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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2013
11
PostsAtacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Emrys Davies
09 March 2013 07:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well thats it, 250KM of the Atacama desert complete and what an amazing adventure this has been , im now back at the hotel after finishing the the final stage and finishing in San Pedro de Atacama, the last stage was a 8.2k blast into town crossing the finish line in the church plaza . After receiving our medals my tent mates and i (who i must add were fantastic and a top laugh ) supped down a couple of beers and shot the breeze for a few hours. Out tonight for the awards giving banquet and a few more drinks . Ive enjoyed every minute of the last seven days and its been the best experience of my life , looking forward to seeing my family now too, big hugs all round you guys and thanks again for all your messages of support over the last week . see you all soon . Hasta manyana !
08 March 2013 03:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hi all
Thanks for you comments again.It’s really hard to describe what covering 75 k in the Atacama is on foot , what an amazing experience this is though , the toughest things are always the best. Stage 5 started with an ankle deep salt lake run that lead onto more coral like salt flats , , this covered a good few miles and then lead onto more crud up to CP1, More crud took us to CP2 which was a long section of more crud and sand. At CP3 they actually offered us a sprite to which my reply was “are you kidding me” thinking there was some kind of catch . CP3-CP4 was the hardest stage by far , it took us through a long spectacularly looking desert valley and then introduced us to the biggest dune climb ever , it was just a case of just putting one foot in front of the other and finally getting there , I think it was the closest ive ever been to collapsing in a heap . I layed up at CP5(overnight CP) for half hour and walked in with a group of brits and yanks, we were a bunch of limpy gimpys. At 0215 ish we crossed the final line completing 75k ,it’s a mere formality tomorrow now of a 10-15k stage.
What an experience , ive loved every minute of it and always knew id complete it..if you make the choice you just make the choice ,simple .The physically gifted will be the top runners but the rest of us can still grind it out and pass . It’s just a case of not giving up , you can’t beat someone who just doesn’t give up !.
Thanks again for all your support and I look forward to sharing a beer with you soon .
Comments: Total (11) comments
Hannah Davies
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 05:35 pm
Hi dad,sorry I didn't comment yesterday I slept round my friends house,but I'm here now so I would like to say...I've heard that you haven't got long left,yaayy I can't wait to see you soon,I've seen some more pics of you,looking great,you look very skinny and taned out there,lucky you! I bet your really tierd by now,but that's okay you'll be home soon with me Matt mum and woody,our family! Can't wait to see you when you come back,loads and loads of love HANNAH xxxx love you
Emma Lloyd
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 05:25 pm
Emrys...what an outstanding achievement- I can't imagine the day you must have had! It takes someone special to keep so positive and motivated in such a challenging environment!
Hardest yards done and hopefully a more enjoyable last leg to enjoy with everyone around you to go! Good luck and we are all looking forward to seeing you and hearing about all your adventures first hand. Congratulations and see you soon! Em, Rhys
Steve Osborne
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 04:28 pm
Wales 28-Scotland 18
You can have a victory drink for yourself and Wales win, bring on the English next sat
Alex Bland
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 03:49 pm
Hats off em! Fair play fella you've put in a top effort! In other news were currently watching the Wales vrs Scotland whilst drinking tea and scoffing donuts! The boys say can you pick up a loaf of bread and some milk on your way in next tour as your in the mess and duty man! ;0)
matthew davies
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 01:09 pm
Dad you are doing absolutely amazing I'm so proud of you!!, Always knew you could do it and your almost at the end,can't wait till you get home I've missed you loads,
Disey Hanson
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 11:11 am
O'h my gosh Emrys why did they make this stage so long and not spread it out? Nevertheless you made it and are still enjoying the experience.
Two of my friends have sponsored you for
£10 and £5.
Bet the last stage will seem much easier after that hike.
Down Caz's for curry to watch the Welsh game, everything crossed.
You'r a hero - well done.
Love Disey
Emma Atcherley
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 10:43 am
Congratulations Em! There was never any question that you wouldn't make it to the finish line! What an achievement! See you soon xx
Jim Grant Grant
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:47 am
Hi mate,
Good to see your doing well everyone here is asking about you, hang in there and good luck for today.
