Day 207 The Adventure of All Adventures!!!
At least that’s what I think. Since spending two weeks in Arapiles, training for the main event mind you (even Matt did his first Trad lead in Araps … and his first trad lead ever was kachoong nonetheless!!!), we have traveled to the remote Aussie island known as Tasmania. Home to the Devil … the Tasman Devil that is. It has been such a splendid time here with a wicked adventure! Matt, Carl, and I arrived in a whirlwind last Tuesday and headed straight to Tasman National Park. Our objective: climb the Totem Pole! As you may or may not know the totem pole is a beautiful rock spire that juts 60 meters out of the gorgeous Tassie sea. You can see pictures of it at Simon Carter’s website: http://www.onsight.com.au/gallery/list.php?exhibition=32&u=30520, In order to climb the Totem Pole a lot of variables must align … the ocean tide must be low, it can’t be raining, the winds can’t be too strong, it can’t be too cold, etc. After three consecutive days of making the grueling 4 hour roundtrip hike from the campground to the Totem Pole and back only to be thwarted time and time again, we finally got our chance … you can check out our little video of it in our movies section (I apologize for the long length of the feature, and large file size, but we wanted it to be special so I hope you don’t mind waiting a little longer for it to download …)! It really was the adventure of all adventures. We are so grateful to have had that opportunity and experience.
Since climbing the Totem Pole we have been relaxing at our friends, Glen and Gina’s, home (we met them in Squamish!). They have been so generous and hospitable and they have such an amazing house here … the house is so efficient! It comes with its own wood heated water, chickens (for eggs), low watt lights, solar panels, composter, and grey water recycling method!!! And it seems that every part of this house has a special touch of beautifully finished wood. If I ever own a house I sure want it to be something like this one. You can check out some pictures in our pictures section.
All said I am excited, but exhausted. We’ve been cranking hard for the past three weeks. We trained well, sent the Tote, and made an okay film. Now Matt and I are savoring the last bits of Carlito Flare before he heads for the US in a couple days … I’m gonna miss him a whole bunch. Then it’s off to the Grampians for Matt and I for some great Bouldering and more adventurizing. ‘Til then … Ciao, Eric
Just watched the video- how exciting! I just climbed for the first time on Phi Phi Island in Thailand and I have a new respect for climbing….Jon went on to Krabi to do a lead course….so cool. I am in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for the next 3 months….the Klimts are inspiring (and Matt too….I like that he asked for Oprah’s help…)!
Katharine Parsons said this on April 25th, 2008 at 12:13 am
ps. Matt, Kachoong…looks like a burly lead! Congrats!! Also, that spandex looks pretty appealing in the link. Some diamond cross-hatched tights? If that doesn’t spell send, what does? Apparently you didn’t need it, but something for us all to think about, non?
sophie said this on April 13th, 2008 at 3:52 am
Love yr site guys. Araps just isnt the same without yooz. I got back to real life yesterday
say hi if you are in NZ
amanda said this on April 12th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Absolutely amazing. You guys have me as well as all my roommates in awe. That such a big accomplishment. I’m so proud to be your cousins. Keep up the good work.
Will
Will Garner said this on April 11th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Our heros will likely not be online for another week or so. Sadly their current abode does not feature broadband. However for those who are interested in their current location they can be found living inside Hollow Mountain.
See Google Earth location
Latitude: 36°53′32.27″S
Longitude: 142°22′58.28″E
Mark said this on April 7th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Pretty awesome experience guys! D has requested tons of kangaroo pics. He has a little song he likes to sing about saving baby kangaroos. Peace.
Carrie Machen said this on April 2nd, 2008 at 9:52 am
Sick video guys. Keep the action sequences coming. Some of us are stuck in normal life and need that kind of thing!
ian said this on April 1st, 2008 at 8:41 am
Proud!
Excited!
Impressed!
Sophie said this on March 31st, 2008 at 11:31 pm
First of all that video gave me goosebumps! What a grand experience to be a part of. I have so much admiration ….
Eric the video looks great, you put it together nicely. You convey the energy of the experience well.
WOW… wow wow amazing, i want more!!!!!!!!!!!
love G
Gina Marie said this on March 31st, 2008 at 11:35 am
Hi Guys! That was a really nice surprise to get this morning. Much appreciated!
Awesome,
Kerry
kerry said this on March 31st, 2008 at 9:10 am
Matt, Eric, and Carl,
I’m amazed! I’m so proud of you. I don’t know where you get it Matt. What an adventure! I loved the video and the pics. Take care.
Love
Mom
Karen said this on March 31st, 2008 at 7:43 am
Eric, Carl, Matt
GREAT video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Captures so much so very well. Very proud of you all and happy you succeeded.
love dad
Claudius Klimt said this on March 30th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
UNREAL!! So proud of you guys…wishing I was there to send with you. Kir and I will be headed west this summer, FYI, and I’ve got to finish some business I started on this last trip to Smith…Churning…so I can fit in with the locals.. Hope all is and stays well with you guys!
Brett Zefting said this on March 30th, 2008 at 11:09 am
lions, tigers and bears, Oh MY! fairy tales, and men as excited as boys . . . a tower, an ocean and a triumph. . . oh, the waxen tales of spit fire respite and the joy they bring.
Alyx
alyx said this on March 30th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Absolutely spellbinding and amazing ! Eric, Carl and Matt, this story you will tell to your grandchildren sitting at your knee ! I am so happy you realized your dream ! All my love always, Mom and Mike
Mike Klimt said this on March 30th, 2008 at 5:57 am