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Stage 2 – Discover Your Own Adventure

Finally, I completed what seemed like the longest, toughest cycling I have done yet. On paper the estimated 800km of cycling should have been a breeze!

From the get go I was cycling at over 3400m above sea level, peaking at an estimated 4500 meters. However it wasn’t the altitude that made the cycling difficult. I should have known that cycling through the Andes mountains would have been predominantly ups and downs, big climbs, long descents and slow going.

During the African cross continental cycle I was averaging 100km a day, Peru I was averaging 40 km in a 9 hour cycling day. The slow going really challenges the mind more than anything, sitting on your bike for 8 – 9 hours, only to check the GPS and see I have moved a mere 35km, is gut wrenching. You can’t help but feel disappointed and frustrated in your equipment, the road, the conditions and your abilities. Sometimes venting and shouting eases the frustration. At times I would just shout and curse the conditions. I would call out the gravel roads or mountains – ‘Is this all you got?’ Fortunately I was alone in relatively unpopulated areas, so I didn’t seem like a complete nut, but I can imagine that who ever happened to see this gringo screaming and grunting in the middle of no where would have given sufficient reason to believe he was crazy and to be left alone.

The poor ungraded gravel roads and feral dogs coupled with freezing conditions and the occasional snow added to the challenge. The majority of my uphill climbing I had to unload my bicycle, placing my backpack on my back and pushing the bike uphill. The gravel roads and 30 degree inclines provided no traction for the bike which resulted in wasted cycling and going no where. Mind you, pushing the bike was just as slow going. Then the dogs – the feral dogs don’t seem to like gringoes nor bicycles and I had daily encounters with them yapping and on one occasion biting my bike and pannier bags, perhaps its their curiosity for slow moving things?

The biggest issue I faced whilst cycling was definitely the mapping. I had purchased maps from the Geographical Institute of Peru, so I suspected the maps where the most accurate, however due to Peru’s development all the maps were incorrect, even Google maps were wrong. From stating that there were roads that weren’t there; to stating there are no roads, where there actually were roads where some of the most frustrating elements of navigating my way to the desired destination. Backtracking is by far the worst part of working at reaching a destination. Mileages were wrong as were the information relating to tarred roads. Naively, I catered for tar roads. I had slick tires and a heavily loaded bike, all things that you don’t want on gravel roads. The roads were so bad, that for what seemed like hours I would be the only mode of transport on the roads. Not even the livestock used the roads, they made their own paths alongside the road, which at times I found better to cycle than the actual roads. At most intersections I would just go on gut feel and follow the path most used, sometimes I was blessed with goldmines. The development has resulted in some portions of tarred road not being mapped or commercially used, those where the goldmines! Like most goldmines, they are rare but treasured when encountered.

I did have some great 250km of tarred road, namely a 64km pure downhill stretch through the jungle. That 64km downhill tarred stretch was the best cycling I have ever experienced! I simply don’t have the words to express the ease and beauty of this cycle. If ever you visit Peru and the Inca ruins, ask any tour company about cycling the Abra Malaga pass. Many tour companies in Cusco, provide this cycle as an activity. I highly recommend it, although my experience was truly appreciated due to the fact that this downhill stretch was followed after a 60km, one and a half day pure uphill cycle. I really appreciated that downhill cycle! Amazing.

All in all, had I been more flexible and informed in plotting my route, the cycling would have been a way more fantastic experience and this was confirmed when I arrived in Cusco.

In Cusco I met over 10 different cycle tourers, mostly couples, who had been touring South America and Peru, each on their own little adventure. Meeting the cyclists and sharing stories was an incredibly uplifting experience! Of all the cyclists I had met they had great reviews and beautiful scenery on their cycling adventures, none had encountered hostility nor harassment from any South Americans and being a solo cyclist, this was great news! It builds confidence in yourself and the journey.

After cycling Africa and experiencing some hostility and harassment, Peru cycling has been a breeze in terms of human interaction. When I shared my experience of cycling Ethiopia, with the constant stone throwing and hostility/incessant curiosity, the other tourers where quite shocked at my experience but they had heard these stories of Ethiopia. Based on my experience, I believe that once you have cycled through Ethiopia, other countries you pass through seem a lot easier and welcoming.

