With Amy out delivering a food drop to Alpha 2 - (Macho Trek), I am stepping in to give you the latest updates from the crew here in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The radio has been running hot today, the comms have been fantastic, and it is clear to see that everyone is having a great time.
As I type our group down in Conte Burika are recovering from a hard day of timber hauling. Out of 100 planks these guys managed to transport 80, the local community members were very impressed and invited them to attend their church service. Everyone is in great form, and completely thrilled to be in such a beautiful place. Alpha 9 is probably the most multicultural of our groups with representatives from Hong Kong, Holland, Canada, England, and Wales. Laura and Ross will arrive their on Monday so expect some of Laura's stunning photographs later in the week.
Down in La Cangreja, Alpha 4 have started work, and spent the day digging trenches. The lovely Lisa reports that she has had the best night sleeps ever in her bascha bed, while Wendy (Logs manager) is using her connections to request an interesting array of articles from her beloved bodega including a coffee stand and coffee jug!!! The team has bonded well and are loving their environment. They are determined to not only improve the jungle camp kindly left by the previous Alpha 4 but also out do Alpha 5. So far they have constructed a gym (well a bench press), a games room (a table) and a changing room. Competition is hotting up between the two with perhaps a little encouragement from field base. Working alongside the rangers, Alpha 4 called in this afternoon to let us know they were tired but happy and heading down for a swim in the river to ease their aching muscles- bliss!
Meanwhile way up north in Achuapa, Alpha 7 have arrived at Los Playones 2 where they will complete a project Raleigh began in 08J. This is expected to take a week, at which point they will have a party to celebrate and then continue on with the project started by our first Alpha 7 in the neighbouring community. Divided into pairs the group are settling into their new families with ease. The commitment and enthusiasm for the project has impressed all 4 PMs who can't stop raving about them. Tomorrow they will take on the locals in a game of baseball, as much as we love them, our money is on the Achuapans!!
Alpha 1 are powering through the trek and managed to get to Pittier Ranger Station by 11.30am!!! Having recently done this trek, I can only stress how impressive this is! I couldn't quite believe it when they radioed in at lunch time. This meant they could enjoy a truly beautiful place with one of the best views I have ever seen. Tonight they were met by Ross and Laura with their first food drop, and Sam's precious size 12 rafting sandals which he managed to leave behind. Tomorrow they will take on a jungle section with a lot of up, and a bit of scrambling, but I don't think anything could stop this team. James and Kirsten have nothing but admiration for the enthusiasm and effort each member is putting in. As further incentive their guide for tomorrow reports having seen pumas recently, fingers crossed as I know that James would love to see one of these amazing creatures.
Alpha 8 are fabulous and have now fully completed one wall on the community centre in Miraflor. They too have a day off tomorrow and have a whole range of activities planned, including tortilla making and cow milking.
Alpha 2 are on track and in the lovely Taus where they are staying at a community centre with Amy and Lizzie who are delivering their first food drop. These guys are brilliant, so upbeat despite being covered in mud from the jungle and dealing with the daily rain (yes people it is still raining in these parts!!!). They are heading in the right direction however, and should soon find themselves bathing in the sun. Tomorrow they climb in the cloud forest before dropping down to Puricil, and then heading up again. I saw them briefly yesterday and I can report that they are seasoned trekkers - and that includes the smell. Such great spirits I can't speak highly enough of this group, we will have some photos tomorrow on Amy's return.
And finnally Alpha 5 up in Horizontes. Radio comms with this group are crystal clear and I had the pleasure of chatting to Rosie this afternoon as if she was in the next room. These guys have completed their first day's work with the trees and were settling into their new, improved jungle camp now equipped with basketball ring and wet room. The group are working alongside the rangers and have been seriously impressed with their dedication to the project as well as the beauty of the place, including the spectacular sunsets.
Kirsty wants to let her mum and dad know that she received the message from the blog and is relieved and happy to hear that all is well. She sends masses of love and looks forward to speaking to you soon.
So all in all some incredibly happy people, all doing some pretty amazing things. You guys at home can be really proud of these young people, I certainly am.
Pura Vida
Anna
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Friday, 27 February 2009
Phase two already in full swing
After a lot of travelling and a couple of very early starts, all of our Alpha groups have now safely arrived at their project sites and are starting to get into the swing of things
So as usual, here is a quick round up of where everyone is and how they’re getting on…
Alpha one spent the night in Alturas last night and are headed to Agua Calientes today (which means hot waters in Spanish) where they will be able to relieve their tired legs in some stunning natural hot springs – I was there a few weeks ago and I can confirm that after a hard day’s trekking it is absolute heaven…
Alpha two have been doing a great job of facing the challenges posed by Barbilla National Park, tackling numerous river crossings and tricky climbs.
Alpha four arrived safe and sound and met with the rangers yesterday to discuss the project. They have clearly been practising their Spanish as they managed to complete their SITREP completely in Spanish this morning, delivered by non-Spanish speakers! Today they’re diving straight into work so there’ll be lots of digging and clearing.
Alpha five also met with the rangers yesterday and ended the evening with a beautiful sunset – they are all quite taken with how beautiful it is in Horizontes. Today, although their camp is already set up, they’re thinking up ways to make it even better than phase one.
Alpha seven arrived in Achuapa yesterday evening and had a lovely dinner. Unfortunately they were unable to get the porridge on the go this morning and so had to have sweet bread instead – they sounded very disappointed! They are headed to Los Playones this morning, where they’ll be meeting their host families and getting settled in.
Alpha eight bought some paint for the community centre on their way to San Ramon in Miraflor yesterday afternoon and spent the evening getting acquainted with their new hosts. Today they will be picking up from where phase one left off by continuing with building up the walls.
Finally, Alpha nine did the stunning walk along the beach into La Carona in excellent time yesterday giving themselves most of the afternoon to get settled in. Today they are meeting with the community to discuss what they’ll be doing over the next three weeks, and will pick up the building of the comedor from where phase one left off tomorrow.
Blog messages…
I’ve noticed that some of the comments we receive at our end seem to be disappearing into the ether of cyberspace and not appearing where they should be on the blog. But don't worry! We get all the comments through at this end so we can approve them, and this is where we pull them off and print them out to give to everyone – so rest assured that your loved ones are still getting their messages, but they just aren’t always appearing on the blog. Hopefully we can figure out why and fix it soon but in the meantime the messages will continue to be sent out either via the radio or with the road trips.
So as usual, here is a quick round up of where everyone is and how they’re getting on…
Alpha one spent the night in Alturas last night and are headed to Agua Calientes today (which means hot waters in Spanish) where they will be able to relieve their tired legs in some stunning natural hot springs – I was there a few weeks ago and I can confirm that after a hard day’s trekking it is absolute heaven…
Alpha two have been doing a great job of facing the challenges posed by Barbilla National Park, tackling numerous river crossings and tricky climbs.Alpha four arrived safe and sound and met with the rangers yesterday to discuss the project. They have clearly been practising their Spanish as they managed to complete their SITREP completely in Spanish this morning, delivered by non-Spanish speakers! Today they’re diving straight into work so there’ll be lots of digging and clearing.
Alpha five also met with the rangers yesterday and ended the evening with a beautiful sunset – they are all quite taken with how beautiful it is in Horizontes. Today, although their camp is already set up, they’re thinking up ways to make it even better than phase one.
Alpha seven arrived in Achuapa yesterday evening and had a lovely dinner. Unfortunately they were unable to get the porridge on the go this morning and so had to have sweet bread instead – they sounded very disappointed! They are headed to Los Playones this morning, where they’ll be meeting their host families and getting settled in.
Alpha eight bought some paint for the community centre on their way to San Ramon in Miraflor yesterday afternoon and spent the evening getting acquainted with their new hosts. Today they will be picking up from where phase one left off by continuing with building up the walls.
Finally, Alpha nine did the stunning walk along the beach into La Carona in excellent time yesterday giving themselves most of the afternoon to get settled in. Today they are meeting with the community to discuss what they’ll be doing over the next three weeks, and will pick up the building of the comedor from where phase one left off tomorrow.
Blog messages…
I’ve noticed that some of the comments we receive at our end seem to be disappearing into the ether of cyberspace and not appearing where they should be on the blog. But don't worry! We get all the comments through at this end so we can approve them, and this is where we pull them off and print them out to give to everyone – so rest assured that your loved ones are still getting their messages, but they just aren’t always appearing on the blog. Hopefully we can figure out why and fix it soon but in the meantime the messages will continue to be sent out either via the radio or with the road trips.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Message for the Weston family
Hi Sarah, just a quick post to say that we spoke to Alice on the phone earlier to give her the message you left about her father's operation - she was very relieved to hear that it went well and we all wish him a speedy recovery!
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Phase two allocations
Here we go with our last blog of the day. All of us left here at Fieldbase have been up since 4 this morning and spent most of the time after the Alpha groups left cleaning Fieldbase - it's surprising how much mess can be generated in just three days - so I think it's time for a well deserved nap! But before we go, here are the new Alpha groups and where everyone is going. For more details on the projects, you can click back through to our previous blogs at the start of the month when we did allocations for phase one - links to these can be found on the right hand side under previous blog posts.
Project manager Stu, Dean Hedman, Frederick Schicht, Holly Stoker, William Dyson, Katie Treherne Thomas, Tom Partridge, Project Managers Lisa and Wendy, Frances Karran, Deborah Perry, Joanne Thompson, Sophie Farrow, Kuo-Jam Chen-Sanchez and Thomas Montague
Harm Van Essen, Johnney Valasqez, Alexander Palacio, Oli Richardson, Polly Bambrough, project manager Charlie, Calum Lightfoot, Maxwell Barnes, project manager Libby, Johannes de Waal, Cathelijne van de Graaf, project manager
Sarah, Emma Van der Schans, Alice Weston and Sophie Wilson
Alpha one - Corcovado trek
(L-R) Trek leader James Bader, Project Manager Kirstin Beedie, Kyran Weir, Bruno van den Toorn, Charlotte Schroder, Oliver Lawrence, Olivia Andersen, Claire Moggie, Olivia Knight, Mark Pluck, Lucy Scaramanga, Davis Calvo, Lily Craver and Samuel Wilson
Alpha two - Macho Trek
George Cowan, Amy Tyler, Florentine Bodewes, Julie Verscheure, William Jaffray, Szeman Chung, Isaac Simon, Emma Britton, Adam Young, Catherine Kennedy, Verity Smith, Rose Hunnam, Dirk van Wassenaer, Project Manager Cata, Trek leader Nick and Project Manager Emma
Alpha two - Macho Trek
George Cowan, Amy Tyler, Florentine Bodewes, Julie Verscheure, William Jaffray, Szeman Chung, Isaac Simon, Emma Britton, Adam Young, Catherine Kennedy, Verity Smith, Rose Hunnam, Dirk van Wassenaer, Project Manager Cata, Trek leader Nick and Project Manager Emma Alpha four - La Cangreja
Project manager Stu, Dean Hedman, Frederick Schicht, Holly Stoker, William Dyson, Katie Treherne Thomas, Tom Partridge, Project Managers Lisa and Wendy, Frances Karran, Deborah Perry, Joanne Thompson, Sophie Farrow, Kuo-Jam Chen-Sanchez and Thomas MontagueAlpha five - Horizontes
Grace Francombe, Thomas Dickson, Viviana Loaiza, Project Manager Mike, Maarten van Keulen, Tom Wright, Jo Scott, Jonathan Rhodes, Rosie Ford, Project Manager Kirsty, Harriet Clarfelt, Joshua Todd, Charlotte Milner and Project Manager Spilla.
Alpha seven - Achuapa
Bliss Godden, Sean Hooker, Caroline Borstlap, Kishan Gandhi, Hana Damirji, Stephanie Lewin, Marvin Poelgeest, Joost Mol, Juan Carlos Gomez, Andrew Riding, Project Manager Katie, Christopher Trimble, Isaura Quintero, Project Manager Rob, Wilder Arteta and Project Managers Helena and Jackie
Alpha eight - Miraflor
Harm Van Essen, Johnney Valasqez, Alexander Palacio, Oli Richardson, Polly Bambrough, project manager Charlie, Calum Lightfoot, Maxwell Barnes, project manager Libby, Johannes de Waal, Cathelijne van de Graaf, project managerSarah, Emma Van der Schans, Alice Weston and Sophie Wilson
and finally...
Alpha nine - Conte Burika
Bella Gamsu, Dion Poelgeest, Bart Overakker, Bart Lidth de Jeude, Laetitia Pot, Adam McVie, project managers Philly and Anna-Louise, Nick Penney, Ka Ho (Ivan) Chiu, Kayleigh Farnell, William Zhao, Sophia Purdon, Dominique Langeslag, Louise Rea, Rosalind Purcell and project manager James
Alpha 9 end of phase slideshow
Our phase started with an eight hour trek down the beach before arriving in the village of La Carona situated in the indigenous reserve of Conte Burika.
We immediately set about lugging 50kg pieces of wood over a hilly 3km track. These planks were so huge that they became known as “God’s Chopsticks”.
