope that electronic music doesn't destroy the traditional live music that I know and love. 

Oh, and there is no hot water in hotels 😳..... cold water yes...but I guess thats just a British expectation.... and only an observation!!

The last few days, we have had an interpreter along with us to guide us through the river villages and communities  of the Rio Maranon. This, has been a privilege in so many ways. There is more to say here.. much much more... such as what was behind this photo...

Finally the wonderful folks of the river really know how to party.... and I mean .... all night /weekend rave style!! 

(Backup) Into the jungle ...

It certainly was a great moment .... as we headed through the last of the rapids (well with a very sad 'ish' attached! - there were a couple of 'new' class 2's to do that wern't on the map!). 

By this stage we were on the last supported stage - the start of the Pongos (the place that the river cuts through the mountains)! Although as I write this in Santa Maria De Nieva with the solo part near, my secondary school Geography lessons just burst into life! The pongos by nature are very remote - very remote. 

But... and there is a big but too..... from the river - it is very much different to the imagination and snippets of film from all of those years ago! 

From the river, I have seen just a few birds fly overhead or in the sky. Its quieter too - i was expecting a deafning call of birds and high pitch buzz of grasshopper type calls ... but at this stage -the huge moving and bubbling mass of the river makes more noise as do the folks working on the banks.

The homes have changed as we moved further along. The mud houses of the mountains have moved to

those of bamboo or wood with traditional vegetation roofs, until of course, large towns buldlings of brick and glass come together. 

Oh and there has been much music heard along the banks as we pass....but through massive sound

Blasting hifi speakers.  I have been assured that the traditional music is still very much alive .... as i hope that electronic music doesn't destroy the traditional live music that I know and love. 

Oh, and there is no hot water in hotels 😳..... cold water yes...but I guess thats just a British expectation.... and only an observation!!

The last few days, we have had an interpreter along with us to guide us through the river villages and communities  of the Rio Maranon. This, has been a privilege in so many ways. There is more to say here.. much much more... such as what was behind this photo...

Finally the wonderful folks of the river really know how to party.... and I mean .... all night /weekend rave style!! 

So much unyet so little too

Days seem to roll into one, up, packaway, breakfast, paddle, lunch, finish around 4-5pm, put up tent, change, snooze/blog ... then onto dinner around the camp fire. Bed. 

 

Normally, i am in bed by 8pm sometimes 9pm. A long way from my normal night owl hours! Having spent time in Antarctica, where night never comes (24hour sun/light); here, dark arrives by 6.30pm. I suspect, this is the cause of the early nights. Here, on the river bank, wecant turn on the lamp or light - aside from the head torch that has a very specific range and direction of light. I have to say, I have a headtorch but will only use it now in the tent as the light attracts bugs, flies, mosquitos and anything else to hand. Of course my face and hands are covered in deet .... orshould i say my burnt hands and face ..... 

The land around me had made a dramatic change over the last couple of days, trees have replaced the cactuses, green has replaced the barren sand and well even the soundsof the birds have changed along with the start of the high pitched sounds like grasshoppers in chorus. The tempreature too has risen with an increasing amount of humidity in the air. 

The jungle is near.... 

  

Days seem to roll into one, up, packaway, breakfast, paddle, lunch, finish around 4-5pm, put up tent, change, snooze/blog ... then onto dinner around the camp fire. Bed. 

 

Normally, i am in bed by 8pm sometimes 9pm. A long way from my normal night owl hours! Having spent time in Antarctica, where night never comes (24hour sun/light); here, dark arrives by 6.30pm. I suspect, this is the cause of the early nights. Here, on the river bank, wecant turn on the lamp or light - aside from the head torch that has a very specific range and direction of light. I have to say, I have a headtorch but will only use it now in the tent as the light attracts bugs, flies, mosquitos and anything else to hand. Of course my face and hands are covered in deet .... orshould i say my burnt hands and face ..... 