Ps your PH has been refused for the 16th your in the mess on the first day back and your detached. Lol :)
Jim Grant Grant
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:47 am
Hi mate,
Good to see your doing well everyone here is asking about you, hang in there and good luck for today.
Ps your PH has been refused for the 16th your in the mess on the first day back and your detached. Lol :)
Steve Osborne
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 07:57 am
Em, that last stage looked gruelling, well done,18 hours plus in those conditions fantastic. When I think that some workers moan going past the 8 hrs sat at a desk puts it into perspective.plus over paid footballers blame to games in a few days for poor performance should join you. Saw a photo of you, after the stage, you better have a good bath before geraints party, you smelly bugger.
Look forward to the stories next week, make sure you get over that finish line and enjoy a good sleep and proper meal . Hopefully a welsh rugby win later will cap the end of your trek
Steve oz and family
Raza Prince
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 06:59 am
Hi Em, YOURE THERE, True grit and determination partnered with a passion to finish what you started has got you to where you are. Once more into the Breech my friend and true delight shall be yours. Reflection is what this event is all about, the friends you meet, the experiences that are stamped into your mind and of course the support and love from your family and friends.
Awesome work and I'm am so so proud of you, a friend, a colleague and most of all an Atacama Warrior.
Take care and enjoy.
Raza
06 March 2013 03:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hi all
firstly thanks for your comments again, yesterday was the toughest day ive had in my life, but its all good, nothing compares to this kind of experience.
Today was just as hot and longer at 45k , less dramatic in scenery but just as taxing mentally , but im up to it .
the route took us through more sand dunes but a long flat landscape where you could see the course stretching out for miles in front of you , mind games !. after the sand dunes it was miles and miles of salt flat again you could see the whole route snaking its way through the endless baking salt flats, you would literally perish in a matter of hours without water here. Chekpoint 3 finally came around and the staff informed us that it was only 6.2k to go ...wooohooo! .
Picked up a knee niggle earlier in the day so i found myself talking to my knee in a Mr T voice complete with catchphrases ...Knee you make me mad sucker! .....quit yo jibba jabba knee ...crazy fool !! ...ye maybe the sun got to me at that point hahaha !. All good , still no blisters thanks to my expert pretaping ...managing fluids well and im feeling fine ( especially when i turn into Mr T ) :-)
One last big push and then its the home straight ...happy days !
Comments: Total (14) comments
jim coles
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:56 pm
well done mate, ive been following ur progress everyday but only just worked out how to send u a comment anyway ur doing great i have total admiration for you mate enjoy ur last couple of days
Emrys davies
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 02:22 pm
Hi Em, really missed your 'post' today, where are you, I know you're okay because it said on the site that you had completed Stage 5 - well done you. Hope your feet, knees etc are all fine, not long to go now Em, take care on these last few days and you will be home very soon. Try and post your blog tonight so I can see how your doing, really missed not having a blog to read first thing!!! Love Cazo xxxxxxxx
Alex Bland
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 12:39 am
Well done em, I told you to be a bit more Ivan Draygo though not Mr T (clubber Lang !) More "You will looooooose!" And "if he dies, he dies" rather than Clubber who was " clubber any predictions for the fight? .........Paaaaaain!" Keep on trucking mate your doing well! Just a bit more suffering and you can brag for a lifetime!
Chris Jones
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 04:09 pm
Head down arse up you've got another knee keep going :-)
Good luck Chris
Steve Osborne
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:29 pm
Em only 2 to go grand progress
Em, don't, start talking to the parrot on your shoulder or the shadow of your prob now skinny self, or the white jacket brigade will be after you, hope the knee is ok
Well lovely and wet over year, if your lucky it may snow on your return
I will take you on a run to Merthyr Mayr on your return , just to keep you in touch with the sand dunes, just in case you will be getting withdrawal symptoms
Keep going the oz family
caroline davies
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 01:21 pm
Hi Em, me again, its lunch time so I've got a quick 5 mins to post a comment. Still raining here and I will let you know how we get on Saturday against those lovely Scots!!!!I cant believe you over half way already, not long now. Kids are missing you loads now and me of course. Hope it goes well for you today, bye for now, luv you Caz xxxx
emrys davies
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 11:52 am
Emrys
Extremely well done, as I see a couple have dropped out - not surprisingly.
