While we're on the subject of South America and the Amazon today, it seems that another great rowing expedition is about to hit the water there. West Texas Hansen soon is trying to become the first and the fastest person to paddle the entire length of the Amazon River, the source height, all alone and in record time. He calls this the Amazon Express shipping and if all goes as planned, it will start within days.
Hansen's trip to the headwaters of the Amazon, beginning in the Peruvian Andes at Mount Mismi, gives rise to the Apurimac River, a tributary that helps form the mighty Amazon itself starts. In those early days, it will navigate hazardous class III-VI + fast as you descend through the Black Canyon and the legendary Acobamba Abyss, one of the most difficult sections of white water everywhere.
This section of the trip will cover about 425 miles (684 kilometers) before the water begins to equalize and slow down dramatically. From there, it is still 3800 miles (6115 km) to the sea, that the West intends to run as fast as possible, night and day to the finish line, to the extent possible. In short, the entire shipment will cover 4425 miles (7121 km).
West is currently in South America and is preparing to launch his epic paddle. He got his visa and is in the final stages of getting their equipment and supplies ready. It will have a support boat to replenish them along the way but will make the entire basin alone. If all goes as planned, it should hit the water next week.
It should be noted, that Hansen himself recognizes this is not the first kayak expedition to run the Amazon. His "first" to include solo and fast. It looks set to be one hell of a journey and I wish him all the best, not only because he lives in Austin, where I live. This will certainly be an extraordinary adventure.
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