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While we were out in Kyrgyzstan we regularly uploaded updates of our progress. This page indexes each of these updates, and provides a coherent story from the start to finish of the expedition.
K day minus 14
The team undergoes some first aid training. As well as the ubiquitous ABCDE drumming, we got to play with stretchers.. [Read more]
Day 2 - Arrival
After months of planning, and a bit of a bollocking from the cargo manager at Heathrow, we finally actually made it. [Read more]
KyrgyzAir
Tim's flight from Delhi to Biskek was... interesting. [Read more]
Day 4 - The first river
Our first river, the Alamedin, proves a bit of a cracker. We didn't have much time to spare however.. [Read more]
Day 5 - The Kerkermeren
The Kerkermeren proves a highly entertaining medium volume run, and we've now made it over to the town of Kochkorka to scout the Chuy and Jon-Aryk. [Read more]
Day 8 - The disappearing truck
An update from the side of the road while waiting for the other group and their monster truck.. We've found a steep low volume beauty in the meantime though. [Read more]
Later on day 8 - A reunion
The two trucks re-unit by mid-day, to tales of football, and cricket with the local kids.. In the afternoon we hit the Juuka. [Read more]
Day 9 - Karakol
Checking out a couple of further valleys on the way, we make it to the major town of Karakol for the night. Real toilets are an absolute luxury! [Read more]
Day 11 - Into the snow
From Karakol, we head to the backend of beyond over a 3800m pass. It makes for some icy camping, and even icier paddling. [Read more]
Day 12 - End of the road
When we reach the end of the 'road', both teams have to resort to walking in the boats. [Read more]
Day 13 - An early start
Tim, Phil C and Rob get up at 6am for a quick blast down 10km of the Saryjaz, and then we all head back over the pass to the Turgen Ak-Suu. [Read more]
Day 14 - A swim to wake up
Phil C takes a quick dip to wake up, but we do end up at hot springs by evening, supping away on his swim beers. [Read more]
Day 15 - The Arashan
A marathon 6hr paddle down the Arashan valley after chilling in the hot springs. A continious and steep run, some difficult rapids and one notable fall - ARIZONA FALLS. [Read more]
Day 17 - mechanical problems
We head over towards the Naryn river, but our plans are thwarted by non-existant roads, and the fact that our trucks are using spare mudflaps and seat-covers to pump fuel. [Read more]
Day 19 - multidaying
A multiday trip on the Naryn, with a epic final portage once 'waterfall canyon' had defeated us. [Read more]
Day 23 - Kichi Naryn
After a regroup to collect our wits, we tackle the Kichi ('small') Naryn. Its proves to be one of the highlights of the trip so far. [Read more]
Day 26 - Song Kul
Another hopefully first descent, this time venturing through a deep gorge along the Song-Kul. [Read more]
Day 28 - a hidden valley
We find a really steep bit of the Song Kul, and give that a crack. Cascades, waterfalls, and the works. We progress at about 1km/hr.. [Read more]
Day 30 - Homeward bound
And homeward bound from Bishkek to Heathrow. Watch out, we're back! [Read more]