The land around me had made a dramatic change over the last couple of days, trees have replaced the cactuses, green has replaced the barren sand and well even the soundsof the birds have changed along with the start of the high pitched sounds like grasshoppers in chorus. The tempreature too has risen with an increasing amount of humidity in the air. 

The jungle is near.... 

  

P.s sorry, i have had to take off pictures as wifi is very very limited!

What a day!

Back in the Zel Gear Ik for a few days 😀 all was great until today when i missed a line and landed in a stopper - class 4 Rio Maranon stylee!  

 

Gasping i think we can call it. So, my first what i would now call A Stopper 😀 such an experience and great to come out the otherside. Of course at this point a number of folks will be tutting and shaking their heads saying 'I told you so' and in so many ways it is probably perceived to be worse because I am a female. But lets have a show of hands (all you guys) who have had the same experience??! Yep - thought so!! 

I have to say, I am trying harder rapids/part rapids and well suddenly its got a whole lot more fun, more giggles and well I am far more relaxed and enjoying it far more! The big waves (that are set to get even bigger means that, in the one I am even more exposed to the waves and literally fly!! Great fun! 

This pm we started the Wanson portage- a large rapid that even the raft wont go!. . Uber impressed with the safety   team who quite frankly did an blinkin amazing job - no upturned raft today! Uber slick operation. 

 

Hot hot hot and we finished at 7pm. Again, a day never to forget! 

 

The heart of Peru

One of the reasons that I enjoy solo so much is because often folks around let down their guard and most respond in a very different way to perhaps a group and even a pair or three. 

My interaction with others is different too especially the women. Yesterday there were two very familiar situations that had a very similar feel to my experience of hiking solo across the USA. 

To explain. I was on a portage - this was THE  big one and one that meant that I had to get hiking poles and trail shoes on.... and the rest!! Anyway, the setting: 

 

Stunning and a steeeeeeep short cut pointed out by the locals meant I found myself skiing down the hill towards the next town in double quick time!!! So quick I beat the support car to the town and I had gained another hour of hiking time.... which would get me to the next town! Result! Only problem was that i had arranged with the support car to meet them at the first  town.

Luckily there were a group of lovely women resting on the hill / entrance to the town. 

 

I know, I thought, I could ask them to explain to the support car that I had continued to Chocabamba and I would see them there! Easy! Errrr ummm.  But at least my pigeon spanish and sign language/ drama / re enactment of kayaking, car, sliding down the hill etc did create the women and me to giggle! Please note : we were at the top of the hill where kayaks are unknown, cars are seldom and well,  random solo British women dont usually turn up in a sweaty mess and jump around waving hands and feet to explain the journey (or request). However, as I left them - I hoped that it would all become clear when two 'amigos' in a car turned up. Sadly, the car didnt stop  and so how well my message would have been retold could only have been crystal clear.... of course. 

There is more to this story, left for another day or book but needless to say students, my tent, freeze dry food, support car heading to the next town for dinner and a hotel bed resulted in me being ushered and welcomed into the community and home of the town/village of the ladies that I seemed to have entertained just 1 hour before. 

 

Here, through my translating app, the children were able to ask many questions and I was able to show photos of my journey from the mountains, Antarctica, Cyprus, USA and beyond! I skim now, but there is a whole chapter on this event as I walked through the wall of mud. It was a truly magical experience and it was really lovely to re-meet and walk with the same students up the hill to school in the morning as though I was a familiar friend. Sadly, I had to put on hold the idea of me staying on to teach them English as I had an over 6000km journey to complete too. 

(Although I will say that these students were walking to school at 6.15am .... for a 7am start and 5pm finish!).

This made my huge portage very worth while. 

 

5 days in....

I say 5 days but thats only from the point of starting out from the source....  anything before that, doesn't really count! 

 

5 days... these have flown by with mixed feelings, but I have met some amazing folks - more about them later. 

