09F Alpha Groups return to fieldbase

We’re delighted to have Alpha 1, 2, 3 and 4 back at fieldbase!

Alpha 1 completed their Guanacaste Quest walking an amazing total of 250 kilometres in just 19 days! After days of rain the sun finally shone on Alpha 1 in time for a well earned break relaxing on the beach at Playa Junquillal on the last day. Tim and Guy were there to capture the moment they arrived at the beach after a 30k day!Fee, Michael, Harry, Vicky and Tina taking a dip!

The classic 'Where is the beach' pose!

Alpha 2 took on the 280 Kilometres Maribios trek and won! Volcan Consiguina was the target, 859 meters tall with a crater 500 meters deep and 2 kilometres wide. The views of El Salvador and Honduras from the top were worth waiting for. The group hiked to the top where they set up camp for the night and watched the sunset over the volcano. The next morning as they watched the sun rise it lit up the 280k route they had spent the last 19 days trekking! Then it was off to the beach in Mechappa - a mere 33K away for a chill day!
Enjoying the view from the top of the volcano
Where is the beach?!
Its in sight.......
They made it!


Alpha 3 finished phase 1 of the water project in Achuapa providing fresh clean water to a staggering 240 people in 44 houses throughout the village. In just 19 days they become expert diggers and builders and were able to turn the taps on in the village for the first time. An amazing achievement in such a short time - well done Alpha 3.
Ben, Oli, Bernardo and Deven getting ready for a hard days work
Laura chatting with Chico (foreman)
Bernardo, Rob, Alex and Karla
Jane digging it!

Alpha 4 rocked Miraflor with their digging skills. The first phase of building the community centre was to level a rocky 30˚ slope and lay the foundations, not an easy task! Alpha 4 steamed through the work and even had time to collect the materials for the walls that will be built in phase 2. Good work Alpha 4.

Ben showing us how to do it!
Work work work

Gemma and Ben taking a moment!

Back at fieldbase the Alpha groups are enjoying some free time in Turrialba eating pizza, emailing home and playing football against the volunteer managers and winning! Its now time for project allocations for phase two and getting to know their new Alpha groups before deployment tomorrow. More on that later...............

Dr.Challoner's School Expedition

Updates from Yankee 1 and 2 in the Salitre Indigenous Reserve in Southern Costa Rica


Greetings from Yankee 1 in Cebror!

We arrived safely on Wednesday afternoon to our project site after a long 6 hour mini bus journey through the Talamanca mountain range from San Jose. Half of our group are staying in a spare house in the small village, equipped with kitchen and even a flushing toilet and shower!! The other half are living with a local family and their many cute children. One small surprise was that we are not building a water system anymore, instead we are building a classroom.

We are already getting involved at the work site and work is progressing rapidly; we even think we will finish before the end of our two weeks here and have started brainstorming other things we could do to improve the school, for example build a garden and decorate the inside. So far we have been involved in mixing cement, sieving sand, sawing wood, plastering and playing football with the local children. The workmen that we are helping on the site are all really hardworking and keen to involve us. We are also enjoying some banter with them and they find us entertaining; for example our silly hats and our weak limbs! So far the foundations, walls and plastering has all been completed, and the roof looks like it may be finished today. The children come back to school next Monday and we are looking forward to hopefully giving some english lessons to them and playing more games with them.

The group are all doing really well, everyone is healthy (apart from a bit of sunburn!) and are all enjoying themselves.. although the 5:30am start is taking a bit of getting used to. We're all looking forward to continuing and completing the project and involving ourseleves more with the community. Tomorrow the lady next door who owns the spare house is going to teach us how to cook a traditional Costa Rican dish along with a barbeque which we are all looking forward to as it will be a good chance to talk to the locals and practice some spanish! We are also going to have a party tonight with a piñata to celebrate our leader Emmas birthday.. Happy Birthday Emma!

We are having a great time and surprisingly missing the rain! Will update again soon,

Love Yankee 1..

Greta, Ollie, Rachel, Emma K, Millie, Emily, Tasha, Paula, Lawrence, Lucy B, Ellie B, Sheena, Alice, Katie P, Liv M plus the leaders Jules and EmmaBlog update for

Greeting from Yankee 2!

After a very bus bumpy ride through the green hills of Salitre we arrived at Ako on Wednesday. Ako is a small village in an idigenous reserve in Salitre. Its relatively remote, but they have running water and electricity, what a treat! The people are quite shy but we have made some friends and every night someone from Carlos' family has stayed with us in the house. Carlos, and his family have moved out for two weeks, so we have a whole house to ourselves.

On the first day we did lots of training. We learnt alpha, bravo, charlie etc and called the Raleigh office in Turrialba with our radios. The highlight of the day was definitely bath time in the local river!! Who needs a shower when you have fresh water rivers to bathe in?!!

The food has been surprisingly good. Last night we had sweet platanos, so, so yummy! Yesterday we also had a football match with the locals and hopefully will be playing lots more in the next couple of weeks.

Our project is to build a school for the village, which they desperately need. There's a lot to do but we're confident we can get it all done. When we arrived the workers had already done some of the walls, but there's a lot more to do.

Right now a couple of us are at an internet cafe in the local town, Buenos Aires, where we{ve come to buy fresh fruit and veg.