Sounds all good with you, especially your feet.
Keep it up.
Good luck
Disey
Emma Atcherley
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:48 am
Hi em, over half way! Well done. I always knew you were a nutter now it's confirmed! Whatever you do don't accept any drinks of milk! Keep up the good work! Xxx
caroline davies
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:35 am
Em, well done again, you sound alot happier today I must say, you are doing so well, were so proud of you. Talking to yourself though Mr T???, hope you're knees are okay. On a completely different note, can you let me know what food Woody eats? is it the Science Plan food he has, sorry!!!! The weather has turned to rain once again here in Wales, so probably your last few days of sunshine, (I wont say enjoy the sun as its probably unbareable). Well done honey, keep up the good work, you are amazing. Love you Caz xxxxxxxxx
Gail Griffiths
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 09:52 am
Emrys, We are all thinking of you here at Bobath Wales
Steve Bryant
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 09:37 am
Outstanding Em.......do it for Wales...... You must have an outstanding tan by now.....even your legs!!! The Bryants
Raza Prince
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:44 am
Mad dog Murdoch" you want to fly Mr T" I've got a nice syrinnge full of move like a mother----er!
Good effort Em, your going great guns. Use your poles more than you would normally, especially on the rough and declines. Your upper body strength will assist and see you through the knee niggle.
If that don't work for you, try taking a leaf from the film 127 hours, and cut your leg off with a nacho, then hop like zebedy.
Keep it up you got this one.
Raza
mike paul
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:07 am
well done mate home stretch now you keep to mr t if it works for you. look after the knee and have a good rest. speak tomz again well done mikey p
mike paul
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:07 am
well done mate home stretch now you keep to mr t if it works for you. look after the knee and have a good rest. speak tomz again well done mikey p
05 March 2013 02:44 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hi all. Well i came to push myself to my upper linits and beyond. This day provided that and then some. From camp to CP1 we had 9k of baked crud and mud to traverse , punishing on the feet and knees and impossible to pick up any sort of pace , after that rolling effing sandunes that went on forever . CP1-CP2 was a flat sand and brush terrain , things started to heat up, midday temps reaching 42 c and nowhere to hide . CP2-CP3 was more of a loose rock sand terrain , extremely hot and slow progress . CP3-CP4 was a grueller , more of the same terrain with some large sandunes thrown in for good measure ,relentless!, at one point i was on my hands and knees crawling to the top cos my poles were making the sand give way, the final approach to camp was a 40m sandune but one of the staff here started waving the welsh flag as i approached the foot of it ,i got to the top and ran over the line with it (pretty much the only running i did all day haha!). Another 40k closer and another stage done though ....ooorah!!
Comments: Total (10) comments
matthew davies
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:43 pm
Wow your doing great dad ,keep it up.seems tough now but we all know u can do it. That's so nice of you helping that blind woman your such a loving caring man, can't wait to see you,I love you
hannah davies
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:34 pm
Oh my dad that sounds like such a hard day but you did it well done,I knew you could your amazing,it sounds so hard out there,don't worry you'll be home soon with all of us,okay bye now love you loads!! Love Hannah, xxxxxx. Good luck for tomorrow x
caroline davies
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:23 pm
Hi em I posted you a really long comment at dinner time, then my computer went down so annoying, so you didn't get it ahh. Anyway we all think you're doing amazing, hopefully tomorrow will be a bit easier or at least a day closer to the end although I'm sure your loving the experience. Good luck for tomorrow, . Keep going and keep strong. Well done my luv, caz xxx
mike paul
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:57 pm
Well done buddy I know how you feel I had an hour down Barry island today grueling. Had to push myself all the way to gennos cafe for a hot chocolate and then spent the rest of the day supporting a burnt tounge. It tough but us sportsmen push are selves. Any way nearly there mate as I said " how hard can it be" unroll tommorow Tata for now mikey p
Maxine Boyd
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:23 pm
Best of luck em, sounds like an awesome challenge. You should be very proud of yourself, everyone here is rooting for you! :) x
Alex Bland
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 07:46 pm
Well done em your doing great mate! Don't forget to try and take it all in your doing something extraordinary mate that most people would never dream of doing! Keep on tapping it out fella!
