Mission Complete!

21 Feb 2:42 pm by Nathan Welch Category: The Expedition

Just after 12 midnight on the 21 February 2008 we became the fourth ever successful team in the history of mankind to successfully navigate the entire length of the mighty Amazon River from it’s ultimate source at Mt Mismi to where it meets the Atlantic ocean some 6800 odd Kilometres away!

We have reached the ultimate prize and at this very moment sit stranded in sticky mud just at the bottom of the Ponte Taipu Lighthouse. The tide has gone out, we’re being slaughtered by sandflies, it’s pouring rain and we might be stuck here for a while…but we don’t mind - aahhh the sweet taste of victory! Yeeeehaaaa

38 Comments »

CONGRATULATIONS you two amazing creatures! Lost for words actually.

Cannot believe I missed your call from the Atlantic Nath - and yes I do realise that I can take the mobile with me when I leave the house, so no need to be a smart alec just because you’re part of an elite team who has joined the ranks of the “fourth ever in the whole wide world” club hehehehe

Seriously - well done to you both. You are an inspiration and your guts will now be rewarded with glory.

Big big hugs, kisses and tonnes of love for you both. Overwhelmingly proud!

I’m going to have a vino or two in celebration now - don’t worry I’ll make sure I have your share too

YEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Comment by Angela Hanly — February 21, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
woohoo!
that must feel good!
thanks for the virtual tour, inspiration and escapism.
happy travels
Bronwyn =>

Comment by Bronwyn — February 21, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
“Friends of my youth, a last adieu! haply some day we meet again;
Yet ne’er the self-same men shall meet; the years shall make us other men.”

R. F. Burton

You are different people than the back there embarking at Brisbane Airport. Yes the one with boots that seemed that too big for his skinny legs and the one that seemed all too cheerful before being fed to the lions. Strange but you’ll never meet them again. Wave to those lesser souls to amuse yourselves.

I know we’re a superstition bunch. Humans I mean. A good friend of mine is probably going to finish his journey today. In a hospital. Five minutes before I got a call from Bufalo Kalch, saying you’d done it, Mandy called and told me her father John McEwen Hunter was probably leaving us today. He will not completely leave. My heart goes to Bonnie, Sharon, Mandy, John and family.

Boys! Long ago Ben Franklin said “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing”. Well Mazel Tov I think you’ve done both!

Matt Kalch

Comment by Matt Kalch — February 21, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Congratulations!! Very very proud of you two units. Nathan Heath- trent says give the man a can of coke. Just a quick question about the naked and famous shots? what the? are they currently being sold to playgirl as we speak?
lost for words boys- legends, legends legends.
lots of love- kozza & of course na, kimmie & baby bow in utero.
so excited its awesome-wish we could of been there to cheer you over the finish line

Comment by kozza baldo — February 21, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
Nat & Mark , your efforts have finally been rewarded and as we celebrate your success it is tinged with a touch of regret that big Phil was not part of this magical moment .
We are thinking of you 3 boys we will celebrating this remarkable and successful journey for many days to come.
Like Ange experiencing a number of emotions at the moment , wish we were there .
Look forward to that final detailed post . Going to have to find another interst .
So proud . Love Bill , Toni & Jak.

Comment by Bill Welch — February 21, 2008 @ 4:42 pm
Nathan & Mark. Hip,Hip, Hooray. What can lowly people say when 2 remarkable young men complete as significant a feat of courage & endurance as you have just accomplished. Boys your Grandmother is sitting beside me with tears in her eyes. Tears of pride & joy, of love and thankfulness that you have accomplished the goal you set out to do. I personally
knew you would, because the Klan cannot be let down or compromised in any way CONGRATULATIONS mere words
can’t tell you how proud we are of you.

Till next post,
Love, Grandma, Margy & Grumblebum.

Comment by Grumblebum — February 21, 2008 @ 4:44 pm
To Buffy and Welchy,

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am so proud of you both! As I have said to you both in one of my previous posts, you are both an inspiration to me and many others. What you have achieved over the past 5+ months has simply been amazing - and no-one get take the experiences away from you. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching every step of your journey through this website.

As they saying goes “when one door closes another door opens.” I’m sure beyond the new door which has just opened there is greater success than what you have already achieved. For this journey was a stepping stone to bigger and better things to come in your lives.

Unfortunately, I will probably miss you both when you are back in OZ. I’ll make sure tonight I will celebrate with our close friends in Mackay.

Once again. Well done! I am so proud of you both. Hold your heads high and bask in this moment of glory! I salute you both! Take care and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Taity

Comment by Alan Tait — February 21, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
Now that’s what I’m looking for, turning life into legends, one river at a time!

Comment by Jess — February 21, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Phil, We are in regret that you have to witness this triumph of Nath. & Mark from the sidelines. This Adventure started out with 3 fine young men, but the River Gods decreed that only 2 would finish. Never the less you were there at the start and what you contributed during your time as a part of the team
was of immeasurable value and in no small way contributed to the success of the overall venture. You
will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Pyke Klan as do the other TWO. We look forward to the day when we can meet you face to face & shake your hand.

