Scotty knows!

26 Oct 8:36 am by Mark Kalch Category: The Expedition

It is with some sadness that we have bid farewell to expedition photographer/videographer extraordinaire, Scott Martin. Stick has decided to leave the expedition at this point and head back to South Africa to celebrate the Boks World Cup win. His addition to the expedition has been invaluable. We are sure many have enjoyed Scotty’s mind-blowing photos, video clips and slide shows over the last few weeks.

Scotty’s emerging talent as a photographer and videographer has only been enhanced by his involvement with the expedition. Clambering over massive boulders to get that perfect shot, swimming across the Apurimac with not one, but two Storm Cases in tow and ceaselessly racing ahead of us on the trails has meant photos and footage that is truly world-class.

His continual stoke and smile throughout the expedition has made the team environment really shine. Awe Scotty and good luck. You will be with us in our hearts all the way to the Atlantic bru (jeez, it sounds like he kicked the bucket eh?)

The team would also like to extend a massive thanks to the man himself, Piotr Chmielinski – river running legend and the first person to ever complete a source to sea journey of the Amazon River. Piotr has been following the expedition from the outset and has provided us with words of inspiration throughout. His technical advice has also been timely as we go into the final couple of weeks of whitewater on the Apurimac. Many thanks Piotr.

24 Comments »

Scotty your photography has been priceless mate all de best in bokke land. I hope Buff hasn’t been telling u guys where he was in 1999 RWC..

Boys looks f#?Kn oarsome fun, all de best. Hope scotty taught u fellas a few editing tricks cos your clips have been hella fun..

Comment by willow — October 27, 2007 @ 2:57 am
Hi boys,

a few more weeks on the white water to go - keep going hards my friends - you are all an inspiration to many. Been thinking about your trip and how it has worked out so far - alot like life so far -

its funny that when we reach a point where nothing works how we may have hoped - we reach that point where we can even justify to ourselves that we could go no further and hence pull out of what we are doing- but by actually saying no - I will continue no matter what has gone wrong and no matter what the odds - it is right there that we shift paradigms - it is in that one decision that what follows is more than just consequences but reaching a place that we have never felt before in our life - its like we break through this unseen barrier into the abyss of limitless potential - this is where a single man can achieve great things - things that were once deemed to be impossible are now effortless.

This is how I see your trip so far boys - it wasn’t until you reached the point of breaking that you were able to achieve the greatest moments in your paddling career the next few weeks after - what an achievement and the great thing is that there are so many more shifts to come.

Keep going with what you have and never forget to look at all the options. When Judas took his own life - the other deciples came together and looked at all the options before they made a decision on who to select. Again stay unified and trust in your instincts not your reason - the voice that comes as a quiet thought will guide you - just take the thought captive and you will always go the right way.

At the risk of being a freak - I keep getting village coming to me as think of you guys - there are two villages one that you are to enter and one that you are not. I am not sure what this means at this moment but it will come. One definately is no entry.

Thinking of you guys and keeping you covered under the wings of protection.

Go in God’s speed, protection and Grace,

Mick

Comment by mick — October 27, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
Mark, thank you for your good words. I am sorry Scotty left you, but with probably different reason then only “to celebrate the Boks World Cup win”. Keep strong and together - and the flat water is closer and closer.
One additional piece of advise. There is a bigger river ahead of you. Be carefull with large trees floating - dangerous to your raft. A lot of tree trunks will be coming from Rivers: Pampas, Mantaro, and Perene. After R. Pampas, do not camp on the islands during the night; the water level can rise at any time. You can expect heavy rains in the mountains already.
Be careful, best to you ALL,
Piotr
and Max (my son who is a very good kayaker is so jeleous that he is not with you on Apurimac).

Comment by Piotr Chmielinski — October 27, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
You are a Legend on the journey of your lives, and the Amazon! Everyday we are with you in spirit. Take care and lots of love, Carol and Katie.,

Comment by Carol — October 28, 2007 @ 2:23 am
A great morning to you all,

I send strength, courage and wisdom to the three of you today. Remember that no matter what happened yesterday this is a new day and we must call only on our expererience for this day and not our emotions.

I have seen that we need to pray for the rains to be stopped, for the season to be delayed for you in this time of the trip. So this is what will be done - just come together today and ask the God of this world - The living God who controls the rains of the Amazon - to hold the rains back - all three of you together and it will be done (just do it my friends).