Real cheese, 

 

the most fabulous dinner in a mud house, chatting with gesture with the donkey man

 

, staying in a hotel with a twist, dogs ... oh my the dogs. Postcard Peruvian woman goat/ cow/ donkey herding, 

 

children running by the banks of the river to see these 'things' floating down stream, children coming up and touching and knocking on the kayak, smells,colours, sun burn and catcus. There is more of course ... oh yes,      there is the kayaking and portages too ... but sadlythat  pails into insignificance when the views and experiences are presented... Nonetheless, I suspect that in a few days time, as the river gets bigger ... the excitement and river giggles will (I hope) start up too.... so far a very safe game has been played with portages. 

I have to say, this start reminds me of hiking across the USA .... the walking was the mode ... but it was what I saw and experiened that made it... its the same here too. 

 

And so it starts...

So with the dramas of Heathrow behind me it really did start to feel that I literally had fight my way out of the country. 

You are probably asking so what happened? In short my bags were delivered to heathrow ahead of my arrival. The company that did, scanned my bags and found that I had a machettee in it. This then started the snowball. The armed police division wanted to meet me when I picked up my bags. Of course there wasnt a problem having a machete in mychecked  bags, but because it had been reported they had a duty to follow it up. My explaination of course confirmed that I wasnt a nutter. Photos were taken and on I went. 

Now the problems really started when I tried to

check in with Air France who I had spoken with a couple of times a month before when I declared and checked that I could take my kayak with me on the plane. At check in I found that this was still pending and the very unhelpful woman was 'on one'. I

suspect that if I didn't have the pleasure to meet her, my troubles would have not been. This particular lady also tried to esculate the situation as I declared that i had a machete in my checked bags even with the explaination that I had already spoken with the police earlier! 

 

So after check in was closing ( yes it clearly takes time)   I was in the situation where I had to get rid of my kayak, had to wrap my bags in plastic and well, if i were to make then KLM 8am flight super sonic skates needed to be put on - this was the last flight that would get me into Lima on the 15th (this was important as I was meeting the Ambassador at the British Embassy in the morning and press thereafter). 7am there was only one man who was local enough, with a van - Mick. I tentatively texted... and blow me down within moments he was on the hooter and on his way. All he needed was a cape...

 

 

Mick came, took my kayak and helped me to wrap my bags. All done, the bags got checked in and the man who organised the next flight, told me the gate number and that was it.... I ran. Through security I of

course got stopped - they wanted to drug check my insect repellant of all things! Last calls and gate closing   messages were happening ... and i ran... and made it. 

From that point ... all of my troubles disappeared (oh and btw the food on KLM flights is amazing!!).

I landed in Lima, went through customs with ease,

met up with the team, ate a great meal, got to the hotel, met the Ambassador and his deputy, met the  press for an interview, bought new sim cards - easy, everyone was super helpful and well the complete opposite to my experience at Heathrow (apart from the police who were great!). I have to say, I was so pleased to meet the Ambassador who along with his deptuty were so welcoming and wonderful. 

 

But I am here and as I prepare to leave (15min) I ambursting  with excitement. I am trying to contain myself and play it cool, but its hard!!! 

Oh and my Kayak? Yes thats still in London but luckily I have been given a new kayak that is currently sat on top of the car as we start to work our way to the source 😀😀

Ready or not ... its happening 😀😀👏

10 days in Slovinia

So as the last bit of kayaking training undertaken comes to the end, with only just over a week left ... there is still a lot to do. 

Slovinia is an amazing place, clear waters and the scenery is just stunning - I cant wait to return to kayak and hike their hills. 

 

 

The continued interesting emails and messages (verbal and written) have come through daily! that only serve to hinder training and focus. Of course I am sure that it is coming from a good place ... but.... 

