I have to admit...

....I was freaking out a bit when I wrote the last post. It's really not going to be that bad, my mind just likes to go 'worst case' when I'm stressed...Note to self: don't blog when crazy.
Just got my new climbing shoes and my old ones back from a re-sole yesterday, very exciting....

   

aaaand this is what the new ones feel like on.....
  

I have some stretching to do! Big thanks to Big John's for re-soleing my old awesome shoes and for the great deal on the new pair I bought, love their work! Taking 3 pairs of shoes on this trip, hopefully thats enough!!

  

Reaching 'that' point.

I've hit it, the excited less then 3 weeks to go stage...aaaaand bringing up the rear is the ugly head of "Have you got everything, squire?"(english accent, for those who want my conscience to have character). Yes, going on an adventure like this and not planning anything, in the the wet season, is bound to have endless mishaps. Preparing for the rain, probably the most life giving pain in the arse when travelling like I want to. But, I have all my wet gear, for me and my bag. Couple of ground mats, probably won't be camping much but you never know. All my climbing gear, check. That was easy but also spawns a new problem of space...it destroys it. Just sorting out my medical kit now, writing down all the things that may deviate me from 'Wooo this is awesome" to "OMG I can see the bone!!" to just plain old leeches. In a place where a mere flesh wound can turn septic in 24hrs, I need to be prepared.
Time has dragged till now...3 weeks is going to fly! Let the freak out begin!!

The Planning

I'm going for 4 months by the way, short I know.
First I had to decide where I was going...that was easy. I've been to Laos and Thailand before but wasn't a climber, still went climbing but I realise now it wasn't what it could have been...hence the return! So much rock (in Laos) that hasn't been polished, yet, worn away but the endless flow of tourists. Lets try and keep it this way, if you've been to Laos you'll know what I mean. The country is a paradise!
(You'll notice a slight bias towards Laos in this blog, Thailand gets enough attention)
Made myself a rough itinerary, this changed a little bit. Mainly cutting out time in my stopovers, decided that it wasn't worth the extra money trying to get to crags in KL when I could spend those extras days chilling in Jurassic parkesq, gecko covered, chilled out Laos.
My first flight is Melb - Darwin - Bali, (return flights from Darwin - Bali: $295) staying there for a week to retrieve that long lost vitamin D that Melbourne has taken away. Then onto KL and Phnom Penh. The reason I'm coming into Cambodia first is because it was cheaper than flying into Laos, especially since I wanted to start in the south of Laos. Also, there is rumour of climbing and bouldering in Kampong Cham, just northeast of PP. Will let you know how that goes.
Originally I wanted to boat into Laos...that would've set me back $800! Damn highways.
Visas - Cambodia, on arrival.
            Laos, on arrival or in PP http://www.laos-guide-999.com/Laos-embassy.html
Going to buy a phone over there, waaaaaay cheaper! Also, now this is a little ambitious, I want to buy a pushbike and ride/hitchhike my way through Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Should be interesting, especially keeping it in my possession haha
Travel insurance I sourced through http://www.insure4less.com.au/travelinsurance.php  these guys have been great, and only 25% on top of the premium. Not bad! You can look at BUPA as well, little bit more expensive though. Also, I just got told last night that yo can get insurance through the Army. Haven't done any research on that yet but I will and put it in my next post.
So that's where I'm at....

I guess you're wondering about the title....

This isn't my first trip overseas but it is my first one dedicated to climbing and hiking. I've always been madly in love with not being inside and since June last year climbing has been a huge focus of my life (aside from my amazing partner who is ever supporting of my addiction to climbing). To be involved in a sport that requires so much patience, hard work and dedication, among many other attributes, has been incredible! The people this sport draws are a different breed, I love 'em!
I chose the title because this affair with climbing didn't happen overnight, and it will never end.

I'm heading to Laos and Thailand mainly, hiking, riding, rafting and climbing my way through 2 incredible countries! The research about climbing has been scarce for Laos, climbing hasn't exactly taken off here...yet. There is a German couple in Tha Kahek who are starting a little eco climbing centre there ( http://greenclimbershome.com/ ) I'm going to visit them when I get there. These guys are aiming high, it's going to be amazing! I have figured out though, that if I can get my grades up around the 22/23 mark then the climbing will be endless...Not far to go! But no matter what grades I'm climbing this trip is going to be incredible!

I wanted to create this blog to give people something else to go off until there is a climbing guide to Laos. There is some scripture out there but it's not hugely detailed and I keep hearing about places to climb but that's as far as it goes. So I hope my blog can give you some idea of what to expect if you're planning a similar trip.On the plus side though, the lack of publicity means it will stay hidden for a lot longer!

Well, that's a rough idea of what I'm doing here, I hope you enjoy reading about my journey and get the urge to do it yourself! This trip is done on a tight budget as well, so it should be interesting! I leave on the 11th of August from Melbourne, Australia.