And then there was 2…

31 Dec 8:02 am by Nathan Welch Category: The Expedition

As you all read this we are finally back on the river. But things have changed…

The last 3 weeks have provided some intriguing twists to the Expedition Amazonas journey. We lost Big Phil to illness, then Marko became quite ill, we welcomed Holly & then we bid her farewell & we waited & waited & waited some more, for our oarlocks.

To fill in some of the blanks…

Our oarlocks which were ordered way back on the 11 of Dec, with a 3 day delivery timeframe, blew out beyond all reasonable estimations & it was only on Friday (28 Dec) that they were placed in our eager hands. This unfortunately had huge ramifications for Holly, it was always the plan that she would join us for a small stint on the river. But with this time blow out, not knowing when the oarlocks would in fact arrive & a pending work schedule back in the UK, Holly had to make the heartbreaking decision to end her journey before it even began.

Phil is now safely back in South Africa, his health is still not 100% but he continues to work with expert doctors & is in a much better place physically & mentally than he was a couple of weeks ago.

Whilst we are so very happy to be back on the river, we are also in shock over what has transpired in recent weeks. There is now just the 2 of us, with a bloody long way to go & a brand new set of challenges. With the dynamic having changed so much we now have a brand spanking new adventure – an expedition within the Expedition!

But as Marko mentioned in his previous post, we both made personal decisions a long long time ago that we’re going to the Atlantic. It’s difficult to express what that actually means & feels like for each of us as individuals – suffice to say there is an enormous power in making up your mind to do something no matter what. And this in turn provides such a strong foundation for the 2 man team that remains – knowing the person next to you will do whatever it takes to reach the same outcome as you! So bring it on, next stop Tabitinga & into Brazil.

As we leave this chapter of the story, thank you again for all your support & posts - thanks to our medical fraternity, Dr Caesar Sanchez & Dr Mark Edwards – thank you to all those who visited our website & took an interest from our Christmas radio interview with Macca - & thank you Petronio, our logistics guru & mate who has gone out of his way yet again to assist us in getting the oarlocks to Iquitos. Talk soon….

45 Comments »

G’Day. Just read your post. It’s on again fellas.
I think I said enough to cover your reentry in my last
comment. Anyhow good to hear your travelling again
and keeping up your strength by eating gourmet meals.
We will toast you guys at midnight tonight at Madonnas
Love from 20 Barton.
Grandma, Margy & Grumblebum.

Comment by Grumblebum — December 31, 2007 @ 11:43 am
heeeehaaaaaa!!!!
back on river for new year
fantastic news….and so the adventure continues.

Know we hold you in our hearts as your adventure continues to unfold with all the unexpected!

love
lexy x

Comment by Lexy — December 31, 2007 @ 3:31 pm
Hola Amigos!
All the best for your Brazil stretch and beyond. Getting better as its been almost a month since i got ill. Hope you have some sort of new year celebration and now that i’m not there to look after you two, whipe your teers, cook your food, keep you healthy, etc, please look after yourself!
awe-ness

Comment by philipo — December 31, 2007 @ 7:16 pm
Bloody Aussies, always gotta beat us at everything!! Grumblebum, if I’ve got my timing right, you’ll be toasting New Years right this very minute - us Saffas are lagging a little but celebrating nonetheless! And Original Team Amazonas, you’re just gonna have to wait your turn … actually, I reckon you can just celebrate it for the whole year through!! You certainly have enough reason to. Super Duper Stoked that you’re back with the mighty beast and placid river mother and that your spirits sound so high. You are so right again, a whole new adventure!!! B-E-A-U BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Tons of love hugs and kisses from all of us (young and old) on this incredible day, happy travels and safe passage! Wooohhooo, Tabitinga here they come!!

Comment by Jess — January 1, 2008 @ 12:06 am
Hi Nathan & Mark, HAPPY NEW YEAR to you both, Great night had by all from the reports i have received from Mackay.

The arrival of the oar locks has breathed new life into the expedition, thank heaven.