While carrying the wood was tough, the views from the top were spectacular, we considered ourselves very fortunate to be able to look out over the peninsular and the Pacific Ocean stretching out before us. Back in La Carona with a large pile of wood beside us, we began work on the dining hall. Under the watchful eye of Sebastian we dug, bashed, heaved, whacked, straightened and hammered to produce 54 vertically set planks with the horizontal ones laid on top. From then on there was more wood to be collected before we began planing the floorboards.
Other than work there was plenty of football to be played with the villagers. The home side competed in a mixture of football boots, bare feet and wellies!
We thought we had got used to the Guaymi staple diet of rice, beans and tortillas until one day we were presented with pink custard for breakfast!
We enjoyed a couple of days off, making trips to the beach and to a local waterfall. It was incredible to be guided through the beauty of the untouched landscape that the Guaymi are so lucky to live in.
At the end of the phase we had a dinner with the entire community. We had an immense amount of fun and we were extremely proud of our work in attempting to enhance the lives of the people of a unique and fascinating culture.
Alpha 7 end of phase slideshow
Alpha seven spent three weeks in Los Playones, Nicaragua, living with families and helping construct fur local wells. We made lids for the existing wells, mixed concrete and pulled up buckets of dirt from the new wells. We were privileged to experience the excitement of hitting the water level and see this well almost finished at 11.5 metres deep. 250 metres of trenches were dug for a gravity-feed system. A filter made from rocks and pipes was laid, which provided a small section of the community with running water. Carrying bricks and sand dominated our days but we were rewarded with a night spent up the volcano watching the sun set and rise and sleeping under the stars.
The thing that made this experience so unforgettable for me was the way the families took us into their homes with such hospitality. Their openness and friendliness and desire to build relationships with us was truly touching.
Deborah Perry Feb 09
Alpha 5 slideshow
We arrived at Horizontes wondering what tree hugging would entail. We spent the first night in the ranger station and after a good night’s sleep the rangers, Happy, Pew and Jesus, showed us the four hectare plantation we would be working on and the area of woodland where we would create our amazing woodland home. It started as an overgrown forest, but with the help of the rangers we cleared our area and got rid of all the spiders and lizard nests. We built an amazing bedroom, campfire, dining room, kitchen, shower and toilet.
We started work on the plantation. The rangers chain sawed down all the trees and we stripped them of their branches with machetes and piled the wood. Although it was repetitive we had a goal to work towards, finishing the plantation, that kept us going.
After about a week of following this routine we rewarded our group with a trip to a nearby beach where we spent the day relaxing in the sun. We were back to work machete-ing and started the exciting work of measuring the trees with Jesus, the most passionate man about trees ever!
We macheted, measured, played games, energisers and sung round the campfire. We had a spooky party on Friday the 13th and had a wicked time as A5.
We ended with another trip to a beach for 2 days where we relaxed again and saw a turtle laying its eggs. It was the perfect end to phase one with a six hour trek back with Ronald and a warm welcome from Polly with her cast off – wahay! It was a lot of fun!
Alpha four slideshow
In this phase we managed to dig trenches along long lengths of an old indigenous path that runs through the rainforest of La Cangreja National Park, construct a quad bike ramp and make a rock bridge with stones pulled from the Rio Negro that run alongside our camp. We achieved over our target early despite some difficulties and harsh weather conditions.
Our sleeping and living accommodation became a pimpin’ jungle camp built from raw materials such as bamboo wood, and man made materials including hammocks and tarpaulins that transformed into what became known as a basher! Sleeping took some getting used to and we all had our uneasy basher experiences. On the first night one venturer was convinced a monkey was on his bed due to all the movement but it turned out to simply be an A-frame companion popping off to relieve himself at the long drop at 2 in the morning.
We formed an excellent relationship with the rangers, all special, different and lovely in their own way. We achieved what we went to do and more, and have made it possible for the rangers to access the forest more readily to improve the ability to defend against poaching and promote scientific studies of the immensely bio-diverse region.
Everyone agreed that all Alpha 4 Phase 1 venturers and project managers had an amazing time and made friends that will be life long in some cases. The digging and hours of pick-axing and heavy labour were worth it for all of us.
Alpha two end of phase slideshow
Alpha two, united as one, are here to reveal the mad moments in the past three weeks from the mighty macho trek.
A mere two hours from the word go, macho trek had a man down. Dutch man Harm had to be stretchered out in monsoon conditions. Unscathed by the challenge, the macho men and madams regrouped and mountaineered themselves 9 kilometres uphill, more then the mean Mount Everest.
Trekking through jungle, rain and sun, the changing terrain paralleled the rise and fall of emotions of the macho mob. After spending a whole day in the blistering heat trying to get back on track after one wrong turn, we had to improvise and settle for a made up camping spot short of our destination. Little did we know, a couple of hours later, Alpha 2 would be singing around a campfire and spotting shooting stars before sleeping above the clouds – not too shabby!
We continued on our quest to Playa Hermosa, sweating by the bucket, but finding the occasional lifeline – a waterfall in which we could gloriously dunk ourselves… Ahhhhh… refreshing!
Our trek closed in Macho fashion as we made it onto Playa Hermosa and then gorged ourselves on an open fire beach barbeque before riding the pacific waves in full view of the sinking Costa Rican sun.
(Kishan Gandhi)
Slideshows for end of phase one are finally ready...
The slideshows of all the photos from phase one are finally ready – hooray! Sorry for the delay in getting these up – Fieldbase has been a tad manic over the last few days. Despite everyone only having about 3 hours sleep in the end last night trying to get packed and ready to leave for phase two, everyone was up and ready to head out for phase two at 4.30 this morning and all the new groups are currently on their way to their new projects.
Shortly we will get up the allocations for phase two so you can see where everyone is headed to today, but firstly here we go with the first of the slideshows with the Corcovado trekkers of Alpha one…
Shortly we will get up the allocations for phase two so you can see where everyone is headed to today, but firstly here we go with the first of the slideshows with the Corcovado trekkers of Alpha one…
Some of the groups also wrote a summary of what their project was like so here is what Alpha one had to say about their experience...
From day one team spirit was high and usefully so as this was the day we got stranded between two rivers whilst on our lunch break. The result was having to spend the night in an unused farm house in the middle of a tropical storm and consequently losing a day and a half in time.
The team was determined to make up the time however, and after a great night spent on the floor of a church, complete with HOT showers, we had the opportunity. We set off before sunrise with the intention of completing one and a half days - an 800m climb through the jungle, a steep descent through waist high grass and then back up the other side. We had cut it fine but the promise of a spectacular view from the top kept us going up the second hill, with the help of tang and granola bars of course.
The view turned out to be spectacular – we could see the Pacific Ocean and the peninsular which is the home to the Corcovado National Park which we were to cross over the coming days. Corcovado National Park is the fifth globally for bio-diversity and it didn’t disappoint - Monkeys swinging from the tree above our tent, tapirs asleep on the beach, an anteater feeding next to the path where we were walking and even pumas, although only a few of us were lucky enough to see them.
With its spectacular beaches and incredible wildlife, the tough climbs became worthwhile. And our sense of accomplishment, especially at making up the time we lost, was an incomparable feeling of elation.
(Louise Rea and Rosie Ford)
Monday, 23 February 2009
Phase one complete!
Wow - yesterday was a busy day! Everyone is now finally back safe and sound, and Fieldbase is buzzing again as everyone is running around trying to get all the kit checked back in, de-brief everyone, do laundry, prepare for the Spring Bling Fling party etc etc.There was lots of screaming and big hugs as everyone started to arrive back yesterday and we all got to catch up with all the people we haven’t seen for the last three weeks…
One of the other things we’ve been doing is gathering everyone’s photos and project summaries so we can get them up on here- so far I think we’ve downloaded about 3000 and there are still more to go. Laura, Libby and I are currently working hard to get the best ones into slideshows and uploaded on here as soon as we can – we’ve seen some pretty amazing pictures so far so stand by!
At the moment most people are in town shopping for the party tonight and no doubt stocking up goodies such as sweets and Pops milkshakes (the best in the world I think – mmmm) They’ll also all be at the internet café so you can probably expect to receive some emails and facebook messages pretty soon.
Before we get all the pictures up though I just wanted to say a few thanks…
Firstly to Sabrin, who I think you’ll all agree has done an absolutely amazing job on the blog over the last few days! It’s been a pleasure to have her here at Fieldbase and she’s been a massive help with all of the comms stuff and helping to plan what is shaping up to be a fantastic Spring Bling Fling party!
Secondly thanks also to everyone at home who is reading the blog and leaving us all the lovely messages. The board outside is jam packed with all of them (14 pages of A4 in very small writing, which are just from the last week!) and the first thing everyone does when they get back is check to see who’s written to them since the last time - so do keep them coming!
At the moment most people are in town shopping for the party tonight and no doubt stocking up goodies such as sweets and Pops milkshakes (the best in the world I think – mmmm) They’ll also all be at the internet café so you can probably expect to receive some emails and facebook messages pretty soon.
Before we get all the pictures up though I just wanted to say a few thanks…
Firstly to Sabrin, who I think you’ll all agree has done an absolutely amazing job on the blog over the last few days! It’s been a pleasure to have her here at Fieldbase and she’s been a massive help with all of the comms stuff and helping to plan what is shaping up to be a fantastic Spring Bling Fling party!
Secondly thanks also to everyone at home who is reading the blog and leaving us all the lovely messages. The board outside is jam packed with all of them (14 pages of A4 in very small writing, which are just from the last week!) and the first thing everyone does when they get back is check to see who’s written to them since the last time - so do keep them coming!
Saturday, 21 February 2009
The big day is edging closer
So, just before everyone arrives back - I thought you might like to know exactly what we have planned for the 3-day changeover.
Firstly, from midday onwards tomorrow, groups will start returning to fieldbase and there will time to chill, organise their stuff, get some laundry done for the next phase and most importantly, hand over lots of photos to our communications team so that they can put them up here for all of you to see. There willl then be plenty of time for them to get sorted back into their tents and of course, gossip and catch up with each other about their experience so far. In the evening, there will be a welcome speech to introduce the changeover programme followed by a BBQ with lots of tasty food and we will end the evening with a nice movie.
The next day, everyone will have a chance to go into Turrialba, which is where they will be able to send emails and no doubt, check facebook but most importantly, stock up on their BLING for the party later on. After supper, we will show the skits that each group has prepared, which promises to highly amusing and without losing any time, we will go straight into the most important event of changeover, the Spring Bling Fling Foam Party!!
Once everyone has recovered from the night before, there will be a 'project allocation' ceremony for everyone to find out what their next project will be and to get acquainted with their groups. There will also be some more time then to go into Turrialba and stock of on final supplies. Later on, there will be an opportunity for them to learn about the history of the different areas where they will go for their phase 2 projects and time to get everything sorted, ready and packed for phase 2. They will deploy to their projects early on Wednesday morning and will, once again, set of on the journey of a lifetime.
Everyone over here is getting very impatient about welcoming the alpha groups back to fieldbase and hearing about all their exciting adventures and experiences. We will be sure to keep you posted on how the project's have gone and I am sure everyone is looking forward to reading and returning your much-appreciated comments. Now all we have to do is wait ...
Firstly, from midday onwards tomorrow, groups will start returning to fieldbase and there will time to chill, organise their stuff, get some laundry done for the next phase and most importantly, hand over lots of photos to our communications team so that they can put them up here for all of you to see. There willl then be plenty of time for them to get sorted back into their tents and of course, gossip and catch up with each other about their experience so far. In the evening, there will be a welcome speech to introduce the changeover programme followed by a BBQ with lots of tasty food and we will end the evening with a nice movie.
The next day, everyone will have a chance to go into Turrialba, which is where they will be able to send emails and no doubt, check facebook but most importantly, stock up on their BLING for the party later on. After supper, we will show the skits that each group has prepared, which promises to highly amusing and without losing any time, we will go straight into the most important event of changeover, the Spring Bling Fling Foam Party!!
Once everyone has recovered from the night before, there will be a 'project allocation' ceremony for everyone to find out what their next project will be and to get acquainted with their groups. There will also be some more time then to go into Turrialba and stock of on final supplies. Later on, there will be an opportunity for them to learn about the history of the different areas where they will go for their phase 2 projects and time to get everything sorted, ready and packed for phase 2. They will deploy to their projects early on Wednesday morning and will, once again, set of on the journey of a lifetime.
Everyone over here is getting very impatient about welcoming the alpha groups back to fieldbase and hearing about all their exciting adventures and experiences. We will be sure to keep you posted on how the project's have gone and I am sure everyone is looking forward to reading and returning your much-appreciated comments. Now all we have to do is wait ...
Put your hands together for 'The Don'
Don Martin is our in-country Logistics and Security Coordinator, who keeps everything running here at Fieldbase and is pretty much on hand to help out with anything and everything. So in order to get an insight into the life of the aforementioned ‘Don’, I grabbed a Spanish phrasebook and a few pre-prepared sentences from freetranslation.com and headed off into the rain to try and seek him out for a quick interview. What follows is the conversation that went on between him and I and my attempt to translate his answers into English. I wouldn’t say the conversation flows exactly as expected due to obvious language barriers and therefore, very inaccurate Spanish on my part, but I’m hoping that it adds an aspect of humour?