Love from.
Gramdma. Margy & Grumblebum

Comment by Grumblebum — February 21, 2008 @ 4:58 pm
WHOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Hugs, shouts of joy and dancing coming to you across the atlantic!!!

love
lexy x

Comment by Lexy — February 21, 2008 @ 5:33 pm
WoooHooo alright!! - I’m really lost for words Mark and Nathan. Congratulations!! We’re so very proud of you both and you truly are an inspiration to us. So disappointed I wasn’t here to take your jubilant call from the Atlantic - so pleased Matt could tho. I did try to call you on the sat phone after both Matt and Toni called me to excitedly tell me the news,but it was obviously turned off. Several people, strangers in fact, in the Chermside Shopping Centre now know of your amazing accomplishment!!……They are absolutely in awe of you also and they don’t even know you!! I couldn’t keep it to myself! Wow, what a feat! I can only imagine that a multitude of emotions must be running through you both at the moment. You are part of history now and this can never be taken from you.

Phil, you are in our thoughts too and I know you will be in Mark’s and Nathe’s as well. You were an integral part of the team and your contribution does hold a very special place in the boy’s and their families’ hearts. We look forward to a reunion.

OK boys, come back here asap so we can listen excitedly to those amazing stories we know you have to tell us!!

Lots of love and hugs from your proud family,

Donna, Barry, Matt, Anna and Sammy xxxxxooooo

PS We’re having a drink or two to celebrate on your behalf right now!!

Comment by Donna — February 21, 2008 @ 6:44 pm
I’ve send you my personal congratulations so no long comment from this ‘monno popa’.
Well done my brothers! Wasnt there in the flesh, but was there for every paddle stroke and insect bite there in spirit.
AWE!

Comment by Philipo — February 22, 2008 @ 2:37 am
And it means also so much to still be part of the family. One day when i’m exploring a land down under, i’l come see you all. Thanks for all your line words and support!

Comment by Philipo — February 22, 2008 @ 2:41 am
Congratulations guys,

Truly amazing!

Looking forward to interviewing both of you when you get back !

Sarah

07 4957 0336

Comment by Sarah Crawford Daily Mercury journalist — February 22, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Hi all,

Tune in to Triple J on Monday the 25th to hear the boys interviewed by Robbie, Marieke and The Doctor - 7:10am Sydney time (Queenslanders 6:10am)

For those outside of Oz keen to tune in, you can listen via live stream over the internet just go to http://www.triplej.net.au

Ange xx

Comment by Angela Hanly — February 22, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
Dear Nathan and Matt,

Congratulations to two amazing guys. I just told the whole office with one loud YIPPEE!!!!! One fantastic tale to tell the grandkids!! I hope and pray that some one will take up your incredible story so that you can receive the recognition that you deserve. Hope to see you soon Nathan,
Love Auntie Chrissy and Auntie Julie

Nathan - Jules does not have email facilities so I am sending her best wishes via my message. She is so proud of you too

Comment by chrissy kofod — February 22, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
Congrats Mark & Nathan! You are AMAZING!!!
I would love to celebrate with a flute or 7 of champagne, but I’ve given it up for lent!!
…with love
Inta (.& Peter & Alessandra) xxx

Comment by Inta Comino — February 22, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
SO have you breathed out yet

it’s done!

Get all warm, fuzzy and full of wish i was there’s every time i think about what you have achieved.

big hugs,
lexy x

Comment by Lexy — February 22, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
welchy, goes to show that not being able to catch a footy consistently has little bearing on achieving great things. make sure you give deano heaps. haha buffallo, compare what you have done with what we were doing ten years or so ago at great george street….jesus who would have thought!!!!
so stoked for you, enjoy this acheivement together. honoured to know you both. whats next? space travel? hahaha. look forward to catching up sometime soon.Jack

Comment by JAcko — February 22, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
Yeeeeehaaaaaaaa! Well done me boy! Shoooeeeeee, way to go!!!
Lotsa Love & Hugs
kimmi

Comment by Kimmi — February 22, 2008 @ 9:58 pm
Hey Nathan and Mark (and Phil in spirit)!

Well done to youall for such an accomplishment! As has been said in the postings - nothing is beyond your grasp now!

You have truly lived what most people can ever dare dream.

Nathan, looking forward to catching up next time you pop into Cape Town.

Enjoy the moment (and I imagine it will last quite some time), stay well and travel home safely…

Comment by Craig Barker — February 22, 2008 @ 10:46 pm
Congratulations!!!!! Two LEGENDS Nathan & Mark, we are all soooo very proud of you. Phils spirit included.

It is hard to contain the emotions flowing over. We want to shout it from the rooftops, what a remarkable achievement, fourth in the world. That amazing adventure which has had us glued to the posts for the past five months. So many people sharing their praises & encouragement, it has been a great journey for us all.

Phil your part in this was an enormous contribution, you are now part of the clan as Grumblebum says come on over & spend some time down under with us all.

Nathan & Mark enjoy all the glory can’t wait to see you & catch up on all the nity grity bits.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! We love you lots your very proud family Toni Bill & Jakki xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Comment by Toni-Maree — February 22, 2008 @ 11:35 pm
Congratulations guys from Czech Republic for the comletion of best watermanships adventure what I know. Do you have a branchia and a web?
See you on the paper soon!