Having read grumblebum & jess’s comments over the last few days, leaves not much more to say as they have expressed the view of many. One thinks they are a couple of old flirts, Watch out Marie.!!!!!

The New Year has come, may all your dreams come through in 2008 Nathan & Mark.

Wishing the best of health to Phil & hope to see you over here in Aussie land soon.

Holly best wishes to you for the year sorry we did not see more of you on the river. I am sure we will meet you eventually.

Nathan & Mark all our positive energy is going your way look after each other, Lots of Love Bill & Toni xx PS if you need an extra pair of hands Grumblebum has offered his services. HA HA HA HE HE HE HO HO!

Safe Journey, we will wait to hear from you in Tabitinga.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL !!!!!

Comment by Toni-Maree — January 1, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Hi boys,

Happy 2008. Just thinking Nath . . . . who would have thought when we were sitting in the back of the Whitsuday drinking our ? beer talking about how old some of the players in our team are that in 2007 New Year you would be sitting in a raft with the buff man in the middle of the Amazon surrounded by who knows what.

Thought: when paddling in the night and you hear music from a village - it must pass in thought to just pull up at the bank and go and see just what they are doing yeh. I’m am not sure if my curiousity could withstand it as I find interesting just how other people live in an environment isolated from the ways of the west.

I’m back on-line. What a few weeks you had to deal with. . . . . it seems that just when we think that we might have an understanding of what being in control feels like . . . it again gets taken away from us. Funny that.

I know that you two will finish this trek together and finish it well. Prepare to go to another level; this level is between the both of you. It is not just having the same focus and goals but you will go to a place where not many men get to travel over their lifetimes; you will get to see each other with no facades, open like a naked baby when it is born. It is amazing how with three people you get to understand each other well but then with two how that understanding then turns to absoulte trust and openess.

For some reason the good Lord has placed you both together to finish this, remember that His plans all have a purpose and everything is done in His timing andworked together for good. Quite often we can find ourselves relating to God through our thoughts and things we see but for some reason we are slow to relate our circumstances (good or bad)to the Hand of God. This I do know - If we are slow, ignorant, or just in need of a push into our purpose than the God of the living will move circumstances to see it done.

Boys, it is good to be abl to communicate with you again, even though you are not able to read it I knowe it is sent over you. I am still with you in spirit and the Great Lord is covering you with all His mercies and Grace.

Go in God’s speed and protection,

P.S Paul says that it is not until we realise that we are nothing, that we are worthless; it is only then that we are able to become great; to become conquerors. He go as far to say that for those who believe that they are more than conquerors.

forgive my spelling - educated in Mt Isa

God Bless,

Mick

Comment by Mick — January 1, 2008 @ 11:50 pm
:) :)

Comment by Jess — January 2, 2008 @ 6:19 am
:):):):)Jess and i are having a race to see who can reach you first :):)

Comment by Lexy — January 2, 2008 @ 6:20 am
Comment by Jess — January 2, 2008 @ 6:20 am
Lex forgot to leave spaces!!!

Comment by Jess — January 2, 2008 @ 6:21 am
:) :) :)
okay…Jess is this right ?

Comment by Lexy — January 2, 2008 @ 6:21 am
Jess and I on skype….sending you a cold one in a frosted glass

Comment by Lexy — January 2, 2008 @ 6:23 am
…and a 150hp engine!!!

Comment by Jess — January 2, 2008 @ 6:24 am
F…we funny

Comment by Lexy — January 2, 2008 @ 6:25 am
fuck we’re funny!!

Comment by Jess — January 2, 2008 @ 6:25 am
Flip is what the f stood for Jess!

Comment by Lexy — January 2, 2008 @ 6:26 am
Oh dear, the wicked young one! You’re right, not really that funny, just a little crazy and going mad not being able to communicate with the Expeditioners - so just going to befriend their families instead!!

Comment by Jess — January 2, 2008 @ 6:35 am
Jess - its your wicked young energy which is what gives the guys energy as stated above

Mark and Nath, thinking of you loads.
lexy

Comment by Lexy — January 2, 2008 @ 6:40 am
Dear Marko and Nathe, Happy, Happy New Year to you both! We saw it in and raised our glasses to you.

