Fine Creations

14 Aug 12:24 pm by Nathan Welch Category: The Expedition

With just over 30 days now until start date, everyone is feeling the pressures of final preparations. Since receiving the raft from ARK, Nath has spent long hours in the workshop, manufacturing a customized oar frame, paddles and other little odds and ends for the trip.

Take a peek at the photos to see all thats been happening.The team will be spending 6 months on the raft and for a good portion of that they will be on board 24 hours a day – paddling, sleeping & eating. So its pretty important that they have a reasonable shelter to protect against the harsh elements the Amazon River will fire at them!

With the help of Bailsy,Justin and Readdy from Swift Engineering in Mackay, Nath has manufactured a pretty simple but effective oar frame that allows for shelter and some comfort on board the ARK raft….well that’s what Nath says, the true litmus test will be those months ahead in the harsh Amazon weather!

A special thank you must go out to the real stars of this oar frame show – Bailsy, Justin & Readdy. Bailsy for all his time, his technical expertise, and even the use of his personal garage – to Justin for his wise technical input and slick welding skills (Nath taught him everything he knows!) - and last but not least, Readdy for being so generous with his workshop and materials. Thanks so much boys, we really appreciate it, but if things go pear shaped in the middle of the Amazon expect a couple of technical sat phone calls……

3 Comments »

Awesome website guys.
Modern day explorers, for sure.
I look forward to following your progress.
Don’t drown your laptop!

Comment by Kal — August 14, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
You sound like good drinking buddies! That Nathan seems so cool!

Comment by Robbie Burns — August 14, 2007 @ 7:31 pm
YAY - you have a boat with rigging!

can’t wait to see the boat on the actual river now…
Lexy

Comment by Alexa — August 16, 2007 @ 6:21 pm