Day 366!!! A Year Gone By …
And we find ourselves on the opposite side of the world from where we started. It’s been so freak’n incredible ever since Matt and I embarked on this adventure together last August. We’ve been to Squamish in Canada; Portland and Smith Rocks in Oregon; Bishop, Joshua Tree, and San Diego in California; Hueco Tanks in Texas; Horspens 40 in Alabama; Arapiles, Grampians, Buffalo Mountain, and Tasmania in Australia; Castle Hill and Christchurch in New Zealand; And Capetown and Depakyus (Rocklands) in South Africa!!! The time that we have spent together and the people that we’ve met along the way has been priceless.
There are so many experiences that we’ve had together that I could draw on to capture the emotions I feel on this momentous day, but there is just one that seems to stand out. Maybe it’s my short term memory or perhaps this event stands out because of the current state of affairs. In either case, it was just the other day when Matt and I were on a mission of what could only be recounted as one of self discovery. I was moved … rocked to the core. A scouting group had gone out a couple days prior and found a hidden cave somewhere here. For all we know it had never been seen by human eyes before. They found a cave slash boulder that offered two inspiring climbs that had never before been climbed. Note two, and only two lines had been found. With the rush of the day the scouting group had marked the location of the boulder slash cave and moved on. In a twist of fate Matt, Live (pronounced Lee-va), and I set out to go to this place not soon after. With a treacherous approach and much sweating, we arrived at this cave armed with some elbow grease and a hammer. Matt, Live, and I cleaned, moved obtrusive rocks, and scrubbed these potential lines until they were ready for climbing. With a group effort, move by move, the sequences were solved by each of our own creative and intuitive efforts. The energy was uncanny. The ambient excitement was a poignant reflection of Matt and my motivation throughout our entire traveling experience. Together we worked, and worked, pouring our hearts out and trying as hard as we could to climb these lines, all the while laughing and sharing this experience with each other. Matt sent the line that he cleaned first with a gut wrenching effort. Next up was the line that I had cleaned. As the air was hot, and the amount of climbing on previous days had dwindled my energetic state, I was feeling quite weak. It was time for me to test my mettle. I remember vividly how tired I felt. It was though a weight had been tied about my waist. I remember the smell of chalk in the air and the inner voice that pushed “try … try as hard as you might!” With sheer determination and screams of support from the patron gang, I literally willed myself over the lip of this climb. The fight was emotional. To reach so deep within was something I hadn’t felt in a long time. It shook me to my core. With each yell from my friends I felt as though I was pushed skyward. Success!!! I climbed that climb. And Matt followed suit. It was truly unique. Everything had come together for us that day.
Later, as we all sat under that boulder talking I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. The two first ascents and the friends that had shared this experience was perfect. It was everything to be there at that time on that day with them. Matt and I had discovered the unknown … we had tested ourselves and shared a beautiful adventure. That day will forever stand out in my memory as the epitome of what travel and people mean to me -a moment that is compressed into one intense archetypal manifestation of love, adventure, and courage.
With everything that has transpired over the past year I’ve realized so much about myself. It is to that end that I have decided that I will be leaving Matt early on our worldly travels. My heart has found love and so I will be heading to Portland, Oregon in September to be with Sophie Connolly. The decision did not come easily. Ultimately I feel as though I have accomplished what I set out to do. For me it’s time to head back -to join the ranks of society and to build a life for myself. For Matt he will continue on to India with Ben and Vanessa, his mind and body strong. I have much respect and admiration for him and I am sad to leave him. I am going to miss you buddy. I wish him luck in his future adventures and I cannot wait for our reunion (hopefully with Matt P. and Isa!!!)!
So Jung Comme Nimme Samme!!!
Eric Klimt
Eric,
You’re an amazing climber as well as a beautiful writer. You know, Jeff and I live in Portland. Would love to have dinner with you and Sophie. What do you think? Welcome back.
Allison
Allison said this on September 19th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Matt,
Tyler got her post card–you absolutely made her week!! She loves it and is bragging about getting something from Africa from someone special to her. Brandi and the baby continue to flourish–healthy and strong. Our third trimester ultrasound is this Friday. I’m going to Rocktown this weekend with a few buddies, that place is absolutely amazing. When you get back I’m taking you there immediately. Did you get my emails and Shattered Limits attachments? Keep crushing and I’ll see you when it’s time…
Take it easy,
Josh
Joshua Reyes said this on September 17th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Hi guys
Just want to told you that we are still thinking of you, and we send you a lot of good energy !!! Maybe eric you are already back home…well i hope that you enjoy being with your familly and friends,…a bed, and a shower each day
And for you mat keep climbing as hard as you can,… enjoy the rest of your trip, by discovering somemore fantastic area !!!
I am sure there’s still a lot of great adventure for you before you come home…
And don’t worry guys, when mat is gonna be back, we will try to come visiting you in alabama!!!!!
