4th team in history from source to sea

25 Feb 3:33 am by Nathan Welch Category: Environment, Miscellaneous, The Expedition, Thoughts

On the 21st February 2008 at pretty much the stroke of midnight we realised our goal of navigating the entire length of the longest & biggest river on the planet, under our own power – Rio Amazonas. The final 2km was in pouring rain, howling wind & knee deep stinking mud as the river gods threw one last angry fireball at us. We dragged our Ark raft Skop Gat to a light beacon on a muddy outcropping called Ponte Taipu, marking the point where the mighty River finally meets the Atlantic Ocean. Ponte Taipu: S 00 39.708´ W 48 02.633´

As we stood at the concrete base of the light beacon, we were wet, covered in mud, so very tired & being attacked by hundreds of ferocious mosquitos. There was no welcoming party, no TV cameras, no newspaper journalists, no pats on the back (save the ones we gave each other) , no hype, no one. But it did not matter, nothing mattered at that moment – it was just us & mother nature. After 4 1/2 years of planning, 5 months on the river & 6800km of hard core trekking, paddling and rowing… we had won! We knew we had done it – the 2 of us. At that special midnight moment we became only the 4th successful team to travel the entire length of the Amazon River under our own power. We now join an elite few & feel honoured to be able to place our names in the history books beside the giants who came before us - Chmieliński, Horn & Angus.

We are currently back in Belem. Whilst we have savoured the opportunity to sleep in a real bed & have a hot shower (for the first time in a long, long time) - we are still missioning with post expedition work. Organising & packaging equipment for shipping, re-scheduling flights, working on sponsor commitments, trying to keep the website, family & friends up to date & a few other challenges that have blown up in our faces means the whirlwind that has been Expedition Amazonas continues even after we have claimed the prize. I think we are both looking forward to being able to take a step back very soon so we can let the achievement sink in & enjoy the moment – to be able to integrate & appreciate our little adventure.

Physically, our bodies still bear the scars of our epic. Shoulders, knees, elbows, & the connective tissue in fingers are the main bearers of pain at the moment but no doubt, time & rest will ease these little afflictions. Mentally its actually been a little challenging to adjust to the reality that we have finished – that we have completed the mission. Often times when lying in bed, you will find yourself unconsciously preparing to start your shift on the oars but then it suddenly hits you – oh yeh, no more paddling…its done!

Since having completed our journey, I have been asked a number of times “how do you feel?” Well I certainly feel pretty happy that we succeeded in our mission but without trying to sound like a pratt, it was never any surprise to me to be standing at that light beacon at Ponte Taipu. I had made my mind up long ago that’s what we were going to do & that’s exactly what we did – whatever it took! But to be honest, I think I need a bit of time to allow the ‘mission mode’ to wind down & then bask in the beauty of what we have just achieved.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our supporters, family & friends for the inspirational words & posts along the way. I know I have said it before but you may never realise how uplifting it was to read your kind words when things were tough. Thank you all for sharing & being part of our adventure.

I would also like to acknowledge & thank the chap who has been beside me for the last 6 months & part of Expedition Amazonas from pretty much the moment I saw his eyes light up about 3 years ago when I asked if he was in. My mate & adventurer Mark Buffalo Kalch. After Big Phil had to leave us due to illness in Iquitos, something quite remarkable happened. I’m not sure if even he was aware of it at the time but slowly Marko began to change. It has been quite an amazing transformation & a wonderful spectacle to watch unravel before my very eyes. Marko stepped up, he raised the bar – whilst its still Buf, the man who stands before me today is more assertive, believes in himself & what he is capable of, but perhaps more importantly he has that dogged determination & won’t back down. Some of the things I have seen him do & say of late were not there 6 months ago. Beware, you will discover very soon a new man, a very powerful man! Thanks Mate for being by my side every step of the way & remember to keep pushing pushing for grander, more challenging life adventures!

It would be remiss of me at this time not to recognize & thank our team mate Big Phil Swart for his contribution to our success. Thanks big fella for joining us to Iquitos & being part of that life changing epic through the Apurimac. In the final 1km to Ponte Taipu & standing there in the pouring rain under that light beacon, our hearts & thoughts went out to you. Thanks for the adventure Indy!

One of the elements that has made the Expedition Amazonas experience so special has been the people we have met along the way. The list just goes on & on – Our logistics gurus, Petronio (Destination Peru), Mario (Andean Origins), Vera Cardosa (who is an amazing tour guide here in Belem who is helping us at the moment). Our medical adviser, Dr Caeser Sanchez. Alex from Hostal Manaus. Nice Yalan our legend river guide mate & his crew who offered us so much hospitality & support through the Apurimac. All these special people have helped us along the way & all we now consider friends. Then there is all the wonderful memories the local villagers have given us – truly beautiful people – so genuine, so giving! Everyone from Rocy the fisherman who fed us & gave us shelter after almost drowning at Powac & losing everything, to the children with their radiant smiles & playful antics. Thank you friends.