¡Estupendo! Y a que te dedicas exactamente por Raleigh, el día al día?
(Marvellous, and on a day-to-day basis, what exactly do you do for Raleigh?)
Trabajo de guarda y en logístico. Manejar carros, Mandado y Mantenimiento.
(I work in security and logistics. Driving Cars, Shopping and Maintenance)
¿Y usted trabaja todos meses del año?
(And you work here all year round?)
Si
(Yes)
¿Por eso, aparte de usted de ser rodeado por mujeres bonitas todo meses del año, qué le hace disfruta del más acerca de trabajar par raleigh?
(So, apart from being surrounded by beautiful ladies all year round, what do you like the most about working for Raleigh?)
Un Entrevista Con Don Martin
(An Interview with Don Martin)
FB:Buenos Tardes, Don Martin. Muchas gracias por concordar en hablar conmigo. ¿Cómo estás?
(Good Afternoon Don Martin. Thank you very much for agreeing to speak with me. How are you?)
DM: Bien. Usted?
(Good. You?)
Bueno. Yo Tambien.
¿Cuánto tiempo ha estado trabajando usted para Raleigh?
(Good – Me too. So, how long have you been working for Raleigh?)
Cuatro Años
(FourYears)
(Good Afternoon Don Martin. Thank you very much for agreeing to speak with me. How are you?)
DM: Bien. Usted?
(Good. You?)
Bueno. Yo Tambien.
¿Cuánto tiempo ha estado trabajando usted para Raleigh?
(Good – Me too. So, how long have you been working for Raleigh?)
Cuatro Años
(FourYears)
¡Estupendo! Y a que te dedicas exactamente por Raleigh, el día al día?
(Marvellous, and on a day-to-day basis, what exactly do you do for Raleigh?)
Trabajo de guarda y en logístico. Manejar carros, Mandado y Mantenimiento.
(I work in security and logistics. Driving Cars, Shopping and Maintenance)
¿Y usted trabaja todos meses del año?
(And you work here all year round?)
Si
(Yes)
¿Por eso, aparte de usted de ser rodeado por mujeres bonitas todo meses del año, qué le hace disfruta del más acerca de trabajar par raleigh?
(So, apart from being surrounded by beautiful ladies all year round, what do you like the most about working for Raleigh?)
Mis jefes y empresa son especiales – muy bien.
(My bosses and the organization are special - very good.)
¡Que Tuamis! Don Martin, Pienso usted es bastante popular en Turrialba.
Que es usted cosa favorito de Turrialba?
(How Groovy! Don Martin, It seems you are quite the popular guy along the streets of Turrialba, what is you favourite thing about the town?)
Se celebra el dia de amor y la amistad.
(It is celebrated the day of love and friendship)
Si. Porque?
(Oh Yes. Why?)
Su un día especial para mis.
(It’s a special day for me)
Cada dia, lluvia en Turrialba. ¿Es normal?
(Every day, it’s raining in Turrialba. Is this normal?)
Non. Normalmente mucho calor.
(No. Normally it’s very hot.)
Espero Tan. Y usted cosa favorito de Costa Rica?
(I hope so. And your favourite thing about Costa Rica?)
Hay mucho democracia y mucho natural vistas; volcáns, montanas, ríos.
(There is a lot of democracy and lots of natural sights; volcanoes, mountains, rivers.)
Es verdad. Por eso, todos les venturers y PM’s regros domingos.
Son usted emocionó acerca de su regreso?
(True. So, all the venturers Project managers are returning on Sunday. Are you excited about their return?)
Si Mucho, porque regreso todos mis amigos.
(Yes very much, because it means the return of all my friends.)
Absolutamente. Muchas Gracias Don Martin. Tenga un fin de semana bueno. Hasta Domingo!
(Absolutely. Thank you so much, Don Martin. Have an excellent weekend. See you on Sunday!)
Bueno. Hasta Domingo.
(Cool. Until Sunday!)
(My bosses and the organization are special - very good.)
¡Que Tuamis! Don Martin, Pienso usted es bastante popular en Turrialba.
Que es usted cosa favorito de Turrialba?
(How Groovy! Don Martin, It seems you are quite the popular guy along the streets of Turrialba, what is you favourite thing about the town?)
Se celebra el dia de amor y la amistad.
(It is celebrated the day of love and friendship)
Si. Porque?
(Oh Yes. Why?)
Su un día especial para mis.
(It’s a special day for me)
Cada dia, lluvia en Turrialba. ¿Es normal?
(Every day, it’s raining in Turrialba. Is this normal?)
Non. Normalmente mucho calor.
(No. Normally it’s very hot.)
Espero Tan. Y usted cosa favorito de Costa Rica?
(I hope so. And your favourite thing about Costa Rica?)
Hay mucho democracia y mucho natural vistas; volcáns, montanas, ríos.
(There is a lot of democracy and lots of natural sights; volcanoes, mountains, rivers.)
Es verdad. Por eso, todos les venturers y PM’s regros domingos.
Son usted emocionó acerca de su regreso?
(True. So, all the venturers Project managers are returning on Sunday. Are you excited about their return?)
Si Mucho, porque regreso todos mis amigos.
(Yes very much, because it means the return of all my friends.)
Absolutamente. Muchas Gracias Don Martin. Tenga un fin de semana bueno. Hasta Domingo!
(Absolutely. Thank you so much, Don Martin. Have an excellent weekend. See you on Sunday!)
Bueno. Hasta Domingo.
(Cool. Until Sunday!)
Slideshow for Alpha 2
The slideshow from Alpha 2 didn't seem to work on the last post so I have put it up on a new one instead. Enjoy!
Alpha 2 - Macho Trek
Alpha 2 - Macho Trek
One day to go ....
Finally, the moment that you have all been waiting for. Ross is back with Bravo 1 and was pounced on the moment that he entered the office for photos of Alpha 2, Alpha 5, Alpha 7 and Alpha 8.
Alpha 1 have finally arrived at the beach after solid trekking for days and will spend the next day on the beach, relaxing under the sun.
Alpha 2 are also on the beach, Playa Hermosa, and they are saying their farewells to Bravo 3 who are heading back today with all their news.
Alpha 4 have gone back to La Cangreja to get everything sorted and leave their camp in tip-top order for the next group, before leaving for Turrialba.
Alpha 5 are just finishing on the beach and spending the day heading back to Horizontes before the drive back to Turrialba tomorrow. Ross, Jacky, Laura and Natalie spent a while with them at the beginning of the road trip and have lots of photos of their time there below:
Alpha 1 have finally arrived at the beach after solid trekking for days and will spend the next day on the beach, relaxing under the sun.
Alpha 2 are also on the beach, Playa Hermosa, and they are saying their farewells to Bravo 3 who are heading back today with all their news.
Alpha 4 have gone back to La Cangreja to get everything sorted and leave their camp in tip-top order for the next group, before leaving for Turrialba.
Alpha 5 are just finishing on the beach and spending the day heading back to Horizontes before the drive back to Turrialba tomorrow. Ross, Jacky, Laura and Natalie spent a while with them at the beginning of the road trip and have lots of photos of their time there below:
Alpha 7 have set off on their journey back now after visiting Achuapa last night, Bravo 1 joined them for an evening on the volcano and some time in the community and they also have some photos to show for it:
Alpha 8 are with Alpha 7 also on their journey back after an evening in Esteli and cultural enlightment day yesterday. There is a slideshow below of the pictures that Ross, Jacky, Laura and Natalie took whilst they were there:
Alpha 9 had a bright and early start this morning for the trek over the beach out of Conte Burika before the tides comes in.
As all of the Alpha groups prepare to leave their project sites and head back to fieldbase, we are busy tidying up trying to ensure that the 3 days that they spend here, before they deploy for phase 2 on Wednesday, are as eventful as possible. Meanwhile, we are trying to control our excitement as we prepare to see lots of familiar faces and hear lots of exciting stories!
Friday, 20 February 2009
Kojak coming through
We have been keeping ourselves busy here at Fieldbase, with lots of planning to do, however, we have managed to find time to pamper ourselves a little bit in preparation for the stampede that we are expecting on Sunday.
In particular, John (Logistics) expressed an interest in having his head shaved for the expedition so we, especially our trusty medic extraordinaire, Anna, have been hard at work ensuring that his every needs are met:
Meanwhile, I believe that an Alpha Group round up is in order, so here goes:
Alpha 1 had, and I quote, ‘one of the most amazing days yesterday’ and are on the last legs of their trekking before they arrive at the long-awaited beach.
Alpha 2 are getting to the beach today where they will meet Bravo 3 and be able to catch some rays after many long, hard days of trekking. They went crocodile spotting yesterday but had no luck – maybe next time?
Alpha 4 are still enjoying the lovely, sunny weather on the beach today and have assigned some time to work on the finishing touches of their skit this afternoon.
Alpha 5 are having another day of rest and relaxation on the beach, so we are expecting to see some very tanned faces on their arrival!
Alpha 7 are heading into Achuapa today to visit the Cooperativa Juan Francisco Paz Silva, before the journey back to Fieldbase. I hear that the ‘end of phase party’ last night went down a treat with the locals, and that the goodbyes today were very emotional.
Alpha 8 are spending some time in Esteli, the third largest city Nicaragua, after some very heartfelt farewells to the community. They are hoping to get some sightseeing in before they head back to Turrialba.
Alpha 9 have been watching a football match with the locals, and are taking their last afternoon off before their early start on the journey home tomorrow morning.
Watch this space for pictures of the other Alpha groups that should be up as soon as the Fieldbase crew return.
Hasta Luego!
In particular, John (Logistics) expressed an interest in having his head shaved for the expedition so we, especially our trusty medic extraordinaire, Anna, have been hard at work ensuring that his every needs are met:
Meanwhile, I believe that an Alpha Group round up is in order, so here goes:Alpha 1 had, and I quote, ‘one of the most amazing days yesterday’ and are on the last legs of their trekking before they arrive at the long-awaited beach.
Alpha 2 are getting to the beach today where they will meet Bravo 3 and be able to catch some rays after many long, hard days of trekking. They went crocodile spotting yesterday but had no luck – maybe next time?
Alpha 4 are still enjoying the lovely, sunny weather on the beach today and have assigned some time to work on the finishing touches of their skit this afternoon.
Alpha 5 are having another day of rest and relaxation on the beach, so we are expecting to see some very tanned faces on their arrival!
Alpha 7 are heading into Achuapa today to visit the Cooperativa Juan Francisco Paz Silva, before the journey back to Fieldbase. I hear that the ‘end of phase party’ last night went down a treat with the locals, and that the goodbyes today were very emotional.
Alpha 8 are spending some time in Esteli, the third largest city Nicaragua, after some very heartfelt farewells to the community. They are hoping to get some sightseeing in before they head back to Turrialba.
Alpha 9 have been watching a football match with the locals, and are taking their last afternoon off before their early start on the journey home tomorrow morning.
Watch this space for pictures of the other Alpha groups that should be up as soon as the Fieldbase crew return.
Hasta Luego!
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Calling all budding performers....
I don’t know if you are already aware, but on top of the tremendous amount of work that the Alpha groups are doing on project site; they have also been given a few tasks by the Communications Team here at Fieldbase, besides of course taking lots and lots of photos to go up on the blog:
Task One: Skit
During changeover, each Alpha group will have to perform a 5 minute skit on their project, complete with props, costumes, singing, dancing – whatever takes their fancy. The skits will then be judged by an experienced panel, in training as American Idol judges, and the winners will receive a prize. These skits are an opportunity for the group to work together as a team and show off their incredible performing talents, whilst of course having a very good time and providing quality entertainment for the audience. This performance will then be followed by the aforementioned ‘Spring Fling Bling’ Foam Party, which I am sure everyone is looking forward to!
Task Two: Short Film
The Alpha groups will also have to prepare a short film, around 5 minutes, on their project; what they have been doing or the impacts on themselves or the surrounding community. There will also be an opportunity for them to show a more light-hearted, humorous film during changeover to the other Alpha groups and, of course, the Fieldbase team.
Task Three: T-Shirt Design
Last but not least, there will be an ‘expedition t-shirt’ prepared for the venturers and venturer managers to take home with them at the end of the expedition. During phase one, each Alpha group has been asked to brainstorm and pull together some ideas for a t-shirt design and these will be reviewed by our communications team after their arrival on Sunday.
So as changeover time is looming upon us, all of the Alpha groups are keeping themselves busy and finishing off the final touches of these tasks in order to have them ready in time. I am sure they are all looking forward to settling down and hearing about each other’s amazing projects – I know I am!
Task One: Skit
During changeover, each Alpha group will have to perform a 5 minute skit on their project, complete with props, costumes, singing, dancing – whatever takes their fancy. The skits will then be judged by an experienced panel, in training as American Idol judges, and the winners will receive a prize. These skits are an opportunity for the group to work together as a team and show off their incredible performing talents, whilst of course having a very good time and providing quality entertainment for the audience. This performance will then be followed by the aforementioned ‘Spring Fling Bling’ Foam Party, which I am sure everyone is looking forward to!