After sharing experiences with the other cycle tourists, it got me thinking – Where are the South Africans? South Africans are some of the most outgoing and adventurous people on the planet and this is proved by the likes of some of the top Adventurers being South Africans. Yet it seems that we as South Africans are not interested in touring or truly experiencing a foreign country.

Most first world countries, namely European countries, have seen the potential in cycle touring. From the cost effective travel to the true experiencing of the culture and people. I mean, the reason for travel is to broaden ones perspective and attain new experiences, yet the majority of tourists I know just pick another spot on the planet to go and get drunk.

I personally implore you, whoever you are, to get on a bike and go tour. It doesn’t have to be thousands of kilometers or a multitude of countries. It can be a 2 week getaway, with your partner or friends, to cycle a few hundred kilometers to the destinations you choose. It is the most affordable and exhilarating experience you will ever have in a foreign country, that I guarantee. You can have a truly unique experience with the opportunity to go back home with a possibly healthier, stronger body and mind!

Having the experience of cycling a few countries, my goal is not to discourage one with the incidents that have happened on my journeys. We all experience challenges and the challenges you face on a bicycle seat are minor in comparison to the challenges we face living in a fast paced, stressful lifestyle. I wish to encourage you, as a healthy alternative to go tour and discover your own adventure. The personal accomplishments and experiences unique to you as an individual are what make the travel a journey and adventure. There is no fancy brochure to lure you into a little adventure, but I have the personal experience to say that every human I have ever met has the capability to get on a bike and experience a new country and culture. What I can guarantee is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life, it will be an experience that encourages growth, a shift in perspective and probably the most overall healthy getaway you may experience.

My personal overall goal is to use adventure to inspire each and every one I may reach, to empower and inspire themselves, creating a chain reaction of inspiration and empowerment – inspiring you to inspire me. Imagine what a world we would live in if everyone inspired everyone to be better humans, humans of integrity and peace. Like a bunch of mini Mandela’s. That is a world I wish to strive for, a world of unity built on each individuals unique and productive role on planet Earth. Cycle touring is just one example of providing the platform for a bit of personal growth and for that reason let a bicycle be your guru for a few days – it works!

Choose to Live Inspired…

 

Stage One – The Cold, Altitude & Isolation

The Amazon source to sea navigation officially commenced on Sunday the 1st of July 2012.

After being treated like royalty, with 3 meals a day for the first week courtesy of Cesar and Maria Fernandini, my spirits were on a high. The official journey only started at Tuti, where I would attempt to summit Mount Mismi, the galcial meltwater source of the Amazon River, however I decided to get a just over a hundred kilometers in, as part of training and testing the equipment. Keeping the training schedule in mind I departed from Lima to Arequipa via bus. A great experience, as the bus systems offer big seats, english movies (the actual movie was a film with Halle Berry and Great White Sharks in Cape Town – what a coincidence! Cape Town is my home) and even a midnight round of bingo for the passengers – I lost, but the hostess incorporated everyone into the game and made it quite jovial with the loud speaker and interviewing each contestant.

I arrived inn Arequipa the following morning and thankfully had Dave, an American on his own journey, to assist in setting up my bike in the bust terminal. I was off and had an expected 30 km to Yura, then a further 150km to Tuti to accomplish within 5 days. After completing the African cross content cycle and maintaining an average daily mileage of just over 100km I thought I would easily accomplish the journey within 5 days, however I didn’t take the altitude into consideration. Beginning at over 2500 metres in altitude, my going was slow and the 30 km to Yura took 4 hours! I was exhausted. I booked into a cosy hostel, slept the night and was off again early morning.

Due to the various stages of the Amazon source to sea navigation, all my equipment (besides my kayak) is carried with me on the bike – the total weight of food, equipment and bike is over 50 kgs ad then add me onto of that!