History shows me through Elijah that this is not just possible but experince also says that it will be done. I also see that the villages in the last post is for you to take the second option - the first village is the no entry. Not sure if this apply’s to anything just yet but keep it in mind as it may give direction somewhere.

You are coming to a time where you will need to be working like clock work together - not just in tech on the boat but more so in sharing the motivation - make sure that you keep on top of it - no matter what the feeling is one needs to be lifting the others up - feed off each other to get the best from each other. Buff I see you having an important part in this.

Go strong together today boys and look for the unexpected. We are with you and always - always - always - when you are in need - call upon the name of the good Lord and watch Him do His work - He will turn up.

(forgive me for any grammar - not my strength)

Go in God’s speed, protection and grace,

Mick

Comment by Mick — October 28, 2007 @ 9:17 pm
Saludos extranjeros diablos! (Buf, Nonnie, Swarty)

Espero que todo está bien. Su crecimiento y aprendizaje debe estar fuera de los gráficos. Mi admiración por sus esfuerzos en la aplicación de este desafío. Ustedes me han dado la energía.

Good puestos por Mick … Pero, ¿quién es que Willow ?…. Sounds loco!

Fuerza y Honor!

Comment by Matt Kalch — October 29, 2007 @ 9:44 am
hi guys,
sure it s going well even if not always. the cape wind looks like it s trying to blow os du randt out of the parade here this morning, but otherwise the modern world remains as beautiful and screwed up as usual. keep strong, only a few more weeks to calmer waters so you can start fishing seriously. you still have some tabard left, or ‘bushman s’ for the aussies? anyone talking to themselves yet? i m on standby, just let me know!
skop gat manne,
fritz

Comment by fritz — October 29, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
Well Boys sorry to see Scotty leave, i bet he will be missed. Thanks for all those fantastic shots Scotty you did a great job, We will miss all your good work. Nathan Mark & Phil Stick together, support each other & plan well, be safe, talk soon.

All our prayers are with you all Toni & Bill xx

Comment by Toni-Maree — October 30, 2007 @ 10:15 pm
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech - Go Boys!!! Shine and experience life full throttle!!

Comment by Jess — November 1, 2007 @ 3:04 am
Hello Mark and the boys,
It really does all seem such a fantastic trip.
Meeting the guides and sleeping amidst these amazing mountains! Such a pity about Scotty, that was quite a job he did on those rapids, recording your exploits for all of us to share!
Keep going and take on board all Piotr’s advice please! The very best to all of you,
Christine and Elyot

Comment by Christine and Elyot — November 1, 2007 @ 7:40 am
Hi Nath, Buff and Phill,

Whats happening in the depths of the Amazon my friends - what a post by Jess - would be one of the greatest speeches made from an individual - Up there with Martin Luther King - Mandela - what an example of what it takes to get what you desire for others to share.

By now you would be getting to the end of the white water - keep going boys - every day has another opportunity to find out something new in each other and how to bring out the best of it - Marko - make sure your on top of the motivation my friend.

It is now that you guys are stepping up into a new kind of perserverance as you need to preserve the attitude of the mind and make sure that any thoughts and emotions that come to destroy the unity are dealt with at the time and replaced with those that are positive and forth going. There is nothing to hard for a person - it is only in what we are willing to do that decides wether we can or cannot - If we remove the words “our best” from our thoughts and go above and say to ourselves “no matter what it takes” - and then open ourselves to the spirit of the Living God - it is right there that we begin to find new heights and abilities that we would never have found by only doing our best. Boys now is the time for each of you to do what it takes each and every day - and when you can’t - rely on each other to get what it takes out of each other.

The deciples shared a very similar path to what you guys are on right now as they travelled where no Jew had gone before so they would always write to each other giving encouragment and reminding each other to always do what it takes - to expect above there best. So keep on leaning on each other my friends - don’t rely on yourself to keep you going - it is very important that you lean on each other from now on as this will help preserve the right attitude in the mind.

Remember this - everything we do in life, wether good, bad or great is only ever won or lost in our minds. We must first win the battle of our thoughts and then we can taste the victory - Paul says “we are to take every thought captive and subject it to the will of Christ” - keep going strong boys - remember also - All things are possible - but only to those who believe - we must just believe.

Go in God’s Speed, Grace and protection.

P.S He is able to stop the rains - Job is very clear on this as HE created all of it He also is able to control it.

Comment by Mick — November 1, 2007 @ 10:49 am
All i can say is AMEN to Mick’s postings….