Task Two: Short Film
The Alpha groups will also have to prepare a short film, around 5 minutes, on their project; what they have been doing or the impacts on themselves or the surrounding community. There will also be an opportunity for them to show a more light-hearted, humorous film during changeover to the other Alpha groups and, of course, the Fieldbase team.
Task Three: T-Shirt Design
Last but not least, there will be an ‘expedition t-shirt’ prepared for the venturers and venturer managers to take home with them at the end of the expedition. During phase one, each Alpha group has been asked to brainstorm and pull together some ideas for a t-shirt design and these will be reviewed by our communications team after their arrival on Sunday.
So as changeover time is looming upon us, all of the Alpha groups are keeping themselves busy and finishing off the final touches of these tasks in order to have them ready in time. I am sure they are all looking forward to settling down and hearing about each other’s amazing projects – I know I am!
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside .....
The Disney music has been pumping today at Fieldbase, following the departure of Bravo 3 – Amy, Libby, Wendy and Szeman – who have set of to visit Alpha 2 and Alpha 4, both on the beach!
Meanwhile, we are preparing for the manic influx of venturers and project managers, who are due to arrive from their projects on Sunday for a jam-packed changeover programme, including a well-deserved party. This expedition’s theme; Spring Fling Bling. We are also hurriedly trying to brush up on our Spanish skills, in an effort to impress all the newly fluent Spanish speakers that we are likely to encounter as they return from their projects. So far, Anna is top of league!
Ross, Laura and Jacky are expected back here at Fieldbase shortly, armed with pictures and news from Alpha 5, Alpha7 and Alpha 8. To keep you going until then, here is a quick update of what mischief each of the Alpha groups are getting up to:
Alpha 1 are feeling the hot sand on their feet as they trek across the beach today and prepare themselves for a day or two more of trekking before the grand finale.
Alpha 2 are ready to take on another full day of trekking, including lots of river crossings (which I am sure they are experts at by now!) in order to make it to their final destination tomorrow; the white-sand beach!
Alpha 4 are heading to the beach today for a day of well-earned relaxation. They will meet Bravo 3 there and will no doubt be ecstatic with the marshmallows and hopefully, fresh food for the beachside barbeque, true to classic Costa Rican culture!
Meanwhile, we are preparing for the manic influx of venturers and project managers, who are due to arrive from their projects on Sunday for a jam-packed changeover programme, including a well-deserved party. This expedition’s theme; Spring Fling Bling. We are also hurriedly trying to brush up on our Spanish skills, in an effort to impress all the newly fluent Spanish speakers that we are likely to encounter as they return from their projects. So far, Anna is top of league!
Ross, Laura and Jacky are expected back here at Fieldbase shortly, armed with pictures and news from Alpha 5, Alpha7 and Alpha 8. To keep you going until then, here is a quick update of what mischief each of the Alpha groups are getting up to:
Alpha 1 are feeling the hot sand on their feet as they trek across the beach today and prepare themselves for a day or two more of trekking before the grand finale.
Alpha 2 are ready to take on another full day of trekking, including lots of river crossings (which I am sure they are experts at by now!) in order to make it to their final destination tomorrow; the white-sand beach!
Alpha 4 are heading to the beach today for a day of well-earned relaxation. They will meet Bravo 3 there and will no doubt be ecstatic with the marshmallows and hopefully, fresh food for the beachside barbeque, true to classic Costa Rican culture!
Alpha 5 are also heading to the beach, this time Playa Naranjo (pictured below), for 2 nights to put their feet up and top up their tans after the non-stop jungle parties that have dominated their evenings for the past few days!
Alpha 7 have returned from a romantic evening under the stars at the top of the volcano and will be saying their farewells to Bravo 1 – Ross, Jacky and Laura – after their arrival, complete with lots of tasty treats! They are also preparing for an 'end of phase' party with the locals tonight where I believe that they will sing some of the finest national songs from the UK, Holland and Costa Rica.
Alpha 8 are still hard at work and coming to their last day on the work site before they head off tomorrow with the hope to top up their cultural knowledge with a trip to the museum en route to Fieldbase.
Alpha 9 are enjoying the sunny weather and are making good progress with the floorboards, which they are now sanding down. They will also take some time off today to work on the material that they will be presenting to us during changeover.
Alpha 8 are still hard at work and coming to their last day on the work site before they head off tomorrow with the hope to top up their cultural knowledge with a trip to the museum en route to Fieldbase.
Alpha 9 are enjoying the sunny weather and are making good progress with the floorboards, which they are now sanding down. They will also take some time off today to work on the material that they will be presenting to us during changeover.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Slideshow from Alpha four
You may have noticed that the slideshow from the previous post was missing - we've been having a few technical difficulties uploading it so we've put it into a seperate post and that seemed to work ok! Here you go...
Living with a family in Achuapa
You may have gathered from previous blogs that Sabrin, one of the Venturers from Alpha 7 is here with us at Fieldbase. Unfortunately she has injured her knee and so has been talking it easy and helping out with everything here at Fieldbase. We thought we’d make the most of her whilst she’s here so she has written an insight into what it’s like to live with a family in Los Playones in Achuapa in Nicaragua…
We awoke far before the crack of dawn, to the crowing of the many cockerels, and headed for a thorough wash at either the well or a nearby stream, before settling down to breakfast and, if we were lucky, a chance to help make the tortillas (which happens to be a very specialised art) or milk the cow. We would then begin our day of hard manual labour, digging wells and reinforcing them with bricks and cement, or in my case dishing out large and constant doses of moral support, but never without regularly returning to our households for lunch, coffee and often a mid morning drink.
After the initial shock from the tremendous quantities of food, and a few failed attempts to feed excess tortillas to the numerous dogs, cats, chickens, pigs and cockerels, we managed to settle down into our new lifestyles. The discovery of the tomato ketchup hidden away in the kitchen allowed us to add our own western touches to the food, making the transition a whole lot easier. Besides the standard rice and beans, we were sometimes treated to local delicacies including fresh fish from the Rio Grande or, if we were really lucky, a very fresh Iguana.
Over the next few weeks, we were inundated with numerous marriage proposals from local children, treated to the sweet sound of local songs (we were lucky enough to have a budding pop-star in our family) and bombarded by local children running up to us and screaming ‘Chele,’ which is anagram of the Spanish work for Milk - ‘leche,’ and essentially means ‘white’ or ‘foreigner.’
The Alpha 7 group will no doubt leave the community of Los Playones with plenty of lifelong memories and friendships, new skills, a greater understanding of varying global cultures and the ability to cook up a classic Nicaraguan feast, if they so please, for many years to come.
Szeman and John are also back from their road trip to visit Alpha four and so we also have a slideshow of some of their pictures…
Finally, a round up of what all the other Alpha groups are up to…
Alpha one are in the Corcovado National Park enjoying their very well deserved day off. So far they have seen lots of monkeys, wild pigs and a small snake. Today they are off to see if they can find some of the bull sharks that sometimes swim into the estuary – although don’t worry, I doubt they’ll be taking a dip!
Alpha two are making their way towards their stop for the night at Delicias and are now just two days away from the beach!
Alpha five are packing up their jungle camp today in preparation for a trip to the beach to over the last few days of phase one
Alpha seven are back to work today and looking forward to the arrival of the Bravo one team who should be arriving about five o clock this evening with much needed chocolate and Pringles!
Alpha eight have been busy bees! They had their visit from Bravo one yesterday so I’m sure they are all filled up with goodies from the shop! As well as the building, English lessons, learning to make tortillas etc, the team have also found time to paint a giant caterpillar on the side of the school, whose body has twelve parts so it can also be used as a calendar – pics to follow when Bravo one returns!
Alpha nine will be finishing off the foundations for the Comedor today, are still lugging more wood, and will hopefully be able to make a start on the floor later on today.
Tomorrow our final road trip will leave to drop off the last of the food to Alpha two when they reach Playa Hermosa and hopefully our intrepid Nicaraguan explorers in Bravo one will return with some much anticipated photos from Alphas 5, 7 and 8. Sorry we haven’t been able to get any photos of those groups up yet, the projects unsurprisingly don’t have computer or internet access so we have to wait until the Fieldbase teams have visited them and come back with the photos – rest assured that as soon as they’re back in the office we will be pouncing on them for photos before they’ve even had time to ask if anyone’s put the kettle on!!
Living with a family in Los Playones, Achuapa, Nicaragua
From the moment that Alpha 7 arrived to the small, remote community of Los Playones, covered from head to toe in a mixture of dust and cement after a two day bus journey, we were welcomed with open arms. Speaking as a venturer that spent a week hobbling around the community on home-made crutches, I can whole-heartedly say, and I think I speak for the whole Alpha 7 lot, that we were left in the care of incredibly accommodating people who made every effort to ensure that all of our needs were met.
We settled down to our first dinner with our new ‘Mummys’ and ‘Daddys’, consisting of rice, beans, tortilla’s and a traditional local cheese. We were greeted by a total of seven children and lucky enough to be one of the only houses in the community with a well. Our bedroom also functioned as a corn store, and most of the time, as a chicken pen.
From the moment that Alpha 7 arrived to the small, remote community of Los Playones, covered from head to toe in a mixture of dust and cement after a two day bus journey, we were welcomed with open arms. Speaking as a venturer that spent a week hobbling around the community on home-made crutches, I can whole-heartedly say, and I think I speak for the whole Alpha 7 lot, that we were left in the care of incredibly accommodating people who made every effort to ensure that all of our needs were met.
We settled down to our first dinner with our new ‘Mummys’ and ‘Daddys’, consisting of rice, beans, tortilla’s and a traditional local cheese. We were greeted by a total of seven children and lucky enough to be one of the only houses in the community with a well. Our bedroom also functioned as a corn store, and most of the time, as a chicken pen.
We awoke far before the crack of dawn, to the crowing of the many cockerels, and headed for a thorough wash at either the well or a nearby stream, before settling down to breakfast and, if we were lucky, a chance to help make the tortillas (which happens to be a very specialised art) or milk the cow. We would then begin our day of hard manual labour, digging wells and reinforcing them with bricks and cement, or in my case dishing out large and constant doses of moral support, but never without regularly returning to our households for lunch, coffee and often a mid morning drink.After the initial shock from the tremendous quantities of food, and a few failed attempts to feed excess tortillas to the numerous dogs, cats, chickens, pigs and cockerels, we managed to settle down into our new lifestyles. The discovery of the tomato ketchup hidden away in the kitchen allowed us to add our own western touches to the food, making the transition a whole lot easier. Besides the standard rice and beans, we were sometimes treated to local delicacies including fresh fish from the Rio Grande or, if we were really lucky, a very fresh Iguana.
Over the next few weeks, we were inundated with numerous marriage proposals from local children, treated to the sweet sound of local songs (we were lucky enough to have a budding pop-star in our family) and bombarded by local children running up to us and screaming ‘Chele,’ which is anagram of the Spanish work for Milk - ‘leche,’ and essentially means ‘white’ or ‘foreigner.’
The Alpha 7 group will no doubt leave the community of Los Playones with plenty of lifelong memories and friendships, new skills, a greater understanding of varying global cultures and the ability to cook up a classic Nicaraguan feast, if they so please, for many years to come.
Szeman and John are also back from their road trip to visit Alpha four and so we also have a slideshow of some of their pictures…
Finally, a round up of what all the other Alpha groups are up to…
Alpha one are in the Corcovado National Park enjoying their very well deserved day off. So far they have seen lots of monkeys, wild pigs and a small snake. Today they are off to see if they can find some of the bull sharks that sometimes swim into the estuary – although don’t worry, I doubt they’ll be taking a dip!
Alpha two are making their way towards their stop for the night at Delicias and are now just two days away from the beach!
Alpha five are packing up their jungle camp today in preparation for a trip to the beach to over the last few days of phase one
Alpha seven are back to work today and looking forward to the arrival of the Bravo one team who should be arriving about five o clock this evening with much needed chocolate and Pringles!
Alpha eight have been busy bees! They had their visit from Bravo one yesterday so I’m sure they are all filled up with goodies from the shop! As well as the building, English lessons, learning to make tortillas etc, the team have also found time to paint a giant caterpillar on the side of the school, whose body has twelve parts so it can also be used as a calendar – pics to follow when Bravo one returns!
Alpha nine will be finishing off the foundations for the Comedor today, are still lugging more wood, and will hopefully be able to make a start on the floor later on today.
Tomorrow our final road trip will leave to drop off the last of the food to Alpha two when they reach Playa Hermosa and hopefully our intrepid Nicaraguan explorers in Bravo one will return with some much anticipated photos from Alphas 5, 7 and 8. Sorry we haven’t been able to get any photos of those groups up yet, the projects unsurprisingly don’t have computer or internet access so we have to wait until the Fieldbase teams have visited them and come back with the photos – rest assured that as soon as they’re back in the office we will be pouncing on them for photos before they’ve even had time to ask if anyone’s put the kettle on!!
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Countdown to changeover
It’s been quiet in terms of numbers at Fieldbase over the last few days, but that’s not to say we haven’t been busy – the phones have been ringing off the hook and there are now only 4 and a half days left until the Alpha groups start returning from phase one and there is a lot to do!
