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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2013
8
PostsAtacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Stephen Hawinkels
08 March 2013 03:05 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Where to start..... Day kicked off on another chilly morning as we ran the first 1km through the shallow waters of the salt lake where we had camped the night before - a difference to previous years given the rains about a month ago. We then had the next 15km through some nasty crud that was very tough going, so much so that even the leaders were largely walking throughout given the tough conditions. Quite a punishing section in all, and the surface took its toll on my feet with the blister on my heel pretty painful with most steps but finally hit CP 2 after about 2hrs and 40 mins. From there we had a fairly gentle, albeit 14km, 3rd section along some dirt road with parts of soft sand and shrub to get through and I managed to gain some time here by running large parts of it. Section 4 was another 14km and was a bit of a killer - first some soft sand that was painful, and then across more salt covered earth that was absolutely baking in the midday heat (amazing to feel the difference in heat between the dark red earth and the white salt-covered parts). We finally had to scale a huge sand dune and cross a remarkable plateau - amazingly lunar-esque - before finally heading down another sand dune on the other side of the plateau and into CP 4 - at this stage around 45km done in approx 6.5 hours and on time to get into camp in under 12 hours. Section 5 was hard - hot, desolate, and long...spent most of this section alone having done section 4 with an American guy and it was hard going with the heat but kept putting one foot in front of the other and dragged myself into CP 5 at around 4.30 in the afternoon with 17km to go. At this point, I was joined by 2 other South African guys from Durban who had caught me up during the last section and that proved to be a real help with the last 17km proving to be extremely hard going, even if the terrain was fairly straightforward....the legs had finally started to pack up and each step was fairly agonising. Regardless, the three of us worked on running and walking in small increments, covering a few flags marking the course at a time, past the old mine field on the border between Chile and Bolivia and into the final checkpoint. Water refill, last few jelly babies that I had been saving all week for this stage, and we were off on the final 10km into camp. Of course, this was never going to be easy after 65km already done but we now also had a 300m climb over the top of a mountain pass...somehow we managed to get to the top after grinding out step by step, and then started the descent into camp just as the sun started to set behind the mountains - an utterly spectacular view that marginally helped take our minds off the pain! Almost bang on 12 hours after we started, we jogged into camp - shattered and relieved to have finished the stage. Don`t think I have ever felt so completely exhausted as I did last night, but feeling better here today and looking forward to the final sprint to the finish tomorrow and some beer and pizza!!
Thank you all once again for all your amazing messages of support - been fantastic reading them each day and hope you have enjoyed my updates. Likely one more post to come from the airport in Auckland en route home
06 March 2013 03:07 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 4 done and dusted - feels good to be over halfway done in terms of total kms covered but needless to say there is a significant amount of apprehension ahead of the long march tomorrow...
Struggled to sleep a bit last night - camp was in quite a dusty location and, with the wind picking up as usual in the afternoon, the dust scattered has wreaked havoc with my sinuses which is mildly unpleasant! That being said, we kicked off the first section of stage 4 with more soft stuff - up and down a few sand dunes just to get the blood moving on a chilly morning. The last 6 or so kilometers of the section was over shale again, first a long grinding uphill but then a nice downhill to reward the hard work and into CP 1. Section 2 was a mix of softish sand covered in loose gravel across a barren valley but fortunately there were a few sections that were a bit harder underfoot so allowed me to settle into a run 3, walk 2 strategy that seems to be covering the distances pretty well and also helps to break down the stage into manageable parts. End of section 2, 22km covered in a tad under 3 hours, and into the salt flats for 14km of nasty, crusty, salt covered earth. In recent years, the course has taken the same route through the salt flats and so a nice, well trodden path has developed making it notably easier to negotiate the section - don`t get me wrong, I am not complaining as there were still precious few instances when the surface was actually hard and flat but impressed with competitors from 4-5 years back who would have had a tougher time of it especially given the sweltering heat with the salt reflecting the sun off the ground. All that being said, managed to trudge my way through to CP 3 for a much needed water refill in reasonably good time and was pretty thankful to get out of the heat and salt. The last section was quick - only 7km or so along a dirt road so again managed to run a large part of that with the midday heat bearing down and finally arrived into camp in just under 6 hours, in 18th place.