emrys davies
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 12:11 pm
Well Done Emrys
Sounds gruelling, but you are doing so well, keep it up and take care.
Love Disey
caroline davies
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:33 am
Morning hun for me at least, your probably still tucked up in your bed, hopefully resting your mind and body. Yesterday sounded tough Em, espcially the heat and everything else you had to contend with, but you did and it's day four already. So forget yesterday and focus on todaym, it will soon all be over. Kids missing you so much, more so Matty, I was in the kitchen and he just came up to me yesterday and said 'I'm missing Dad so much', I think he's now realised what you actually doing!!!!he's so lovely and Hannah is the same, very busy posting photos on facebook. The novelty of walking Woody at 8am is now starting to ware off a bit, so keep safe, look after yourself and lets hope Stage 4 is a bit easier for you today. Good luck hun, cant wait for your update. Love Caz xxxxxxxxxx
Steve Osborne
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 07:56 am
Em , well done
Crawling on your hands and Knees sounds like a night out with your work colleagues
That heat takes me back to my visit to Aussie when we visited my sister , the only way to describe is it on that rare occasion , caz is cooking you a roast dinner, when you open the oven door
Keep going you doing well. Nice to see woody is being exercised
The oz family
Raza Prince
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 06:49 am
Hi Em, sounds like a grueller? The hardest part is done, after today your body and mind will be so attuned to your envirronment that you will enjoy the challenge of what is to come. Wayne Rogers and myself went on a 2 hour trek traversing the Rhumney Ridge at 250m above, you think you got it hard.
Keep up the top effort and I look forward to your next account.
Take care and keep smiling.
Raza
04 March 2013 03:15 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Ooof! that was tougher than a big bag of tough things , camp to stage 1 took us through a river canyon that saw the course taking us back and forth across the river about 17 times , wet feet but it was nice and shady so it was actually quite pleasant ,i helped the Canadian blind competitor across the rivers , she must have balls of steel !, CP1-CP2 was like a smack in the face with a 10k slog up to 2700m , it then took us across a ridgeway forever and then down the biggest sandune in the world . CP2-CP3 was the hardest 11k ive ever done , open exposed plain of sand trying to pick out the pink flags that blended in beautifully with the desert buff colour, i teamed up with a mexican fella and between us we navigated through it , this was tough and by the time we got to CP3 we had a 5 minute break . My mexican friend and i then took off for final camp , it seemed like a never ending stage , kept checking he was there and 27 miles later we got though the finish line .Everyone shard the sentiment that it was an extemely hard day but as befoe my feet are still intact , my fluids are fine and i feel great (i think) haha. Thanks for youre comments again, cant really reply to everyone individually but im loving the comments , All is good , bye for now
Comments: Total (12) comments
mike paul
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:44 pm
Well done mate see it ain't so bad good to see making good friends. Day 3 next nearly over allready . Hope the feet are still ok. Short and sweet tonight got steak for dinner mmmm. What you got? Take care speak tommorrow . Mikey Paul41
Hannah davies
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:17 pm
Hi dad, you are doing so well and we are all missing you now. Hope you do well today on stage 3, you are so strong and so brave to be doing this,well done daddy:) we all live you and miss you over here! Especially woody, we have been taking him on long walks so he doesn't miss them off you! Okay bye now love you xxx
caroline davies
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 02:44 pm
I would just like to say thank you to everyone who is taking the time to add a comment to Em's blog, I know he will love reading them and I am sure this will really spur him onto the next stage. So thank you all very much Caz x
caroline davies
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 02:38 pm
Hi Em, I have only been able to add this comment now at 2.20pm as when I first read your blog I was being a right wimp and had tears in my eyes, embarrasing as it was in front of everybody in work. I am forwarding your daily blogs onto people in work and they cannot believe what you are doing, amazing. You sound really focussed and are doing absolutely great, the photos really show how difficult the landscape is and all the rivers you are crossing etc etc, trust you helping a blind woman (which is wonderful by the way) just like you, always thinking of other people, concentrate on you now honey okay. Missing you loads now, and I really think I need to fill you up when you get back home, you look tiny(bet you cant wait for my cooking ha!!!) Can't wait to read tomorrows blog, may have to read it dinner time so that I'm not so emotional first thing. I'm sooooooooooo proud of you Em, keep doing what you're doing. Love Caz xxx
Steve Bryant
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 02:23 pm
Em....... very impressive mate (did you take your bucket and spade?) PS Can you pick me up 400 fags duty free on the way home?... and good luck for the next one...