Comment by Dana Outdoor magazin — February 23, 2008 @ 1:17 am
Hi Boys,

hopefully this victory is starting to feel real to you both by now - just soak it up and live it as all that hard work not just over the last 5 months but the last 4 1/2 years has all come to the actuall living of it. You have finished - you have proved that if you just set out to do it and then believe you can - well history now shows us that this is it.

When I think about you guys today these thoughts are running through my head clearly - it is when we are willing to lose - to take the risk of actually losing exactly what we are wanting to get - it is only in this moment that we are able to gain victory - the victory is not certain nor straight away - but all the way along we have placed ourself in a position where we can win. Unless one is willing to lose they will never enter the game to win - well done boys

I think of you boys (including Phil)and for the past 9 months you all placed yourselves in a position where you could lose everything that you had hoped for - but look at what has come out of this - three men took on the greatest white water that God can test man with and you won - every possible setback had to be conquered - and you won (including actually going through the fact that your trip could have been over as you actually lost your boat) - boys you won. Phil had to leave due to timing of an unknown bug (all three of you got through this and won). you paddled 24 hours in 6 hour shifts and instead of being overcome by this - you both over overcame the obstacle and by your photos your bodies began to thrive - you won. Everything that you had to go through was always an opportunity to give up or go on - history shows that through the going on and never giving up that - THE TWO OF YOU DID NOT JUST WIN THE BIG PRIZE BUT ACTUALLY BECAME WINNERS AS YOU HAD TO WIN EACH MOMENT TO GET THE FINAL WIN THAT SAYS VICTORY.

My family sends our love to you boys and look forward to seeing you soon,

Mick

Comment by Mick — February 23, 2008 @ 12:58 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

We are so proud of you all!

Everything everyone else has said and so much more!

Triumph is yours. Elation is yours.

Pride in knowing you is ours.

Well done

Janelle, David and Finnegan xxxx

Comment by Janelle — February 23, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
You little beauty! I’m very jealous.

Prepare now for your stock standard responses to:

“How was it?”
“What was the best bit?”
and the classic, “If you did it again, what you do differently?”

These responses can get you printed or passed over.

Nice work and thanks for making me look pitiful.

Gruff Bow

Comment by Gruff Bow — February 23, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
FANTASTIC !!!
Many, many congratulations to both of you. It must feel like such an achievement after all the different kind of really serious difficulties.
You really have been as determined as we have ever been witness to.
Enjoy the last few bits, the coming home etc..
See you quite soon now, Mark!
Elyot and Christine

Comment by Christine and Elyot — February 23, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
Great stuff boys
verry proud of your ablities as water-men in a new and evolving enviroment
seeyas when ya get home
from all the camerons
DC

Comment by Drew — February 23, 2008 @ 8:57 pm
Congratulations.

I just heard your interview on Australia All Over. You must be over the moon. I understand how you felt at the start and now at the end of your adventure.

How do you top that?

Jeff

Comment by Jeff Johnson — February 24, 2008 @ 9:07 am
WELL DONE MARK AND NAT.

Comment by Geoff Mowatt — February 24, 2008 @ 9:09 am
WELL DONE MARK AND NAT. That is a fantastic effort and I am so proud to have had the chance to meet you here in the Para region.

How many of us would ever take up this challenge? Only those that have the dream that you two guys had.

Pop, Hoty and I are so glad that you are now safe and sound sitting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean at Ponte Taipu Lighthouse.

I am sure you have been savouring the moment for the last two days. We look forward to hearing from you soon and catch up with a cerveja.

Best Wishes Pop, Hoty and Geoff

Comment by Geoff Mowatt — February 24, 2008 @ 9:18 am
You Guys Rock!
Well done!
Lookin forward to seeing you both

Doogs

Comment by Doogs — February 24, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
just heard you on jjj from the Netherlands Congratulations!!! amazing stuff and nice website!

Comment by clare — February 25, 2008 @ 6:23 am
Hey Mark (& Nathan),
Great to hear you got this off the ground and completed.
I hope you guys get due rewards from your hard work.
Congratulations!
Mark.

Comment by Mark Devery — February 25, 2008 @ 7:50 am
well done guys,
inspirational stuff.
modern-day explorers conquering the amazon!
Congrats,
Kal

Comment by Kal — February 25, 2008 @ 9:34 am
LEGENDS!
Congratulations Buf and Welchy.
What an achievement. In “oar” of you both.
Look forward to catching up.
Frase & Megs

Comment by Steve & Megan Fraser — February 25, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Congratulation Nathan,and your companions,you guys have lived your dreams and experienced a life most of us can never imagine. Absolutly awesome

Comment by john — February 25, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
A huge congratulation guys. It is stunning and amazing achievement! Wish we were there. Have a happy return and enjoy sharing this remarkable story with others Very best. Amazon Swim Expedition 2007 Team Members

Comment by Amazon Swim Expedition — February 26, 2008 @ 5:52 am