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“Erik, Onslo,
I spent the most perfect weekend in and around Cat Ba, so it is really I who have to thank you.
Now, being more practical, apart from your welcoming and your friendship, which are priceless, I for one would easily dish out 100$ for what we did over the weekend. I mean, boating to a desert beach, climbing at the same beach, trekking in virgin jungle, bouldering in a magnificent valley with only butterflies (and buffalos, and geese!) as companions!
Last but not least, if you ever happen to be in Italy, just let me know and you can be my guests (both sleeping at my place and climbing!). As soon as I find some time I'll upload my photos and let you know the address where you can see them and download them.
Ciao for now and take care! “
Nicola
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“Thank you sooo much for having us! We had a fantastic time. We were so lucky to run into you two, you're both very generous. Good times.
Much love...”
Camille
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“Slo and Pony,
Thank you so much for everything. I can’t believe I’ve waited so long (55 years) to try the wonderful sport of rock climbing. Climbing over the waters of Ha Long Bay was one of the most exhilarating and memorable experiences of my life. You both are true professionals in your field making Scott and I feel so comfortable and safe the entire trip. Thanks for introducing us to some cool new music too and helping us with all of our travel plans, motorbike rental, hotel….well, just about everything!
We will definitely be back soon and will surely tell our friends about your program. Good luck and watch out for pink jelly fish!!”
Janette and Scott
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“Hello Slo Pony Adventures,
I wanted thank you for teaching me climbing. It was most of my fun in Vietnam. I want tell everyone to hear about my exprince and still smiling : ) You are #1!!!
Jia
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 IF you are heading to Vietnam or are interested in Deep Water Soloing at all you need to get connected with Slopony.com out of Cat Ba, Vietnam. They are an amazing group of locals and climbers from around the world dedicated to making your trip a memorable one that won't break the bank. We were finalizing our adoption while there and just kind of landed on their doorstep, so to speak, and they went out of their way to set us up with an Adventure even though they were totally busy with a film shoot. Erik and Onslo helped us set up absolutely everything: travel to Cat Ba from Hanoi, hotel accommodations, climbing trip with an amazing guide Victor, and our return to Hanoi. Not to mention our stay at the Noble House, which I believe Slopony's team is moving into was excellent...not to mention breakfast for a dollar. Now for the climbing aspect of the trip….thousands of limestone towers jutting out of a aqua-marine sea…really…must I say anything else! But they just don't focus on DWS, they'll take you to do some sport climbing or bouldering (if you're a new to climbing they will take you on a beginner instruction course as well) with some kayaking on the side…seriously these are the people to hook up with! Thank you so much Erik and Onslo for keeping this a climbers destination…with much love to Victor and Hung or boat crew…to the Queen (Oanh) and Peter for there hospitality www.slopony.comThanx for the time…much love, Larry
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I went out to Cat Ba town to do some rock climbing, and Slo and Erik made the whole thing very easy. These guys have stayed on the island for a while now, developing climbing routes in the wicked limestone formations, getting to know the villagers real well, and having a ball with the vietnamese bureacracy. From the moment I checked their webpages I got relevant info on all practical stuff, and how not to get ripped off as one usually do in Vietnam. These guys helped all kinds visiting the island, not just rock climbers.
We went out for a wicked climb in the bay, getting a nice boat trip out the limestone rocks shooting straight out of the sea, with some beautiful scenery (especially when you make it to the top). Safety, top gear, and great knowledge made me feel completly safe (I'm a total beginner), and their devotion to climbing is really inspiring. (They adapt the selection of climbs to whatever level you're on, all will keep it challenging at all times).
If you like rock climbing, or would like to learn, check out slopony adventures! It made that part of my Vietnam stay Awesome!
Sven
Jon (a.k.a Sven)
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If I'm back in Vietnam again, I would definitely be up for some more DWS with you guys, it was awesome fun, and once you get over those first few routes, really natural. Good luck with all of the development, sounds like you boys will be very busy for a while. I'll be sure to tell any climbers around here heading to vietnam that you guys are definitely worth checking out. cheers Cam Cam
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Hi Guys
Thanks for the great time I had with you while on Cat ba, will recommend it to mates once you are open..
Uploaded some photos onto flickr, got a couple of good ones of the drnking and a good one of Mr.C with the spider. Am off to Laos tomorrow..
All the best
Dan
Dan
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Hi Erik, Onlso, and Christian. It was great climbing with you in Butterfly Valley, and as usual the Slopony organization was simply perfect! Nicola II
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How is Cat Ba without the norwegian girls??
Our hands and body are sore, and we have just been taking pushups:)
We, Kari and Marianne, have been climbing! :D The third day... Its so much fun!!! But its better in Cat Bà... Its not the same to climb inside!
Life is back to normal... Everybody is back to work in different parts of Norway... But next weekend all the girls are coming together in the city we all have been studying (Trondheim)!
We are sending you some photos, so you don`t forget us:)
Hope you write back! Bacause we want to hear if you have met some nicer tourists since we left:)
Marianne, Trine, Annette, and Kari
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hi erik,
i will come back to cat ba, it is my favourite island in the world up to now. only in which year i will come, i am not sure. however i know, that i will see you and this beautiful island again.
hope slo and you is doing well and the business too!!!
