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Documentary and Book coming soon - check this space for more news.
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CTD documentary
Crossing the Ditch
"Crossing the Ditch" is OUT NOW!!
Crossing The Ditch - the book
Two mates, a kayak, and the conquest of the Tasman.
With more than 2000 km of treacherous seas and dangerously unpredictable weather and currents, it was little wonder no-one had successfully crossed the Tasman by Kayak. Two young Sydney-siders, James Castrission and Justin Jones, reach the sand at New Plymouth - and a place in history - on the 13th of January 2008, 62 days after they'd set off from Foster on the mid-north coast of NSW.
RECENT NEWS
What have the boys been up to? Where have they been? James and Justin have decided to make adventuring and corporate speaking their livelihood. As a result they have been to beautiful and harsh environments around the world and have met some amazing and inspirational people. Read what James and Justin have been up to recently...
28 June 2009 - Mt McKinley Wrap up
Finally back in Australia!
Well...I've had a few days to digest what actually happened up on McKinley- I'm a little shell shocked I think - it was full on. You can never fore-see what card your going to be dealt while you're out there, but never in my wildest dreams (or nightmares?) would I have thought we'd be involved in a rescue up at 16,500ft, two days later have two dear friends plummet to their deaths and then have to deal with high altitude sickness. I'm pretty bummed that we didn't summit (we got to about 18,500ft), but that's not what mountaineering is about - I know it's cliched, but like life... it really is all about the journey. Most importantly we got back down safely as good mates... with all our fingers and toes intact.
A number of hugely successful things came out of the expedition- first and foremost, we were able to test cold weather systems for our upcoming expedition to Antarctica. We learnt critical skills in living at -30 degrees and how to care for our bodies at those extreme temperatures. Altitude-wise, we both stood higher than we have ever in the past and were fortunate enough to spend over two weeks on one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
I'd also like to thank Hugh, my good friend and climbing partner on Mt McKinley who unselfishly threw his summit bid away the moment I came down with Altitude Sickness. During that terrifying night up at 17,000ft he nursed me continually and didn't sleep a wink. He's a bloody Aussie legend- thanks mate.
Check out the Gallery of the expedition by clicking here.
Over the next few weeks we're going to be really busy promoting my book Crossing the Ditch, finishing off the documentary, starting to spend some serious time in planning our Antarctic Expedition and getting ready for the Sydney International Boat Show.
We can't wait!
Speak soon
JC
16 June 2008 - TALKEETNA AGAIN
SAFE AND SOUND!!
James and Hugh have made it off the Ice safely.
They left Motorcycle Camp at 0300 and made it down to Base Camp with only a little bit of strife. The lower section of Kahiltna Glacier was pretty cut up and they popped through a crevasse or two. That afternoon they were able to get a plabe back to Talkeetna, where after staying awake for 36hours straight have crashed after a well deserved beer.
Keep tuned over the next couple of days. Once James and Hugh have rested up they'll pen some more thoughts and we'll upload a new gallery of Mt Mckinley Pics!!
Cheers
Justin
15 June 2009 - Motorcycle Hill Camp
Rest now, Base Camp tonight
Howdy all, Hugh here...I've decided to wrest control of the blog off James for tonight (about time - ed.) and update you all on our going ons.
Today after the stress of the last two days we have had a rest day at 11 000 foot camp and plan to move down to Base camp at midnight tonight. There are two reasons for this strategy:
1) We were utterly shagged, and
2) By leaving at midnight the ice will be alot firmer as it will have been out of direct sunlight for much longer and therefore provide a safer route.
All things being equal we should be down to Base Camp at 8am tomorrow and hopefully on a plane back to Talkeetna the same day. Let's hope the weather lets us through...it's a pea-soup out there at the moment.
We've both had about 16 hours of sleep and are feeling so much better than 24 let alone 48hrs ago. In fact I've taken this opportunity to have not moved out of my sleeping bag the entire day, much lazier than James who's been out a couple of times to talk to people in nearby camps. Unfortunately this lazing about in my bag is going to have to come to a end as nature is calling.
Hugh Out!
...James here momentarily: On the topic of nature calling, I'll give you one bit of "interesting" news that I thought I'd pass on whilst Hugh is out of the tent! With toilet breaks in the extreme cold, you tend to move as fast as possible in order to minimise the time certain sensitive areas are exposed to the elements.
Three days ago Hugh was attending to a number 1, and was perhaps a bit hasty in his zip up. Much swearing ensued as he had caught his tackle in the zip of his pants in scene reminiscent of 'There's something about Mary'! Today was a momentus day as he informed me that the scab has fallen off and he is back to perfect working order!! (...thanks Cas - ed.)
