Expedition 08A Blog 13: First news from phase 3 Alpha Groups

Hi everyone. Here is an update in brief from all the Alpha groups around Costa Rica and Nicaragua. This follows yesterday’s weekly radio Raleigh show and news round up, broadcast from Field Base with input from all of our groups via their field radios, as well as information taken from the group's daily SITREPs (Situation Reports).

Alpha 1

The group have completed a double day's trekking! Completing twice the distance they planned and are now near Laguna Vueltas, they are on course to have an additional day on the beach at the end of the trek.  Field Base visited them to deliver food and found them living the high life at a local shop, digging into chicken and chips and coca cola. Field Base staff members Pauline and Liane helped them celebrate Norma’s birthday with cake and candles.

Bizarrely, the group have also invested in a set of hi-vis jackets for the day leader and medic and so can be seen for miles. Project Manager Nick’s Marine training has had the desired effect – half the group have got rid of their sleeping bags to cut down on weight. They’ll be huddling up in their tents in their hi-vis jackets instead.

Alpha 2

The Dragón Trek guys had a long hard day today – they started out a couple of hours behind schedule this morning, and then had to double back to recover a lost camera! They arrived at their destination this evening in the dark, but still in good spirits. Looking forward to a short day tomorrow and a changeover of Project Managers at Sabanillas! Liz Killick and Lexi Nicol will be leaving the group to be replaced by Natalie Gee. The group are looking forward to mounting the Cerro Dragón in a couple of days time.

Alpha 3

The guys in Alpha 3 have been cooking on gas so far on the trek. Early starts followed by arrival at their planned destination by 10:30 has become the norm. Despite heavy rain they have been powering up the hills courtesy of Marieke’s Dutch dance music. In fact, they’ve been doing so well they decided to medevac one of their Project Managers – Tabitha. Her calf muscle is recovering back at Field Base, and she will be delivered back to the group with their food drop on Saturday.

Alpha 4

Alpha 4 are still rubbing their eyes in disbelief at the beauty of the Isla del Cano. They have been tasked with repairing the forest trails and making a staircase for the jungle path. They also tell us that they’ve managed to put up a decent volleyball court on the beach, so it’s not all hard work and no play.  Rumour has it that there's some spectacular snorkelling to be had on their doorstep as well.  Jealous, us?

Alpha 5

Down in Piedras Blancas National Park, Alpha 5 are busy clearing trails and pathways. They estimate that they are currently clearing 300 metres of path per day! The rangers have been kind enough to lead them on 2 hour night hikes, taking a few of the group at a time. So far they have seen Fer de Lance snakes a-plenty, toads, crocodiles and many many insects!

Alpha 6

At La Cangreja, the team are exerting themselves clearing the trails and filling in holes. They are having some difficulty with their radio communications however. Speaking to them from Field Base is like speaking into a goldfish bowl, but the group are all well and enjoying sleeping in their self made basha beds (hammock-like beds fixed to A-frames and covered with tarp) and taking in the sights and sounds of the jungle.

Alpha 7

The group up in Los Loros have been enjoying the Easter festivities in Nicaragua. They have been to a fiesta, been swimming in a river, learned to make cheese, attended the local Church and been on an Easter Egg hunt! Work started today continuing the trenches that will soon bring clean water to the community. If they managed to keep away from the chocolate eggs.

Alpha 8

Alpha 8 have been working hard putting together the floor of the community centre in La Fortuna. Yesterday they took a break to go on a day trip into the local town of Yali and soak up the sights, sounds and hot sun of Nicaragua. They also met with the project foreman and planned their work for the rest of the phase and are on track and raring to get the job finished!

Alpha 9

In Carona, the group report that the school is progressing well. They have now completed the roof and are working on finishing the inside walls. A trip over the border into Panama is planned for the whole group this week to bring back supplies for the completion of the building. The 5 hour hike in and out of the indigenous reserve will be a challenge but the group are a determined and capable bunch!