The blogs are kindly sponsored by The Energy Brokers
Whilst walking, Cho and I dream about arriving in the next jungle town. Eating well and sipping beers whilst chatting to friendly Brazilians.
Somehow the reality is always less glamorous. I have spent literally days on, or waiting for, the telephone whilst hanging half out of the hostel window attempting to get the Internet link working again. For the geeks amongst you that want to know how we fixed it - we had to do a remote factory reset on the BGAN (for some reason harder from a Mac) and when it rebooted it purred like a kitten and the comforting sight of my twitter homepage appeared. Thanks Dan and Gary from AST – we got there in the end.
Pete, the sponsor who was walking with us for just over three weeks, leaves today to head back to the UK.
His being here made me realise how difficult the expedition has become and its only down to his physical and mental robustness that he coped at all. He was thrown in somewhat at the deep end – a very tough individual - who had this to say:
“As I entered my hotel room in Coari the sanitised relief was very welcoming indeed. I carefully removed my boots and socks and looked down at my dirty, aching feet covered in sores from the abrasive white sand that gets into your boots and socks after crossing many jungle rivers. I painfully walked to the bathroom and looking in the mirror I hardly recognised myself: mangled hair and beard growth with a gaunt, sunburned face looking back at me.
I had lost over six kilos in weight and my calf muscles were aching so much I needed pain killers for relief. But at least I was still alive and reasonably well! My 24 days walking in the Amazonian jungle with Ed and Cho were over.
I considered myself well prepared for this trek after months of training, but I did not realise how tough it would really be. Each ravine we climbed my heart and lungs were at bursting point. To add to this we were consistently climbing over and under fallen trees dodging bees nests, razor grass and other spiky plants of which their were many. The thought of treading on a venomous snake did not even cross my mind I was so engrossed in just getting through each day, which did not end until we had all cleared a space put up hammocks, washed ourselves then cleaned our clothes, made fire, and cooked and ate our food.
It was an experience i will never forget, and i know both Ed and Cho have the stamina and determination to finish their incredibly difficult journey.
Good luck to you both. Pete”
Only two weeks until HRH The Prince of Wales gives his opening speech at the Copenhagen Climate Conference. This recent video is from the Prince’s Rainforests Project.
Ed
can the web administrator please do something to the message from Pete so that it is all visible?
thanks
Well done Pete !! This will not make you any better of a person than you already are but the last 24 days will give you a life changing experience that most of us will never have the chance to achieve in our Lives. Great to see your Photo, maybe a little thinner but you are still smiling.
A huge thank you to Ed and Cho from the bottom of our hearts for keeping Pete safe, and good luck on the rest of your journey.
Cant wait to see Pete, we have all missed him.
Much love from us all.
Hi Ed I just read an amazing article about your journey on the Daily Mail website and I just want to say I think what your doing is amazing! You are an inspiration, good luck with everything - I hope there is going to be a book when you’re done :0)
x
raf phoenix aged 10 sends message to ed stafford and guide …..
‘MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU’
Just read about your adventure on the Daily Mail website. I think what you are doing is amazing. I’ve already sent your blog to friends and colleagues to follow. Keep up the good work. You are doing what many of us can only dream of doing. x
Hi guys,
only just discovered your blog via Twitter couple of nights ago. Am totally in awe & amazed by the scope of your undertaking. Awesome!!Am now really only a armchair traveller now with 2 kids, but did some heavy travelling of my own when in the Merchant Navy, even saw the Amazon on a few occasions ,however Belem, Porto do Moz and Santarem are as far as I got, and none of them were much to shout about, lol.However, every time I was there I longed to walk into the Jungle & discover the real Amazonia. So do it for all of us who longed for it but never managed it. Just to give you a flavour of home, have started putting the Christmas decorations out and trimmed the tree. Happy walking, and my thoughts and some envy for your adventure are with you.
hey Ed,
just read about what you are doing in the daily mail and all i can say is, i respect you and everyone helping you! this is a mammoth adventure. . .one i would love to do myself, and you need all the support you can get, i cant beleive this is he first ive heard of this after almost 2 years of you starting!
anyway good luck and have fun.
just read about your journey
its great just what us arm chair explorers need to inspire us
at last something worth reading about
look foreward to hearing more
and reading the book when youve written it which i hope you will
Ed and Cho words are not enough to describe my admiration at what you guys are trying to accomplish….just gonna leave it at “wow”…..stay strong and my deepest respect….Bill
I’ve just this minute finished reading the article in the Daily Mail about your adventure. I am struggling to describe the admiration and wonder for what you are doing. There is no way for me to imagine what amazing experiences you are having and hardships you are enduring but I would just like to wish you all the best for a safe and enjoyable trip. I’m sure a lot of people are amazed and impressed at what you are doind and I am equally sure your friends and family are very proud of what you have so far achieved.