....In the learning phase, my mind has to be wide open, I have to be extremely reflective, listen intently and actively with a great big dollop of drive and determination - otherwise rapid progress cant happen. Over the last months this combination has resulted in rapid progress but also frustrations and nagging injuries such as forearm sprains, shoulder pops, paddling to the point of 'broken' arms that last only 1/2 hour on the river that no amount of shouting from the coach (or inwardly me) could make them work. There are of course the finger pulls and endless bruises and dents to the bones across the body; I just hope that they return back to their regular size and colour at the end of all of this. 

But here it is ... the last week is upon me, time to tapper (I wish), have my last glass of wine, have my last sleeps in my own cosy bed, say my farewells and take the first steps of an adventure of a lifetime (again). 

The journey timeline is unclear - intentionally. 2 weeks, 6months or maybe something in between.. Kayak, hike (although I hope not too much), run or whatever it takes to start at the source and finish at the sea. There is no time pressure, no world record, no competition, indeed there is no pressure of even completing it (ish) .... who knows, who cares ... cause thats the adventure this time and I cant wait to experience the folks, culture, environment and life along the River Amazon. 

Ok, so the plane has landed at Stanstead airport so its

time to let my hair down and have a bit of fun and who knows - hopefully some live music too. 

Flights are booked.... and the mood has changed...

Thats right, flights are booked, kit is arriving, the last final training is set and well the mood has changed.

For months (ok, since I started to put my plan into action in Feb), I have had folks, friends and strangers telling me not to do it, its stupid, its too dangerous.. its too risky and I will die. Significant time has been put in to processing and boxing those comments and sorting the comments into the  (I hope not) spectater 'I told you so' group that I hope will be drowned out by the supportive cheers of 'keep going' in those moments of 'digging deep'. 

But its now booked and over the last week things have turned and hugs are plentiful, reflections of good times and the good lucks and keep safe are starting to come in. This signals the closeness.... 

There is still a lot to be done as there always is in the last weeks of planning and preparation. This last week, I have completed a whitewater safety course that just adds and develops the thinking, highlights some holes (ie i will be spending time in the park perfecting my throwing - cause it must be a couple of decades since i last threw something).

But its near.... very near..... 

 

Hot Cyprus training and reunited

What a week - a great week - hiking in the Cyprus hills and mountains with a dear hiker buddy from the PCT. Within minutes of seeing each other - the 2 years passed (almost to the day)disappeared into only yesterday...

https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=6MGL2r

The week was full of chatter of memories, shared memories,updates, wine and giggles. Same old same old.....nice, easy, comfortable.....

A week in Scotland......

Since I was knee high to a grasshopper our second (or was it first) home was in Scotland, just around the corner from Glencoe. Over the years, returning 3 or sometimes 4 times a year, I must have hiked most if not all of the munrows along and around Glencoe. Days have been lost wandering the hills, bivvi in hand and recharging from the very busy and hectic working life. Eyes would be looking up and out across the wide and stunning wonders of the Scottish landscae with the ever changing weather that has moods swings like no other. 

Stunning. 

This last week was different.... eyes down and sitting on the lowest point on the landscape .... the rivers and creeks. 

Roads travelled to the next mountain ranges were exchanged for looking down for the 'get in point' for the river. 

https://splice.gopro.com/v?id=6MGLyd

Head down and focused.....

Wow, it's been a few weeks since I updated my blog .... but for good reason. My life has been fully immersed in the white water kayaking and other worlds beyond...

Life just hasn't stopped - if I am not on the river or pool, I have been organising the upcoming trip - whether it's equipment, food, logistics or courses. So much has happened in a relatively short space in time. However, together it is getting closer to the goal... and that is more than off the scale exciting.

To think when I stepped off the plane in January - my focus was to kayak from source to sea - unsupported and unassisted - solo without any support or help along the way. Funny really.

