Howdy folks,

Below is an email I sent Sich (FCE doco maker) on February 16^th of this year, while I was in Chile, just after I had finished work on the cruise ship in Antarctica. The same cruise ship that Sich had worked on as the photographer/videographer, the same cruise ship that Sich who at the time was a friend of a friend, had put the good word in for me, thus leading to me getting work as a waiter onboard after nearly 3 years of trying to get to Antarctica!

The email I sent him was entitled “TOP SECRET PROPOSAL”. I love reading back over it, as when I wrote this email, the Final Continent Expedition was just an idea, it was all a dream when I wrote this email, as I say in the email, Sich was the first person I told this idea to……………..now look at it………………….this makes me smile………………widely…………happily…………..like I have just had a few a beers and a glass of red………………………oh yeah I have. OK the email.

TOP SECRET PROPOSAL 16^th February 2010

Bro,

Don’t worry I’m not asking you to marry me.

The reason i emailing, want to get your thoughts. I met a kiwi couple on the Torres del Paine trek (southern Chile), they told me about a Hillary expedition fund that sponsors young kiwis on expeditions. For a while now I have been wanting to do something awesome, I’m sick of just back packing and travelling, taking a trip, i’m wanting to take “an expedition”. As you know I only have Africa to go, I’m wanting the Africa chapter to be off the charts, so I have been playing around with lots of ideas to incorparate an expedition in Africa that involves work.

Obviously I can’t place all eggs in the basket of getting this hillary expedition grant, but I’m giving myself a year in Melbourne, I’m hitting the ground running, and will get the sponsorship for the expedition.

But, where Mr Sidey comes in, if you were keen, or atleast think you maybe keen, you could use your artistical magic and make the film for the expedition.

Ok Ok, I realise this is all just an idea at the moment and you’re the first person i presented it to. But to give you an insight to what i’m thinking at present, something along the lines of human powered (for the grant it needs to be sport oriented, plus i want to draw on the 2041.com leaving no carbon footprint etc), then we end up at our destination. The destination is going to be the place we will all work (hence completing my goal).But not just any old work, we will build something, like a hall, a classroom etc.

OK bro, as you can see the brains on over drive, the idea will change a bit, get input, who keen etc, time etc, but that where i’m at the mo.

So, just let me know if you think you maybe keen.

Obviously won’t make any money, prob just debt, but an amazing experience with heaps of sweat, tears and laughter and good times.  I would be planning it for in a year and half time.  Like i said just thoughts, but one thing is for sure, I’m doing some kind of expedition in Africa, back packing just too easy, i want to experience the real Africa!.

OK, I’m off on a 52 hours bus ride, no doubt after 52 hours of bus ride the expedition would of changed again. And if you have any ideas or thoughts, let me know, all ears bro.

Nuthin but love Hap
—

SICH’S REPLY 18^th February 2010

Hey bro,

Just read your email 3 times on a tiny iPod. This is just the sort of fuel that keeps me burning mate. I like. I’m sure a sweet sweet doco could come of this. Keep me informed!

Now I’m going to go off and think about this.

Chur Sich

SICH’S EMAIL 6 MONTHS LATER
– August 30^th 2010

Hola Amigo

Last night, in the comfort of my own bed, mind not ready for sleep, suddenly this hap character comes into my brain again. Hell, this isn’t going the wrong way, trust me on this one, as disconcerning as that opening line is.

Thing is. The more I thought about your expedition, the more I think of what a great doco there is in it, an awesome story for the screen. Yup, it’d be mad not to make a go if it.

I can see a doco, which starts at the start of your bike ride, and as you ride your story gets revealed, from your past jobs to the current expedition with bikes for humanity. Easily make a commercial hour. And the festival circuit would dig it. I’ve just entered the DocNZ festival for Feb 2011 with my upcoming polar film ‘Landscapes at the World’s Ends‘ so I’ll def need a project for the 2012 fest!

Funding? I could shoot something like this solo easy, light gear to fit on a bike. im sure there’s avenues here to explore in getting a film grant or similar. its all new to me in that area but room to explore.

anyway, see – not so seedy thoughts after all.

well bro, im off to china next monday, on a bike for a month around the himalayas, but will be back early october. your thoughts?

take it easy man, hey to mandy.

chur, Sich

MY REPLY

One question, was i naked in your thoughts?

hahaha,  I like mate, not me being naked, but your email, thoughts etc.  Let me do your email justice when i got time and will write a novel, but right now I’m off to work with the rocks.

Ummmm, i liking all this. nice

NBL Hap

As you know, the rest is history. I absolutely love looking back at this, to a time when all this was just a crazy idea. Thank you all for being a part of it and making it a reality. Fingers crossed for the Hilary Expedition grant! We should be finding out next week.

Nuthin but love Hap