So HELLO to everyone at home, we miss you but we{re all having the most amazing time!!


Hasta luego!
Yankee 2

09G The Dependable Delta Groups Settle In

We have had some great comms from the Deltoids in Tayni Indigneous Reserve and Barbilla National Park - everyone arrived safety and are getting stuck into enjoying themselves (and doing some work)!

Delta 1 and 2 have been warmly received into their communities of Boca Coen and Cuchey. So far they have had a welcome dinner, and today they are getting a tour of their communities and an outline of their project schedule with their Maestro de Obras (foremen).

Delta 3 spent last night at Barbilla Ranger Station. They have already seen a Boa Constrictor and a Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frog – just the start of some of the incredible wildlife they will be seeing. Today they will begin moving their kit and camp into the jungle.

09F Triumphs and Tears (of joy!) from the Tremendous Alpha Groups

Alpha 1 will be on the final 10k of their 35k day as I type this. The wide bay of Playa Junquillal will be stretched out before them, beckoning them onwards. Soon they will be enjoying a cooling dip as they celebrate 270k of hardcore trekking!

Alpha 2 have conquered the Maribios Trek! They arrived this morning at Mechapa beach and had incredible views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. The group have covered 270k of the hottest, dustiest and driest terrain in Nicaragua. Congratulations Alpha 2!

Alpha 3 will today be celebrating massive success of the phase 1 water project. So far they have installed water in several houses! To show gratitude and to bid them farewell, the community leaders have organised a huge party in their honour – even the Mayor of Achuapa will be in attendance. Party on Alpha 3!

Alpha 4 are also having a final day of celebrations in their community. Their community centre and museum is halfway completed so the community are throwing them a party and have slaughtered a calf for them. The group will be enjoying some tasty cuts of meat this evening!

Tomorrow its early starts for everyone as they make their way back to Fieldbase...

Alpha 1 Update from DEL (09F, 10-Week Expedition)

Just back home from the Alpha 1 (Guanacaste Trek) food drop, where we spent some quality time with the group on Friday evening. They were staying the night at a Ranger Station and just thinking about dinner when we arrived bearing post, Mobile Shop and messages from the blog. They were in great form largely due to having eaten Pot Noodles for lunch. Henry is still surgically attached to his guitar and all are having fun creating their skit for Changeover at Field Base which is looming in 3 days time. In a fit of unparalleled generosity, I told them all that I would post a brief message to their nearest and dearest so here goes…

Tina – Hi Sis. Hope you’re alright. Make sure you send pics of new niece. Larry- love you and miss you. Write to me! Can you phone Antoinette and say Happy Birthday from me and sorry I didn’t phone her. Hi Cuz – Hope you lot OK. Write to me, man! Hi Mr D, it’s Tina, hope you’re OK!

Vicky – I’m fine! I miss all of you and I will come back home soon. X

Shane – Hello everyone! Hope you’re all doing well at home and wherever you may be. Having the time of my life here. Will contact you as soon as I can. Keep an eye on the blog! Happy Birthday to Orlagh, Sarah, Jemma & Tom. Love you all loads, Shane.

Fee – Thanks for the birthday card. Love you lots. Having a great time in Costa Rica! X

Harry C – Love and miss you. Good luck on your travels, Heather. Keep the letters coming. Having an amazing time!

Michael – Thanks for all the messages and letters, keep them coming! Miss you all and love you lots, even you big sis! Love you too, Soph. See you soon…..

Henry - Barnes clan, miss you! Clem, miss you loads and love you lots.

M&D, J + The Lizard Man – All good. Safe and very happy. Lots of love, SRStMcLF/ MP x

09F 10 Weekers Last Days of Phase One

Today an eerie quiet has settled, disturbed only by the plinking of the rain on the roof and the purr of the Radio. For the first time in over a month there are no PMs or venturers lounging on the porch or listening in rapt attention as Ross and Julian deliver yet another training session (zzzz…). After waving goodbye to the 5 Weekers, Ross became pupil and learnt how to make proper pancakes (a la Raquelle) for the traditional Fieldbase commiseration (celebration?) breakfast held after project deployment. With just three days left of the 10 weeker’s phase one, the tranquil mood is unlikely to last long!

This morning Alpha 1 woke up at Cerro Cacao Ranger Station and summited Cerro Cacao. Unfortunately, it was shrouded in cloud! This is the second of the peaks (the other being Rincon de La Vieja) they have conquered, and the second to fail to reveal its stunning views to them. No fear, Alpha 1 still have smiles on their (now grubby) faces and are continuing their march to Maritza Ranger Station. Tomorrow they will walk the last day of the Guanacaste Trek to Playa Junquillal – no less than 35k!

Alpha 1
Alpha 1 Trekking

Alpha 2 walked up Volcan Cosiguina and watched the sun go down at the volcano crater – a spectacular sight with views of El Salvador, Honduras and the Maribios chain of volcanoes behind them including the stunning Volcan San Cristobal. - Sorry no photos currently but watch this space - Bravo 3 (including photographer Guy) are currently trekking with them and will bring back lots!

Alpha 3 have been digging hundreds of metres of trenches, built captation tanks for water and started both laying and hanging tubes that will carry the water. This afternoon they are taking a walk into Achuapa to visit the Cooperative, Raleigh’s Project Partner.