Pretty happy with that overall as I wanted to throttle back a touch for the first half of the stage given the long day ahead tomorrow, and that seemed to work as I had a reasonable amount of energy at the end. Legs still feel a little battered though, so in need of some lengthy stretching again this evening, and have also managed to pick up another nasty blister on the heel of my right foot that will make life a bit uncomfortable tomorrow. Sounds like we have a bit of water (salt lakes) to get through first up tomorrow morning give the rains about a month ago and then a decent section of salt as well before we hit CP 2 making the first 2 sections likely the toughest. There is also a massive sand dune we have to climb just after 40km - oh joy.
Fingers crossed all goes ok tomorrow - guess it will all boil down to just toughing it out. Freeze dried pasta with lasagne sauce for dinner and instant noodles tomorrow morning to provide the necessary ammo to get me through... Unlikely to update the blog given the stage ought to take 12 or more hours to complete so next update to come on Friday during the rest day
Onwards and upwards
Comments: Total (15) comments
Nick Brown
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 06:36 pm
Congrats BIG DADDY!
Doing incredible and so amazing to keep track of you on this crazy epic adventure!! I don't understand how you can write so well after grinding out each day?!
Babs and I are thinking of you and wishing you the best for tomorrow! Sending all our energy and wishing that freeze dried pasta tastes good!
Paddy Evans
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 04:21 pm
Bok - seriously impressive effort in the long one, and really enjoying killing time at work following your adventure. England being badly let down by their South African imports in the cricket - bowled out for 160 odd and NZ 400 odd for 7 at end of day 3 with 1 washout. There may be a rain dance going on in Otago. Think we are going to resort to just English players for rest of series. Good luck on the last leg and looking forward to blowing the froth of some cold ones in HK in a couple of weeks
hans hawinkels
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 09:52 am
stevie - I have looked closely at the one photo of you finishing - wow, you have done something special !luv dad
hans hawinkels
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:43 am
massive achievement Steve - superb mental strength - so so proud of you !!
Graeme Hawinkels
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 06:01 am
Well done on finishing the long march boet, must've been v tough but great that you have done it... enjoy your well deserved rest. 1st leg Europa league Q final, Spurs 3 - Inter 0 (Bale scored again)
GRAHAM WOOD
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:51 am
WELL DONE BOSS MAN ! JUsT SAW YOU COMPLETED THE LONG MARCH! ENJOY THE REST AND CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE BLOG TOMORROW! 15Th PLACE, UNREAL!
Chris Stenzel
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 01:54 am
Keep it up beavy, loving the blog. Good luck in the next stage!
Rick Laubscher
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 04:53 pm
Great following your blog Stevie! All those long lonely hours of training have really paid off with amazingly impressive results! Brilliant ...well done!!! Good luck for the last leg. Regards. Rick.
Richard Timms
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 04:22 pm
Best of luck Stevie for the last push - this is one heroic effort from you. Stick in to the end. I just wish you could show the same mental strength on the golf course. Will raise a glass of cider to you later.
PS, would you like the trophy back?