Emma Atcherley
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 12:05 pm
Hi Em, well done on completing stage 2, I hope stage 3 is going well. Took Florence to the fire station the other day and had a photo taken with the watch, it was nice for tony not to be the shortest for a change! Keep up the good work xxx
Alex Bland
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:59 am
P.S. Re helping blind women across rivers. Em the next time your doing this, one good hard SHOVE and your one place further up the leader board guaranteed! that's all I'm saying. "TAKE THAT BLIND WOMAN!!!!" You know, are we in this to do good for others or are we in it to win that's all I'm saying! Don't listen to Prince he'd have you stopping to help everyone in the field every 5 min! Think more Ivan Draygo and less Rocky that's all I'm saying.......
Steve Nelmes
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:55 am
Well Done em, don't forget mate that human movement is the simplest of actions, relentless forward progress, when we experience the toughest of mental and physical hardships, we CAN and we DO Finish. One foot in front of the other. its the the tough that will define us. Steve
Vicky Jones
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:27 am
Well done em. We are reading your blog. Keep going. Vic and Tim. X
Alex Bland
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 09:33 am
Great effort Em your doing really well mate! I think you may find this useful there's a German Tour de France cyclist called Jens Voight and his catch phrases are "No body do what I tell you!" And " shut up legs!" Both said in a arnie type accent! I always like to say them to myself when I'm really suffering! Keep up the good work fella!
Stephen Osborne
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:50 am
Em,
Well done you are in top 100,grind those teeth and the only danger I see is getting your head stuck in your stair bannister, but if you stick to water and stick to bottom bunk in your tent you will be fine
Do the ayatollah for the bluebirds
Oz
Raza Prince
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:11 am
Hi Em, burnt my finger whilst pulling out some food from the oven for the watch at work,shorchio, you think you got it bad. They told me to stop whining and get the food on the table! So much for that caring, sharing service!,!
Major top effort in helping/ partnering others. That is the beauty of these events- as humans when met with difficulties and especially in the environment that you are in,there is no rank, no hierarchy, just human endeavour. What you have done Em is engrained in your DNA,the ability to assist others in times of need, awesome work.
Sounds like you are on top of your game plan. Enjoy enjoy enjoy.
Until your next blog, stay safe, keeping moving forward and think of me with my badie on my finger.
Raza
03 March 2013 02:44 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Thats one down, what a day, the whistle blew at 0800, the elite runners shot off at an awesome pace while i happily plodded along toward the rear at a pace of 5..4km/hr , for the first 5k i was getting a tingling in my feet which i first thought might have been the start of a nasty blister but then i realised my hands were tingling too ....Altitude ..phew !. There were lots of uppy and downy bits and inbetweeny bits ,there were very few opportunities to place a flat foot as its a mix of sandy shale,loose rock and sand . The temperature was 39 degrees by midday and at that time i was walking through a slot canyon with an incline of 15-20 degrees for 10k, it was brutal coz youre getting baked from all sides as you walk , got to to the final checkpoint and camp at 1404 , my gps told me i took 5.52 hours. All in all apart from the obvious aches and pains im feeling good , my feet are intact coz i pretaped them last night , my urine was clear( sorry bout that info) and my head was in a good place , what more could a man want ! . Thanks for all your messages they mean a lot!