Alpha 3 revelling in the mud while digging trenches

Alpha 4 have completed the foundations to the Community Centre/Musuem! To do this they have made cement and adobe using a 50/50 mix of dirt and ‘Old Man’s Beard’, a tree native to the Miraflor Nature Reserve. In addition they had a cow milking competition yesterday with the following results:

5^th – Zoe 1m:50s
4^th – Tom Culverwell 1m:35s
3^rd – Gemma 1m:07s
2^nd Charlie Knight :45s
1^st El Benito! :27s

The three PMs, along with perfecting their cow milking, have requested certain treats to be waiting for them at Changeover – Zoe = Fried Chicken, Gemma = Peanut Butter Sandwich, El Benito = a Pop’s Milkshake.

Ross will dutifully oblige because Alpha 4 have maintained the best comms by miles of all the Alpha groups.

Alpha 4 go back to School
Alpha 4 digging foundations

The Alpha groups now have a few days left to cover those last miles, say their goodbyes and write some final reports before they will again invade Fieldbase…

This is Raquelle signing off for today - its supposed to be a day off at Fieldbase apparantly - so it's to Turrialba for milkshakes!

Last Days of Training for 09G 5 Week Expedition

Jungle Camp

Despite a drizzly start to the day, the 09G venturers departed eagerly for their overnight stay at Jungle Camp. After receiving instruction from their PMs yesterday about how to properly pack a rucksack (a peculiarly difficult art to master), Deltas 1, 2 and 3 cheerfully shouldered their packs and trekked into the initiation zone that is Jungle Camp.

09G On their way to Jungle Camp


Enjoying the walking - James, Harry, Anisha, Chloe and Sophie
Julia and Charlie
Rachel and Alex

Under the wise tutorage of the 09G PMs the venturers learnt how to set up a camp. The first thing to go up is always the vital group tarp that provides shelter from the elements and is the perfect place to play cards (beats Las Vegas hands down – trust me!).

Jessica and Rosie demonstrating superb teamworking skills

Next the venturers learnt how to make bashers (beds constructed out of two bamboo A frames) and hammocks.

Sandrine instructing Sebastian on knot technique
...and demonstrating how not to fall out of your hammock during the night
Edwin, Alex and Francis securing rope for their basher tarps

After a restful night’s sleep listening to the dulcet tones of the jungle creatures, the 5 weekers were up bright and early for their CASEVAC Training session. The PMs briefed their Delta groups on the CASEVAC protocol and plans, and then one team member was chosen by the cruel harpies of fate to be suddenly struck down with a broken leg. Leaping to their aid, the Delta groups industriously constructed improvised stretchers (with the conveniently placed hammock and bamboo poles) and carried them back to the safety of Fieldbase – upon arrival, the mere site of the beautiful Fieldbase Team provided immediate cure of all ailments.

Christian, Freya, Julia and Terry discussing the Casevac Protocol
Chloe, Alex, Alice and Harry practicing their radio voices (we all have one!)
Anisha hanging onto one end of the radio aerial
Alex, Karent, Francis, Alejandra
Strectcher carrying!

After a shower and repacking their bags, the venturers were treated to a stirring send off speech delivered by Ross, and a fantastic slideshow of the induction pictures created by Maja. To complete the evening we threw a UV party – which required creativity and a steady hand to cover each other in funky designs that would glow under the black lights.

Ross daubing up with the Hibernian colours

Raquelle utilising her artistic skills by decorating Ross


Ross giving his rousing speech, translated by Charlie

Decorated venturers throwing shapes

Painting each other is lots of fun!
The PMs rocking out in the shop
Tigre Maja and Butterfly Freya

After a few hours sleep, the 5 Weekers deployed onto their project early this morning, leaving us here at Fieldbase to contemplate the mammoth series of training that has now concluded its final act. The venturers and PMs have already achieved so much – we can’t wait to hear more about all of the triumphs and successes they will experience on their projects.

5-Week Project Allocations Confirmed

The 5-Week Venturer Project Allocations have now been announced!

¡El alojamiento de proyectos para los aventureros de la expedición de 5 semanas ha sido anunciado!

Delta 1: Boca Coen, Taynai Indigenous Reserve, Costa Rica
(pronounced bocka-quin)

Daniel Alpizar Rojas, Alice Lucas, Andrew Scullion, Carolina Quesanda Fonseca, James Fournier, Anisha Ratan, Sam French, Chloe Bustin, Emily Atkin, Hugo Dyer & Sophie Dermaux

Delta 2: Cuchey, Taynai Indigenous Reserve, Costa Rica
(pronounced koo-chay)

Mariel Carmona Varela, Terry Atukorale, Rachel Frew, Deniz Ercevik, Eliza Hawthorn, Cristian Gonzalez Kharine, Rosie Morrant, Alex Khosla, Hannah Patel, Patrick Bingham, Amy Howell & Jessica Budget


These Delta groups will be working on two separate projects in the Tayni Indigenous Reserve, building two schools in the communities of Boca Coen and Cuchey. These remote communities, 2 hours apart on foot, are found in the foothills of the Caribbean slope of Central Costa Rica. They are inhabited by the Cabecar indigenous people who maintain their own language and culture. The schools will allow the children to attend school in a proper building instead of the shacks they currently use. This group will also have a unique experience where they can learn about the lives of the Cabecar people and understand the challenges that face this indigenous community at the beginning of the 21st century.