Comment by Lexy — November 2, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
Hey Buff, Nath and Philip,

Just a quick post to say to hello from Mackay. My thoughts are with you all the time. It’s great to view your website and catch-up on everything that has been happening on your journey, as well as reading everyone else’s comments. Keep up the fantastic effort! You are an inspiration to us all. Take care and good health.

I’ll leave you with a small quote from Mahatma Gandhi:

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”

Comment by Alan Tait — November 3, 2007 @ 11:16 am
Boys? Where are these posts you lazy sherpas!

Comment by Matt Kalch — November 5, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
I hope you pooses aren’t into the Maca?

Comment by Matt Kalch — November 5, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
Hello to the three amegos,

a while since you posted, whenever my mind has a break - my thoughts are being sent to you guys of late - no joking - its getting out of hand. Remember why your doing this my friends and every obstacle will seem to be very small in comparison.

I am not sure what you are going throug right now or whats up ahead - but what I do know is that the Good Lord is with you as he keeps reminding me so - Remember sometimes the best thing to do is not always go forward - sometimes its just rest - other times it could mean that we even have to go back before we go forward and other times it is that we go 150% full throttle. Remember to keep on top of your rest days my friends - this is crucial as we can’t be driven by fear - nor emotions - but only what is best for us at the exact time that we are in. Do not fear the rains and try to do too much as God has clearly shown me that he is in control - his exact word is that he made the storehouses and will seal them for your sakes.

I supose over a week you guys are experiencing a roller coaster of emotions - being in that environment you would probably see the opposites all the time - from raw excitement to raw fear - joy to oppression - energised to drained - no matter what you are feeling emotionally - you must look for the constant - a refernce point which does not change as it is this that will bring constant results time and time again. I think of David when he defeated Goliath - He showed no fear - you may even think that he was arrogant - but it was not that he was arrogant but that he knew his constant - his reference point - He knew two things when he said I will fight this philistine - 1. that His God is with Him and 2. that he knew how to throw a sling shot as he had killed a bear and a lion previous. Keep focus on your reference points my friends and draw on all your past experiences and you too will see mighty giants fall that try and stand in your way.

Christ also said that if we speak to this mountain and cast it into the sea, believe it in our hearts - it will be done. So no matter what you experience in this day - speak to it as if it has already been done, look at the result you want and not the obstacle in the way. This is a new day for you my friends and be sure that no matter what happens - you will not see it again - make the most of every moment you have togther toady. You guys are giant killers and mountain movers - so go as one and take victory.

Go in God’s speed, protection and grace

I send peace to your hearts

P.S Nath - will be in Cape Town Friday - then driving up to Durban next Wed. Back to Aus in a fortnight.

Mick

Comment by Mick — November 5, 2007 @ 10:37 pm
a thought,

would love to meet you guys at Ponte Taipu in 3 - 5 months. Just a thought as I will need to get a leave card from the boarding house master known as Wife. everything is possible :)

Mick

Comment by Mick — November 5, 2007 @ 10:50 pm
Have you seen any Giant Peccary’s? Get me a little one.

Comment by Matty Kalch — November 6, 2007 @ 4:12 pm
Have you seen any Giant Peccary’s? Get me a little one.

Comment by Matthew Kalchetti — November 6, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
A good morning to you all,

You must be getting close to the end of the white water yeh?

Getting our best!
In getting the best out of ourself is a road of embracing change. We can ask for courage, confidence, love, anything we may think we need and all of a sudden there it is. Not in the form of immediate change within us but in the form of opportunity to do someting that will see it changed within us. We always are in battle with what we want now and what we need to do in order to get it - one thing is for sure - what ever we ask for - there is only one way to get it, and that will be to take the opportunity to have it develop within us.

So in order to be at our best all we need to do is wake with the will to not just except change but embrace it as an opportunity to recieve greater gifts in life - every time we are faced with it.

Often to do what it takes involves not knowing the exact path but only the ending - this is what James spoke of when he said Faith is dead without works - we will know ourselves only by our actions - not our words or our intentions but by what we do. So change doesn’t come by planning or talking but only by walking.

What ever you guys face within yourselves along this trip just know that it is only there as an opportunity to not just see change but to do what it takes to get change. Every time you are faced with a personal challenge - process your thoughts and look for the opportunity to excell, to embrace a new way or a new attitude that will see you a step closer to being all that God intended you to be.