Since January I have spoken to many of the folks who have travelled the same or similar route and so with this and other research, I gained enough understanding to know that a unsupported and unassisted journey would only be possible if I was happy to kayak big rapids alone and turn down food and gifts from communities along the river. This is something that would have changed the journey dramatically ... and certainly not for the better.

Although I am expecting the full journey to take 6months - I am not on a strict timeline - unlike Antarctica that had restrictions on time, seasons, temperatures and flights - for this journey - similar to setting out on the PCT - I want to be guided by the path and experience rather than competition, season or time.

With this in mind, I have decided to start at the source of  the River Mananon - the headwater  river with the most water, least amount of pollution and dams, most spectacular scenery and kayakable decent. For the whitewater section, I will have a guide (dying on the rapids is not a good look) before I continue the 3000miles alone along the full length of the River Amazon to the sea.  I really can't wait to get on the start line... knowing that there is over 4000miles between myself and the finish.

As I write, the plan is coming to life, slowly and surely - ok so it's not slowly .... it's at a rapid pace just like my kayaking. Although there are of course troughs, barriers and repeats ... forwards it is. It's happening.

2 months down the line, I have spent many an hour on the M4 (and other motorways), flown to France (another chapter in the journey), experienced many London Kayaking clubs and pools, kayaked the Thames,

Kayaked many Rivers in Wales, 

(Testing out a touring kayak)



kayaked the Ardeche,

and even slept in my hammock (a first).

 (Look in the background - it's there) 

Beyond this I have had the complete pleasure of meeting folks who are so supportive and enthusiastic about this trip (more about these folks later) and trialling kit and food. The kit is substantial and although I have now confirmed my touring kayak (less adaptations) and torch; the inflatable kayak for 200km of the headwaters section, main kayak for the main white water section, food and equipment is still in the trial period. What I know, similar to Antarctica, there won't be local kayaking stores hidden in the Amazon jungle.... so it has to be right, the best and will last the journey albeit filming devices, solar panels, kayaks, knives, dry bags, portage devices, clothing, medical equipment, paddle floats, food, footwear, lighters, filters and even underwear..... etc etc etc...... 

Cause 4000miles is a lonnnnnnnnng way 😀 ish....

Moving forward....

And breathe..... 

Since arriving back from Antarctica I have taken myself out from the post-trail energy zapping low to the high thrill of being out there learning to kayak. 

Hikers, trail runners and outdoor folks will be able to relate to this. Is it because or caused when the realisation and experience of pure freedom hits the wall of 'normalisation' and trivia, or hormones? Who knows...

The last month has flown by... the intense but focused kayak training is in full swing and I am pleased that after 2 weeks of being on or near river water .... I am in a place where I seek and can work on grade three waters. So much has happened.... 

Of course there is still much to learn, practise and continue to refine and automise ... but thanks to Dan at riverstrokes.com .... much ground has been covered (more about this to come) and I cant forget Ollie at Monmouth Activities Centre (more on this too).

However, unlike previous trips, the feel, focus and considerations are different.... very different.. and miles away from the 'next chapter' thoughts as I stepped off the plane at Heathrow on 13th Jan 2017. Of course by the time I walked through the exit to the Heathrow carpark .... the 'hmmmm not done a jungle' thought had turned to stone. Amazing what happens within 1/2 hour... or was it a split second after walking through the doors...

Today, my thoughts turn to a serious survival mode... what if I lose my kayak in the rapids and I have to hike it through the jungle with only my wet suit and buoyancy aid? What if I come across the hostel interactions written about in books, speeches or the like? How will a lone female be perceived? What will I do if ..... one thing is for sure - the pirañas, crocs and snakes are probably the least of my worries - interestingly.  The list is endless but as time progresses, I am able to cross items off one by one. 

Interestingly again the folks around me respond in different ways at different times (¥¥¥¥) so suddenly 'rocks' become my anchor.... the rocks that dont twist and turn, mold or morph, judge ....who are straight up and reliable.... steady. These rocks will happily and clearly state 'I dont know' , will openly state their feelings but equally, after the statement, put them aside knowing that there is serious work to be done. Ultimately we can either emotionally mince around or actively develop skills that will ensure my safety.... 