Thembi Laubscher
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:54 pm
5.30 pm SA time and we're willing the next few hours to fly by so you're home and dry after this mammoth day!! We continue to be both amazed at and proud of your superhectic achievement Stevie!! Only a couple of days and you'll be replacing those freeze dried noodles
Katie Hawinkels
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 11:30 am
Just a quick update for you on your Super 15 Picks this week (made by wife after some in-depth research!) Crusaders to beat Hurricanes by 3, Reds to beat Rebels by 7, Highlanders to beat Cheetahs by 10, Brumbies to beat Waratahs by 7, Stormers to beat Chiefs by 3, Sharks to beat Kings by 18 (I went big!!), Blues to beat Bulls by 10. Here's hoping I get them right! Will keep you posted on results. Good luck for the long march love! Once its over its all down hill from there.. :) xxx
Georgie Millar
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:33 am
Wow Bok, this is AMAZING! Neil sent me the link to your blog and I am gripped - SO SO impressed - well done you! Keep it going for the final few days, it's so worth it - I am munching on lucozade tabs thinking of you, sending the energy your way! Lol Blakers XXXXXXX
Karen hawinkels
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 09:14 am
What an amazing race you are having - setting the bar so high for the brothers and cousins!! tough day today, plug in the Ipod and keep going, we are all so proud of you. hope the blisters are ok. England 167 all out(no play on day 1) NZ 131 for none
Nick Hawinkels
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 06:53 am
Go beav you good thing!!! You're doing awesomely big brother, and stop bloody smiling every time you come across a photo opportunity!! Good luck for the next two days beav, very proud of you big daddy
Katie Hawinkels
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:31 am
Another tough stage, yet another fantastic placement! Just amazing Stevie! 159.8km done in just under 22hours is absolutely incredible! You are doing so well my love - keep it up for the long march tomorrow. Just think of the day of rest and then short run to the finish on Saturday to keep you going.. You are so close to the end! Thinking of you every step of the way and sending you all my positive energy! Love you & so so proud of you Stevie xx
05 March 2013 02:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
So stage 3 lived up to its billing and delivered a tough old day in the sun. Caught yet another beautiful sunset over Laguna Llona last night and managed to sleep pretty well all things considered. Breakfast of instant noodles and the stage kicked off at the usual 8am. The first section took us through 5km of `crud` - crusty earth with soft mud underneath making it tough to get a decent footing CP1 which was a bit easier going. We then had to get through a couple of kms of soft sandy road before we hit a nice hard dirt track that was a pleasure as I could finally break into a decent jog. Final part of section 2 was again along a road through the crud so was very pleased to hit CP2 (18km) in around 2.5hours. Well, things only went downhill from there... Section 3 took us through more crud so was tough going with each step liable to fall through the crust (on occasion, my foot sank ankle deep) and the footing very uneven which took its toll on my blister. The last 4-5km of section 3 then moved on to soft sand which, as you may know by know is not a mate of mine. Real hard slog, came close to losing my sense of humour a few times, but managed to tough it out and get to CP 3. The start of the last section, albeit a steady climb, was a bit easier as the surface turned to sharp shale interspersed with soft sand so largely managed to avoid the soft stuff but did kick my fair share of sharp edges and stones which was suboptimal. 6km in, we came across a deep sandy canyon so the course did the obvious thing and took us down the steep sandy slope, along the bottom for 100m, and then back up a ridiculously steep sandy bank - cue a few choice swear words... The last 4kms to camp was largely similar - sandy, soft surface with a few sand dunes to get up and down, but finally made it in to camp a little drained in just under 6 hours and 10 minutes...long day out in the baking hot sun and sand.
Blister now looking a bit worse for wear so off to the medical tent now to get it cleaned and strapped up again in preparation for the salt flats tomorrow. Sounds like today was the worst of the terrain we are going to face so glad to get it behind us but still over 130 odd km to go before we hit the finish line in San Pedro. For now, more of the same - keep calm and carry on
Thanks for all the messages of support, really appreciate them and certainly adds motivation to get through each day and see what is going on outside the sweltering Atacama cauldron
Until tomorrow...
Comments: Total (19) comments
Kari Maurer
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:45 am
Last day today! Joyride home! Wish we were at the finish to welcome you in! Next time! Well done Stevie, you deserve a chaise at the pool for a week and your blister does too! Xxx
Thembi Laubscher
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 04:05 pm
Brilliant brilliant Stevie!! So sorry last 2 messages have been cut off mid sentence! You're a real champ!! Great mental strength through the pain. Rest well today and enjoy the finish!!! LOL XX
Thembi Laubscher
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:55 pm
Such great news to wake up
hans hawinkels
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:34 pm
hopefully you have completed stage 4 by now - you have broken the back of it by now so all the way home from here - incredible ! - seeing Graeme tonight in London- luv dad
Andy Flynn
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 01:52 pm
Hollywood - truly an amazing feat! We are enjoying your blog in NYC and are cheering you on through the last couple of days. The ladies are duly impressed while the gents wonder what you do for the other 18hrs each day, convincing ourselves that we could do this too to save face around the office. Good luck from GS Corp FX!
