SUMMIT!!!

Dr. Botha has reached the summit! He called in today and said it's probably one of the most dangerous climbs he's ever done. The ridge was paper thin in many places. Even the guides were unsure of the path to take because no one they'd every accompanied had gone that far before!! Congratulations Dr. Botha!!! Thanks to everyone for their support.

All Set in Indonesia

Dr. Botha arrived in Indonesia just before flights were once again canceled thanks to volcanic eruptions. He's had a nice couple of days training, sleeping and eating great food! Dr. Botha, along with his climbing partner Carsten, will head out today for Wamena. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers!

Pancakes and Puncak Trikora

A big thanks to the Town of Grimshaw for putting on such an awesome pancake breakfast for Dr. Botha this past Saturday! It was a delicious spread and we are so appreciative to all the people for dropping by and for their contributions! My dad was really touched.

It was really neat for my brother and I to see how our dad's adventures have inspired you to achieve your own. Some of the senior citizens in Grimshaw are taking up hand-gliding and white water rafting! What an impressive group! An especially big thanks goes out to Tracy Halarowich and Debbie Langford for their hard work with the breakfast(I'm sorry if I spelled your names wrong).

After a breakfast indulgence, it's back to the hard work for Dr. Botha. He's leaving for Puncak Trikora in Indonesia on Thursday morning. With all the natural disasters happening there right now, you can imagine that we're feeling a little apprehensive about his departure. As usual, however, he's taken every procaution possible and this space will be updated as much as possible to keep everyone in the loop regarding his progress.

Please post your well-wishes on the blog or email him directly at anbotha@telus.net He always appreciates every message (as does his family :)

FINISHED!

What an exhiliarating few minutes!! Dr. Botha has finished the Furnace 508! This is an absolutely incredible accomplishment! WOW!

I asked Arlene to text me just before he crossed the finish line so that I could watch live on the website's webcam and it was incredible to see him finish! He walked over to the camera and waved. I was able to watch him get his medal. I could not be more proud! GO DAD!

Woooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!

Here are a couple of pics from the finish line courtesty of Chris Kostman and the Furnace Creek 508 website.

Finally at the Last Stage!

Dr. Botha is at the beginning of the final stage of the race! This is so very exciting! Thanks for all your support!

Stage Eight Around the Corner...

Although he's exhausted with an extremely sore rear end, there is no thought of stopping for Dr. Botha! He is nearing the end of Stage seven and the final stretch is (THANKFULLY) downhill! I've been sending his messages of support to Arlene via text message and she says they are helping his resolve. He has just had a big burst of energy. Whether it's the messages or the energy gel packs, we'll never know ;-)

Butterfly (also known as Andi Ramer) is still nearby and looking for her first 508 finish as a solo cyclist!

Both of you can do it!

In Stage Seven

Dr. Botha is now in Stage seven of the race! There are only eight stages in total! Lots of snakes are being reported on the road and the going is beyond tough, but he keeps going!