Its been a while since our last update, so we'll fill you in on whats been happening over the last month.
It's all systems go here at Sepik2010 headquarters, with only four weeks to go and a whole bunch of To-Do's still left to tick off. We've had a fantastic response from sponsors thus far and are pleased to welcome Australian Geographic and Trek and Travel to the team. Australian Geographic have helped out Aussie adventurers since the dawn of time and its great to be associated with them on this expedition. Trek and Travel are a Sydney based outdoor equipment and clothing store. If you're planning a trip and you want the right equipment, go have a chat with any of the guys (and girls) there. They know their stuff!!!
Last weekend, we headed out to the Colo river valley in the Blue Mountains on the hunt for some rapids to test out our lime green rapid machine (inflatable kayak). We plan on taking it down the first section of the Sepik where rapids will most likely be in abundance. The aim was to get dropped in near the river, at the end of a fire trail and make our way down some 40km or so of rapids to where our pickup awaited the next day. This was the plan anway, and as always, the best laid plans can come unstuck.
In reality, we got dropped off half way down the fire trail because the road was getting too much for the car... and after a solid hike in carrying all our gear (including kayak)... the fire trail abruptly ended. From here it was a bush bash down to the canyon wall where we struggled to find a path leading into the canyon. As darkness fell the trail became harder and harder to spot and with our water supply running out we decided to back track and camp for the night at the end of the fire trail. With only one day left to get on the water... we decided to hike back out to the highway and hitch a ride back to the river to maximise the time spent paddling and testing our gear. Being two such good looking and trustworthy roosters we were picked up almost immediately by a great bloke called Peter who dropped us on the river at midday. The afternoon was spent paddling the beautiful Colo river which was more like fun than training!
All in all a successful hit out although we were disappointed not to get into the canyon and rapids, but unfortunately time didn't allow a re-attack... maybe next weekend. Over the next month we still need to find some whitewater to train on, practise our abseiling (for when any cliffs we come across in PNG), get the remainder of our gear and see if we can fit it all into our packs. Then theres still the matter of flights, accommodation in Port Moresby, insurance, visas, food and all sorts of necessary evils to attend to. As always its going to be a hectic last few weeks.
Also, here's some pics from the weekend.
We'll keep you posted on our progress over the coming days and weeks.
Clark and Johnno.