Estos grupos DELTAS estarán trabajando en dos diferentes proyectos en la Reserva Indígena Tayni, construyendo dos escuelas en las comunidades de Boca Coen y Cuchey. Estas comunidades ubicadas remotamente a 2 horas caminando, se encuentran en las faldas del Caribe en Costa Rica. Son habitadas por Cabecares los cuales mantienen su propio dialecto y cultura. Los niños de la zona tendrán la oportunidad de atender a clases en un lugar más seguro en cambio de un lugar que casi en ruinas y peligroso. El grupo también tendrá la experiencia única de poder aprender de la vida de Los Cabecares y entender el desafío que afronta las comunidades indígenas en el principio del siglo 21.

Delta 3: Barbilla National Park, Costa Rica
(pronounced bar-bee-ja)

Maryann Acevedo Yepez, Alex Crompton, Sebastian Huempfer, Edwin Lauzel, Thomas Llewellyn Morgan, Francis Manning, Karent Martinez Munguia, Joanna Moffatt, Frances Morton, Louise Welland & Josh Whiting

The beautiful Barbilla National park, found on the central Caribbean slope of Costa Rica, contains some of the best quality primary rainforest in the country. One of the remotest and least visited national parks, surrounded by indigenous reserves, this area is considered important to protect the biodiversity that it contains. The park is used by scientists to study the great number of species of flora and fauna. One of the challenges that face the park administrators is controlling illegal logging and poaching in the area. This group will be building a trail that goes from the main park headquarters down to the river that runs through the centre of the park, and will live in a jungle camp on the edge of this river surrounded by pristine forests. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will be remembered by the entire group whilst undertaking work important to the park rangers. In the middle of the phase, the group will visit a nearby indigenous reserve – and for the last few days will head to the Caribbean Sea where they will hopefully see Olive Ridley turtles laying their eggs.

El hermoso Parque Nacional Barbilla, ubicada en el Caribe, en las faldas de Costa Rica cuenta con uno de los mejores bosques primarios del país. Uno de los parques nacionales más remotos y menos visitados, ubicado alrededor de reservas indígenas, esta área es considerada muy importante para proteger la biodiversidad que esta tiene. Este parque nacional es utilizado por científicos para estudiar gran número de especies de flora y fauna. Uno de los grandes desafíos que encaran los administradores del parque es controlar ilegalmente la tala de árboles y caza de especies en el área. Delta 3 estará construyendo un trillo el cual inicia desde las oficinas centrales del parque nacional hasta el río que corre por el medio del parque, el grupo vivirá en la selva, cerca del río en medio del bosque. Una experiencia única en la vida que será recordada por todos los miembros de Delta 3. En medio de la fase, el grupo visitará una reserva indígena cercana a la zona del proyecto - y para los últimos días el grupo visitará el Mar Caribe esperando correr con suerte de ver tortugas desovar.

This morning the new Delta teams have been getting to know each other through the medium of games and have spent a happy morning roaring at each other, peering around tarpaulins and 'shazamming' each other in the "Giants, Wizards & Elves" version of "Paper, Scissors, Stone".

Esta mañana los miembros de los grupos Delta han estado conociéndose por medio de juegos y han pasado una feliz mañana rugiéndose una al otro, mirando alrededor de lonas y jugando "piedra, papel, tijeras".

Delta 3 try to outwit each other

Delta 3 tratando de descifrar quién está detrás!

Giants -v- Giants for Delta 1
A good way to get to know your colleagues

Una buena manera de conocer a los colegas.

DEL signing out as I am hitting the road again shortly. I leave the blog in the trusty hands of the lovely Raquelle.

Esto es todo de mi parte ya que voy saliendo pronto pero dejo en buenas manos el blog con Raquel.

Zero listening out....

5-Week Venturers In-Country and Dominating the Raleigh Scene

Bienvenidos a Raleigh, somos tan felices que han llegados a todos.

The 5-Weekers are here! After a blurry 4:30am wake-up call in San Jose, the Venturers arrived to a rapturous welcome at Field Base and a delicious breakfast of Gallo Pinto, eggs, hams, cheese and coffee courtesy of the genius that is Sandra.

Ross kicked off the bilingual "Welcome to Costa Rica" (translated in style by Charlie) and began the ice-breaking with a Roar-Off and some table-jumping before Oli instigated a whole-group 80's electro body-wave and took them through the day's schedule.

The group were assigned to their new canvas 'hotels' and headed off with the Project Managers for a tour of Field Base followed by a Round-Robin which included a swim assessment in the local swimming pool at the University of Costa Rica.

After a picnic lunch at the pool it was back to Field Base and the surrounding fields were filled with cries of, "Hello Zero, Hello Zero, this is Hotel 1!" as the Venturers undertook their Radio Training and got to grips with dipoles, coax and the phonetic alphabet.

Ross and the Delta Project Managers hosted a presentation on the three Delta Projects after dinner, describing what each of the projects at Boca Coen, Cuchey and the Barbilla National Parkwould entail before asking the Venturers to select their first and second choice of project.

Despite the early start, there were pleas for the mobile 'Club Raleigh' disco to be set up on the terrace and all were lulled to sleep by Lady Gaga and her Poker Face, ready for a 7:00am breakfast the next morning.