Yesterday we had yet another huge food delivery, which Wendy and Julian are busy counting in the Bodega right now. We’ve also been planning the schedule for changeover, including, most importantly, the food and a big party!
I went up to CATIE this morning to stock up on stamps ready for everyone to send their letters home during changeover and to collect the post – as you can see we’ve had absolutely loads…
We’ve been delivering the post received so far on the Fieldbase road trips and everyone gets very excited when they’ve got mail from home! So... If you want to send post to anyone out here you can do so at the following address:
Raleigh International
Apartado Postal 17
Codigo Postal 7170
CATIE
Costa Rica
Items take around 3 weeks to get here from Europe so make sure you don’t send anything past about mid-march or it might not arrive in time!
Of course all this time the Alpha groups have been busy getting on with their projects so here we go with more Alpha Groups updates…
Alpha one have made great progress and last night made it to Los Patos Ranger Station at the edge of the Corcovado National Park. They celebrated with a cake for Sophie’s birthday! Today they are heading through the park to La Sirena, where they will have a very well deserved day off tomorrow and will hopefully be able to some really cool woldlife including Tapirs and monkeys. Here are some pictures of Corcovado National Park from our previous treks so you can see where they'll be…
La Sirena Ranger station where Alpha one will be staying tonight...
Alpha two had an early start this morning in order to climb the mighty Cerro Bares, where they were rewarded with stunning views towards the Gulf of Nicoya with its many islands. Apparently they can see the beach they're headed to and it looks (and I quote) "a. ma. zing!" Later today they are heading on to Galan.
Yesterday we had yet another huge food delivery, which Wendy and Julian are busy counting in the Bodega right now. We’ve also been planning the schedule for changeover, including, most importantly, the food and a big party!
I went up to CATIE this morning to stock up on stamps ready for everyone to send their letters home during changeover and to collect the post – as you can see we’ve had absolutely loads…
We’ve been delivering the post received so far on the Fieldbase road trips and everyone gets very excited when they’ve got mail from home! So... If you want to send post to anyone out here you can do so at the following address:Raleigh International
Apartado Postal 17
Codigo Postal 7170
CATIE
Costa Rica
Items take around 3 weeks to get here from Europe so make sure you don’t send anything past about mid-march or it might not arrive in time!
Of course all this time the Alpha groups have been busy getting on with their projects so here we go with more Alpha Groups updates…
Alpha one have made great progress and last night made it to Los Patos Ranger Station at the edge of the Corcovado National Park. They celebrated with a cake for Sophie’s birthday! Today they are heading through the park to La Sirena, where they will have a very well deserved day off tomorrow and will hopefully be able to some really cool woldlife including Tapirs and monkeys. Here are some pictures of Corcovado National Park from our previous treks so you can see where they'll be…
La Sirena Ranger station where Alpha one will be staying tonight...Alpha two had an early start this morning in order to climb the mighty Cerro Bares, where they were rewarded with stunning views towards the Gulf of Nicoya with its many islands. Apparently they can see the beach they're headed to and it looks (and I quote) "a. ma. zing!" Later today they are heading on to Galan.
The Gulf of Nicoya...
Alpha four have had a spring cleaning day for their jungle camp. They’ve made such good progress on the work in the park that they are now starting on phase 2 work early!
Alpha five are ploughing through the tree measuring. Last night they rocked the jungle with a live music night with the park rangers!
Alpha seven held a cultural exchange evening with the local community last night. Today they are continuing with their well digging and concreting and are going to be taking a well deserved break this afternoon with a trip up the local volcano.
Alpha eight had an early start this morning. They were up at 4am to climb up to watch the sunrise, after which they helped the community dig out the river that supplies the village with water, as it tends to block up with sand and debris from time to time. This afternoon they are having a bit of a break and are waiting for the arrival of some of the Fieldbase team. Tomorrow it will be back to work as usual.
Alpha nine have been making good progress on the foundations for the Comedor. They’ve also used up all the wood they lugged down the hill last week and so have been collecting more, although I think they were quite relieved to find out that this wood is a lot closer!
Alpha four have had a spring cleaning day for their jungle camp. They’ve made such good progress on the work in the park that they are now starting on phase 2 work early!
Alpha five are ploughing through the tree measuring. Last night they rocked the jungle with a live music night with the park rangers!
Alpha seven held a cultural exchange evening with the local community last night. Today they are continuing with their well digging and concreting and are going to be taking a well deserved break this afternoon with a trip up the local volcano.
Alpha eight had an early start this morning. They were up at 4am to climb up to watch the sunrise, after which they helped the community dig out the river that supplies the village with water, as it tends to block up with sand and debris from time to time. This afternoon they are having a bit of a break and are waiting for the arrival of some of the Fieldbase team. Tomorrow it will be back to work as usual.
Alpha nine have been making good progress on the foundations for the Comedor. They’ve also used up all the wood they lugged down the hill last week and so have been collecting more, although I think they were quite relieved to find out that this wood is a lot closer!
We're expecting some pictures of Alpha 5 to come through from the Bravo one road trip, which is currently in Nicaragua, on email later on today so when these arrive I'll make sure they're uploaded asap!
We also have one very important final update - Libby has finally had her cast removed!!!
Needless to say we have a very happy bunny buzzing around Fieldbase today, although she is still on crutches and under doctor's orders to take it easy for at least another week - I think we'll probably have to tie her down to make that happen!
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Radio Raleigh time again!!
So once again at 1600 our small field base team consisting of Me (Libby), Anna, Wendy, Amy and our Alpha 7 venturer representative Sabrin (who has hurt her knee and is resting at field base). And this week we had a much bigger audience with Alpha 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 joining in!
It was a jam packed program with an Alpha Group round up, followed by world news, then the all important sports scores, entertainment and odd ball news – Did you hear a 21 year old tried to break into a French bank, he tried to drill through the wall into the safe, but instead drilled into the lavatory where he was arrested!
Then the hotly contested quiz, this week’s topic was ‘Valentines Day’ and it was a close competition with A4 and A7 coming to a tie breaker question. A7 pipped A4 to the post and took the title for the second week in a row (although I am not sure if last week really counts as they were the only listeners)
We all sung happy birthday over the radio to the 6 venturers and VM’s who have birthdays this week. So as well as listening to Radio Raleigh here is what the groups have been up to - as it has been the weekend a lot of them have been relaxing!
Alpha 1: It is still hot hot hot for this lot (temperatures of 35 degrees at the least), they walked along the Interamerica (the road that connects North to South America) for a good stretch yesterday and are sleeping well at night after very long days! Today they enjoyed finally seeing the beach and I am sure they will prepare a special rations dinner for Sophie's birthday tomorrow
Alpha 2: Are getting their third food drop, including some fresh food which will be a nice break from all the cans tonight. So far the rain has held off, they have had warm but cloudy days over the last few days, great trekking weather. They even had a quick swim in river at Plomo yesterday!
Alpha 4: Enjoyed their mountain climb and have been hard at work improving the trails that they have been working on. They also placed a order as long as my arm for sweets to be brought in with their field base visit tomorrow! Seems sugar is worth more than gold here!
Alpha 5: Put on great party for field base, although apparently the theme was not Valentines Day it was Friday the 13th. So they were all dressed as Zombies while our field base team wore bright pink and red!!
Alpha 7: These guys have also started giving English lessons at the local school. They have also begun digging trenches and today the group enjoyed a day off and are relaxing in the sun!
Alpha 8: It’s been hot and sunny here and the group have part completed the walls of the community centre. After a trip to a waterfall today there will be the community party which they are all looking forward to, esp. as it's Toms birthday and the field base team are due to arrive
Alpha 9: Have been relaxing and they also went to visit a waterfall 25mins walk away from their work/ camp site. They had a little shock the other day when they discovered a huge scorpion that had 20 babies with it. Not to worry the locals got rid of them!
It was a jam packed program with an Alpha Group round up, followed by world news, then the all important sports scores, entertainment and odd ball news – Did you hear a 21 year old tried to break into a French bank, he tried to drill through the wall into the safe, but instead drilled into the lavatory where he was arrested!
Then the hotly contested quiz, this week’s topic was ‘Valentines Day’ and it was a close competition with A4 and A7 coming to a tie breaker question. A7 pipped A4 to the post and took the title for the second week in a row (although I am not sure if last week really counts as they were the only listeners)
We all sung happy birthday over the radio to the 6 venturers and VM’s who have birthdays this week. So as well as listening to Radio Raleigh here is what the groups have been up to - as it has been the weekend a lot of them have been relaxing!
Alpha 1: It is still hot hot hot for this lot (temperatures of 35 degrees at the least), they walked along the Interamerica (the road that connects North to South America) for a good stretch yesterday and are sleeping well at night after very long days! Today they enjoyed finally seeing the beach and I am sure they will prepare a special rations dinner for Sophie's birthday tomorrow
Alpha 2: Are getting their third food drop, including some fresh food which will be a nice break from all the cans tonight. So far the rain has held off, they have had warm but cloudy days over the last few days, great trekking weather. They even had a quick swim in river at Plomo yesterday!
Alpha 4: Enjoyed their mountain climb and have been hard at work improving the trails that they have been working on. They also placed a order as long as my arm for sweets to be brought in with their field base visit tomorrow! Seems sugar is worth more than gold here!
Alpha 5: Put on great party for field base, although apparently the theme was not Valentines Day it was Friday the 13th. So they were all dressed as Zombies while our field base team wore bright pink and red!!
Alpha 7: These guys have also started giving English lessons at the local school. They have also begun digging trenches and today the group enjoyed a day off and are relaxing in the sun!
Alpha 8: It’s been hot and sunny here and the group have part completed the walls of the community centre. After a trip to a waterfall today there will be the community party which they are all looking forward to, esp. as it's Toms birthday and the field base team are due to arrive
Alpha 9: Have been relaxing and they also went to visit a waterfall 25mins walk away from their work/ camp site. They had a little shock the other day when they discovered a huge scorpion that had 20 babies with it. Not to worry the locals got rid of them!
Friday, 13 February 2009
Return from the remote south bringing news of A1 and A9
Wendy, John and I got back from our trip to see Alpha 1 and Alpha 9 late yesterday, and what a trip we had. I spent an amazing four days trekking with Alpha one, before John and Wendy joined me and we headed off to Conte Burika to meet Alpha nine.
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Alpha one are making good progress. They have had a couple of hard days, walking up some pretty big hills, mostly in the direct sun. We met them again on Wednesday night for their second food drop and left them early yesterday morning after they were all up at 3.30am to make the most of the cooler morning. Despite being very tired, the team is all in good spirits, especially after having found a nice campsite complete with swimming pool in which to relax and cool down at the end of the day. They’re now about half way through the trek and in the next couple of days they’ll make it to the Osa Peninsular, which is where the Corcovado National Park is. We dropped off their final food drop there a few days ago and I think they’re in for a real treat when they get there, the views and scenery are absolutely stunning.
Here is a slide show of all the photos from the trek…
These posts are being used as stilts for the Comedor, and since we left them, the group has now got all of the posts in around the edge and is starting on the middle ones today.
Appetites in both groups are healthy as they practically inhaled the selection of sweets and chocolate we brought with us. The marshmallows went down particularly well with some of the local children in La Carona…
And for all rest out you out there here are our other Alpha Group Updates
Alpha 2: This lot have had a couple of huge hot days since we saw them last. The sun has shone on them since they crossed the range over the to the Pacific side of the country. They have had some long days and they have climbed their first major peak ‘The Dragon’
Alpha 4: Have been hard at work on the trail and have decided to give themselves a day off today. They are being taken up Cerro La Cangreja (the mountain in the centre of the national park) by the park’s administrator. I wonder if they will see the Scarlet Macaws the area is know for?
Alpha 5: The group loved their beach trip, they played volleyball, football and many other ball sports. They have been back to worth since their return but they are taking some time out today in order to prepare for the ‘Pimp my Basher’ competition to be judged by the Fieldbase team when they arrive
Alpha 7: Are now onto digging and constructing well number 5! They are building up their strong arm muscles by carrying lots of heavy bricks but ot to worry the chocolate is on its way to them in the back of the Land rover!
Alpha 8: This group have well and truely become part of the local community. They have been taking turns teaching English at the school and have had tortilla making classes with one of the families! I am sure they will all be cooking these when they get back to the UK!
Alpha one are making good progress. They have had a couple of hard days, walking up some pretty big hills, mostly in the direct sun. We met them again on Wednesday night for their second food drop and left them early yesterday morning after they were all up at 3.30am to make the most of the cooler morning. Despite being very tired, the team is all in good spirits, especially after having found a nice campsite complete with swimming pool in which to relax and cool down at the end of the day. They’re now about half way through the trek and in the next couple of days they’ll make it to the Osa Peninsular, which is where the Corcovado National Park is. We dropped off their final food drop there a few days ago and I think they’re in for a real treat when they get there, the views and scenery are absolutely stunning.Here is a slide show of all the photos from the trek…
Alpha nine are also doing really well. La Carona is a magical place, really calming and completely beautiful. The community was very welcoming and we were immediately made to feel at home. Despite the hard work they’d got us doing, we were sad to have to leave after just a couple of days.