Comments: Total (11) comments
Paul Utting
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:29 pm
Hi Emrys
Congratulations on completing day one.
While it sounds tough I bet the freeze dried food you are eating is a welcome break from Caz's cooking :-)
You sound determined so I am sure you will make it to the end.
Good luck
Paul and Rash.
Paul Utting
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:26 pm
Hi Emrys
Congratulations on the completing.
While it sounds tough I bet the freeze dried food you are eating is a welcome break from Caz's cooking :-)
You sound determined so I am sure you will make it to the end.
Good luck
Paul and Rash.
mike paul
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 08:40 pm
well done mate only 4 to go, it aint so bad is it. Glad to hear you enjoyed it make every day like that and the finish will come to soon, take in every bit mate speak tomorrow,just off to have my big dinner and off to my cosy bed ha ha! take care mikey p
hannah davies
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 05:55 pm
hi dad,i just saw you on a video and a photo of you,looking good dad;) you look thiner already,keep going! dont stop were here ALL the wayyy:D lots of love Hannah,good luck love you!
Matthew Davies
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 04:34 pm
hi dad its matt, just seen you on the video ,you came 91st on the first stage so your doing well,keep up the good work,you can do this ,your making us very proud,and seeing you on that video made me reaalise how much i miss you already ,i cant wait for you to get back home but in the meanwhile youve still got a long way to go and i kmow that you will do very very well. i love and miss you so much.
Emma Lloyd
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 04:27 pm
Hi Em,
Well Done! WOW...Day 1 sounds tough and I remember that altitude and I only went for a stroll! Hope the hands and feet are OK now :) We have spotted you on the video starting and you certainly look the part!Really enjoying reading your blog and have the utmost respect for you doing this challenge. Stay positive and hope Day 2 has been a success :)We are all rooting for you here and very proud of you. Caz is walking for 2 hours a day in normal temperatures, on flat terrain with Woody and you'd think she was doing the challenge with you! V Funny! Woody says "Come Home soon!" Take Care and look forward to reading teh next message. Em, Rhys
caroline davies
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 01:36 pm
Hi Em, it's me again, just on my lunch hour and was thinking about you on your next stage, hope its not too hot out there and hope everything is going okay for you today. I'm going to visit your Mum tonight, so I will remind her how amazing you're doing, (hopefully she will remember). The pics look amazing of you all, I'm keeping up to date on latest news so please if you get a moment later, let us know how you get on today and what time etc etc. Take care Cazo xx
Disey Hanson
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 01:17 pm
Well Done Emrys
Very proud of you, but it does sound tough and I have just read about the 2nd Stage which seems even tougher, but I am sure you will make it - John and I wish you all the very best. My gosh the heat must be overpowering, it's a good job you are fit. Wish it was warmer here, really cold today.
Well good luck and take care.
Love Disey and John
Raza Prince
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:16 am
Your sounding more like a speedy tortoise, that I thought you would.GREAT WORK. Keep on tip tapping and be careful that you don't get too confident too soon and take those bounding paces when going down hill on terrain which as you described as rocky as a rocky thing! No injuries please!
I look forward to you next account, until then look left and right.
Raza
caroline davies
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 09:51 am
Hi Hun, well done were so proud of you to have completed Stage 1, oh my godness what a challenge but I knew you could it and in 5 hrs that's brilliant hun. Hope you cope with the altitude and heat today hun. Good luck for Stage 2 Em, dig deep and were all thinking of you every step of the way. Take care and good luck for today, let me know when you complete later today. Love you Caz, Matt, Han and Woody xxx
Steven bryant
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:22 am
Congratulations mate....sounds a fab way to spend a Sunday...I personally have been watching spurs beat arsenal 2 1.....see its not always about you ;-)....well anyway I hope you enjoy the rest of your siteseeing and try not to drink too much dressed as a dalmatian ...!!!!