A fabulous group of Venturers who are going to make 09G an amazing experience.

5-Week HCVs arrive: The Cook-Off to End All Cook-Offs

As the 5-Week Host Country Venturers arrived at Field Base last night, it was only right that we welcome them to Raleigh life in style, a la Ready Steady Cook. Each of the four teams were lined up and allowed, one member at a time, to race forward and grab an item from the Magic Box of Tricks.

Oli (armed with spatula) threatens anyone who has the audacity to take more than one ingredient at a time
This contained such wonders as macaroni, guava jelly, energy bars, tins of pork & beans, tuna, jelly sweets and milk powder.

Jana whips his HCV team of Masterchefs into a frenzy
...but Alex holds her nerve and supervises her team with steely determination
With such a feast of possible combinations, it was no surprise when judges Oscar, Kate & Oli were presented with a plethora of, er, ‘interesting’ dishes. The judges gamely worked their way through ‘Ocean Surprise’, ‘Sweet Raleigh’, ‘Volcan Turrialba’, ‘Happy Unborn Chicken’ & ‘Sunrise Pasta’.

Course 1: "Sopa" or "Little Soup" (and trust us, there was nothing little about this soup which contained super noodles, sugar, sweetcorn, cinnamon, peas, condensed milk and crushed biscuits!)
Course 2: "Sunshine Pasta"
Course 3: "Sweet Raleigh"
Perhaps the most unnerving moment was upon preparing to launch into a dessert dish covered in jam being advised to 'dig deep in order to uncover the pasta'. An interesting mix of both sweet and savoury that ultimately won Tico Kiwi the title of Victors.

The judges, clutching their heads in an agony of indecision, "deliberate, cogitate and digest" in Lloyd Grossman's honour
To the Victor, the Spoils (a chance to have their photo taken with the distinguished, celebrity judges - truly a prize that money cannot buy)
I am happy to report all judges are alive and well, although we were seen gingerly selecting the most bland options from the breakfast buffet this morning :-)

Zero listening out.....

5 Week Project Managers on Sparkling Form

Following their busy Project Planning Visits (PPVs), the 5 week project managers had a chance to unwind by spending a day White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River.

The project managers had a wet start to day as the heavens opened but they didn’t let the weather dampen their spirits. The team took on the challenge with their usual enthusiasm and successfully negotiated the level 3 and 4 rapids.

No fear for Ray Mears & Alex O'C

The rafting gave the team an opportunity to see some wonderful scenery including waterfalls and a variety of wildlife. A brilliant time was had by all.

Over the last couple of days the 5 week project managers have been back at Fieldbase continuing their training. The action packed schedule has included learning how to deal with conflict that might arise within their groups and how to carry out 1-2-1’s with each of their ventures during the course of the project.

Oli does a review with Delta 3: Sand & Jana

They have also been joining forces to tackle a range of physical and mental challenges (the details of which must remain secret!) in preparation for the adventure challenge, which will take place in the last couple of weeks of the expedition.

Now if everyone just breathes in a little....

Would the real Slim Shady please stand up?

As ever, time is of the essence and every available opportunity has been used to prepare for the expedition. The project managers have undergone intensive tuition from Ross each evening in a selection of games with which to entertain the venturers.

Full update shortly on Day 1 of Venturer Induction for 09G 5-Weekers!

10 Weekers Alive and Kicking (and, needless to say, doing brilliantly!)

*A note from DEL Oli: We love receiving your comments, but if you use bad language we will not publish them, so please keep it clean! Thanks guys.

RETURN OF THE MAC

A mega-blog today as Oli & Bec have returned from their 7-day extravaganza across Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

The Becxter cleans the awesome "Bravo 1" post off-roading from Alpha 2

We were lucky enough to see all four Alpha groups and are delighted to report back that they are in great form, settling in brilliantly with their communities and have already achieved a great deal on their various projects.

The Indefatigable Alpha 1

Alpha 1 had battled a few days of rain but were smiling through their sogginess and were wolfing pasta and tomato sauce when we arrived. They collectively agreed that they would like to put their Project Manager Chloe ‘on snooze´ when she gets them up in the morning but are doing a sterling job of rolling out of bed at 3:30am.

Alpha 1's Uber-PMs: Deadpan Dave & Wonder-Chloe

They had an amazing evening at La Casa Benita with Hussein and his family who provided them with a sumptuous feast of fried plantain, fresh peach juice, banana cake and coffee. They´ve trekked through some stunning scenery and had seen both toucans and hummingbirds.

Holman Contemplates Life on Trek

The locals that they come across are intrigued by these intrepid explorers, trekking with them for parts. They´ve done four river crossings and Fee has done one spectacular belly-flop in the mud from which she gamely picked herself up and brushed herself off, post-several hundred photographs being taken (she's not smiling in this photo but she was in the other 978!).Poor Henry´s guitar (Mia) took in some rain and has had a special song of apology written to her which we were lucky enough to hear.

Henry & Mia giving James Blunt a Run for His Money - You're Beautiful.... la la.....

The Alpha 1 photos are courtesy of the lovely Harry who has been snapping away and was kind enough to donate his memory card.

Alpha 4 contemplate their story so far...