The following day from Yura, I managed a measly 25km in 7 hours!  An old injury from surfing had come back to haunt me and the result was a painfully torn groin, to the point that my right leg would cramp up every time I sat on the bicycle because of other muscles compensating for the torn groin. I had to resort to pushing the bike for  the last 15 kms. I suppose that is to be expected when going into such an adventure with no training – the last time I was on a bicycle was the Cape Argus and before that was July 2011 after the Africa cycle.

I made camp that night, so I was just out of view from the road – it was freezing and isolated, besides the few trucks that passed every hour or so. That night I was kept awake due to the throbbing of my groin and the cold, it was only the training stage! Not being able to move my leg when I awoke, I packed up camp and headed to the road to hitch a ride to the official starting point of the adventure – Tuti. Fortunately I was picked up by a family in a Toyota Hilux.

I was in Tuti with in 2 hours and gave myself 4 days of rest until I would embark on the official adventure.

Tuti is a beautiful and small town, that still shows old Spanish signs of colonial architecture. This town of no more than 60 people is my official starting point. After a few days rest, I was off on my solo navigation from Source to Sea of the Amazon river.

Day 1 -  I started my ascent on Sunday 1 July 2012 at 8 30 am, my only bearing was a cross at the top of a mountain overshadowing the Tuti community. I managed a 15km hike gaining altitude from 3800 metres to 4800 where I set up my first camp.  It was bitterly cold and I was not prepared for such extreme weather conditions, my equipment was revolved around more tropical and wet conditions, such as the Amazon river due to the majority of the navigation taking place on the warmer river itself.

 

Day 2 – After a freezing sleepless night, I set off to make base camp just below the passage I would hike through in order to reach the summit. I was up, packed and on the move by 8 30 am. I covered good ground and at 10 30 I stopped near a glacial stream to cook up some oats fro a breakfast/lunch. By 4pm I had reached base camp, just below the pass at 5100 metres. I set up camp and had lentils and quinoa cooking within the hour. The sunset lead to a rapid decrease in temperature, so I planned to be set up, eaten and dressed warm by 6 pm. Cooking requires twice the time and resources in such high altitude but fortunately I was tented up by 6 30pm.

Wearing 2 pairs of thermal pants, 2 pairs of socks, 2 thermal tops, a jacket, a jersey, gloves, a balaclava and ear warmers all tucked into a sleeping bag, travel sheet, half body sized inflatable mattress and my feet and legs where further packed into my hiking bag – I was still freezing.

Day 3 – I was up at 7am and set off to summit within a three hour period. At 5670 metres above sea level, I was anxious about altitude sickness. At age 16 I attempted Killimanjaro but fell ill to altitude sickness around 5000 metres, showing cases of dizziness, vomitting and nausea. The night before at base camp I suffered nauseating headaches and thought this was due to altitude sickness, only to realize that I had made a pillow around my water bottle which had frozen and caused ice cream headaches from the cold and not the altitude – I was relieved!

In my summit attempt I was guided by 2 way points – 1 way point to access a pass where I could further follow the ridge and the second which gave the co ordinates of the summit point. Once entering the glacier covered ridge I had no way points or routes. The glaciers had been formed into 1 foot deep and separated sheaths which made going slow and the possibility of injuring my ankles a real issue. I followed, what seemed to be trails, but were actually shifts in the glaciers due to wind movements. At around 10 30 am, as planned I summited what I thought was the peak which included a 100 metre crawl on all fours to navigate the glacier sheaths. To my disappointment and frustrations, I had followed a non existent route and summited the wrong peak. I was now separated from the official peak by a 15 metre distance and a 1 foot ridge with a sheer cliff face on the opposite side. Having summed up all my energy to summit, I was now faced with the decision of having to re summit the mountain from a different side. After a  few frustrated moments I was left with no choice but to summit from the other side, this meant a 150 metre drop to the base and a further 500 metres to get to the correct side where I could re summit. The arduous process added an extra 2 hours to my summiting.