Then there is, of course, all of our awesome sponsors. Where would we be without all of their top notch equipment & service? Their continued service & support contributed greatly in creating the professional outfit that is Expedition Amazonas & its ultimate success. So to Electrotech Australia, Ark Inflatables, First Ascent, Teva, Fluid, Suunto, Kokatat, RAM, WRSI, Garmin, Storm Case, VIO, Zeal Optics, Benchmade, Goya Gear, & KINeSYS thank you, thank you, thank you.

A big thank you to Thomas Cavanagh & Amazon Watch. Again their support has been awesome. We hope in some small way we can now help their cause with our story & our footage. The Amazon is an amazing place & one of the planets richest, most diverse natural phenomenoms. We saw first hand the deforestation & devastation that plagues almost the entire region. We don’t have all the answers but the first step is definitely awareness. We must all be prepared to get off our bottoms & take some action, even if it is small. “From little things, big things grow” - each little individual action step moves us collectively towards a positive solution. Visit Amazon Watch now at www.amazonwatch.org & learn more about the huge challenges that face not only Peru & Brasil but the whole planet.

One last acknowledgement & thank-you. To 2 special people – Alexa Russell & Mike Saunders. It was over 5 years ago now that each of you gave me a book on paddling the Amazon. Two different books given to me by 2 different people(who didnt even know each other) in 2 different countries within 2 months of each other – co-incidence? I dont think so. It was these books that sparked the raging fire that is now Expedition Amazonas. Thank-you to the both of you for starting the fire within!

Whilst the river journey & adventure has reached an end, our life adventures certainly have not. We have only scratched the surface … so keep tuning into the website & communicating with us over the next few months as we begin working on documentaries, books & the next big adventure! If we can but inspire one or two of you out there to put it all on the line & pursue your wildest dreams & believe that you can actually do it – YES YOU! - then our little jaunt down the Amazon River has all been worth it!

24 Comments »

An extra big congrats Nath and Mark!!! I have no doubt that there are two most remarkable souls reorganising Belem as we email.

Tons of love to both of you and I look forward to plan b.

Comment by Jess — February 25, 2008 @ 7:41 am
Nat, Mark & Phil, another great post.
There is nothing much left to say, except for all of us to salute and achknowlege your courage, determination and great achievement.
The three of you are truely now ,
“Legends of the Amazon”
Look forward to catching up .
Love Bill, Toni & Jak.

Comment by Bill Welch — February 25, 2008 @ 10:30 am
Mike & Alexa, please dont give Nat any more adventure books. He! He!
Bill.

Comment by Bill Welch — February 25, 2008 @ 10:33 am
“Legends. Legends. Dead Set…Legends.”

Nath, Markos maximus…congrats again.

We love you! yahoooo!

Aj & Elf. xoxoxox

Comment by Aj Burn — February 25, 2008 @ 11:45 am
Mark & Nath,

Sorry so late! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
You did IT!.

Do not stop - after the Amazon you can do everything!!

Piotr, Max and Alex Chmielinski

Comment by Piotr Chmielinski — February 25, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
Oh….Nath - that was a real choked up moment reading this post. My tears are never far away, that hasn’t changed!
I was sitting thinking this past weekend that when my Master’s is finally done and dusted, i need to find a new adventure
you in? Well done (seems inadequate) to you for taking a dream, fireside chats and turning them into a reality. This crazy aussie i know once said to me whilst watching warthogs and ellies, that we have the power to take our thoughts and dreams and make them real. you have lived that concept out.
Yesterday i was reflecting on things i am grateful for from this past little while and i really want to say thank you to God for so much - not least of which keeping you all safe. Despite the aches, pains and wierd bugs, you have all come home alive - and that was the agreement we had- go do it, but come back alive!!!!

Mark & nath, to both of you///lots of love, relish the hot water, the cold drinks, the whirring of ceiling fans, and remember to breathe out when it all gets too WOW with where you have just been or too crazy with the logistics…

Sante o meu amigos!
Lexy

Comment by Lexy — February 25, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
p.s….go look at someone else who has made his dreams come true…www.lochnerphoto.com

Hannes is launching a wildlife photography book - his work is amazing….really worth looking at!!!!
SO when Africa calls, go browse this site

lexy

Comment by Lexy — February 25, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
Good to see that you both are at least able to sleep in a bed.