Our next pitstop was with the Alpha 4 crew at Miraflor who were on storming form. They are pushing on with digging out the foundations for the Community Centre and Museum and will commence the footings for the building shortly.

From L to R: Ross, Ben (PM), Bec (Driver), Jake (now with Alpha 2), Oli #2, Adrian & Will

Sam is a demon with a pickaxe and Bumble Bee would make the A-Team envious with his tree-pulling techniques.

Ben demonstrates his manly building poses

Their “house mothers” bring them individual lunches at midday so there is an enjoyable ´lunch envy´ session each day.

Laura & Dawn with PM Gemma

Laura was doing a fabulous job of Day Leader (or Alpha 4 Optimus Prime, as they prefer) for the afternoon we worked alongside them, and we visited a local waterfall in the afternoon.

Brandon & Tessa enjoying lunch

They were muchos excited about going to a baseball game in Esteli the day after our departure during their first and well-earned Day Off, and had recently enjoyed a disco with the local community. It was great to catch up with PMs Ben, Gemma and Zoe who were kind enough to have us to stay with their community family, and who organized a cow-milking trip at 5:30am the next morning before a delicious breakfast of rice, beans, avocado and tortillas with coffee and bananas.

The Alpha 3 Project Site in Achuapa, North Nicaragua

After a happy 24 hours with Alpha 4, it was time to visit their fellow Community Project, Alpha 3 in Achuapa. Again, we were blown away by how hard these guys have worked.

Oli #3 & Crew Dominate the Digging Scene

The team have dug trenches for the new waterways and built concrete damn walls for the fresh water supply which will provide the local community with more abundant and cleaner water.

Alpha 3 Human Chain

After a hard day’s work, the group headed down to the river in Esteli for a literal cool-down before gathering at PMs Laura and Alex’s house in the evening for some group chat, games, to stock up from the Raleigh shop and to read their comments from the blog.

Alpha 3 Quite Literally Chillax

We left them hard at work the next day as we drove across to our final stop with Alpha 2, the Maribios Trek.

Alpha 2 are currently traversing Northern Nicaragua. They are doing brilliantly and have covered a lot of ground in some pretty humid conditions. They are all enjoying the various opportunities to swim along the way and are lucky enough to be climbing a number of volcanoes (Volcano Cosaguina yesterday!) before finally finishing on a beautiful beach at Mechapa. They are supported by Cucumber-Cool PMs Carl and Lisa.

As the re-supply Landie, Bravo 3, set off yesterday and is heading their way, we will bring further news via Guy, Tim & Rach shortly.

Zero Listening Out.....

09G (5 Weekers) Project Planning Visits

For the last few days the brave Project Managers of the 09G expedition have been venturing out into Costa Rica to complete their Project Planning Visits (PPVs). These give the PMs a chance to see their project site and plan out where they and the venturers will eat, sleep and work. They have met with their project partners to agree on a work schedule and discuss how Raleigh with work together with them on the projects. The next job is to write up all the paperwork....far less exciting but very important!

The two community projects are both based in Tayni Indigenous Reserve, and will work with two separate communities to build schools.

Delta 2 - Cuchey Constructors - Freya, Charlie and Julia

Delta 2 faced an arduous walk to their project site, albeit through a beautiful landscape


They were met by members of the local community, Jeison, the teacher, Adolpo, the maestro de obra (foreman) who will manage the work on site everyday, and Elissio, the community leader who currently has some of the school in his house.


Delta 2 also has a chance to inspect their site - it may look unimpressive now, but in just 21 days this will be transformed into a fully functional school!

Nearby is a rushing river providing a lovely foreground to the mountains
Check out the building in which the PMS and venturers will sleep (plus the pigs who bunk up underneath the floor)
Delta 2 are now writing up reports and finalising their plans before the arrival of the venturers.

Delta 1 - Bajo Coen Builders

Not to be outdone, Delta 1 also had a hard walk to Bajo Coen, but weren't too puffed out that they couldn't enjoy the views
They were met by teacher Jose Felix who showed them the route in
...their worksite...
...the prepared materials being dried out...

...while Kate reciprocated by showing the school children photos of her family and home.

Alex, Rachel and Kate gave a presentation explaining the project and experienced the warm welcome from the community who each brought a bunch of bananas as a gift - they ended up with an impressive collection! The community will cook for the venturers each day, allowing them to experience local food and interact more with the community.

After a long day Delta 1 set up their beds

Delta 3 - Barbilla Trailblazers

Jana and Sandrine, accompanied by photographer Maja took several buses through Costa Rica to reach their project location in the east. Based in the jungly Barbilla National Park, they will work alongside the park rangers to restore a trail down to a river and swimming hole.

Barbilla National Park - the top of the trail
The clouds gathering round
They were met by Ranger Giovanni and Oscar, who took them on a tour of the Park and their project site - describing the wildlife they were likely to see during their stay.
Oscar, Sandrine and Jana

Part of the trail
Maja and Sandrine trekking down
Discussing making steps with Oscar
But it won’t all be hard labour at Barbilla, the Rangers also took Jana, Sandrine and Maja to a nearby waterfall - which the venturers will be able to visit during their stay.
And on the way home its back to the grinding stone - must get on with the paperwork!
Sandrine on the trail...



Time is ticking down to the venturers arrival and preparations at Fieldbase are in full swing. After finishing their reports the 5weekers have two more days of training before the venturer descend upon us!