Whilst we were there they managed to collect the last of the wooden posts down from the forest. They had been working incredibly hard to get this done, as we can testify - after lugging two of the 50kg posts down in one day, Wendy and I were absolutely exhausted. The walk up to fetch to posts is about 2km and all up and down hills and the posts are very heavy and quite awkward to manoeuvre up and down the trail back to the village. Saying that the views from the top were incredible, you can see right down to Punta Burika, the southern most point in Costa Rica.
These posts are being used as stilts for the Comedor, and since we left them, the group has now got all of the posts in around the edge and is starting on the middle ones today.Appetites in both groups are healthy as they practically inhaled the selection of sweets and chocolate we brought with us. The marshmallows went down particularly well with some of the local children in La Carona…
And for all rest out you out there here are our other Alpha Group UpdatesAlpha 2: This lot have had a couple of huge hot days since we saw them last. The sun has shone on them since they crossed the range over the to the Pacific side of the country. They have had some long days and they have climbed their first major peak ‘The Dragon’
Alpha 4: Have been hard at work on the trail and have decided to give themselves a day off today. They are being taken up Cerro La Cangreja (the mountain in the centre of the national park) by the park’s administrator. I wonder if they will see the Scarlet Macaws the area is know for?
Alpha 5: The group loved their beach trip, they played volleyball, football and many other ball sports. They have been back to worth since their return but they are taking some time out today in order to prepare for the ‘Pimp my Basher’ competition to be judged by the Fieldbase team when they arrive
Alpha 7: Are now onto digging and constructing well number 5! They are building up their strong arm muscles by carrying lots of heavy bricks but ot to worry the chocolate is on its way to them in the back of the Land rover!
Alpha 8: This group have well and truely become part of the local community. They have been taking turns teaching English at the school and have had tortilla making classes with one of the families! I am sure they will all be cooking these when they get back to the UK!
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
More food dispatched!
Jackie, Szeman and I returned yesterday with Photographer Laura in tow from Alpha 2’s second food drop.
Our trip took us high into a mountain range (around 2500ft) to where they were camping over night outside a ranger station. It had finally stopped raining on them and they fed us well (I think you may get the idea that food is very important to me – it is!). The day before a food drop on trek is often a feast of all the remaining food from the last few days - Ready Steady Cook, here Alpha 2 come!
As we have Laura back we have pictures from her time with Alpha 2 so I have put together a short video of the pics, enjoy!
Just a quick note to about pictures of all the other Alpha Groups. Wendy, John and Amy back at Fieldbase after their visits to Alpha 1 and 9 late tomorrow so we will have their stories and photos to share with you. And over the next week or so our Fieldbase crew will be paying visits to all the other Alpha groups and on their return we will have pictures to show you all.
But in the mean time here is another quick update on the groups. I have put as ask out to them for funny stories about their projects so I will hopefully have more info to share with you over the next few days.
Alpha 1: Have meet with a local guide who will be taking them though some thick but beautiful jungle. They are walking 10 hour days and they a report the weather is still hot and sunny!!
Alpha 4: Have build a quad bike ramp to meet the bridge at the start of the trail and are digging drainage trenches on the side of the path they are carrying out maintenance on. This is sure to be necessary considering this area is a very wet rainforest in the rainy season
Alpha 5: Are taking some time out from their work routine today and off to the beach (a two hour walk away) for the night some fun in the sun! Apparently their Valentines Day party is a costume party as our Fieldbase team have been told to come prepared!
Alpha 7: Have been busy digging wells (onto number 4 now) and preparing bricks and concrete to reinforce these. They have been making requests over the radio to ensure that on the visit from field base the shop is stocked full of chocolate!!
Alpha 8: Although a little overcast they have finished digging the foundations of the community centre and are getting ready to concrete and finish off these in the next day or so. They are also planning a party for when fieldbase visit as it will be Tom's birthday as well!
Alpha 9: Enjoyed their visit from Bravo 3 (Wendy, John and Amy) and report that work is going well (finally they have finished carried wood). They have up close and personal with a sloth, been to church with the community and they are also off to the beach today for some R&R!
Fieldbase: It has stopped raining!!
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
I want some more… rations!!
Again our internet was down so you are going to get two days worth of blog today all going to plan...
Lunch: Tuna and crackers. As the crackers are never normally whole (due to being carried around in rucksacks or sitting at the bottom of a food barrel) my personal preference, as is to crush the crackers into your mess tin and mix in the tuna. Sometimes there is mayo to add as well.
Dinner: Mac and Cheese with mixed veges
Dessert: Energy bombs (a venturers favorite and mine as well!!) A simple mix that you can try at home. Mix coco powder with porridge oats and add a tin of sweetened condensed milk. Some people add nuts and raisins into this as well. Mix together – get your hands into the mix and shape into balls and serve. Here are some that I made earlier to take out to Alpha 2 on their second food drop tonight.
Just because you wanted to know the first Radio Raleigh show was a huge success (esp as I was wearing my new very appropriate t-shirt!) Jackie sung, Ross played the guitar and Szeman, Anna and I gave out the news. It was great for us and... Alpha 7, who were the only group tuned in at 1600! A few other groups called after the show apologizing for missing it; apparently they were all walking or working!! But because we were in a good mood we filled them in on the sport scores and world news.
The quiz topic was Rain… and since I only got to share my interesting facts about rain with a few people I will share some with you. Did you know the largest raindrop size recorded was 10mm. And did you know that the animals most likely to fall from the sky during a rain storm are fish, frogs and birds in that order!
and most importantly a quick group update for you all...
Alpha 1: Meet up with Bravo 3 and received their food drop. They have been walking in the hot hot sun, but they have passed by some hot springs... I wonder if they went in?
Alpha 2: These guys have had it tough with all the rain but it should clear as of today and if not the food drop and visit from Bravo 3 they will get tonight will surely brighten them up!
Alpha 4: Are all moved into Jungle Camp, and have been hard at work on the first part of the trail, making the start of the trail accessible for the rangers’ Quad bike. They are and this is a quote from Adam “Jamming in the Jungle, having the time of their lives”
Alpha 5: Have been hard at work making their camp home, everyone in this group is well and and they are all having loads of fun measuring the trees.
Alpha 7: The only group to listen to Radio Raleigh, they are all celebrated VM’s Natalie’s birthday in style and are enjoying the hot hard work.
Alpha 8: Have had a bit of rain but they are getting on with their work. The group enjoyed a day trip to the small town on Yeli about 8km from San Ramon.
Alpha 9: Have been collecting lots of wood, have finished clearing the area and are starting on the foundation for the building in the next few days. They are also getting a visit from field base today, and yes they have taken the shop with them in their backpacks
So I have mentioned a few times already about the food that the venturers and the staff have while on trekking or environmental projects. Just to give you a little idea what this entails to though I would detail some of the menus for you:
Breakfast: Porridge, either with sugar or jam, and yes there is tea and coffee for those who need a little caffeine in the mornings!
Breakfast: Porridge, either with sugar or jam, and yes there is tea and coffee for those who need a little caffeine in the mornings!
Lunch: Tuna and crackers. As the crackers are never normally whole (due to being carried around in rucksacks or sitting at the bottom of a food barrel) my personal preference, as is to crush the crackers into your mess tin and mix in the tuna. Sometimes there is mayo to add as well. Dinner: Mac and Cheese with mixed vegesDessert: Energy bombs (a venturers favorite and mine as well!!) A simple mix that you can try at home. Mix coco powder with porridge oats and add a tin of sweetened condensed milk. Some people add nuts and raisins into this as well. Mix together – get your hands into the mix and shape into balls and serve. Here are some that I made earlier to take out to Alpha 2 on their second food drop tonight.Just because you wanted to know the first Radio Raleigh show was a huge success (esp as I was wearing my new very appropriate t-shirt!) Jackie sung, Ross played the guitar and Szeman, Anna and I gave out the news. It was great for us and... Alpha 7, who were the only group tuned in at 1600! A few other groups called after the show apologizing for missing it; apparently they were all walking or working!! But because we were in a good mood we filled them in on the sport scores and world news.The quiz topic was Rain… and since I only got to share my interesting facts about rain with a few people I will share some with you. Did you know the largest raindrop size recorded was 10mm. And did you know that the animals most likely to fall from the sky during a rain storm are fish, frogs and birds in that order!and most importantly a quick group update for you all...
Alpha 1: Meet up with Bravo 3 and received their food drop. They have been walking in the hot hot sun, but they have passed by some hot springs... I wonder if they went in?
Alpha 2: These guys have had it tough with all the rain but it should clear as of today and if not the food drop and visit from Bravo 3 they will get tonight will surely brighten them up!
Alpha 4: Are all moved into Jungle Camp, and have been hard at work on the first part of the trail, making the start of the trail accessible for the rangers’ Quad bike. They are and this is a quote from Adam “Jamming in the Jungle, having the time of their lives”
Alpha 5: Have been hard at work making their camp home, everyone in this group is well and and they are all having loads of fun measuring the trees.
Alpha 7: The only group to listen to Radio Raleigh, they are all celebrated VM’s Natalie’s birthday in style and are enjoying the hot hard work.
Alpha 8: Have had a bit of rain but they are getting on with their work. The group enjoyed a day trip to the small town on Yeli about 8km from San Ramon.
Alpha 9: Have been collecting lots of wood, have finished clearing the area and are starting on the foundation for the building in the next few days. They are also getting a visit from field base today, and yes they have taken the shop with them in their backpacks
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Video did not kill the Radio Star!
At 1600 today, all Alpha groups will huddle around their HF90 for the first Radio Raleigh Show of expedition 09A!!
NB: Luckily the weather has cleared up here, thanks for all the nice comments and sympathy we received from you all!! Unfortunately the snow went as fast as it came so we were unable to get any more photographic evidence for you, you will just have to take our word for it...
Food glorious food!
Our internet is down at fieldbase so sorry for the lack of blog yesterday! But here it is...
Food is very important, not only to me but also to our trekkers! Yesterday saw our first food drop to Alpha 2!
Dispute all this the trekkers were in high spirits and pleased to see us, or pleased to see the chocolate either way the group were all doing well and enjoying themselves!
And just as you have all been asking for a quick update on where the other groups are at.
Alpha 4: Are putting the finishing touches to their jungle camp today and starting work on the trail tomorrow.
Alpha 5: Have finished their forest camp and are getting busy measuring trees – I hear they are planning a Valentines Day party for when field base visit them in a weeks time!
Friday, 6 February 2009
Freak Weather Hits Costa Rica!
Snow, hot chocolate and skiing, its all happening here at Field Base!
That's right folks - we can empathise with all of you Europeans as snow has hit Turrialba, Costa Rica for the first time ever. Rest assured, all of our Alpha Groups are enjoying lovely sunshine, but here at base we have been snowed in. Today was spent making snowmen and having snowball fights...extraordinary scenes. Our communications systems are still fully operational so we are very jealous of our groups who tell us they are basking in their usual tropical climate. Who would believe it?!
That's right folks - we can empathise with all of you Europeans as snow has hit Turrialba, Costa Rica for the first time ever. Rest assured, all of our Alpha Groups are enjoying lovely sunshine, but here at base we have been snowed in. Today was spent making snowmen and having snowball fights...extraordinary scenes. Our communications systems are still fully operational so we are very jealous of our groups who tell us they are basking in their usual tropical climate. Who would believe it?!
Behind the scenes – Team Fieldbase
The 09A expedition has been made possible due to the hard work of a number of volunteers and the in country staff. So I thought I would give you a little bit of an idea about who does what at Fieldbase, or Raleigh Base Camp as the ventures have started to refer to it as!
Logistics: Lead by Wendy this team consists of John, Lizzie and Szeman
These guys are responsible for all the tools, radios, maps, cooking equipment, food and anything else that the venturers take out to project with them. If you left your shoes or mess tin at home these are the people to sort you out! This is their second home, the Bodega, Spanish for Store. 
In addition to this they are our drivers, heading out on the road visiting projects, taking pictures, delivering food to the trekkers, passing on post and blog messages and of course bringing with them the mobile shop, so everyone can stock up on chocolate, crisps or buy that much needed bar of soap!
Admin: Jackie is not just a pretty face; she works long hours sorting out all the paper work and admin for the whole expedition. One of her many task was making sure we knew when all the ventures were flying in, very important I am sure you will agree.
Admin: Jackie is not just a pretty face; she works long hours sorting out all the paper work and admin for the whole expedition. One of her many task was making sure we knew when all the ventures were flying in, very important I am sure you will agree. 
Fieldbase Medic: Anna-Louise is our nurse extraordinaire based here at field base for phase one. She is on hand to answer any medical questions any of our Alpha groups have. 
Media Team: This consists of Amy (Press Officer) and Laura (Photographer), who are currently out trekking with Alpha 1 and 2. These two are responsible for the blog, the magazine and photos of the expedition. 
Deputy Expedition Leader: Anna banana! Currently trekking with Alpha 1, pretty much does a bit of everything but very importantly she does a lot of training and planning the schedule or game plan as she likes to call it.