Mick’s right - you will finish this trek together. The river has her massive hurdles to overcome but yes the two of you will have to work together to compliment each other. Being together 24 hours a day for months creates challenges but you two are mates who will stick together and support each other through thick and thin to achieve your dream……and what a dream! What an accomplishment that will be!!

We’re with you constantly and look forward eagerly to hearing from you from Tabitinga.

All our love and best wishes for a safe, exciting and fun filled trip!!

Donna, Barry, Matt, Anna and Sammy xxx

PS We’re having tea tonight with Toni and Bill - no doubt you will be the topic of conversation!! xx

Comment by Donna — January 2, 2008 @ 6:52 am
Hey boys, just thought I’d let you know Sunny Queensland has had constant rain for days and no sign of a let up yet. Similar to what you’re having over there I thought except we are so much cooler. Coolest Christmas here that I can remember!….around 26 degrees whereas the southern states are having around the 40’s!! Phew!!

Great photos! It’s looks so cosy inside the raft - wish I could have a go on it too…..now that the whitewater is finished.

Bye again…..Donna xxxooo

Comment by Donna — January 2, 2008 @ 7:03 am
Happy New Year boys - it’s going to be a good one…as Kath and Kim would say - I can feel it in my waters!

Paddle hard and be kind to yourselves and each other.

I’ll be seeing you in 7 weeks and 4 days. Don’t be late - harder, paddle harder - you can do it!

Lots of love. Ange xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Comment by Angela Hanly — January 2, 2008 @ 8:37 am
Hey Nonie

Glad to hear your on the move yet again. Once again you cant sit still. You go bro!!

Paddle your boney butt off and stay safeand well!!

Cant wait to hear the next installment.

Lotsa Love
Jo-jo

Comment by Jo Edwards (Alexander) — January 2, 2008 @ 10:09 am
morning…..
About to head off to work but wanted to share with you what goes through my head whenever i think and pray for you guys:

But now, this is what the Lord says - He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43: 1& 2

Nath, i promised to be praying for your protection - i honestly believe those prayers are being honoured in ways we have no idea about - not just on river but also ito the areas you guys are paddling through!

Despite the shenanigans of Jess and myself last night…it was late - too much energy needed dissipating - yip, we blushing some….Know that you and Mark are being held up in prayer, being sent lots of love and that you are esteemed!

Love
Lexy x

Comment by Lexy — January 2, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
Hi Boyz,

Happy New Year Gentlemen, and congratulations on continuing and finishing what you both started. Nath you are the most strongest mind set person i have ever met, most people would say stubborn but that is not you hey welshy. Good luck for the rest of the journey and may someone be sitting on your shoulders and also the oar lock watching over you.

Comment by Captain — January 3, 2008 @ 8:16 am
Champion effort making it to Tabitinga in such great time guys, the bicey-wicey’s must really be getting a work out. Did you bring out the big guns Nath? hahaha

Can’t wait for the update once you hit Manuas. Thinking of you both daily.

Lots of love. Ange xoxoxo

Comment by Angela Hanly — January 3, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
Happy New Year Buff and Welchy! A New Year and a new chapter in your wonderful journey of a lifetime. I want you to know you both inspire me.

I love reading your posts and everyone’s comments. I may not post a comment regularly but please know I am always watching and reading your marvellous journey.

What you are both completing is simply extrordinary. Remember all of our thoughts and prayers are with you, through the good and the challenging times.

Also remember, the two of you have a bond like no other. Use that bond to give strength and support to each other along your journey.

I leave you with a wonderful quote I recently learned through strategic planning at my work but can also be used in our personal lives. It is from Joel A Barker - a Futurist.

“Vision without action is merely a dream.
Action without vision just passes the time.
Vision with action can change the world.”

Take care and God bless you both.

Taity

Comment by Taity — January 3, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
THE RACE IS BACK ON!!!