09G (5 Weekers) Project Manager Training Continues...and project allocations for the PMs!

Having survived jungle camp the 09G PMs are continuing with their intensive Project Manager Training. Sessions are run in our handy classroom – today’s lesson was all about self-awareness – what sort of leader are you and what assets can you bring to a team?
The PMs filled out a brief online questionnaire, similar to many psychometric tests used by employers, to demonstrate the different styles and abilities within the group. This was used as a discussion starter to think about what kind of qualities are needed by a PM on Raleigh.

Julian, Julia, Alex, Jana and Sandrine in the classroom

Ross, Rachel, Maja and Freya listen carefully

Julian and Kate

Oli, our training expert and glorious leader writing up the lesson plan

Jana, Rachel, Freya and Kate in discussion

In a swift energiser Jana tests out his dance moves on the ladies...

...causing Rachel and Freya to burst out laughing

...but Jana has nothing on our Julian and Ross (in terms of silly dancing that is!)

Next Oli led a session on ‘Body Mapping’ – this made the PMs think about what kind of reactions they had to emotions such as anger, stress and hurt(also an excuse to draw cartoons of themselves). They discussed how they coped with these emotions back in the ‘Real World’ and how they might need to adapt these coping methods while dealing with the rigours of a Raleigh expedition.

Oli expressing herself

The PMs were also treated to a session in the Bodega on tools. In Costa Rica the words for spade and shovel are they same...they call a pala, a pala.

Sandrine, Charlie and Julia digesting the tools talk

Project Allocations
The 09G-ers have also found out the crucial information of which project they will run – and who with!

09G has three projects for this expedition. Julian, Oli, Ross and I (Rachel) visited these at the beginning of June.

Delta 3 is in Barbilla National Park, restoring a dilapidated and tricky trail running from the Ranger Station down to the river and swimming hole. This project will set up its own ‘jungle camp’ – living alongside the wildlife, and will have the luxury of its own private pool to cool off in every day.

Ross and Oli testing out the pool on our planning visit

Julian standing tall on the steep trail

The other two projects are located in the Tayni Indigenous Reserve (it is a stunningly beautiful place). Both these projects will work alongside the local communities to build schools for the children. Each project includes a 5 or 6 hour walk into the communities, as Tayni has few roads that are passable by bus!

Cuchey Church, currently being used as a school - Julian and Ross discussing plans with the community, who talk amongst themselves in their native language of Cabecar.

Below is Bajo Coen's current school - the venturers will build a proper structure that will shelter them from the rain and sun.

All the projects are in fantastic surroundings and will prove to be wonderful experiences for the PMs and Venturers. So here's who go what;

Delta 1 = Kate Piggot (Medic), Rachel Beresford (Interpreter) and Alex O’Connor
Delta 2 = Freya Godfrey, Charlie Hufton (Interpreter) and Julia Bartliff
Delta 3 = Jana Suntharanathan (Medic) and Sandrine Paillasse

Deltas 1, 2, and 3 are currently out on their Project Planning Visits, so we will have more details and photos of their projects soon.

09F (10 Weekers) The Guanacaste Quest

As our resident blog-writer Sarah is currently filling up on Gallo Pinto (rice and beans – three times daily) in Achuapa with Alpha 3, the blog has again come under the control of Rachel (mwah- ha-ha!). Firstly apologies for the delay in posting blog comments, I was a little held up in Guanacaste – as I will explain…

As naturally intrepid explorers, Tim and I set out to visit the honorable knights of the Guanacaste Quest. Accompanied by our trusty steed (Bravo 3), we journeyed far and wide, through the foot hills of San Jose and yonder north to the homestead of Don Antonio and Doña Carolina -Ganadera El Laurel


Tim with Bravo 3

Here we were due to greet the venturers of Alpha One. However, although King Alpha the First (David) and Queen Chloe handpicked them for their razor-sharp minds and Ox-like hearts - Alpha One became sidetracked in their quest, and spent some time experimenting with a new definition of geography and some inventive forms of map reading.

Incapable of idling the time away – Tim and I became apprentices to Don Antonio and learnt the mysterious art of cow-milking.

Don Antonio milking (there should be a photo of me, but I was taking all the shots!)

As the mist drew in around the hills, we knew in our hearts that we would not meet this day.

The new day dawned and Alpha One, refreshed and revitalised by bowls of lumpy porridge, set out with new resolve. They quested all day, and Bravo 3 growled up and grumbled down the hills to a new meeting point, deep within the Guateso Indigenous Reserve (twenty minutes off Route 4). Following the directions from the Oracle, Fieldbase, we searched for the illusive town of Cucaracha (meaning cockroach in Spanish), receiving strange looks from the locals as we asked ‘Where is the town of the cockroach?’ Mutually deciding that while they may be many cucarachas in Costa Rica, they haven't yet named a real town after them...our paths converged in Tonjibe.

Tina, weary but joyful, followed by Holman, Tony and Fredy

Here the daughter of the Rancho chieftain led us to a place of rest - the barn behind the football pitch...

...frequently used to sell souvenirs to tourists.

