What is it that drives a man to attempt something ridiculously crazy? Is it the possibility of failure that causes the enchantment of success to be that much more alluring? Is it the adrenaline rush that one might experience when pushing the boundaries physically and legally? Is it the prospect of losing oneself completely to the challenge, such that anything that happens outside the confines of one's immediate sensory perception becomes completely irrelevant? Does one need to lose oneself in order to find oneself?
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm my gratitude to all the people of Malaysia and Australia who have supported me throughout this absurd period in my life. In particular, the SAR participants: Police Inspector Gabriel and the Murudi Police Force, Marudi Bomba, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Mr Hein and all the guides at Gunung Mulu National Park, the local communities of Mulu - particularly Batu Bungan and Long Iman, my good friends from Kampung Nyegol and of course Uncle Brian, my father and twin brother.
A huge thankyou to the incredible people of Sarawak who have treated me with immeasurable generosity and kindness since my arrival in Sarawak at the beginning of August. I have a number of great Sarawakian friends who provided me with tremendous support in the aftermath of this insane ordeal.
On that note, do have yourself a Merry Christmas if it is your custom to celebrate the significant Christian holiday. If not, please have yourself a Merry Ordinary Day on the 25th of December.
Andrew Gaskell
Lunatic, wanderer, general advocator of senselessness