Ryan Laubscher
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 01:02 pm
Outstanding work Stevie - this is certainly going to be one for the books!! Good luck for the rest - hopefully a lot more hard surface and less soft sand! All the best bud. Laupie
Meg Laubscher
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 01:00 pm
Stevie you are Insane! That all made me feel mildly nauseous. Sounds grueling and I probably would have let the soft sand swallow me 10km in. :)
So bloody impressed. What a remarkable accomplishment. Its incredible. Saw all the pics and you are looking every bit the professional, so strong and fit and making it all look so easy.
Keep going strong. We are so proud and loving following it all.
Sending so much Love, Luck and positive energy your way from NYC.
Love Moedly and Walt.
xxx
Sarah Mayers
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:49 am
Stevie you are amazing! You are doing so well it is incredible! Keep it up! We are loving reading your blog and just chatted to Katie who is obviously so proud of you! Lots of love Sarah and Tim
Kari Maurer
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:25 am
Billy! You are insane! But what an amazing adventure and experience! Sounds like you're one of the leaders of the pack no surprises all on hard training, preparation and instant noodles, got some good strong South African genes! We are all super proud of you and in awe of your ambition! Look after that poor blister! Cheering for you from SA! Xxx
Thembi Laubscher
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:19 am
WOW Stevie!! We are SOOOO impressed and proud of you!! HUGE respect!! ..... Do we get a feeling that this could be the start of lots more Ironman stuff ??!! You've broken the back of Atacama, with the worst over by the sounds of things, so just keep beating that crud, the salt plains and soft stuff ... the end is in sight!! Thinking of you all the way!! Lots of love from us here in Knysna! Rick & Thembi XXX :))
David Jackson
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:49 am
Impressive herculean effort mate. You seem to be surprised that there is sand in the desert - did you not look at the pictures before you left? All the best for a strong finish and look forward to seeing the evidence (as per Tim's comment)
Tim Fallowfield
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:43 am
Jacko reckons you are actually sitting in the 4 seasons somewhere and sending out these blogs a la Capricorn One style. Aud performed a dragonfly doji yesterday so looks like it is going to head towards 1.0300, so you might as well keep on trudging. England heading for the grand slam so of course they are already talking about being the best team in the universe. muppets.
John Key
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:03 am
Awesome mate, your times are fantastic. Mentallly you've already broken the back of the race as you have completed three days and only two left . Enjoy the last marathon and then get your game face on for the long one . Pleased to hear you and your camera are appreciating the stunning scenery, I am extremely jealous having ran around some British housing estates in the cold yesterday!! Top top effort, enjoy !
hans hawinkels
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 07:27 am
fantastic achievement so far - we are so proud - luv you lots
Nick Maurer
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 06:37 am
You are proving to be a very hard man Harry! Respect! Head down and keep moving forward...you know the drill. Look forward to hearing all the stories. All the best pal.
Andrew Reeves
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:55 am
Mate you are crushing this... hard as nails...
You did miss Australia cracking like a pinata vs India in the cricket, barely lasted 3 days.
Stay strong. we are all watching your progress closely from here
Graham Wood
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:15 am
BOSS MAN!!!!!! Huge respect my friend that time of 16hrs in 3 days is ridiculous!!! ! Sounds a lot harder than the HK trail but epic
No ruggers results but Man U got dogged by Real Madrid last night, and India wiped the floor with the Aussies in 4 days!
Take care of yourself mate and drill the last half!!
