Billy's story

I'm the one that's writing most of this.... once it's up and running I'm sure Colin will add some input of his own. For now, you'll have to put up with my ramblings.

When we finished at university, somehow getting degrees despite our misdirected efforts, Colin and I really did head in different directions. I decided to get a "real" job working in a lab, and Colin took off to New Zealand for 18 months with a bunch of the guys who we paddled with. We'll pick up his story soon.





















Lab work was alright and I became a weekend warrior... however I had lost a lot of my kayaking buddies so focused on other sports I enjoyed. These included mountain biking and climbing, although I still managed to fit in a couple of kayaking trips. I took a trip to Morzine in France (above left) where I thought I got quite good on my bike until the above (right) happened in a race in the UK. It resulted in a couple of broken ribs, a fractured shoulder blade and some weird stretching of my shoulder ligaments.

I climbed in the Alps and Malta (well, there was probably more drinking in Malta). This has really inspired me to climb more, and I really enjoy the physical challenge of bouldering and sport. Traditional climbing is still a little too expensive for me to get into as well, although I can see myself heading down that path as I age.

One of my favorite quick blast kayaking trips was to the Val Sesia region in the Italian Alps. We had past through their too late for their season the last time we were in the Alps, but this time I had 6 days of perfect river levels, even if that meant me bivvying in the rain. Personal favorites included the Egua and the upper upper Semenza.



So although this trip was pretty spectacular I didn't feel that I had managed to get anywhere near enough paddling in the years that working in the lab. As Colin and my other friends returned from their travels, I was in the process of leaving my job. There were other issues in my life at that moment and I had a very stressful summer which culminated in me deciding to get away to Nepal. This was probably the best decision I ever made. Nepal is an incredible country, the people, the scenery and the kayaking are all amazing. I joined up with a couple of friends, and also met folk whilst I was there. I got to paddle the Tamur, Madi Khola and Upper Modi Khola.
























The only problem I found with Nepal was that you cannot get enough time there. You're so busy getting immersed in the culture and pace of life, that before you know it, it's time to leave. I have a lot of unfinished business out there and I made the decision that I had to return. I also plan to learn how to paraglide out there, oh yes, I'll try and get some shots from up high from each country we're in. This time we will be in Nepal for 2 months... plently of time to get some good missions under the belt. Time to hit up the Humla Karnali for sure.