 

 

 

At 12 30am I summited Mount Mismi, exhausted, emotional and numb. The summiting was followed by a few phone calls and some pictures. From the summit I plotted my route back to the pass and attempted to reach base camp within an hour as it seemed like an easier plotted a descent. I created a new route to base camp by following rocks stacked on each other as marking points, these marking only lead me in zigzags and turned the 1 hour proposed descent into a 3 hour frustrating round about. Its even more frustrating seeing base camp but being met by impassable valleys that one has to go around.

I was tired, frustrated and hungry as I had only consumed 2 bananas, a pack of oreos and an orange that whole day. My 4 hour summit and descent to base camp, turned into an 8 hour ordeal of navigating the Mount Mismi ridge and summiting twice. I packed up camp as quickly as possible and headed for low altitude, due to the fact that I could not handle another below -10 degree sleepless night. I gained sufficient ground in the last 2 hours of sunlight and set up tent in a deserted rock boma used by the alpaca and lama herders.

Day 4 – After another sleepless, freezing and uncomfortable night I was packed and on the move by 8 am. I decided not to eat and use what little time and energy to return back to Tuti. I managed a full descent to Tuti within 8 hours of pure hiking and maintaining motivation by the thought of a coca cola, rice and potatoes on my return. I made Tuti by 4 pm and headed straight for the only ‘restaurant’ in town. I gobbled down two plates of rice and potatoes and 2 Coca Colas. After the last 2 days of hiking and only consuming a pack of oreos, 2 bananas and an orange, the rice and potatoes were like pure nirvana.

I was naive going into the summit of Mount Mismi and was told by locals that a guide is essential, I refused as this would take away the credibility of solo navigation. The thought of being isolated kept my mind focused and somehow sustained my energy through ought the hike.

Having summited Mount Mismi and returning to Tuti, the journey has officially begun, well the first stage is completed. In terms of environment and terrain, that is the worst out of the way. Altitude and cold are not my forte, as is the slow going of hiking. Warmer climates, and more efficient modes of transport, such as bicycle and kayak, are my thing – being able to cover good distances keeps the spirits high as it feels like I am actually going somewhere, somewhere closer to home!

Despite the frustrations and cold experienced, the solitude provides the platform to really work on ones self. To find your own forms of motivation, rectify any negative and pessimistic inner dialogue and truly trust in yourself and your decisions. It was a great privillege to delve into the personal mind and spirit and see what moves and stops you. Even though it is only the first and smallest stage, in terms of milage, the pure isolation and self reliance provides a great platform into the next stages of navigating the Amazon from its source to the sea.

 

Lima, Peru & Positive Reinforcements

Well the flight into Peru was rather chaotic. I was heavily over weight for the flight (20kg’s). Fortunately I had my support system (mom, girlfriend and brother) there helping me out, and most fortunate of all were my moms tears that seemed to strike sympathy in the check in clerks heart and I was allowed to pass through being so over weight…

After the early and somewhat chaotic start, I boarded my international flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil where I would then connect to reach Lima, Peru. Whilst listening to the pilot mentioning the expected weather, time of arrival and conditions for flying, I heard the pilot say ‘Relax and enjoy the comfortable flight to Beunos Aires, Argentina!’ This startled me as, last I checked, I was supposed to be flying to Sao Paulo, Brazil. I was slightly shocked and told the flight hostess I was on the wrong flight, but it was to late so I just thought as long as I am in South America I can make my way to Peru.

However, turned out I was on the right flight but due to my own negligence I failed to communicate with my travel agent to see the flight itinerary, man I felt like a fool, especially after the oldish couple behind me were real sympathetic towards my boarding of the wrong flight.

Having reached Lima after a full 24 hours of flying. I was greeted to a bustling city plastered with massive commercial business billboards in a somewhat, first world city! It was 11pm at night and the city was as alive as it is in the day! Pleading my ignorance I was unaware that I was stepping into such a first world city, I expected a smallish city with a few high rise buildings and some commercially marketed brands, such as Coca Cola! Lima is more than that, its like a piece of America stamped on the South American continent.

I am fortunate enough to be hosted by the welcoming Fernandini family and due to their hospitality I have managed to get a lot done in a little time, thus the adventure will commence sooner than planned – this Tuesday, 26 June and not the 1 July as planned.