Fantastic effort Nathan & Mark on reaching Tabitinga in record time. Safe journey, Love Toni xx

Comment by Toni-Maree — January 3, 2008 @ 9:54 pm
Hey boys,

Well I am going to stay out of the crazy conversations that are going on amongst your wild fans!!

Well I just got back from Europe a few days ago and I have some intersting news for you!! You have found your way into the land of Switzerland!! I was chatting to a lady in Milan and she was asking about my family and I was telling her about your adventure and she knew about it!! It freaked me out!!! So congratulations you are now officially world famous!!

Nonny I had an interesting little adventure in Italy, very freeing spiritually. I will share it with you when I see you, or maybe I might do one of those old fashioned things called a letter!!

Love and miss you!!

your favorite lil sis
Jaks

Comment by jaks (nat's lil sis) — January 4, 2008 @ 2:24 am
Great to hear the oarlocks are in place and you guys are back on the river…. All de best for the Brazilian leg .. full steam ahead

Comment by willow — January 4, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Hallo!
how you guys doing? thanks for the farewell video, never knew that you guys liked me so much… well, i had an idea.
i’m alot stronger and getting to my abnormal self again. no more medication from monday so stoked to be off the 3 to 4 daily pills i’m taking now.
hope you clowns had a good new year and i’m sure the circus continues into brasil.
awe-ness my brothers!

Comment by dredphil — January 4, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
Hi Nath and Marko,

There are two types of people in this world my friends. Those who try to be the potter and those who know they’re the clay. I relate this to a potter who turns a piece of clay on a wheel.

If we look at ourselves as the clay - we are able to be needled, shaped and moulded - always willing to be changed according to the hand that shapes us. Quite often the hand that shapes us does it through trial, tribulation and victory — I think that we all are able to change through adversity but the real trial is when a man has been given victory - this is where you see the true person who resides within. Isaiah says it this way:
Isaiah 64:8
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

If we look at ourselves as trying to be the potter - we are only ever trying to control our environment to best suit ourselves no matter what it tells us. We are less likely to change and more likely to live life in anxiety due to the fact that we constantly are daunted with the thoughts that we might be loosing control - which is the only thing that we aim to always have. This person is able to go through trial and trial and not pick up the teaching that is necessary to get to the other side because they are unable to let the environment shape them as they only want to control it.
Isaiah says this

Isaiah 29:16
You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pot say of the potter, “He knows nothing”?

My friends we must not be seeking for control but for the ability to see the hand that shapes us. To be flexible enough to embrace change but strong enough not to be tossed by the waves of life.

If we look at ourselves as the clay and the living God as the Potter, we can then be comfortable without the need for control as we have a peace within that says no matter what I have to go through it is only to help get me to my destination. Whether that be reach the mouth of the Amazon, beat off cancer or Preach and heal the sick like Christ, If we are the clay - the potter will see his work complete. The Potter says that He alone has placed your desires in your hearts.

I trust you boys are doing well in each others company. Remember to be slow to speak and quick to listen - also be slow to anger as this only brings delay to whatever is needed at the time.

Nath - Memory flash: Grand Final aftermath 97- I remember a lad by the name of Nathan who with a friend named Ryan thought he would take a fire hose into ones hotel room and wet his room-mate. Now my memory may be hazy here but with a few seconds I remember that the Welch man was convinced by his roomy that it was a bad idea in the hotel room - then cornered with his mate Ryan and both blasted with the very same fire hose he brought in. He he he :)

The days of youth brother,

Got you boys covered always,

Go with the speed of the Potting wheel,

Mick

Comment by Mick — January 5, 2008 @ 12:16 am
Mick….i am hoping to find somewhere you can continue to write when this present adventure is over….your words ring true way beyond the earth’s lungs!

Nath and Mark…. STERKTE!

Love Lexy
(another piece of clay)

Comment by Lexy — January 5, 2008 @ 4:28 am
Thanks Lexy,

I love the thought that no matter where we are in this world, if we open ourselves to God he will open Himself to us. I love how through James God says that only if we draw near to Him than He will draw near to us. This rings true to me as I can often find myself waiting for God to move when all He wants is me to come closer.