What is clear- it will happen.

I dont have time for bravado, to try to convince folks, get folks on board so that they feel ok or 'get it', fit into their programmes or even convince them of the seriousness (and not) of this trip....nor even my intentions..... in short I dont have time to waste .... i just have time to focus, develop and refine skills that will provide me with calm to think, get  myself out of trouble when things go wrong and therefore get safely down the river. Yes, its cut throat.... but ultimately if I eye ball a shot gun barrel after losing my kayak because 'i was spending time passifying folks' ....or listening to the I 'shouldnt be kayaking on grade three after 2 weeks' and 'you need to learn about how to put on a sling of a 303 just because...' I am not sure how much 'regret' I will have if..... 

So that lot is in the back of my mind..along with training and resource planning for the trip.  Guess that leaves little time for anything else! 

Exciting times.... 

Stoppers and Weirs

What a couple of days with Monmouth Canoe Centre.  

This week I was with guide Ollie Sandeson heading down the River Wye and the River Monnow. Although they are grade 1 and 2, with the rivers being up the low level grade 2 became high level grade 2 and there were plenty of 'obstacles' to make sure I didn't make contact with. This was great to experience.

 

We spent time just getting at one with the water, paddle and kayak (a different one this week).  This time was spent turning, feeling the pressure and having more faith in the equipment definitely helped with the confidence. 

 

There was also a good (easy) stopper to play in and although I caught my edge on the stopper and learnt first hand the power and  problems associated with a stopper - having Ollie there meant that I didn't need to bail and we could go back and practise it again and again and again ... always good after a head pin! Learning how to feel and use the current on such a thing was great!

 

 

 

The days passed really quickly and before I knew it, I was back at Monmouth Activity centre reflecting on the days activities and lessons. I have to say even though its a couple of days after, I am still giggling about heading blind down the weir! Great fun! 

 

So, lots of fun but serious lessons learnt .... perfect😀

Thank you Ollie and Monmouth Canoe Centre 😀 www.monmouthcanoe.co.uk

But for now, its time for a quick respite at The Royal Festival Hall ... well for tonight anyway.... 

Whitewater

So, the starting pistol has been let off and the whitewater training for the Amazon is officially in full swing.  I have say I love it..... no, really really love it! Although its going back to basics and stripping all of the skills back; I am so pleased that my next challenge involves kayaks and water.

 

(Day 1 - going in a straight line... or attempting to 😀)

As part of setting up my training programme, I have been in contact with a variety of kayaking folks and to date, I have to say, on the whole, the kayaking folks are uber friendly, laid back and really supportive. Of course most will make the judgement that expecting to head down the Amazon so early in my kayaking career  is very ambitious and probably too ambitious in their eyes; but that is thought without knowing me, my history, my drive or knowing what I will be doing between now and the time that I head down it.  Yes, this is very familiar senario, echoed with every adventure that I do. 

Luckily the supportive ones can tell that I will do it anyway so 'its better to help as much as possible so that I am safe as possible rather than the alternative not'. I have to say, I am very relieved that I am not having to self teach myself on the river and rapids on my own .... 

Nonetheless, there are some, of course, that have shut down and closed the door; but thats life and fortunately unlike the rest of the kayaking world whom I am extremely thankful and grateful, their support and help has been truly amazing. I guess that is the reason that it is the fastest growing sport in the country (apart from being the most amazing fun too). 

This last week has been amazing (thank you Dan). I have made myself very comfortable in a canal and a couple of rivers in Wales and have loved breaking down each skill and repeating it again and again until it becomes automated and natural. There is still much to do and develop but at the moment it feels really good and miles away from my blind Bambi on skies moments in Antarctica. 

