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This post was origionally dictated by sat phone (thanks Chloe) but updated when we just arrived in Coari. All going well - the Internet will be operational again from now on and images and videos will be back on the agenda…
This week’s progress has been somewhat comically depressing. I misinterpreted Google Earth, and the road I was aiming for turned out to be an oil pipeline. A double knock-back: we were not only losing out on what I thought would be a few days of easy walking by road – but the jungle in the area is recent grow-back from cutting in the pipeline. The going was gruelling slow in the burning equatorial sunlight as with no upper canopy to control regeneration, plants have grown vehemently to fill the space.
But the unequivocally overriding aspect of the week has been the reaffirmation that people can be incredibly kind:
We´ve been left overwhelmed by oil pipeline workers force-feeding us pork, coffee and ice-cold juice and then giving us a round of applause as we left their camp.
We´ve encountered communities looking to buy a bit of sugar and farine and have had meals cooked for us and presents of machetes given to us. Not a penny (or a Brazilian Real) accepted in return.
I´ve been physically reduced to tears (modern-day explorers are allowed to cry you know) by friends Jason and Clare, who, whilst on holiday in Thailand, decided they would give us a thousand pounds to help the expedition continue.
I think I left the UK fairly self-focused that I would get myself to the end come what may. Never did I realise how much I would need to rely on the kindness of others and how forthcoming that would be.
Thanks to everyone, in Brazil and the rest of the world for this uplifting support. With the never-tiring, ever patient, Cho along side me, I feel like the luckiest man alive.
Ed
Keep it going Ed, you are following in the footsteps of great British explorers and adventurers, that pushed themselves to the limit in order to see what was over the next hill. Love the humour!
Best wishes
Vicki
Now this post brought tears to my eyes. In a world filled with all the ups and downs, the ups and goodness of people are earth moving.
Still reading, still wishing you all the strength to finish this amazing journey you are on. All my best to Cho. What on earth does he plan to do after all of this is done… I feel as if the story must continue.
~Hugs.
Julie
Arizona
this message is for both cho and yourself ed
having done my own personal trial and experience i know just how scary and exciting this trip is to you both no matter what comes to stand in your way or hinder your leg of the journey i know that both of your determination will see you through
at the end of the day if you have food and fluid as gloria gaynor once said you will survive respect to you both and god speed
Glad to see the spirit is high.
The only jaguars around here have four rubber tires. Will be back to Pevas around February. Will try to take a boat downstream. Happy trails! Frank S
Dear Ed and Cho, congrats on passing the 600 day mark. It feels like the last 100 days has been the toughest so far. Remember the saying, it’s darkest just before dawn. Good luck, Tony
Ed and Cho,
Congrats on getting this far. Still loving reading your blogs.
Cho is a truely amazing friend and companion. 600 days is incredible.
Sam
ED
You’ve made me cry now! I know it was your turn and all that after making you ball on quite a few occaisions but still. You know how J and I feel about the trip, and if I could be with you doing it too I would. Not sure I’m tough enough (i’d like to think I am, but honestly I Know I’m not) but we are definately with you every step of the way energetically. Love you heaps big man, you know you are blessed, just hold that thought when the tough bits come round again.
Giant hugs to you and Cho
Clarita
xxx
Happy Birthday to Dad!! He would be so proud of you and what you are achieving.
Stay sfae and strong.
We all love you
AML
Squeak xxx
How wonderful that the thing that has really uplifted you is human kindness. Yes, of course you need money, food and a bit of pampering but your interpretation of it is human kindness. It’s brilliant to rely on others and know that they can rely on us too. Interdependence can make us feel vulnerable at times but you have allowed yourself to experience true satisfaction. Keep going Ed. We’re all so proud of you. Much love Tina. xx
Hi Ed and Cho,
Just read your story in daily mail in Oxfordshire - was feeling a bit sorry for myself but my ‘problems’ soon in perspective - absolutely amazing and an inspiration;take care, prayers and good vibes for your journey.
Hi Ed, Just read your story in the Daily Mail. Hats off to you and your companion. Never lose faith in what your doing..absolutely brilliant! Will follow your story all the way…The best of British to you. Take care, wish you all the success in the World. Good Luck.
There are somethings that men can only dream of doing - because we’d never have the balls to even attempt. what you’ve achieved already is mindblowing, now continue on to become legends eternal. best of luck to you both