Buffman
You posted about the stars some time ago and you know I would have to agree that I also have never really taken the stars into thought. Well tonight I remembered your comments about how you gained an appreciation for the depths of the stars. So I walked outside tonight and spent 15 minutes looking at what i could see (not as clear from where you were). The skys have just cleared from rain and are crystal clear. I must say that when I looked up I found it rather a peaceful experience and also would say that for the first time I appreiated them in a different way. Thanks Buff.

2008 is in my friends and there you both are in a boat in the middle of the jungle - what a way to srart a year. This year for me is to be simple - shouldn’t be to hard I guess.

I aim to pull everything back to the basics and do the simple things well. In a world that is so fast paced I think that we can easily fill our life with busy and at the end of every year turn around and seriuosly wonder if we actually achieved anything of significance for the year. I see busy as a distraction and not as success; for me this year I aim to be very selective in what I do, spend my time on that and make sure that I do it well. I aim to be productive with large gaps in my diary so that all areas of my life get a thorough workout and at the end of this year I can say the following.

“I have actually spent the time that I should have with the Good Lord and my family, taught my children through action and devotion, added value to my business and brought hope to those who i find contact with in Khayelitsha and anywhere else I am lead.”

I know with the time that you have on the river you boys would be thinking alot about what the next stage of life is ahead. I don’t know what that is exactly but I am shore that this trip is only the preperation for that. Know that no matter what you choose to do in the next stage, you will impact lives in a positive way - who knows - you could even bring hope to those who see no hope.

I am going camping tomorrow to Rainbow Beach my friends and will not have internet for a week. I will be spending alot of quality time with the Lord so will be asking for some specifics for you guys while I have Him in conversation. Its funny you know - I find that initially it is difficult to start up conversation with the Good Lord but once I start - it is hard to get Him to stop.

I leave you with the words of Christ - He says for us to be believe in him we must repent and believe in the Gospels. That is that we believe that he is the Son of God and was risen form the dead - personally I have no question of this. But if we break down what he asks - he says to repent - funny that - the first thing Christ asks of a person concidering to follow in His Gospel is that they make themselves accountable to where they may have gone wrong in life.

I see this as the key for any one to change - no matter where a person is in life they can change first by making themselves accountible to their actions previuos (Repent) and then to believe in a new life (believe in the truth of God). From what I have experienced and seen it is only when one makes themself accountible that they change, but when one does this with the help of the forgiver than anything that they have tried and failed to change previous will then be broken and they will move forward in life free as a bird.

Chrsit says that His truth will set us free - that it will liberate us. I think that no-one should dismiss this claim without earnestly seeking it for themselves to see if it is true. This is all I did and i must say that I have not looked back my friends - In a moment of serenity I found myself wanting more out of life and asked God that if He is real than He better show Himself to me, I walked into a loaded cannon and found myself asking for more.

I have lived with you both and value the both of you as great friends, Nath you are like a brother. This is my prayer; I only hope that through all this adventure that the God that i know is able to meet with the both of you face to face, in a way that cannot be left for question. I do feel that you have had some experience so far but He has so much more for the both of you before it ends.

God Bless the both of you with peace

Be strong and be couragous

In God’s speed,

sorry for the length, had to write for a week.

Mick

Comment by Mick — January 7, 2008 @ 2:13 am
Where are you guys it’s boring without posts!!!!

Matt

Comment by Matty Kalch — January 9, 2008 @ 7:18 am
Hey Nonny,

I am trying to be at the finish line when and where is that going to be?

love and miss ya
Jaks

Comment by jaks (nat's lil sis) — January 9, 2008 @ 12:27 pm
Hi Nonny - our thoughts have been with you always. Keep that strong mind going and stay well. I will keep my prayers up to St. Christopher and Our Lady of the Way. (boy have they had their work cut out for them) We have someone new for you to meet when you arrive home. Her name is Lote,. Shaun has a Staffy and she is beautiful. Shaun is over my shoulder at the moment (yes annoying) and sends his good wishes and says Hi Welchy - each day is a day closer to coming home. Love from all at Phillip St xoxoxo