I have just read the article. You are the real role model for the young of today instead of the so called celebrity. A modern day adventurer truly inspiring. I hope you bring out a book about your journey. I wish you well.
Hi Ed & Cho, hope you are doing well, I think what you are doing is amazing, and hope more than anything that you acheive your goal, we will be thinking about you.
Lots of love from 3 girls in Yorkshire! xx
OMG, just read the article in the mail (there’s a good photo of you to), and I just wanted to say Hi and to tell you how amazing you are. Good luck with the final stretch. I also take Nytol on occasions, zzzzz, take care and what the hell will you do next?? Xxxx
Why have we not heard about Ed previously - like most of the comments I have seen this for the first time on Daily Mail.
Why - because Ed’s not doing this for fame and fortune, he’s an explorer and obviously craves the excitment of it all.
Like Andreas I am totally in awe and jealous of his achievements so far - all the best. JHPR
You both are truely amazing…mad but amazing!! Hopefully now the Daily Mail has published your story, you’ll get some more well deserved donations to help you through this fantastic journey! Good luck boys …and watch out for the big cats?? Best Wishes Diane x
well, Ed… what an article.. am so proud of you,
David and i have just been to Ethiopia and thought that was hard.. what softees we are!
Getting good response to the supper… so should send you some money out in the next few weeks..and then it will be your birthday.. hope we get a phone call again.. everyone is here for Christmas.. look after yourself the best you possibly can.. we all miss you lots Gillie xx
Hi Ed, What you are achieving is absolutely fantastic, you have the determination and motivation which many of us simply do not have.. saw your article in DailyMail - will try to donate some cash - have a beer or three on me! take Care of yourself and try to keep a sense of humour when the going gets tough. laura
Hello Ed,
I am a 14 year old girl and I admire you! I think ou are amazing! you should be our prime minister!
What you are doing means the world to me, so please carry on going!
Maybe one day I can follow in your footsteps too!
Thank-you so much for doing this journey and you truly are a hero!
I Love You, Ed, Carry on going!
Hannah -xoxoxo- =)
P.s. I hope to do the same as you only I will be the second, you will always be number one!
Hello Ed,
I just read the article about you in the Daily Mail and am truly blown away by your accomplishments. Its so encouraging and inspiring to read the spirit of adventure and humanity’s desire to do the undoable is still alive. The best of luck on your journey, I can’t wait to read of your success.
Gessi
Wow !!! Amazing truly inspirational my boys are 8 and 10 really love reading and learning about the Amazon and jungles and here you are walking making your way through this brutal journey.
We salute you and will be with you all the way.
Georgi. Oscar. and Finlay xxx
Ed - not bad going for a craphat.
Keep on tabbing and don’t jack!
All the best
Jim
Good luck, matey. Very impressed by what you’re doing. Keep going, you’ll make it. You are what this country needs, and what originally made it Great. Best wishes for a successful outcome.
Dear Ed & Cho,
I am in Manaus. I arrived two weeks ago. I tried to raise interest in the Dutch media for you. Nobody answered. I leave in one week, but I will be back in the region next march. Manaus is hot, fires in Iranduba and a lot of smoke over the town. Copenhagen is far away. Take care. All the best.
Cornell
Dear Ed & Cho,
The website I read, Fark.com, put up a link today to the Daily Mail article about your adventures. Just wanted to say you now have some Farkers on your side, following your journey and hoping for a book when it’s over! Best wishes! Julie
It’s good to see that there are people like you two. You’ll definitely make it if your luck holds. It’s so interesting to watch you guys constantly appraising your situation, and accepting the huge risks with such full knowing and commitment.
Hi Ed.