After collecting updated maps of the Peru region, I was able to precisely plot the adventure, well the first two stages, hiking and cycling.

Tuesday I will catch a bus from Lima to Arequipa. I wanted to get a bit of cycling done before hand, in order to warm up the legs and mind before heading up Mount Mismi, the source of the Amazon. Fortunately Arequipa is approx 145km from Chivay. Chivay is the closest town to the 18000 ft. Mount Mismi Source.

So the proposed itinerary is a 145km cycle from Arequippa to Chivay (approx 2 days cycling – its is straight uphill as I climb altitude in the Andes mountains), followed by a 5 day hike to the source of the Amazon on Mount Mismi, then a 456km cycle to Cusco (land of the Inca trail and Machu Pichu ruins) and lastly a 400km cycle stretch to San Francisco, where the paddling will commence. The total cycling and hiking will roughly equate to 1000km and a 19 day completion goal (if all goes well).

Having just returned from the South African embassy in Lima, after notifying them of my adventure plans. I was somewhat down after the chat we had, as I received more bad news and shock stories than positive details on the region I am about to depart to.  I understand the stories are based on precaution and issuing a sense of awareness to the region, never the less, its amazing what someone else’s precautionary opinions can do towards your own mindset, goals and assumptions. Even unintentional negativity has negative effects.

As an individual partaking in an event that is slightly out of the ordinary, one caters for all issues and understand the dynamics of such events, but it is still not worth hearing the negativity. We are all aware of what may and can go wrong in every facet of our life, but being reminded of the wrongs takes focus away from the amazing experiences that one will encounter.

In my opinion, I would say that no matter the individuals dreams and pursuits, always positively encourage and reinforce, regardless of what the outcome may be -  rather be wrong about being positive and optimistic, than right about being negative and pessimistic. More often than not, I like being right and make sure I have information to back my opinions but sometimes being right or ‘I told you so’ isn’t worth the pessimism. Encourage and positively reinforce anyone when you have the chance and believe in your encouragement and praise, for I firmly believe that enough belief in others capabilities will cause you, the individual, to believe even more so in your self and your own capabilities. If you can program your mind to believe in others no matter what their goals, you will unconsciously program yourself into believing and trusting more so in you and your goals!

Luckily, in my returning to the Fernandini’s house, I was greeted with some local insight into all the vegan super foods, which included a beautifully prepared avocado salad with an onion, garlic mash from a local potato. I also was treated to coca leaf tea (yes its the leaf from the cocaine plant), but in its natural form it is more of a digestive and a natural way of combatting the effects of altitude. I also feasted on a lovely fruit that is boiled on hot water and served hot as its raw state is very acidic, but my word it was good! Like a fruit version of apple crumble! Next stop is a shop in the local market to pick up supplies of all the power foods that will sustain me on such a journey. I will be keeping a log of all my vegan delights,  the fruits and vegetables!

In Peru, lunch is the main meal, a big lunch and social gathering followed by a light dinner and good sleep! The lunch lifted my spirits and the excitement of new vegan foods restored my positivity towards the adventure.

Tuesday begins a new chapter in my book of lessons learned through adventure…

 

 

The Argus Preparation

This past week had me participating in what some deem as the worlds greatest
cycling race ‘The Cape Argus’ – 106km race around Cape Town, through
breathtaking scenery and a few tough climbs.

Going into the event pretty green, in terms of road cycling, I managed to
complete the cycle in 5 hours (my 50 year old father clocked 3hours 30). So not an impressing time in the broad scheme of things, especially having the experience of a cross continent cycle… In my defense I had not sat on a bicycle seat since July 2011, before jumping straight into the seat of a new racing bicycle and staring at the start line for the Argus 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

According to me, myself & I…Touring and racing are two completely different
styles of cycling. I decided to compile a comparison list comparing the two
different angles to a similar sport to appeal at a favorite.