Comment by Marg Alexander — January 10, 2008 @ 10:01 am
“The Men Of Inspiration”
As i prepare for my last day of work before a relaxing few weeks of holidays, i cannot help but want to catch a brisbane city cat from UQ to Bretts Wharf, as a sign of respect to my friends the adventurers. HEHEHE

Seriously Buf Welshy all the best with you travells
Doogs

Comment by Dougal — January 10, 2008 @ 10:28 am
Hi Nat & Mark, well the paddle from Iquitos to Tabitinga may have been a lighting dash but the paddle to Manaus is certainly another test of your sustained endurance.
Although this leg of the journey would take between 15-20 days it seems months ago since we last communicated.
Everyone is looking forward to hear that you are both safe & well and what new challenges this leg of the mighty Amazon threw at you. Cheers Bill

Comment by Bill Welch — January 11, 2008 @ 9:26 am
mate you still goin hard
me the dumb ass lost the site address so for 2mnths i have not keeped up wit ur great efforts…
i kept typin amazonexpediton and i 4got the last two
letters b4 .com….yip dumb ass…so i got brainy and went to TEVA expeditions…

mate im back in NZ rotorua…jst had our second child born a healthy wee girl…so now i got both

not far now mate chin up…Dont let things faze you…just PLOW on

talk soon
Jezza

Comment by Jeremy Jezza Parkinson — January 12, 2008 @ 8:15 am
Crickets are chirping, the skies have finally cleared after 4 days of rain….no wierd bugs here though and i am trusting that your stamina and endurance is keeping you going, that you are able to simply still yourselves and hear the still small voice inside and that a deep inner sense of joy, peace and purpose continue to grow for you both….

Nath, in your absence you have challenged me to stretch myself physically - agreed to do a little run (half marathon thing) with Jess all things being equal in July…. Just going to have to make sure we don’t lose sight of the race in the midst of our nattering

Big hugs, lots of love…..
from a chillled out Highveld evening

Comment by Lexy — January 13, 2008 @ 5:48 am
Buf and Welcy congratulations on reaching Manaus thanks to Carlisle!

Comment by Matt Kalch — January 14, 2008 @ 8:18 am
Hey Marko and Nathe

What a huge, pleasant surprise to speak with you this morning!! Unbelievable to have done 1606 km in 11 days!! You boys are real Amazonians!! Don’t forget to smell the roses along the way tho - you can’t keep up 24 hour rowing and stay sane!….apart from the exhaustion. Grrreat to hear you are both well - a huge relief - have a well deserved rest for a few days whilst those damn oars are being repaired.

Love you……….Donna, Barry, Matt, Anna and Sammy xxxxx

Comment by Donna Kalch — January 14, 2008 @ 8:26 am
Nonny,

Cheers for the New Year.
Glad to hear that things are on the go again!
Good Luck to you both.
Just to let you know - Tahlie says we are not allowed to talk about you at home, because she gets too upset thinking about you on the River! OOOOhhhhhhKKKKKKaaaaaYYYYYYY! only 8 and emotionly challenged already.

See ya

Mad.

Comment by Madonna, Chris & Tahlie — January 14, 2008 @ 10:12 am
Dudes!!!!! Wadduupppp???!!!

Sounds like you boys have got some seriuuuus dynamite on board - 160kms a day, I’d even struggle to do that in my car!! Hope you’re both celebrating Phil’s bday today, geez, he’s getting old!! Joining the likes of Grumblebum and myself

Tons of love to both of you and know we’re thinking of you always! You’re so there, now it’s just the numb..er crunching and it’s over. Saw a lovely little quote the other day: The guy that pulls the oar has little time to rock the boat, hard and fast boys, you’re so close to home!

Comment by Jess — January 15, 2008 @ 6:41 am
Phil , happy birthday great news to hear you are on the mend.We will toast your birhday with a cold beer tonight have a great day.
Jess , I guessed your age to be around 21 whilst Grumblebum is very very ancient. He!He! Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho!.
Cheers Bill

Comment by Bill Welch — January 15, 2008 @ 9:04 am