I saw the pictures of me on your website, how many girls are asking about me :-)
wish you and Slo all the best
see you
Janosch Janosch
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Slo & Pony
Just wanted to let you guys know that I (and Colin too I am sure) had a ridiculously awesome time on Sunday. Even with having never rock-climbed before, that was definitely one of my favorite days of travel EVER and although I couldn't do too much in the morning, I am now definitely going to try to get into it so I can come back and do the whole experience some justice. I have told tons of people about it already and the pictures are flipping amazing, have a lot of friends into this stuff and am pointing tons of guys your way.
Really hope to make it back in the sooner than later near future and I am a little worried I will be rock-climbing spoiled for life with that as my first time! Amy
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Thanks to both of you for your help and hospitality
while we were in Cat Ba. All your hard work will be
worth it - we both enjoyed the routes you put up at
Butterfly Valley! Daniel
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What can I say Guys... AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME. Thanks for the best birthday weekend end - I have the best memories to remember it.
MASSIVE thank-you and high fives for looking after me all weekend and introducing me to your (INSANELY, sweat pouring down the brow type) sport I LOVED IT!!! (well at times).
Onslo/Coca thank-you for believing i CAN(!) do it - when i really thought i couldn't. I have found muscles that ache that i didnt even know existed, damn over compensating with the arms.
Eric - I'll be listening to more Dane when i get home and laughing with you! Thanks for the excellent photography and support getting me up my 4th climb. Wow it was amazing.
Dinh - bless that poor guy, kayaking me around the Island - his muscles will be on a par with yours soon Erik, watch out for that!
Take Care, i'l be sure to post lonely planet as soon as I get a server to stay up long enough.
Thanks for my mooncake - mmm yum?!! Love, Hugs and Bruises Katie xxx Katie
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Just to let you know that we had a really great time on Cat Ba that Garron and Carly talk of returning for lots more rock climbing and we to do the kayak trip that they did with you while we did a 14km hike through the national park ! I think they made the right choice but the forest was amazing !
We will recommend you to our friends whether they climb or not ! We loved Noble House too and would ask if you could thank all the lovely smiling ladies who served us so happily so many times in the four days we were on Cat Ba – they made Noble House seem like “home” even though we stayed elsewhere. We had our first and last meals at Noble House and spent time in the upstairs bar every evening !
We will definitely be back !
Kind regards and thanks for your help
Glenda and Geoff Fish Glenda and Geoff
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Hey Slo Pony crew,
Just got back home and already thinking of coming back to your special little place. Thanks for all the beta (pronounced bay-tah) and the radical routes you all bolted. You're doing a really good thing out there. It's people like you that make the world a better place. Keep up the good work and bolt that pillar for me when I return.
Hasta pasta,
Manny Emanuel
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Hi Sloponieeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!
Just to let you know - this is not the first time that we think about you guys... :-D
Hope you are doing well and your project is developing!
We are back in Austria already more then 3 months working as crazy and thinking permanently about our time at your place in Cat Ba.
Climbing is not as good as it was in Halong Bay but ok. We are still motivated and are trying to climb as often as possible but as you "eventually" ;-) know - a 40 hours job is harder then travelling around and toooo time-consuming for doing good stuff.
But life is fun and we are enjoying our time back home!
Please let us know how you are all doing... what's going in Cat Ba...
Cheers,
Christine and Bernhard
PS.: I am already training for the next "connect 4" challenge Christine and Bernhard
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Helle Slopony!
This is Gilles, the guy from France you had the incredible chance to meet at the end of april with Jean the other French guy. Hope everythings fine for you. We had a great time climbing in Cat Ba and discovering the fantastic spots you've spoted and the other ones that are about to come. I'm now in Laos wile jean went back to France. I'm going to climb in Vang Vien and then tell everyone to come to Vietnam!
I give you the adress of my blog if you have time to check some pictures! C'est beautifuuuuuul! http://leougillou.blogspot.com/2008/04/baie-dalong.html
All the best, say hello to everybody! Gilles
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Slo and Pony and Dinh and Luke and Jessica et al,
I have never had such a great time climbing in my life! Really, I'm not just saying it....and if I've said it before, this trumps that ; ) The rock, beaches, kanh massages, parties on the beach, classic routes (love butterfly valley the most), stupid board games, late night disco and boulder sessions, etc....it's all spectacluar. The small and inviting climbing scene that has naturally developed there in Ha Long Bay is unlike any other climbing area in the world - I hope it stays that way - less commercialized and snobby, more fun fun fun!
You have the patience of saints for waiting and persisting so long through the trials and tribulations of gaining permits, managing climbing access, and spending your last moneys on bolts for climbers. I never realized how much really goes into a climbing area until now - and with my newfound appreciation I will be sure to support climbing areas I visit with donations in the future. I am truly a changed person after my 3 weeks there and I can't wait to come back. Already thinking about May of next year. Whaddya think?? Good luck with finding your dog and decorating your new home ; )
Many thanks for everything. Theresa
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