Racers vs Tourers

  • Racers go for good time in distance; tourers go for distance irrespective of a good
    time.
  • Racers are focused on the road; tourers admire the scenery.
  • Racers banter on dynamics and logistics of the bicycle; tourers banter on
    dynamics and logistics of the route.
  • Racers are focused on dropping bicycle weight to gain an advantage; tourers are
    focused on packing the correct equipment to gain an advantage.
  • The price of a decent racing bike is equivalent to the average tourers bicycle,
    equipment and itinerary budget.
  • Racers discuss ideal times for a race; tourers discuss ideal destinations.
  • Racers ride hard and relax after; tourers ride hard, long and receive no luxuries
    and minimal relaxation.
  • Racers share the roads, primarily with other cyclists; tourers share the roads
    with cars, people, donkey carts, animals and pretty much every other kind of
    transportation both primitive and current.
  • Racers have lap times to commemorate a good bicycle; tourers have memories
    and experiences to commemorate a great bicycle.
  • Racing bikes are built to deteriorate or be replaced; touring bicycles are built to
    last.
  • Racers have teams and pelotons; tourers have isolation and singularity.
  • Racers shave their legs; tourers grow their beards.
  • Racers follow marshals and temporary signboards for direction; tourers follow
    maps, GPS and road signs.

However in observing and experiencing the two cycling sports I have come to realize they hold nothing in similarity… it is like comparing football to rugby on
the basis that both sports use a ball and take place on a field.

For now I am enthusiastic about participating in both sports, racing for the social
atmosphere and platform to push ones cycling capabilities; touring for the sheer
experience and thought of knowing that you are creating an experience that is
unique only to you.

Now begins the training for the Andean cycle, as part of the Amazon trip… Will I
go for a good time or a good distance?

Progress and success

It is a great weight off ones shoulders to no that the World Wonderer, Amazon Source to Sea project is fully financially backed…

The biggest ‘pre adventure’ goal is receiving sponsorship and financial means to achieve such a notable project.

Sponsors, ideally want guaranteed exposure – personally I can guarantee exposure but document wise, there is not much guarantee of exposure.

What you are selling initially is an idea, an idea that relies on so many elements that are beyond your capability of forseeing, kind of like appealing for a loan for your business idea – only, in this case, the investors/sponsors are rewarded with exposure and marketing, no actual financial return in terms of money.

Its like trying to guarantee the content of the news, one never knows what stories may make headlines papers and the nature of the articles but one can always guarantee that there will be news… Get my drift?

So instead of just appealing for sponsorship and finances, with no real guarantee, I received some great advice as how to structure a proposal instead of just appealing for money. Taking the adventure and turning it into a business platform, where financial backing is exchanged for rights to the content of the adventure. It then becomes an investment project.

If one can guarantee the projects content will make for excellent footage and coupled with a great underlying story, the project now has a broader focus – to be on film.

To have a project fully financed without needing a camera crew or signed allocation to be on tv, opens up so many doors and creates those guarantees branded sponsors seek – an exposure avenue.

The underlying value and appeal of the film is that guerrilla approach, where I do all my own filming all by myself, eliminating the viewers idea that I had a camera crew to support me. A totally unique concept that engages the viewer on and off the screen.

Many tv shows, especially out door related, have this rough and tough natured man in the wilderness, while ‘back at the ranch’ off camera he is in a 5 star hotel living it up.

The Amazon project is what you see is what you get, no behind the scenes – what’s on screen is the window which will showcase the rawness of such a project.

In having the finances to go for your own sellable documentary for the fraction of what it would take with a camera crew and support, you now have the platform to keep your equipment sponsors satisfied with long term exposure and a guarantee that the adventure and equipment will be showcased during and after the actual experience.

Yes there are risks attached to this, but risk is a word that either strikes fear or inspires determination. Choose what risk means to you and then you can truly discover what rewards entail.

Funny how things work out… More evidence that you just got to do what you can, with what you got at this point in time. Things materialize when you take action, sitting and thinking is the initial step but with out action nothing will result. If, anything this small yet crucial experience has taught me that anything is possible when humans are in the equation.