The days journeying over, the venturers set up camp and went about their duties;


Writing the SITREP - Chloe, Shane, Henry and Fee

Comparing 'tan' (mud) lines - Shane, Henry, Fee and Chloe

Preparing their beds - Shane, Tony, Harry and Michael

Fee, Shane, Michael, Harry

Jhalmar, Holman, Tony and Fredy

Analysing the route for tomorrow - David and Tim

Arising at 3.30am the next morning, the venturers swiftly (!) packed up camp, shouldered their packs, and set off into the pouring rain at 6am. Tim and I bid them farewell, and putting our rucksacks on the back seat of Bravo 3 (not feeling the slightest twinge of guilt), began our journey back to Fieldbase.

The other Alpha Groups are all happy and progressing well with their projects.

Alpha 2 are doing well on their ‘Mission Possible’, after calling in briefly to Alpha 3 in Achuapa they are just a few days walk from the impressive Volcan San Cristobal.

Alpha 3 have completed 60% of their water catchment system and are beginning trench digging.

Alpha 4 have visitors today, Oli and Bec are stopping by to pick up Guy and have a nosey around Miraflor. Oli, Guy and Bec will then spend two days with them, and all return back to Fieldbase with Sarah – so we will have photos and more detailed updates soon!

To everyone at home, thanks for all the lovely comments - we're sending them out on the food drops and project visits and I know the PMs and Venturers really appreciate them.

09G (5-Week Expedition) PMs return victorious from Jungle Camp

After a night in the beautiful (but slightly drizzly) Costa Rican Jungle, the 5-Week PMs made a triumphant return to Field Base this morning to continue their Project Manager Skills (PMS) Training with Ross & Oli. We were delighted to welcome Jana, Medic Extraordinaire to Field Base this morning where he was greeted with hugs and Mango & Banana Smoothie.

On Thursday, the group split into two for their two-night mini-expedition, with Freya, Kate, Charlie & Julia making up the indomitable “X-Ray 1”, and Alex O’C, Sand, Maja & Rachel representing the indefatigable “X-Ray 2”.

A Lean, Mean, Walking Machine
Back: Alex O'C, Sand, Freya, Charlie, Maja, Julia Front: Kate & Rachel

The locations of the first night’s camping were two glamorous football fields, attracting the curiosity of the locals and providing the girls with a chance to sharpen their Spanish (although frankly they're pretty darned good already).

After a lazy 4:00am start and a couple of 'scenic detours' the girls arrived at the River Crossing which caused them not a moment's hesitation.

Sand asks, "Is this the way to Amarillo?" (la la la la laaaaaa)
Breather at the Bridge...
The Triad: Freya, Kate & Charlie
Charlie makes light work of the water
Julia does it with style
The two groups met up again at Jungle Camp and wasted no time in drawing their machetes and hacking up their bedware. John Lewis has nothing on these ladies - Maya's Basha-Bed Mark 3 was simply a masterpiece of Jungle Workmanship. A communal feast of pasta and tomato sauce, followed by an 'Energy Bomb' dessert (oats, condensed milk, nuts, raisins & chocolate powder), and washing-up watched over by an enormous stick insect, preceded a visit from Ross & Oli. Despite the rain, the Junglists cheerfully retired to their forestry accommodation, to be woken in the morning by Julia's mild yelps as her hammock slowly descended to the ground.

Kate Makes World-Class Rice Pudding
Another 4:00am wake-up call was followed by a mock 'Casevac' (Casualty Evacuation) with faux-patient Kate and a fractured femur. She was gallantly stretchered back to safety by her team whereupon she made a miraculous recovery in time for coffee on the terrace.

The verdict: "Wet but good!"

09F (10 Week Expedition) "Fiesta de Espuma" & Deployment

A blog from Oli in Sarah's absence as she is currently in Nicaragua putting her plans for Global Communication Domination in place (and spending quality time with our fantastic venturers!).

The 09F Venturers enjoyed a cracking final night before heading off to exotic climes yesterday morning. After a BBQ, Send-Off Speeches by Julian & Oli and a superb photographic slideshow from Guy, it was all Movers and Shakers to the floor. The venturers danced the night away in a cascade of foam and banging tunes, before emerging from their tents in remarkably good form at 3:15am the next morning when called for breakfast.

Holman and Tony show us how to get down Costa Rican Stylee
Nobody puts Tessa in the Corner...
Oli (DEL), Guy (PHO), Julian (Da Boss), Matt A & Harry get down to the Big Beats
Hands Up in the Air
Brandon as the Abominable Foam-Man
All Alpha Groups have now arrived safely at their project destinations.

Alpha 1 have now completed Day 2 of the Guanacaste Trek (and their first river crossing!). They spent last night in Pataste Arriva and are currently heading to Rio Cantanuria.

Alphas 2,3 & 4 crossed the Nicaraguan border yesterday and spent the night at Asociacion Antorcha, continuing to Esteli today.

Alpha 2, the Maribios Trek, completed the first 6km of their journey via horse trekking routes into the village of El Guaylo where they have stunning visits of the pine forests they will be walking through tomorrow, over the mountains to the village of Achuapa.

Alpha 3 trekked 5km into La Calera, Achuapa this afternoon and begin work in earnest tomorrow.

Alpha 4 have arrived at Las Palmas in Miraflor and are tonight spending their first night in their community before having a special lunch with community leaders tomorrow.

The groups are now communicating via radio, doing twice daily SITREPS.
Zero Listening Out.....