Take care guys
love you xxxx
Matt and Isaxxxxx
Matt and Isa said this on September 14th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
You are so incredibly welcome for the GLORIOUS parcel
I am just happy it made it alllll the way to SA safe and sound!
The new video was great as usual-
nice idea to explore the thoughts of the locals on the sport!!!
Matt I shall soon E-mail you details for India. I am having a huge crab feast fundraiser at my house this weekend… wish you boys were around.
love from Baltimore
stay safe
Gina Marie said this on September 11th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
aaaah man dudes, miss being in the camp with you ou’s. sitting at my desk daydreaming of the first time we all went to orange haze. simply awesome! gees dudes, Gees! danie
danie said this on September 11th, 2008 at 3:29 am
aaaah man dudes, miss being in the camp with you ou’s. sitting at my desk daydreaming of the first time we all went to orange haze. simply awesome! gees, Gees dudes! danie
danie said this on September 11th, 2008 at 3:28 am
Incredebile images that follow thoses emotion…This is full of true energy…Keep on climbing and travelling… Maybe one day will meet?
Michel said this on September 9th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Mmmm.
nice video!! It is so wonderful to watch them. Makes my day. Thanks for posting it (I’ll get into more detail next email).
xo
sophie said this on September 8th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
some words I read today, remined me of you two
“We should start without any fixed idea where we are going to spend the night, or when we propose to come back; the journey is everything. Most necessary of all, but rarest good fortune, we should try to find before we start some man of our own sort who will go with us and to whom we can say the first thing that comes into our heads. For pleasure has no relish unless we share it. As for the risks—that we may catch cold or get a headache—it is always worth while to risk a little illness for the sake of pleasure. “Le plaisir est des principales espèces du profit.” Besides if we do what we like, we always do what is good for us.” - Virginai Woolf
gina marie said this on September 6th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Matt
What dates are you going to be in India? Where in India? I may be able to swing seeing you if I plan it out. I could potentially leave EARLIER than my proffessor and meet up with them on Jan 3? I am going to be in a town near Delhi I believe.
E-mail me details if you can.
loves and peace
p.s. mailing something small to yous on Mon.
Gina Marie said this on August 15th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Portland will be lucky to have you.
Tara KM said this on August 15th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
eric, it is awesome to see that you guys are still doing so well and loving life on the road. it is a shame to see your journey cut short on one hand, but, on the other, an incredible blessing. i hope all is well and you continue to live life to the fullest.
bryce said this on August 15th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Whoa. The pictures from South Africa look absolutely incredible.
sophie said this on August 13th, 2008 at 11:25 am
You guy’s are something else! I have so enjoyed watching and reading the past few months and living your adventure with you. As a Mass Communication major in college I am even more impressed by the videos…outstanding work, vision, technique, you name it, it’s in there. Take care and thanks.
Kent Back said this on August 12th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
hello my bearts,
i’m enjoing a lot to read about all your adventures, experiences and everything that happens to you, after you left from flock hill. your tent is awesome it keeps me warm and cosy in australia, espacialy the roof, so that i can see the stars. it was more then a pleasure to meet you, rather unforgetable and i laerned to understand the southern american baert accent
so jung komma nimma zamme but maybe another day in our live
hanna montana
HANNA montana said this on August 12th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Matt, Eric, I hate to see the duo part company. The clips are great to see. Selfishly I would like Matt to follow your lead, but I know he will stay. Both of you take care. Eric have a safe trip home and Matt stay the adventure.
I love and miss you,
Mom
Karen said this on August 12th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Thank you, Eric and Matt, for such a wonderful story of adventure and courage. You are our modern day explorers ! I am so proud of both of you and so happy for all of the memories you have created on your journey. A big hug, Mommy Mike Klimt
Claudius Klimt said this on August 12th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Oh, man, every time I read *So Jung Comme Nimme Zamme* I can’t help but smile and laugh out loud.
Told my boyfriend Manuel that his toast was spreading all around the world and he couldn’t believe it.
Ai..ai
G+K,
Pinky
Flockers said this on August 12th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Eric, I’m truly moved by your post…probably because recently I made some important decisions in my life based on the similar reason. So, in September I’m going back to Europe for good. I wish you and Sophie all the best and if you would like to come and climb in Europe some day remember that my home is your home. I cherish my memories from Bishop and I will always remember your wonderful hospitality!
Dorota (dorotamajcher@yahoo.com)
Dorota said this on August 12th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Dag yo… epic as always. I don’t know what else to say.
Stuart Jeff said this on August 12th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I got lucky at the Ice Breaker booth during trade show in SLC today. You boys would be jealous
Gina Marie said this on August 11th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Incredible, can’t wait for y’all to get back and teach me how to rock climb again.
Brett Zefting said this on August 11th, 2008 at 12:46 pm