 

Learn to take action, coupled with thought, determination and faith in your ability. That brilliant business idea you have – put it into physical form, make the idea tangible and physical. That person you want as a partner – don’t just say great things do great things, don’t say Love, DO Love. Take action, physical action and results will appear, maybe not the results that you ideally believe should be implaced, but remember that what ever is out there, that system has foresight that humans lack. We don’t see the BIG, REALLY BIG picture – the universes governing system does and this only becomes apparent when taking action with belief and faith in you.

Don’t sweat the small stuff either, for example I knew why I wanted to go for such a project, I never knew how and still don’t no how it will turn out – the ‘how’s’ are up in the air and not for me to decide. I decide the ‘why’s', that life governing system creates the ‘how’s’. Know, to your core, ‘why’ you have to do something and take action, the ‘how’ will fall into place.  The unknown ‘how’ is what makes life beautiful, spontaneous and incredible!

Imagine if you knew how everything turned out? There would be no surprise, excitement, lessons, spontaneity, change and all those other words that evoke the most incredible human emotions. There would be no unknown, no butterflies, no goose bumps and no tears. Embrace the why’s, faith in the how’s!

To Live is an action, not a thought alone. Thoughts are your blueprint so make sure they are structured to enable your actions to produce the results. Think to Live, Live through Action.

‘DO or DO NOT, there is no TRY’ – Yoda

Live Inspired.

@DaveyduPlessis, the World Wonderer

35 comments

  1. sustanon says:

    I admit, I have not been on worldwonderer.co.za in a long time however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people more aware of possible issues.

    Reply
  2. Wendy Dewberry says:

    Id like to follow your blog while in the Amazon….please add my email address for notifications. You are very brave and wish you the best of everything. I was at BHTC with your mom. Well done

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Will do Wendy, the content will be blogged as often as possible, depending on communication access. I will be sending regular txts that will be put onto twitter and the facebook group, which will be snippets of daily info.

      Reply
  3. MJ and RJ says:

    Happy birthday Davey darling. Good luck for your adventure this month. We love you xxxxx

    Reply
  4. Kyle says:

    Yekshimaj! my name are kyle! you are a hero Cuz! truly wish you all the happiness and safe blessings on this frikkin huuuuge adventure. you have the support of thousands and love of millions in doing what you are doing. good luck, and see you soon!

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Kylie, there are days when I really wish I had your humor and vibrant spirit around to lift me up. Thank you for the love and encouragement!

      Reply
  5. West Hansen says:

    Pretty exciting journey! We’ll see you down there, I’m sure.

    Reply
    • davey says:

      West, looking at your abilities and experience you will be passing me very shortly. If there is anything I can provide information wise I would be happy to help. See you on the river!

      Reply
  6. Chan says:

    Looking forward to seeing some pics! sending you lots of love xxx

    Reply
    • davey says:

      I definitely need your expertise on photography, send me some tips and crib notes from the photography course. I didn’t realize how important photography is until the adventure, one picture can relate a message and feeling that words can’t do…

      Reply
  7. Robyn says:

    Darling, I read your blog, did not realize that you went thru so much getting to Lima, and your information from the embassy. You will be fine. You have the right attitude, and what wise words for a young man. Take care my boy.

    Reply
  8. Em Hellens says:

    Thinking of you Davey, all the best!! xxx

    Reply
  9. matty says:

    aweh Davey,just did a 21 day vegan fast and thought of you ekse!
    Good luck for your journey and look forward to hear your stories when you complete it!!!will keep you in pray

    lakka =)

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Nice Matt, I am guessing it was that vegan birthday dinner we had that swayed you!? Thanks for your support Matty and inspiring to hear you doing different things and being the difference!

      Reply
  10. Robyn says:

    Thinking of you Davey, well done for getting to the top so the Andes alone with freezing weather and altitude. I have to say I worry about you xxxx cnt wait for more news xxxx

    Reply
  11. Devon Thomson says:

    Davey!! Keep it up bru. We all behind you and back you 100% to complete this thing. Big love brother

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Thomo all the encouragement and love make the journey that much easier! Thank you and wish you were here, however you would leave me in your wake during the paddling! Ha, thank Thomo.