Today was spent on a river with rapids!! 

 

First rapid EVER! 😀😀😀 ok its tiny... but it was my first 😀😀. 

But YES, I did actually say RAPIDS.... after just 2.5 days on slow moving water, I was able to head to the RAPIDS 😀 👏👏 although they were little ones (low level grade 2) there were plenty of rocks and tree obstacles that could, if I didn't have control, become a pressing issue.

 

 

 

However, these rapids meant that I could test my learnt skills but also 'play' and push my boundaries and see what the kayak can do such as doing repeated 360 turns in and down the rapids and even go backwards down them: 

 

(Yes I just reversed down this lip) 

 

and making sure that I could 'rest' and land in 'eddies' within the rapids. 

Yes, too much fun but also completed with a level of control (thank goodness!).

Of course, the day wouldn't have been so perfect if I didn't 'go in'.... all in the name of testing my 'evacuation drills' !!? Ok, it wasn't planned and yes, it was because I got a wee bit too confident for my own good and yes again, at the point that I lost momentary focus, was the point I had to reach for the eject cord! 

Nonetheless, what was really good as part of my development during the day was (from rapid no 1) - being expected to speak out loud my thoughts of how to approach and execute the rapids by identifying hazards, eddies and route through. I was uber pleased and relieved that my 'judgement and observation skills were strong and sound and each decision and process was right' (especially when I led). I suspect that this skill has been developed/refined by my previous experience of lots of solo time whether on trail and more recently on the ice. But wherever it has been developed - it very much gives a boost, hope and makes the upcoming challenge/goal a more realistic one. 

Yes, more time in the water is needed (what a hardship 😉), more skills and experience needed .... but on track a the moment. 

......And i cant wait 😀

 

(Loving my new look).

Time flies!!!!!! Really

Gosh doesn't time fly... it's been 3 weeksish since I flew away from the ice. Over the last few weeks I have had an enforced rest even though my body just wants to hit the trails and carry on the intense exercise. Sadly with my polar thigh, that was 'under control and being managed' on the ice, got infected whilst back in camp.

I was initially told it would take about a year to clear up.... but I am very relieved to say that I am giving my legs just one more week to completely heal.  To think of the mess that they were in as I hit Punta Arenas clinic - the wonders of the body strike again.

But I have to say, I have already moved on from my Antarctica adventure - it's already been packed away into yet another chapter of my life. This has been needed as I am already focused, planned and putting into action my next adventure. Oh dear!

True to form, it, of course,  has to be a step up from the previous - a challenge, an adventure and a way of finding my breaking point. The cold, baron and most extreme place in the world didn't break me - far from it. So, my next adventure had to try the opposite. What?? I hear you ask....

A place that's hot, humid, teaming with dangerous wild life and people with machetes/guns and moving water. Guess that's the jungle .... and just to take it to a different level (beyond my experience) - I will be kayaking down the River Amazon from source to sea all 4000+ miles of it. Oh and did I mention that I am aiming to do it solo (although for safety reasons I may have an interpreter with me for the notorious section to help me negotiate the 'deals' with the drug lords or 'organ harvesting folks'! Whether I take this option remains to be seen.

So, I have two windows, the first in September 2017 or the second in March 2018 .... I want the September start of course but that depends if I can raise funds and sponsors. There is of course the need to develop my training and make sure that level 5 white water kayaking is strong and I am capable.

So, after the disappointment of only skiing solo to the South Pole (rather there and back due to delays at the start), the excitement begins again as I focus on my next challenge.


Already it's started, I have booked my lessons in kayaking, booked a course on self defence, trying to finalise a recce of the jungle  in march,  and (oh yes, I have to wait a week more) the fitness training will begin. What I can guarantee though, is that for the next year ... I will be spending a lot of time in the water 😀😀 thank goodness I am a 'fish' - hopefully the water will give me a little bit more luck than the last one 😀😀