Read the article in the Daily Mail yesterday. Sent you a donation. Will continue to send more when I can. I think you are amazing. A true expolorer and an inspiration. Keep safe, stay as healthy as you can. Godspeed Ed and Cho. Have been in touch with Carnaby films. Hope the directors will help to sponser you. Fingers crossed!!
Hi Ed
Just wanted to drop a line to say that you are truly an inspiration and that my brother and I are watching closely on your progress. We look forward to seeing you achieve your legendary goal of walking the Amazon. Remarkable!
Tim.
Keep it up. I wish I would’ve known about this sooner. I am definitely going to follow you and share your story with the listeners of WMMR in Philly. You are outstanding. Keep the good work up.
Hi guys, read about your experience in the Daily Mail and have nothing but respect for you. It’s a pity that your journey has not been given more exposure elsewhere instead of those idiots in TV land, how hard they got it!!!! Good luck for the rest of the trip and hope you can keep us updated as and when you can. Stay safe.
Hi Ed,
Have contacted friends in Australia.
Lets see if they can help
Fingers crossed. Keep going Ed and Cho. God speed.
Suexx
Sounds like a lot of fun, but if you took the bus you’d be there by now.
Wow. Just Wow. Good luck Ed.
Hi Ed
Just wanted to say that I think what you’re doing is truly inspirational. I hope that our donation can help you keep going for longer.
Stay strong & safe, we’re thinking of you & willing you on.
Look forward to meeting you once you’ve safely achieved your dream.
Sue & Guy xx
I once was inspired to give up the rat race and go sailing by a chap called Tristan Jones who describes his trip from the source of the Amazon to the sea in a sailing boat in a book called ‘Incredible Voyage’. Your adventure is inspirational and may well be the ignition for many a young imagination - I wish you all the best and hope you reach your goal. Dig deep!
As others have commented, I was unaware of your journey until it was published in the Daily Mail - wow, and more wow. I have been reading the stories of the likes of Mallory, Hillary and Scott, you are definitely up there with those greats, a driven man with a huge dream - you have my complete respect and admiration.
Good Luck….Hope you achieve your goal….Stay fit and healthy….You are an inspiration to a generation which have only read of such epic expeditions , myself included…..Take care… Austin….Ireland….
Another Farker chiming in!
Bear Grylls has nothing on you guys.
Best of luck on the trail - would love to come down and join you! Keep us posted.
Daniel
Ed, dude, seriously you’ve got some guts! just read your story and i’ve gotta say, respect is due in spades!
much admiration for what your doing, and i will be putting a donation next payday!
Brother, big kudos on your mission. I am so impressed with what you are doing and will remember your efforts the next time I am struggling with a task. From one Lightfighter to another, you are truly Megaforce!!
It’s unbelievable that we are only just hearing about your incredible journey. I read about it only yesterday. What an inspiration at a time when so many of us do so little with our lives. I will follow your progress and donate so that it continues through to the end. I’m one of the older generation but wish I were fit enough (and had the courage) to join you. Keep safe.
Hi Ed, yet again I’m one of the many that seem to have only just heard of your epic adventure. Amazing idea, and I’ll be sure to keep checking back on your progress. Also I’ll be sure to drop a donation as well to help with the funds need for this massive task!
hello
hey brad wat u doin
Most amount of posts on any blog so far…. this is great news, it seems the word is getting out about your amazing journey Ed. Well done to Vikky Rimmer too. Keep it up Ed and Cho hopefully here from you at Christmas
Hey ed, just read about you on Hellp mag. I think it what you are doing is amazing. this is wishing you everything you require to make your dream a reality. All the best and God be with you.
Hey ed, just read about you on Hello Magazine. I think what you are doing is amazing. This is wishing you everything you require to make your dream a reality. All the best and God be with you. well done.
wow. just wow. I have passed this on
Hi Ed - read about your mission in the paper at weekend. Awesome - take my hat off to you buddy. Will keep tracking you - God speed and keep you safe. Rgds, Grant.
Wow! I’m doing an Amazon rainforest project at school, one on the things we had to include in it was What was being done to help the rainforest. I think it’s a really good idea!
WElcome back online ! Have been looking forward to your weekly blog!! Keep trekking
Happy Christmas Guys!
Hope your both well! Thinking of you and your families, stay safe!
xxx