02 March 2013 02:46 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Im now on the start line of the Atacama crossing, there is a stark beauty to this place . theres a general kind of disquiet around the camp with people milling around the camp eating food and sorting kit out for the race commencement in the morning . im loving the experience already ,myself and another couple of brits. just shared a table with some japanese , chinese and taiwanese comparing food etc. Im stoked to be on this start line, we had a competitor briefing today and the course is pretty gnarly and challenging to say the least but hey thats why im here innit !! . Thanks for you messages so far , we only get fifteen minutes in the cybertent so apolgies in advance if i dont leave any comments in reply but believe me its great to hear them . Theres another Welsh guy here who im knocking about with around camp , he is aiming for a top 10 place , i wish him the best but i told him that if im in the bottom 10 at least we will have them surrounded haha ! , Ok bye for now and ill blog again tomorrow.
P.S someone let me know how we got on in the rugby
Comments: Total (5) comments
Emma Atcherley
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 12:03 am
Well done on completing the first day Em! Good luck for tomorrow! Xxxx
Mike paul
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 09:55 pm
Hi buddy you finished yet or what? I bet its just like being at Barry Island.You take it easy out there and enjoy every step.Speak soon all the best Mikey p
Chris Jones
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 08:54 pm
Emrys, steady and smooth all the way, run your race and above all enjoy.
Great things are forged by adversity. Stay strong
Chris
caroline davies
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 06:52 pm
Hi email, well the big day finally arrived and I bet your loving meeting new friends going through the same experience. Please please if your not too tired, let me know how your first day went, hope those knees of yours are okay. I'm following the updates etc ok this site. Can't wait to hear from you, your the talk of the family, friends and bobathwales. Missing you, but good luck for stage 2. Love caz , Matt and Han. Hey dad it's Hannah I hope your doing great you probably are already,it must be so hard out there but I know you'll do great don't worry!xxx. Thinking of you dad, I know you'll do great, love Mat x
Raza Prince
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 10:10 am
Hi Em, you are the talk of the Station. All are asking how you are and wishing you the very best.
A Speedy tortoise wins this event, an intelligent man look left and right and Emrys Davies is all of the above. If you need me to sort anything at home, just let me know!
Until tomorrow my friend, may the wind be at your back and the finishing line in your sights.
I'm proud of you.
Raza
01 March 2013 06:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Last day now before we leave for the start line which meant another day of obsessively compulsively unpacking and repacking my pack and kit ...joy of joys though i managed to shave off some weight from certain bits of kit which meant it allowed me to take the kit that i definately wanted to take..ipod...foretrex etc and also pop some food back in that i thought i could do without ....that decision is best made when you're on the course so im taking it . My pack is 12kg without water now and thats how its staying , i'm now operating on the priniple that too much knowledge is bad for you and sometimes a little bit of ignorance will get you to the finish line .Had a walk around san Pedro with my pack in the heat and it felt pretty good . Tomorrow cant come quick enough now and i just wanna get on the ground and move .Met some tidy people here already from all over the place . Hope all is well at home and i'll blog from the start line tomorrow
P.s Read your card today Caz..put a lump in my throat !
Comments: Total (7) comments
mike paul
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 11:44 pm
Remember " How hard can it be" You just enjoy every step mate and keep those plates of meat in good nick all the best mike saraha tall.
Emma Atcherley
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 11:06 pm
Good luck for tomorrow Em, we are all excited for you and look forward to hearing how you get on! Enjoy it and just keep going xxx
Paul Rogers
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 08:03 pm
Howdy Mr Davies! Hope your well matey, very best of luck with it, see back on station with your feet in one piece:) cheers for now, all the pump crew at 45
hannah davies
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 07:04 pm
Hi dad it's Hannah,I hope your having lots of fun so far and enjoying the sun! We miss you loads and loads already,good luck with your first race in the morning make sure you be careful! Bye love you xxx
Raza Prince
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 09:12 am
Hi Em, my thoughts are with you in this fantastic journey. You are in the company of people who like yourself are drivers of life.