      Reply
  12. Thea says:

    Love reading your blog, friend of your mums once used some of your climbing gear..been to that part of the world loved the amazon and macho pichu. Stay safe. Know that your achievements are amazing you will have the best of memories, and ar one of the few living life to the full . What next.? Congo river, always been my dream

    Reply
    • davey says:

      From what I have experienced of the Amazon so far it is incredible! Unfortunately I didn’t get to visit Machu Pichu.
      I am guessing you know the feelings and desires adventure brings out… It becomes a craving for new experiences. The Congo?! Maybe… Possibly… Probably…
      Thank you for the support Thea!

      Reply
  13. Kyle lane says:

    Doop nice to see you survived your 1st stage bro! Good luck for your next 1. Just remeber you not missing out on much here in Cape Town! Weathers so shit and absolutely no waves!
    Keep well and all the best!

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Been seeing a few waves on the Lima coast but nothing special. Thank you for the support Goon, despite not missing anything in CT, I am looking forward to getting home and having a nice comfy bed!

      Reply
  14. Bones Weare says:

    Keep it going Davey!
    Sounds like you’re doing well so far – all the best when you’re on the water!
    Stay safe.

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Thank you Bones, appreciate the support! Didnt get the chance to see Machu Pichu though, but did cycle right next to it. Maybe we plan a future South American excursion…

      Reply
  15. Rochelle says:

    Enjoying your diary entries. Looking forward to the updates. Keep it up, hope to hear first hand about your experience.

    Reply
  16. Jamaica says:

    Hey you crazy KID!!!!

    You really are something out of this world…. So incredibly proud of you and I can only wish you all the best of luck in the world!! Hope everything is going just great and I’m sure uv met some interesting characters thus far!!! Family talk about you on the daily and they all send their love!! Mom telling all her friends about you, she’d make a damn good publicist;)

    Keep safe Davey…. Think about you always, wishing you all the fun, success and happiness the Amazon has to offer you!!

    Love you-byeeeeee xxx

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Thank you Jam. Kind words and encouragement keep me motivated and inspired. I am looking for a good publicist…
      The journey has most certainly been an adventure thus far and if my Spanish was better I would probably be able to relate to the interesting characters I have met – its mostly smiling and saying Si! in the conversations.
      Appreciate the support!

      Reply
  17. Daya says:

    you have embarked upon a formidable journey, which is only taken on by a formidable man. Your courage , fortitude and hopefully sound judgement will forever be an example.Brucie ,Jack Bridgie and myself wish you all the greatest fun, luck , satisfaction and safety that you so deserve, and that this journey will be what you want it to be.

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Thank you Daya for your kind words, appreciate all the support from you and the fan. looking forward to sharing the experience when I get home.

      Reply
  18. Debbie Bouch says:

    Have been following you…..in absolute awe of what you are attempting to achieve and what a difference you are making in our world!! You are an absolute inspiration to us all. So happy that you have become part of the Fernandini family – they are so hospitable. Keep that positivity flowing and make us all proud. Take good care of yourself and God bless you x

    Reply
    • davey says:

      Thank you Debbie for all your support. I really appreciate your kind and uplifting words. Knowing that the adventure is making any form of difference is the goal, so thank you for the encouragement!

      Reply
  19. Rochelle says:

    Davey,

    Love the pics you post. Beautiful country. Sounds like navigating the terrain with a bicycle is not an easy thing to do. If yelling into the mountains helps to get the job done then yell all the way to the sea…

    Reply
    • davey says:

      The beautiful scenery makes it difficult to not get great photos! It is a magnificent environment! Had i chosen a better route I think the cycling would have been way more enjoyable I am hoping the river will yield less issues in navigating – the flowing river is a privilege as it works for you even when you not doing much work!

      Reply
  20. julie stofberg says:

    Hi Davey, I think about you so often, your trip so far sounds challenging and exciting. Oh my word you are brave!!!! Be safe DAvey and I look forward to reading about your different stages of this adventure. Love you Davey, look after yourself and keep those spirits positive and happy.I am sure there are many times when this is really hard. I hope the weather and conditions are kind to you. Lots of love Davey. Xxxxxx

    Reply

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