Although finished and maybe a little hard to even deal with as for the past 6 months this has been your entire world - just take in each moment now as it comes. I feel honored Nath that I had some part to play - even if it was just giving you a book - to see what can come from one who is willing to listen to their dream calling them into action - FANTASTIC (Bill - you may not want to see the next book then :) ).

I know it can be a little overwhelming when you may think to yourself “what now”? But don’t be overwhelmed because I am sure that what is ahead for the both of you from here you could not even hope to be able to imagine - so just relax and spend your last days in the South America’s with enjoyment.

I love the comment of the finish boys - no one to greet you - no one to see you - but you finished with a great feeling of accomplishment; it was not for the glory, not for man to marvel at, but for yourselves to know that yes - you did that and nothing can ever take it from you. Again - WELL DONE my friends and be prepared for the impossible to be the possible everywhere you go. Doors are going to open for you guys that you had written off - you will meet the right people at the right time.

God’s blessings

Mick

Comment by Mick — February 25, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
Nathan
since I first taught you as a bright nine year old, I always knew you would shine. A sensational achievement! Loved hearing your reports on the radio here in Mackay.
The Amazon is even bigger than Everest considering you and Mark are only the fourth team to succeed.
Congratulations to our local heroes.
Safe return and God bless
Kate

Comment by Kate — February 25, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
Hey guys

HUGE congratulations from all of us at Gravity, Goya Gear and Paddle Zone! Andrew and the guys (Scott amongst them) are somewhere in the depths of the Transkei on a paddling mission but I will give them the news when next I speak to them.Well done! lot of love, Marie-Louise

Comment by Marie-Louise Kellett — February 25, 2008 @ 11:44 pm
Congrats guys, what a great effort. Relax, enjoy and soak up the moment.

Comment by David McDonald — February 26, 2008 @ 10:04 am
CONGRATULATIONS!
What an incredible,awesome accomplishment!

Never a doubt you guys would do it.

Peace and rest to you both!

Mark Edwards

Comment by Mark Edwards — February 26, 2008 @ 11:09 am
Hi Nath,

Physically I know you are a little sore, but by looking at your photos my friend - you look in the best shape you have been in a long time. Who needs gym when you can just row 7000 kilometers heh.

I keep trying to picture 7000km. Thats from my house in Bris to cairns - back to brisbane - then back to Cairns and then back to somewhere near Bundaberg - thats a long way boys.

Sending God’s Peace

Nath - Don’t worry about the pain brother - I know a great physio who has around 2000 years experince See you soon

Comment by Mick — February 26, 2008 @ 11:17 pm
Buffalo,

I hope you have been reading that novel I gave the both of you???

Mick

Comment by Mick — February 26, 2008 @ 11:18 pm
Mick - your last post to Nath made me smile BIG time

Gentlemen, i have been sitting thinking about what can we look at pursuing next!!!!

lexy x

Comment by Lexy — February 26, 2008 @ 11:48 pm
fantastic, when i read the first line of your latest post, I felt relief and happiness for you. An amazing feat when you put it into perspective of the 4th trip EVER to achieve this extraordinary achievement.
But it begs the question…what next?…..have I put a thought into your head…OOPS!

Comment by BRuce — February 27, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
Looking forward to seeing you next week Buff man.

Nath, any thoughts on when you will get back in AUS?

Take care and enjoy the sunshine of life my friends,

God’s blessings,

Comment by Mick — February 27, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
Hi Boys,

another great day to be alive and well. I sit here looking at some of your photos and ponder with these thoughts - what is life truly about?

This is the one question that I live to answer, is it to get up, work, play, relax, enjoy, time with family, what is it for. I think that maybe a bit of everything is good - but is that truly why we are given life. It is the only thing that once gone there is no second chance - there is no rewind or fast forward - there is room for failure and mistakes but by the time we realise these it is often too late to correct the consequences but never too late to change the future.

A little deep here but as you boys have just gone through alot of varying extremes I am very interested in getting your prospective on how you now view life. Some would tell me that life is the chance to do your best with what you have - which I don’t totally disagree with but nor agree - to do my best leaves a door to give up as I can say that I did my best. I think that to do my best is a starting point to life but not what life is about - maybe to be my best - this is probably a little closer as to be my best I must go past what I concider doing my best as their is no room for exceptions in being at my best. I look at Solomon and he said that we need to be excellent in what we do - and if we aim to be excellent than the enemy to this would have to be exceptions or excuses.

All I know is this, we have been given one life and in order to fulfill its potential we must except that we do not know its ending other than it will surely end in death. It is in getting up every day and just asking a little more of ourselves than the day previous, doing a little more than that day before. Life is not to except other peoples expectations of ourself but to know that He who made this life has only great expectations for it.