Graz
Katie Hawinkels
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 04:41 am
This stage sounds most unpleasant, yet you still managed to come in strong at 16th place! Amazing! Well done for getting through the worst, you've done so brilliantly Stevie! Loving reading your blog and looking through the photos of each stage - you make it look so easy & pleasant in the pics! Good luck for the salt flats tomorrow and hope you get that blister sorted.. Thinking of you every moment xxx
Karen hawinkels
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 04:04 am
Steve, loving the blogs. Yesterday sounded horrible but you are hanging in - well done. How the toenails? Real madrid beat man u to go thru to the quarter finals. Keep strong xxmom
04 March 2013 04:10 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Had a good sleep last night after my first freeze dried meal of the race sumptuous chicken tikka with rice..! Yet another beautiful sunrise this morning after the (now usual) 4.30am wake up to get prepared for the day`s exertions. Ibuprofen before bed last night seemed to help and, although legs were a bit slow to start initially, they started to get going after the first 3-4kms. Today`stage started with the most spectacular 11km section through a canyon (Rio Grande river) that involved multiple river crossings -at 1 point having to negotatiate a good 500m through the chilly waters flowing down from the snow melt on the volcanos. Wasn`t the ideal start for my blister bud managed to get through without issues and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery taking a load of photos along the way (read good excuse for a break). The second stage, unsurprisingly, then took us out the canyon which meant a serious climb all the way up to the top of the canyon walls - pretty tough, even by HK standards, but the views were simply magnificent. We then cruised along the ecarpment for several kms and the section ended with a ridiculously entertaining downhill sand dune - must have been a good couple of hundred metres high - awesome fun. Thingsjust got tougher from there.....next section took us through the valley of the moon at which point the temperature started rising and the footing became more challenging. The last 4-5kms were through some soft sand - the bane of my existence - and that was pretty tough going so no running for me although I used the walking section too refuel on some chips, macadamias and biltong! Checkpoint 3, water refill, salt tablet, and off on the final 11.8kms to camp through some of the infamous salt flats. I found this part slightly easier than the soft sand, and was definitely aided by the fact I plugged in the iPod for the first time which helped me push through at a brisk walk with the odd bit of first pumping along the way... The last 4kms after we passed `the last tree in the desert` were on a dirt track that was pretty easy going with bits of both running and walking, finally arriving into camp in 5:55ish and in 16th place (winner came in just under 4.5 hours - rapide...) Legs now bit tender, particularly quads and hip flexors, and shoulders definitely feeling the strain of the pack...hopefully with more food being eaten today that will only serve to make it easier (reality is the existing fatigue probs outweighs the ligher pack unfortunately).
The campsite is at a beautiful salt lagoon - saltier than the dead sea - but no swimming given no showers or water to rinse off so dont want to be caked in salt all day...looking forward to the end of stage 4 with the freshwater lagoon for a dip to take the edge off the 40+ heat (yesterday got to 43, when I arrived in camp today just before 2pm it was 39 and rising...ouch)
Tomorrow sounds like an even tougher day so need to get the recovery moving, take care of the blister, and refuel to hopefully get me through the next 40 odd kms....hopefully in similarly good spirits by this time tomorrow
Comments: Total (8) comments
hans hawinkels
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:39 am
superb effort Steve - best of luck tomorrow - luv dad
Jill Tomlinson
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 06:21 pm
Well done so far Steve. How do you have the energy to write so well at the end of the day??!!
I am a colleague of Claire Brown in the trust that is benefitting from sponsors of your run - so thanks very much on behalf of the students who will ultimately benefit. Jill T
Paddy Evans
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 05:33 pm
Very impressive Bokker. Keep up the good work - you are only 5 minutes behind where Timmsy was last year!
Claire Brown
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 03:29 pm
Steve, you are doing amazingly well! Feel so proud of you getting through all those challenges with seemingly such ease. Holding thumbs for you for each day!
hans hawinkels
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:26 am
steve you are doing fantastically well - keep pacing yourself as you are as you are on a journey - we think about you a lot - luv from all - India cleaned up Aust by an innings in second test- I am off to London tonight
Candice Hemphill
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:09 am
SO impressed with you Stevie, WOW, unbelievable and such great times-keep it up and hope today goes just as well!
