[ Nomination by Patrick Camblin ]
This 'award' is meant to highlight and honour our communities boldest and most inspiring feats - while most already know how this expedition ended in tragedy, what these three men were pursuing was certainly one of whitewaters greatest adventures.
For those unfamiliar with the trip, check their blog HERE. Encompassed within the expedition was Hendri's plan to first train Ben and Chris on classic sections on the White Nile, and then test them on one of the world's most dangerous descents through Murchison Falls national park. Afterwards they would climb and descend by kayak from the third highest peak in Africa; and that was just the first two weeks. From there the team planned to make a 1000 mile first descent through the mighty Congo basin, starting from the highest lake in Africa, Lake Kivu. The route would follow one of the most politically complicated and unstable borders in the world. 7 weeks into the expedition tragedy struck on the Lukuga River.
The expedition gives much to ponder. What can we learn from the bold and adventurous willing to risk their lives for sake of passion and discovery? Do we learn that we risk too much trying to enlarge our lives with these adventures? Or that maybe the facts of life are just embraced differently by those who don't shrink from risk or fear. To me this was a remarkable adventure with a tragic ending, and one that questions both what constitutes a life worth living, and a life well lived. Those who, without complacency, risk it all in search of experience have something we can all learn from. This daunting expedition was one of huge scale and ambition, and although the adventure ended horrifically I think there is something within it that most of us have a deep respect for.
Good thoughts to all of Hendri's friends and family.
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Hendri's blog + writing can be found HERE
More details on the expedition from their First Ascents blog HERE