It is no coincidence that when we are faced with the most trying and challenging environments or thoughts - that just on the other side of it all is a new place - a place that we will never get to taste unless we stand and do what ever it takes. We must not look for a way out but a way through - the only way up is by going through what we need to go through - facing everything that we need to face. It is then and only then that we may come to know ourselves and the one who formed us from the start.

Keep going my friends - draw on each others strength in this time - support each other with words of encouragement and share your inner struggles with each other - go for above your best every time. What you do in this day will have some impact on the remainder of the trip - so make it positive.

May God Bless the three of you

Go in Gods speed

Mick

Comment by Mick — November 6, 2007 @ 9:18 pm
It is so much fun following your trek i can only imagine how amazing it must be for all of you, safe travells team,
doogs

Comment by Doogs — November 7, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
A big hello to the brothers of the lost arc,

sorry boys - he he. I understand that you had a wild run to the end of the white water. . . . what an achievement . . probably can’t sink in yet but you have to try and live the achievement as you go my friends as this is the experience.

I hope the hospitality of the village that you are resting in for the next few days is what you expected when you booked it. . .he he

On the more serious note - I am proud to say that there are two aussies and one Safa who have just finished the wildest whitewater ride that only a few would have the nuts to experience - being that I am going to Cape Town tomorrow I feel I can take some ownership on the SA traveller as well.

Make sure that you rest well over the next two days as you are going to need endurance for the next section - In some ways I see it being more difficult than the white-water as your patience will be tested in this section in a way that it hasn’t before. Just remember to trust and respect each others experience and comments - when in doubt - come together - discuss - ask God for direction - and then move with the main feeling. Don’t start the next section until you have recoooooperated physically and mentally - make sure that you have your best attitude with you again. Time is on your side no matter what history might try and tell you.

My friends - I cannot know what you have gone through physically, emotionally or spiritually but all I know is that what ever you have had to go through - it is only ever for good. Don’t you hate when you are at that moment when you know that you are just about to face the unknown arena and it is not to be pretty - wether it be facing fear or something that we just can’t see but know that we have to go through it. Everything inside of us says it doesn’t want to - almost as if something wants to rise up in us and stop us from moveing at all. But we know - the only way to get what we want is to go through - what a feeling that is - the breaking of the old and into the new. Boys you have definately been breaking the old and seeing the new - I can’t even think where you will be at the end as this past fortnight is just a stepping stone to becoming great within yourselves.

I see that you guys will achieve in yourself over the next 4 months what most would not get to over a lifetime. Keep going - keep listening to your gut - it is always instict that the great God will show himself in. Its funny you know as King David had come to my thoughts a few nights ago - this morning I was shown the scene after he had defeated the Giant - although he had knocked him dwon and killed him with a sling - he walked up to the giant - pulled out the giants sword and cut his head off. I ask what is this about? - its about not stopping at the basic requirment - David made sure that this Giant was never going to come back - he slayed his enemy. So I see that this is what the good Lord is saying to you boys - it is done - you have slayed the giants of the Amazon white water and seen victory - man that must feel good.

Proud of you boys and know that my thoughts are with you at all times - remember that our spirits do not sleep and the King of this world can call on me at any time. I will be in SA for 2 weeks , not sure on internet - will have pda but just don’t know - if I can’t post I will send some faith filled prayers to the Amazon my friends,

In the Gospels - the deciples were in a boat with Jesus and a mighty storm rose up against them - they woke Jesus and he rebuked the storm and it stopped - he then asked the deciples why they lacked faith. All I know is that by just using His name we are able to make room for great miracles that man could never achieve on his own.

In Gods speed, protection and wisdom,

Be diligent I am hearing,

Mick

Comment by Mick — November 8, 2007 @ 3:54 am
Hi boys,

Just a thought,

If you look at a kite - without any resistance it is hopeless - a litle resistance and it is mediocre. It is not until a kite has maximum resistance does it sore like an eagle - like it is in its element - it is then that the kite is only able to perform at its fullest potential.

You guys are like this kite, Isaiah says that God will see your strength renewed, that you will walk and not fall behind, so just go with it my friends. When you feel the resistance against you - wether it be seen or unseen - just think of the kite and say - bring it on - I am ready to sore above mediocrity and fly at my fullest potential.

This is it - go for it,

Mick

Comment by Mick — November 8, 2007 @ 10:40 am
hi guys… so no more white water? spoke to phil yesterday (baie dankie!) and it appears you are all right. have fun and keep coming with the photos.
fritz

Comment by fritz — November 10, 2007 @ 7:25 pm