In the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 7 it says
Consider what God has done:
Who can straighten what He has made crooked?
When times are good be happy;
but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one as well as the other.
Therefore, you cannot discover anything about your future.

I like this in reference to life as we can sit far to long in worry or though about where we might be in the future. The facts are that we may only see the future by taking action in today - and even then we can’t truly say that we know what tomorrow may bring.

I think that maybe through your life experiences over the last 6 months you may be able to actually comment on some of this by experience and not thought. This I look forward to.

Note: I know your love for Africa Nath so some good news - I have just been given notice from the local Government of Cape Town and its Province that they will help fund our first building project in Khayelitsha. We will be building a house for a family that does not have one as a pilot program to hopefully start a not for profit development program that builds houses and teaches trades in doing so as the the people building will come from the township including the beneficiarys. after almost 12 months - I am now getting a little excitied.

I am looking forward to seeing you both,

Mick

Comment by Mick — February 28, 2008 @ 8:29 am
Mick - never mind nath’s love for Africa - I don’t know you and your passion for this amazing piece of soil i live on amazes and humbles me - thank you

Bill - decided we def not going to give nath anymore books - instead we going to be writing them and passing on the inspiration to others with new adventures …just thought i would give you a heads up

Marko - have fun as you plant your feet back on your mother ship so to speak.

Nath, try and absorb some of the place you are in. this may mean attempting to sit still for more than 45 seconds….challenging i know….

love lexy x

Comment by Lexy — February 28, 2008 @ 10:59 pm
Lexy,

I am sure that someday we will meet as I know you share similiar values and have a heart to see the underpriveledged given a chance to live with hope in their lives. I will be back in SA in a few months - probably for one month so who knows - this is going to be a great trip as we we be traveling through a number of townships.

Bill: who knows - maybe you just might end up in the next adventure :):):)

Nath and MArko - Smell the flowers in your life boys

God Bless

Comment by Mick — February 29, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Lexy , too late Nat is already thinking about his next adventure book or no book. Won’t tell me what at this stage. Not sure I want to know.

Mick I have absoluately no intention of roughing it on one of Nat’s adventures.
My idea of an adventure is a great view in a five star motel with a prawn in one hand and a beer in the other.
But thanks for the thought.
Cheers Bill

Comment by Bill Welch — February 29, 2008 @ 11:50 am
Congratulation Champions,

I don’t use that term lightly, good on you boys for sticking to your guns and finishing this epic tour, I can’t wait to sit down Nathan and listen to your tales from your journey. I wiil bring a whoopi cushion for my arse as i think i may be there for a while. Once again Nathan you have shown your fortitude and come through with flying colours.

Talk Soon.

Comment by Captain — February 29, 2008 @ 11:58 am
Nathan [Phil] & Mark: Well fellas at last I have put pen[or type] to paper, so to speak, to offer you
wonderful young adventures our sincere congratulations
on an outstanding achievement. After reading the previous comments I feel what I might have to say
would seem inadequate. I didn’t jump in early to comment as I thought,to say how I personally felt about your wonderful achievement would sound like a boastful old man unable to handle your success.
I am Bloody jealous. However after due thought I realised as gead of the Pyke Klan, I must say something. I mentioned in a earlier comment that Gran
had tears in her eyes as we read you had made it. I
also stated that I knew you would. I have been sure right from the day, when, outside the workroom we discussed how best to tie down the Alloy Frame to the raft, that your Expedition would be a success. I want
the THREE of you to know that you all hold a very spacial place in the hearts of the Klan and especially
in the hearts of Marie & Les.

Nathan your choise of expedition companions was perfect, as was proved by the effort and ability displayed on the journey. Our dearest wish is that
one day in the not so distant future we could hold a
reunion of EXPEDITION AMAZONAS participents.

Wishing you all three all the best for your future.

Love always, Grandma,Margy & Grumblebum.

Comment by Grumblebum — February 29, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
Nathan & Mark

Congratulations to the both of you. As usual I have no inspiring words or tear jerking statements. Just wanted you to know how proud I am of you and although you have done an amazing thing, I can’t be surprised by it. Nothing was going to stop you. Living with Nathan for a few months taught me that you really can do anything you set your mind to. It also taught me that he’s a stark raving lunatic, but a game one at that.

I’m jealous of the memories you will have saved away for the rest of your lives and the pure sense of achievement you must be feeling right now. If anyone deserves it, it’s you guys.

It goes without saying but I hope you recover well and you keep smashing whatever life throws at you.

Lots of love and best wishes.
Kat-ee

Comment by Kat — March 13, 2008 @ 12:57 pm