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Earlier this year, we caught up with professional adventure seeker and happyhead, Justin “Trauma” Lichter, right before he set off on an epic journey through the Himalayas. That was February and it’s now July (in case you hadn’t heard), and Trauma has made his triumphant return to civilization. Here’s an excerpt from his travelogue:

It was getting late one night and almost dark.  I was pushing on to find a campsite when I came across a herd of about 300 goats and sheep grazing.

Soon after I saw this guy stooped low and butchering a sheep.  I walked past and he yelled after me.  In the few English words that he spoke he asked me to be his guest for the night.  I couldn’t turn it down because there were no other campsites around and didn’t want to be rude.  I set up my tent a few yards away from his 6 foot by 6 foot rock hut.

He continued butchering the sheep.  When I was done I went over to talk to him.  He lived with his brother at about 3500 meters elevation (11550 feet) during the summers to graze his animals and then returned to their village in the fall.

His brother came out and took the meat as he was cutting it off the animal.  He made an amazing curry with the mutton and fresh goat’s milk that he had just milked, and naan (an Indian bread like a pita) that he made in the fire.  It was the best meal of the entire trip.  I couldn’t believe how tender and lean the mutton was.

Not once did I get a chewy piece of fat.  In the morning I woke up and my new friend taught me and had me milk the goats. I am now a master goat milker! He took the sour, lumpy curd of the fresh goat milk and made me a cup of salt tea, a typical rural Indian beverage of black tea, fresh milk, and salt, before I headed back out hiking down the trail.

More Trauma’s Travelogue coming next week!

Until then, get your fix at www.justinlichter.com 

G’day happyheads!

In case you hadn’t heard, our friends at Sanuk Australia are dishin’ out good vibes by the truckload. Every now and then, their trademark, smile-worthy ways make their way above the equator for a visit.

This summer, we had the privilege of meeting, mingling and jamming with Sanuk Australia’s beloved soloist/singer/songwriter/producer, Nick Saxon. Nick hails from Newcastle, NSW and has a sound all his own.

His rootsy, euphoric beats provide the jog for the high-spirited and soothe the souls of all. You know? The kind of stuff you’d want soundtracking your sun-soaked daydreams of an adventure “down under”.

Wouldn’tcha know, it’s been 12 months since Nick released latest album, “Hide & Seek“. Since then, Nick has been around the globe (even stopping by Sanuk HQ), to discover firsthand the “highs ‘n lows” of life as an international touring artist.

From Aukland, NZ to New York, USA & back again, Nick’s last trek sold over 3,500 copies of his album worldwide, clocked 50,000kms in travel, 200+ live shows and countless amazing encounters.

With such an incredible journey under his belt, Nick recently announced that he’ll be heading back to the studio to record a brand new EP. (Insert massive, shiny smile). Quite frankly, we’re so excited we just had to share! Kindly enjoy this sneak peak:

For more goodness, visit: Nick Saxon’s Facebook Fan Page and www.nicksaxon.com

Smile…pass it on!

In case you hadn’t heard, our friend Seth Pettersen is on tour right now. Seth and his dummer, the Undertow, are making the rounds on the West and East Coasts. Check out this recent interview with Seth on Down the Line Surf Talk Radio @ http://bit.ly/Seth_Interview. It’s the bees knees!

For upcoming tour dates, visit www.sethpettersen.com

From the twisted mind of Sanuk Teamrider, Brendan Buckley:

In 2004 (or something), Mick Fanning tore his hamstring (or something) and came back to win the Fosters ASP WCT Top 48 Men’s Championship Qualifying Series Word Tour Title (or something).

Last month, I sprained my MCL. With Mick paving the road for gimps such as I, I knew I could come back hot.  So I committed myself to a strict training regimen.  Next stop: NSSA Explorer Sr. Men Regional Semi-final showing.  I know I got what it takes…..

More Brendan @ embracethegoose.com

Summer is here and Sanuk teamrider, Pat Millin has been flaring up! During a recent south swell in California, Pat let loose and got some goods. Enjoy!

(photo: Justin Lahr)