In Country StaffDon Martin: Or ‘The Don’ one the greatest guys on earth – He is able to fix anything and everything and works long hours to keep everything ticking over here at field base
Sandra and Rosie: These lovely ladies cook for all the venturers and staff at changeover. No mean feat considering the 120 people and the 6 gas hobs!
Ale: Our lovely Host Country Venture Coordinator, she recruits young people from Costa Rica and Nicaragua to the expedition and she also helps out with business tasks that require a little Costa Rican charm!Ross: Country Program Manager, who looks after the day to day running of the expedition
Julian: The Head Honcho aka the Country Director
Then of course there is me (Libby). As an honorary fieldbase team member for phase one I a pretty much picking up all the small jobs that need doing, as long as they are sit down jobs, like this blog and laminating. Cleaning is not a sit down job which is very unlucky!! 
So hopefully that gives you a little idea about what goes into our expedition here any questions leave a comment and I will endeavour to answer them.Thursday, 5 February 2009
Reporting from the ground
Extra Extra read all about it…. All Alpha groups have made contact with field base! 
Alpha 5: Arrived safe and sound and enjoying the warm weather. They have meet the rangers, looked around the part of the park where they will be spending the next 19 days and are setting up their jungle camp – I wonder whose camp site will be the best??
Alpha 7: Report that it is hot and dry in Nicaragua so are glad to have finished their two day bus trip. I am sure they enjoyed visiting to the Cooperativa Juan Francisco Paz Silva in Achuapa, meeting its chairman Brigido and learning more about this fantastic organisation.
Alpha 8: As above they are also glad to be off the bus! The San Ramon community has welcomed the group with open arms and dinner to fill their hungry stomachs, most likely it will consist of rice, beans and tortilla (something like what you see below)
Alpha 9: Weather = Hot and Sunny. The group enjoyed a swim last night and their sleep in this morning before trekking along the beach into La Carona. Luckily for the group their rucksacks were being carried by horses. 
Huge thanks for all the messages that you have been posting on here. Please keep writing as Team Field base will be relaying them out over the radio to the groups – they will all love hearing from home.
Here at Raleigh Costa Rica and Nicaragua we keep in contact with our project groups via satellite phone, mobile phone and most importantly the High Frequency radio. More details on our communication will follow in a few days time so keep an eye out for that.
But the news I am sure you are all waiting for....
Alpha 1: After a nice long bus trip yesterday, they were up before dawn break and have had their first day walking; lucky for them it has been nice and sunny. They are enjoying their rations for dinner - I wonder if the VM's offered to cook??
Alpha 2: Started walking yesterday, they are a little wet as they have been though the only part of the country (other than field base) that has been subjected to out of season rain. But tonight they celebrate VM Lisa’s birthday, let’s hope it will be one to remember!
Alpha 4: Spent the night at the Ranger Station in La Cangreja and have been clearing their camp site and collecting materials to build jungle camp. The sun has shone all day today and tonight they are having a jungle style birthday party complete with a rations dinner for VM Adri! (perhaps a mix vege suprise will be their meal?)
Alpha 4: Spent the night at the Ranger Station in La Cangreja and have been clearing their camp site and collecting materials to build jungle camp. The sun has shone all day today and tonight they are having a jungle style birthday party complete with a rations dinner for VM Adri! (perhaps a mix vege suprise will be their meal?)
Alpha 5: Arrived safe and sound and enjoying the warm weather. They have meet the rangers, looked around the part of the park where they will be spending the next 19 days and are setting up their jungle camp – I wonder whose camp site will be the best??Alpha 7: Report that it is hot and dry in Nicaragua so are glad to have finished their two day bus trip. I am sure they enjoyed visiting to the Cooperativa Juan Francisco Paz Silva in Achuapa, meeting its chairman Brigido and learning more about this fantastic organisation.
Alpha 8: As above they are also glad to be off the bus! The San Ramon community has welcomed the group with open arms and dinner to fill their hungry stomachs, most likely it will consist of rice, beans and tortilla (something like what you see below)
Alpha 9: Weather = Hot and Sunny. The group enjoyed a swim last night and their sleep in this morning before trekking along the beach into La Carona. Luckily for the group their rucksacks were being carried by horses. 
As you can see the weather appears to be great across the country however here at field base it has been raining constantly for the last 2 days, I am a little like bambi on ice skates with my crutchers in the wet! But to make myself feel better about this I helped myself to my suppy of popcorn...
Huge thanks for all the messages that you have been posting on here. Please keep writing as Team Field base will be relaying them out over the radio to the groups – they will all love hearing from home.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
And they are off...
0300: Team field base, consisting of the Logistics team Szeman and John, lead by superstar organizer Wendy and Jackie, Anna-Lousie, Ross and Julian got up. Tasks: Set out breakfast and lunch for everyone to make, sort out any final deployment details and make cups of tea! As an honorary Team field base member I (Libby) was also up, although my broken foot confined me to the shop table selling last minute chocolate bars and crisps to the Ventures!
0330: Volunteer Managers and Ventures started to appear bleary eyed and more than a little excited about starting Phase 1!
0430: Alpha 5, 7 and 8’s bus arrives and they start to pack tools and backpacks into the bus. Fitting three groups’ kit into the bus in the dark was challenge not dissimilar to our Crystal Maze the other night!
0500: All the other alpha groups’ buses arrive, they start to pack and make sandwiches for the trip.
0515: Alpha 5, 7 and 8 are the first off the mark! Alpha 5 will be dropped in Liberia where they will catch another bus to Horizantes. Alpha 7 and 8 will continue across the Costa Rican/ Nicaraguan boarder to Jinotepe where they will stay the night before heading onto their projects.
0530: Alpha 9 depart heading towards the small town of Banco where they will stay the night. Lucky things they will have a bit of a sleep in the morning, as due to tides they cannot start walking into Conte Burika until around midday tomorrow.
0535: The sun manages to shine some light on field base!
0545: Alpha 4 squeezed all their food, tools, bags and ventures onto the bus for La Cangreja and headed out complete with wheelbarrows strapped to the top!
0330: Volunteer Managers and Ventures started to appear bleary eyed and more than a little excited about starting Phase 1!
0430: Alpha 5, 7 and 8’s bus arrives and they start to pack tools and backpacks into the bus. Fitting three groups’ kit into the bus in the dark was challenge not dissimilar to our Crystal Maze the other night!0500: All the other alpha groups’ buses arrive, they start to pack and make sandwiches for the trip.
0515: Alpha 5, 7 and 8 are the first off the mark! Alpha 5 will be dropped in Liberia where they will catch another bus to Horizantes. Alpha 7 and 8 will continue across the Costa Rican/ Nicaraguan boarder to Jinotepe where they will stay the night before heading onto their projects.0530: Alpha 9 depart heading towards the small town of Banco where they will stay the night. Lucky things they will have a bit of a sleep in the morning, as due to tides they cannot start walking into Conte Burika until around midday tomorrow.
0535: The sun manages to shine some light on field base!
0545: Alpha 4 squeezed all their food, tools, bags and ventures onto the bus for La Cangreja and headed out complete with wheelbarrows strapped to the top!
0550: Alpha 1, our Corcovado trekkers and Communications Officer Amy curled up on their bus ready for a long trip down to the south of Costa Rica. I am sure they are getting in as much sleep as they can before they start walking tomorrow.
0600: After stuffing all their tents, food and other kits into their packs the Alpha 2 Macho Trekkers and Photographer Laura leave on their one hour bus trip to where they will start trekking (Yes they start walking today - lets hope they all slept well last night!)
0630: Team field base start to clean, clean, clean, eat a well deserved breakfast and then get some well deserved sleep!
0600: After stuffing all their tents, food and other kits into their packs the Alpha 2 Macho Trekkers and Photographer Laura leave on their one hour bus trip to where they will start trekking (Yes they start walking today - lets hope they all slept well last night!)
0630: Team field base start to clean, clean, clean, eat a well deserved breakfast and then get some well deserved sleep!
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
D-day tomorrow…
Deployment day that is - we’ve had an incredibly busy last day at Fieldbase trying to get getting everyone ready for deployment, which for most of us is now only about seven hours away!
It seems I spoke too soon about the rain yesterday as it’s done nothing much except pour down since about 2 o clock this morning. The community groups arrived back from the jungle this morning looking rather muddy. Despite that, it seemed they all enjoyed it, there was even cheering as they approached Fieldbase, but then perhaps that was because they were excited about the prospect of being clean again!
After cleaning up the kit and themselves, most of the day has been spent packing - there’s a lot of kit to fit into backpacks for the trekkers and on top of the buses that will take everyone to their project sites.
After everyone had been through their personal and group kit at least about five times, everyone got together on the terrace for the last time for three weeks for a delicious barbeque…
After everyone had completely stuffed themselves, we had a couple of speeches from Ross and Julian, and everyone gave a tremendous rendition of singing in the rain – quite fitting for the weather we’re having right now (still raining – a lot!). Followed by a slideshow of the best photos from the last four days…
I’m deploying with Alpha one on the Corcovado Trek tomorrow for four days before heading down to visit Alpha nine in Conte Burika, so I’ll be out of touch for a while, but I’ll be leaving you in the capable hands of Libby, who is going to keep the blog updated while I’m away.
We might have a few less photos on some days as most of the project sites have no computer access and getting photos posted is reliant on the Fieldbase team visits. But rest assured, when we do get back with the photos there will be a lot to squeeze on here! We'll also be making sure that all the messages on the blog during phase are delivered over the radio or on the project visits, so do please keep all your wonderful messages coming!
It seems I spoke too soon about the rain yesterday as it’s done nothing much except pour down since about 2 o clock this morning. The community groups arrived back from the jungle this morning looking rather muddy. Despite that, it seemed they all enjoyed it, there was even cheering as they approached Fieldbase, but then perhaps that was because they were excited about the prospect of being clean again!
After cleaning up the kit and themselves, most of the day has been spent packing - there’s a lot of kit to fit into backpacks for the trekkers and on top of the buses that will take everyone to their project sites. After everyone had been through their personal and group kit at least about five times, everyone got together on the terrace for the last time for three weeks for a delicious barbeque…After everyone had completely stuffed themselves, we had a couple of speeches from Ross and Julian, and everyone gave a tremendous rendition of singing in the rain – quite fitting for the weather we’re having right now (still raining – a lot!). Followed by a slideshow of the best photos from the last four days… I’m deploying with Alpha one on the Corcovado Trek tomorrow for four days before heading down to visit Alpha nine in Conte Burika, so I’ll be out of touch for a while, but I’ll be leaving you in the capable hands of Libby, who is going to keep the blog updated while I’m away.
We might have a few less photos on some days as most of the project sites have no computer access and getting photos posted is reliant on the Fieldbase team visits. But rest assured, when we do get back with the photos there will be a lot to squeeze on here! We'll also be making sure that all the messages on the blog during phase are delivered over the radio or on the project visits, so do please keep all your wonderful messages coming! Right now, everyone is outside dancing their socks off to a huge sound system delivered this afternoon, celebrating what has truly been an amazing four days – if it’s been this good already, I think we can safely say that the next ten weeks are going to be absolutely incredible!
Monday, 2 February 2009
Getting into the swing of things
I think I’m going to be saying this a lot over the course of the expedition, but yesterday and today have been really great days. Looking at the terrace now, you wouldn’t believe that everyone here only met three days ago. All the alpha groups have bonded really well and there are clearly already some great friendships in the making.
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There was a lot of singing and everyone was getting into the spirit of learning new languages, including learning to count in not only Spanish and English, but also Cantonese and Gujarati.
This afternoon they have all been into Turrialba for their final internet access before they deploy on Wednesday – so hopefully you will now all have got emails from everyone telling you all the exciting things they’ve been up to.
The Community groups were still at Fieldbase last night, after spending most of the day in the classroom, and spent the evening playing the Turrialba version of the Crystal Maze including such games as Fire Swamp, Poison Bomb Disposal and Ancient Pot Shuffle…
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The trek and environmental groups spent the night in the jungle last night.
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There was a lot of singing and everyone was getting into the spirit of learning new languages, including learning to count in not only Spanish and English, but also Cantonese and Gujarati.This afternoon they have all been into Turrialba for their final internet access before they deploy on Wednesday – so hopefully you will now all have got emails from everyone telling you all the exciting things they’ve been up to.
The Community groups were still at Fieldbase last night, after spending most of the day in the classroom, and spent the evening playing the Turrialba version of the Crystal Maze including such games as Fire Swamp, Poison Bomb Disposal and Ancient Pot Shuffle…
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They all left for Jungle Camp this morning and as I understand it have all built some great-looking camps, cooked dinner and are just settling in for the night. Fortunately the rain has held off!
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We’ve also had our photographer and now resident hairdresser Laura set up a mini salon on the terrace and all the boys wanted to show off their new haircuts, so here they all are looking lovely….JPG)
Tomorrow everyone will be back at Fieldbase to pack for deployment early on Wednesday morning. I can’t believe that the projects are starting so soon!
Just one more thing I wanted to add – thank you so much to everyone who has left messages on here – I can’t tell you how amazing it is to see so many. We printed them all out and put them upon the noticeboard for everyone to read and there was almost a stampede as everyone rushed to see them. Please please keep them coming, it really means so much to all of us, as you can see….JPG)
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Alpha Nine – Conte Burika – La Carona
And finally, off to Conte Burika near Panama, we have Alpha Nine...