Take care
Raz
caroline davies
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 11:59 pm
Hi em it sounds like you're ready now to get on the ground and start, you sound very positive and can do this. I'm actually enjoying walking woody, so when your back we can go for some nice walks down the canal, not on your first day back tho, I'm sure you will want to rest those feet of yours. Enjoy the drive up tomorrow before the big day. Finally, to keep you going tho'm k of the wise words your dad would be saying to spur u on. Love you loads xxxxxx
Andy Spence
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 06:33 pm
Best of luck mate! We're all routing for you, keep us posted on your progress.
28 February 2013 10:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hi
Well after about a day and a half travelling and some dramas in customs confiscating some of my food i finally hit the town of san Pedro de Atacama , its like one of those towns in the spaghetti western movies complete with dudes chilling in their porchways and lazy dogs strolling around.
Been busy trying to break my kit down even further and get to around 10 kg, cant seem to do it so it looks like im just gonna have to eat my way through my rucksack weight !
Have taken it easy so far after all the travelling but may go for a stroll tomorrow with my pack in the heat just to get used to things, just marking time here at the moment and im looking forward to getting my feet on the ground now and feeling positive about it.
Bye for now
Comments: Total (0) comments
10 February 2013 07:30 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
By end of play tomorrow I should've clocked up almost 100km on foot over the last 3 days . What is apparent is that with my creeky knees I'll be one of the tortoises in this race ! , I'm finding that slow and steady works for me over the long distances . I've started to " dress rehearse " with my pack and contents , how on earth do people fit everything into a 25l pack ?? , it's a challenge unto itself and I may be going bigger just for peace of mind and ease . Does anyone know ifroducts like beef jerky can be bought in San pedro or Calama ?
Let's pray to the luggage gods that all baggage arrives safely too !
Comments: Total (2) comments
Faisal Alnakib
Posted On: 27 Feb 2013 11:17 am
I got my beef Jerkys in the luggage which was out in the hold. All of my freeze dried stuff came through hand luggage no problems. See u at check in.
caroline davies
Posted On: 21 Feb 2013 10:30 pm
Good . Luck on your atacama crossing email, You are extremely focussed and ready for the challenge of your life, so proud of you x
31 January 2013 10:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well I've been training as much as I practically can but like many other people with busy career and personal lives it's not always easy to get the quality training days in , especially in a welsh winter ! .
There are some impressive race CV 's on here and serious athletes , I don't count myself among those guys but I'm definitely here to test my own limits and happily plod through the course .It ain't going to be easy , but if it was easy it wouldn't be worth doing would it ! This is going to be the most extreme Environment I've ever been in , I'm extremely looking forward to it and everything about it .
I feel ready and I'm looking forward to getting on that start line and going through what's probably going to be the greatest experience of my life , see you all soon !
Comments: Total (5) comments
Steve Osborne
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 08:51 pm
Keep going em,all that training with woody is paying off.that hat looks good,I thought you had grown a pair of Labrador ears
You do anything to get off nights
Keep the welsh flag flying
Beer is chilling for your return
What's next Everest
Caroline Davies
Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 09:49 am
Hi Em, now that you've arrived safe and sound, we would like to wish you all the very best of luck for Sunday. You are very strong and determined and I am sure will do very well. Will be following your progress daily, take care my luv, I know you will give it your best shot!! Love Caz, Matt, Hannah and Woody xxxx
Caroline Davies
Posted On: 28 Feb 2013 11:29 am
Good morning honey, just wishing you all the very best of luck and for tomorrow. We love you loads and know you are ready for this. All our love Caz, Matt, Hannah and Woody xxxxx
Rhys Davies
Posted On: 25 Feb 2013 07:59 pm
Come on taffee! give it your best attempt
Alina B
Posted On: 01 Feb 2013 12:06 pm
Hi Emrys - Couldn't agree with you more. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Comments: Total (7) comments
Emma Lloyd
Posted On: 11 Mar 2013 06:38 pm
Steve & Nat
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 09:05 pm
Raza Prince
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 03:46 pm
Alex Bland
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 03:20 pm
Steve Osborne
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 08:09 am
mike paul
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 10:08 pm
caroline davies
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 08:25 pm