Karen hawinkels
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 05:28 am
the route sounds amazing in spite of the heat - hope day 3 goes well. Thinking of you and also so proud xx mom
Katie Hawinkels
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 04:40 am
Another great stage completed and by the sounds of it, it was quite spectacular - can't wait to see the photos! So impressed and proud to hear you came in 16th and to see you are ranked 14th overall after these two stages! Well done Stevie, you never cease to amaze me! Sleep well now and good luck for Stage 3 ahead xxx bh
03 March 2013 04:39 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day-1 done and dusted.... Arrived in camp last night at 3500m to a lot of nervous energy and excitement ahead of the race kicking off today. Met a bunch of great ppl already who have a lot of interesting backgrounds and stories, particularly when asked the question `what made you decide to do the race?` Managed to get a decent night`s sleep although the snoring eventually woke me up at 3.30am and that was me done...not the end of the world though given the 8.30pm bedtime. The night sky here is truly spectacular, and the stars are mesmerising even with a half full moon - even managed to catch a couple of shooting stars
Pre-race briefing was straightforward if not a bit chilly...and things got started on time at 8am. The first stage was short - only 31ish km but the effects of altitude were in full effect as breathing was laboured but we dropped down pretty fast with some entertaining downhill sections. Section 2 took us through a breathtaking canyon, but things toughened up for section 3 with a short uphill on soft sand (that definitely doesnt suit my 85+kg frame) followed by a 5km uphill through a blisteringly hot canyon to the final checkpoint...needless to say I walked the entire stretch! Finally came in to camp just under 4 hours so in line with what I had hoped at the start - although a good hour and change behind the stage winners!! Now time to relax, get the fluids in and feet up, along with some maintenance for a blister picked uo on my left foot within the first 15km...annoying!!!
Tomorrow gets harder, and we have a few big river crossings right at the start to ensure we have nice wet feet for the rest of the stage. Touch wood all goes well and will have some positive news this time tomorrow
Big hug+kiss to the wife - signing off for now
ps. pls comment on blog with any updates for rugby/cricket scores!!!! :)
Comments: Total (7) comments
John Key
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:33 pm
Well done mate, that's an awesome 1st stage. Take care of that blister and enjoy stage 2 tmrw. I look forward to reading about your progress through the week, congrats again on a fast day 1 and use the motivation of getting back early to read the messages from your wife, family and friends as motivation to get each stage done ! Good luck and enjoy
Vishweshwar Anantharam
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 02:36 pm
Hey hawie ...... Awesome work on the first stretch. Keep it going. All in office keenly following your race and routing for you. Day 3 India creams the Aussies.... To take a 270 run lead. Aus now 74 for 2 and backs to the wall. Good luck for day 2
Jonty Pitcher
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:42 am
Stebbbin. Well done mate!
Sharks beat the stormers! Enough said. Boom.
Good luck on the next stage. Enjoy mate.
Jonty
Jibraan Rasheed
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:23 am
Couple of updates..
1. V annoyingly you've managed to whoop me at football from the Atacama largely thanks to a suarez hatrick. HK Power now back above The Jubs in the league.
2. You failed to lock away your rooibos so naturally i've polished it off to compensate for 1.
Best of luck for the next stage.. hopefully there's a wooden spoon at the end of it!
Katie Hawinkels
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 06:31 am
So wonderful to read your first race blog post, sounds like it was an amazing & challenging first stage! And incredible to see you came in 17th - so proud of you Stevie! Hope you get that blister sorted & manage to get a good night's rest! Good luck for Stage 2 tomorrow.. Looking forward to reading about it! Big hug & kiss back my Stevie xxx
hansie hawinkels
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 06:30 am
great start - conserve your energy - enjoy the scenery
Nick Hawinkels
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 06:21 am
Beavski!! 17th not too shabby, well done on day 1!!!