Olivia Andersen
Florentine Bodewes
Joe Bogle
Davis Calvo
Richard Cornwell
Thomas Dickson
William Jaffray
Chloe Jenkins
Ivan Perez
Mark Pluck
Joanna Scott
Verity Smith
Kyran Weir
Project Managers James Burnham and Kirsty, and Medic Helena will be leading Alpha 9 who will be based in La Carona, in the Conte Burika Indigenous Reserve, which is situated on the remote Burika peninsula near the Panamanian border. The community is extremely remote – to get there you have to walk 8-hours along a beach and then up into the hills behind.
The Ngobe (or Guaymi) Indigenous people who live there are subsistence farmers who maintain the cultural traditions of their ancestors. Currently there is secondary school in the indigenous reserve built by Raleigh in 2006. Alpha 9 will be building a Comedor, or dining hall for the school so that school can gain funding from the government to provide free meals for the pupils. .
Olivia Andersen
Florentine Bodewes
Joe Bogle
Davis Calvo
Richard Cornwell
Thomas Dickson
William Jaffray
Chloe Jenkins
Ivan Perez
Mark Pluck
Joanna Scott
Verity Smith
Kyran Weir
Project Managers James Burnham and Kirsty, and Medic Helena will be leading Alpha 9 who will be based in La Carona, in the Conte Burika Indigenous Reserve, which is situated on the remote Burika peninsula near the Panamanian border. The community is extremely remote – to get there you have to walk 8-hours along a beach and then up into the hills behind.The Ngobe (or Guaymi) Indigenous people who live there are subsistence farmers who maintain the cultural traditions of their ancestors. Currently there is secondary school in the indigenous reserve built by Raleigh in 2006. Alpha 9 will be building a Comedor, or dining hall for the school so that school can gain funding from the government to provide free meals for the pupils. .
Alpha Eight – Miraflor- San Ramon
Headed to the beautiful Miraflor reserve in Nicaragua are Alpha 8...
Harriet Clarfelt
George Cowan
Lily Craver
William Dyson
Dean Hedman
Catherine Kennedy
Elizabeth Loaiza
Charlotte Milner
Claire Moggie
Andreina Quiros
Isaac Simon
Holly Stoker
Amy Tyler
Thomas Wright
Led by Project Managers Spilla, Sarah and Lizzy, Alpha 8 will be based in the Miraflor reserve, 206sqkm of beautiful mountainous terrain with various different ecosystems such as tropical savannah, dry tropical forest and mountain cloud forest.
Within the reserve there are a number of communities living through subsistence farming and gaining income from coffee growing, cattle farming and some small tourism initiatives. The people have few resources and lack access to basic services such as health and education. In the community of San Ramon, there are currently no facilities for very young children to learn and the community perseveres with basic lessons in people’s houses and so the team on this project will be building a multi-purpose community building where lessons can be held.
Harriet Clarfelt
George Cowan
Lily Craver
William Dyson
Dean Hedman
Catherine Kennedy
Elizabeth Loaiza
Charlotte Milner
Claire Moggie
Andreina Quiros
Isaac Simon
Holly Stoker
Amy Tyler
Thomas Wright
Led by Project Managers Spilla, Sarah and Lizzy, Alpha 8 will be based in the Miraflor reserve, 206sqkm of beautiful mountainous terrain with various different ecosystems such as tropical savannah, dry tropical forest and mountain cloud forest.Within the reserve there are a number of communities living through subsistence farming and gaining income from coffee growing, cattle farming and some small tourism initiatives. The people have few resources and lack access to basic services such as health and education. In the community of San Ramon, there are currently no facilities for very young children to learn and the community perseveres with basic lessons in people’s houses and so the team on this project will be building a multi-purpose community building where lessons can be held.
Alpha Seven - Achuapa
In Alpha 7 we have...
Jose Daniel Alvarado
Emma Britton
Kuo-Jam Chen-Sanchez
Rose Hunnam
Sabrin Kassam
Deborah Perry
Jon Rhodes
Freddie Schicht
Charlotte Schroder
Joanne Thompson
Joshua Todd
Bruno van den Toorn
Dirk van Wassenaer
Julie Verscheure
Project Managers Katie and Mike and Medic Natalie will be leading Alpha 7. They’ll be working high in the hills above Achuapa, in one of the poorest most remote areas of Nicaragua, to bring clean and safe drinking water to families in the community of Los Playones.
This project is a multi-stakeholder partnership with the local community, the Cooperativa Juan Francisco Paz Silva, Nottingdale International and Raleigh. At present the local people get their water from the river which often dries up in summer or comes from polluted water sources. The group will be living directly with families in the village and working with the local community to dam small streams and build tanks to collect the water from where it can run through pipes to all the local houses.
Emma Britton
Kuo-Jam Chen-Sanchez
Rose Hunnam
Sabrin Kassam
Deborah Perry
Jon Rhodes
Freddie Schicht
Charlotte Schroder
Joanne Thompson
Joshua Todd
Bruno van den Toorn
Dirk van Wassenaer
Julie Verscheure
Project Managers Katie and Mike and Medic Natalie will be leading Alpha 7. They’ll be working high in the hills above Achuapa, in one of the poorest most remote areas of Nicaragua, to bring clean and safe drinking water to families in the community of Los Playones.
This project is a multi-stakeholder partnership with the local community, the Cooperativa Juan Francisco Paz Silva, Nottingdale International and Raleigh. At present the local people get their water from the river which often dries up in summer or comes from polluted water sources. The group will be living directly with families in the village and working with the local community to dam small streams and build tanks to collect the water from where it can run through pipes to all the local houses.
Alpha Five – Horizontes Experimentales
Heading off to Horizontes Experimentales is Alpha 5...
Polly Bambrough
Amy Ferron
Isabella Gamsu
Bliss Godden
Bart Lidth de Jeude
Adam McVie
Alexander Palacios
Marvin Poelgeest
Isaura Quintero
Oli Richardson
Lucy Scaramanga
Christopher Trimble
William Zhao
Alpha 5, led by Project Managers, Kirstin, Catalina and Philly, will be the first Raleigh team to work in this fascinating national park in the Guanacaste province, which is largely made up of dry tropical forest. The national park is used as a research area that was set up to study the reforestation of dry tropical forests.
During this expedition, Alpha 5 will be monitoring the growth of the different tree species and maintaining the research plantations as well as building trails for visiting tourist groups who want to find out what it takes to reforest the natural forests of Central America. The group will be camping in the jungle and this is a great opportunity to learn all about the importance of conserving these amazing forests.
Amy Ferron
Isabella Gamsu
Bliss Godden
Bart Lidth de Jeude
Adam McVie
Alexander Palacios
Marvin Poelgeest
Isaura Quintero
Oli Richardson
Lucy Scaramanga
Christopher Trimble
William Zhao
Alpha 5, led by Project Managers, Kirstin, Catalina and Philly, will be the first Raleigh team to work in this fascinating national park in the Guanacaste province, which is largely made up of dry tropical forest. The national park is used as a research area that was set up to study the reforestation of dry tropical forests.
During this expedition, Alpha 5 will be monitoring the growth of the different tree species and maintaining the research plantations as well as building trails for visiting tourist groups who want to find out what it takes to reforest the natural forests of Central America. The group will be camping in the jungle and this is a great opportunity to learn all about the importance of conserving these amazing forests.
Alpha Four – La Cangreja
Alpha 4, who are heading off to La Cangreja includes...
Wilder Arteta
Hana Damirji
Kayleigh Farnell
George Hanbury
Sean Hooker
Olivia Knight
Dominique Langeslag
Calum Lightfoot
Joost Mol
Sophia Purdon
Cathelijne van de Graaf
Samuel Wilson
Adam Young
Led by Project Managers Rob, Charlie and Adriana, Alpha 4 will be living right in the middle of the jungle in La Cangreja, Costa Rica’s newest National Park, which gets its name from the striking 1,305 metre peak Cerro Cangreja. The park is home to a mixture of Tropical Humid forest and Pre-Montane forest and a number of species of plant found nowhere else in the world, making this an important area for research purposes and conservation.
At present the government is developing the facilities in the park and during the expedition Alpha 4 will be building a trail from the Rio Negro River that crosses the national park.
Wilder Arteta
Hana Damirji
Kayleigh Farnell
George Hanbury
Sean Hooker
Olivia Knight
Dominique Langeslag
Calum Lightfoot
Joost Mol
Sophia Purdon
Cathelijne van de Graaf
Samuel Wilson
Adam Young
Led by Project Managers Rob, Charlie and Adriana, Alpha 4 will be living right in the middle of the jungle in La Cangreja, Costa Rica’s newest National Park, which gets its name from the striking 1,305 metre peak Cerro Cangreja. The park is home to a mixture of Tropical Humid forest and Pre-Montane forest and a number of species of plant found nowhere else in the world, making this an important area for research purposes and conservation.
At present the government is developing the facilities in the park and during the expedition Alpha 4 will be building a trail from the Rio Negro River that crosses the national park.
Alpha Two – Macho Bares Trek
Heading out on the Macho Trek in Alpha 2 are...
Max Barnes
Caroline Borstlap
Ka Ho (Ivan) Chiu
Grace Francombe
Kishan Gandhi
Keiner Jiménez
Viviana Loaiza
Tom Partridge
Rosalind Purcell
Emma Van der Schans
Harm Van Essen
Alice Weston
Daniel Wylde
Trek leader James Bader and Project Manager Lisa will be heading off with Alpha 2 from Raleigh’s Fieldbase in Turrialba. In the first week the group will trek through the Rio Macho Forestry Reserve passing through Tapanti National Park. After climbing up to nearly 3,000 metres the group will then follow the ridges of the Fila de Bustamante towards Cerro Dragon. From here they’ll aim for Cerro Turrubares before heading down to the sea at Playa Hermosa where the group will spend a couple of relaxing days at this beautiful beach, famous for its nesting turtles.
Max Barnes
Caroline Borstlap
Ka Ho (Ivan) Chiu
Grace Francombe
Kishan Gandhi
Keiner Jiménez
Viviana Loaiza
Tom Partridge
Rosalind Purcell
Emma Van der Schans
Harm Van Essen
Alice Weston
Daniel Wylde
Trek leader James Bader and Project Manager Lisa will be heading off with Alpha 2 from Raleigh’s Fieldbase in Turrialba. In the first week the group will trek through the Rio Macho Forestry Reserve passing through Tapanti National Park. After climbing up to nearly 3,000 metres the group will then follow the ridges of the Fila de Bustamante towards Cerro Dragon. From here they’ll aim for Cerro Turrubares before heading down to the sea at Playa Hermosa where the group will spend a couple of relaxing days at this beautiful beach, famous for its nesting turtles.
Alpha One – The Corcovado Trek
So here we go with the phase one project allocations, starting at the beginning with …
Alpha one and the Corcovado Trek!
In Alpha 1 we have...
Johannes de Waal
Rosie Ford
Juan Gomez
Bart Overakker
Nicholas Penney
Laetitia Pot
Louise Rea
Andrew Riding
Catherine Treherne Thomas
Johnney Valasqez
Maarten van Keulen
Sophie Wilson
Led by Trek Leaders Stu and Nick and Deputy Expedition Leader Anna, Alpha one will start the Corcovado Trek in the stunning montane La Amistad National Park, the largest national park in Costa Rica and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The group will then walk through beautiful mountain scenery and towering cloud forest. After passing by waterfalls and hot springs the group will cross the Coto Brus valley to the Fila Costena – a chain of mountains that run parallel to the sea.
Once they are out of the mountains the group will finish the trek by crossing the famous Corcovado National Park that straddles the Osa Peninsula, walking through the best preserved tropical rainforest in Central America. The group will have a chance to see monkeys and tapirs before finishing the trek with a spectacular three-day walk along the beaches of the Pacific Ocean.
09A is go!
Despite everyone having travelled for what must have felt like days, and being extremely tired, we had a great day yesterday. Here are some of pictures from the day…
The admin and swim tests at the university all ran smoothly, and afterwards, the Venturers got stuck in straight away with learning how to use the radios, which are our main form of communication when everyone’s out on the projects.
After the presentation on all the projects taking place, it was early to bed ready for a 5 am start this morning. After breakfast we went straight into project allocations, where everyone found out where they’ll be going and who they’ll be going with on phase one.
The project managers pulled out all the stops to announce who was going to be in their alpha groups, including some interesting costume choices:
The project managers pulled out all the stops to announce who was going to be in their alpha groups, including some interesting costume choices:
Everyone looked really pleased with their allocations and promptly went off into their groups to play some getting to know you games…
The groups on the trek and environmental phases are currently off packing for jungle camp, where they’ll learn all about map reading, river crossings, how to set up their jungle camps, build a basher bed, and dig a long drop!
The groups on the community phases are having their health and hygiene talk, followed by a talk on Comms and photography, including the blog and encouraging everyone reading it to send us lots of messages!!
We’ll post all the Alpha groups in separate blogs shortly otherwise this would end up being a very long blog!
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