Sports scores:
sharks 12 6 stormers
Proteas got smashed first T20 by Pakistan
Spurs beat arsenal 2 1 (ya ya)
Think those are the important ones!! Must I do your super bru this week for you? ;)
Keep going beav, smash the next stage
02 March 2013 01:40 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Arrived in San Pedro on Thursday night and spent yesterday taking it VERY easy. Small jog around town at sunrise to loosen up after the long trip to get here (interesting to note that the west coast of Chile is the same time zone as Buenos Aires on the east coast of South America - 11 hours behind HK. Result, sun comes up at 7.30am and only gets dark around 8.30pm), and then spent the rest of the day cruising around town, sorting out my backpack, and chilling by the pool at the hotel. Grabbed a steak with a few fellow competitors last night then hit the sack to take advantage of my last night in a bed with pillows for a week...
Had our competitor briefing this morning and check of all mandatory equipment for the race. My packed weighed in at 9kg, so not the lightest but still pretty happy to be below 10kg. Our buses leave here at 3pm to take us to the first campsite where the race kicks off tomorrow morning. Next post to (hopefully) come at the completion of stage 1.
Till then...
Comments: Total (2) comments
Katie Hawinkels
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 10:25 am
Nearly time to kick off the race! Thinking of you so much - GOOD LUCK my Stevie xxx
karen hawinkels
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 02:13 pm
at last nearly time for the race - good luck boy xx
27 February 2013 11:55 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Right then - sitting here at the airport in HK waiting to board my flight, first to Auckland, then to Santiago and finally up to Calama in copper mining country. From there, the town of San Pedro de Atacama is a further hour's drive away....a lengthy journey by any standards. Fingers crossed my suitcase with most of my gear makes it there with me!
All the prep has been done, backpack packed and repacked to check the gear all fits in, and now it is time to get down to business. Really looking forward to getting out to San Pedro, not only to get started with the race, but also to see what promises to be some spectacular scenery. Signing off for now with a mixture of excitement and anxiety - next post will hopefully be from on deck in Chile.
Sala kahle
Comments: Total (2) comments
Candice Hemphill
Posted On: 28 Feb 2013 08:34 am
SO impressed Stevie, will be following your blog and cheering you on from SA, can't wait to see you guys in April
karen hawinkels
Posted On: 27 Feb 2013 02:46 pm
so excited for you - what an amazing experience this will be. really envious to in a way xx
06 February 2013 08:11 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Welcome to my blog for the 2013 Atacama. I am just getting my blog up and running and look forward to updating you all during the race and getting lots of support and encouragement!!
Few more preparations to be done so far as equipment etc is concerned (and practice organising everything in my pack) but otherwise tapering period now underway and looking forward to getting on deck in the Atacama!
Comments: Total (4) comments
Graham Wood
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 11:08 pm
Well Stevie! day 1 must now be done and dusted. Hope it went ok man. All the lads and HK POWER thinking of you here Choooina!
One thing i'd like to bring to your attention is that reeves somehow nailed 12pts on superbru, and i'd rather not mention your score as it may impact your race! Only jokes boet - all the best man and will be following your progress!! take care and good luck on the first nights sleep!
Jeanney Barkett
Posted On: 12 Feb 2013 06:54 pm
Good luck Steve, quite a challenge!
Chris Stenzel
Posted On: 08 Feb 2013 07:17 am
Good Luck Boytjie! Will be watching daily + will have a cold beer waiting for you when you get back to HK - Stenz
Alina B
Posted On: 06 Feb 2013 10:21 am
Hi Steve - Great to see your blog here. Looking forward to reading more! Cheers, Alina
Comments: Total (6) comments
Bradley George
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 03:04 pm
Jill Tomlinson
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 07:51 am
Thembi Laubscher
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 06:44 am
Thembi Laubscher
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 06:38 am
Karen hawinkels
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 04:51 am
Katie Hawinkels
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 04:20 am