Raleigh Costa Rica and Nicaragua

Alpha 1 - Guanacaste Trek

Alpha 1 or Alpha Love as this tight knit group is now known, have finally reached their destination - the beautiful Playa Naranjo beach, part of Santa Rosa National Park. Mountains, volcanos, crocodile infested rivers and never ending rain was no match for this group of intrepid travellers who not only finished on schedule but more importantly in high spirits.

Alpha 2 - Coast to Coast Trek

Alpha 2 have finally seen the Pacific Coast and are currently making their final push to the beach. We are expecting to hear their jubliant cries all the way from field base when they arrive this afternoon. The group will bid goodbye to one of their Project Managers, Dr James, who will be returning to the UK, and will sadly be missed by Alpha 2 and indeed the entire expedition. Two nights at this stunning beach lie ahead of this group, a chance to soak their aching feet and enjoy their well earnt beach BBQ.

Alpha 3 - Bosque del Nino - then - San Lucas Island

A great surprise was install for the venturers of Alpha 3 who on completition of thier project at Bosque del Nino packed up camp and headed off to the awesome San Lucas Island. In contrast to their mountain haven, San Lucas is a tropical paradise for this group, who will sharpen up their machete skills to work on trails and paths which criss cross the island. Last heard enjoying a fish supper, the group has settled in nicely to island life but are yet to meet Coco, the resident croc which makes it way past the pier at 5pm each day.

Alpha 4 - Playa Junquijal

Living life to the full and making the most of thier experience this group of enthusiasts have impressed the rangers with their ability to carry out a whole range of jobs. Their strength has also impressed the logs team who are wondering how they managed to break a sledge hammer???!!! To celebrate an incredibly successful phase the group have hired a boat and are heading out to the stunning Playa Blanca for a day of R & R where they hope to catch more than just a glimpse of some local wildlife.

Alpha 5 - Monte Frio - Nicaragua

Adventures in Monte Frio continue, and stakes have been raised once more by our Medic Carolyn who has outdone herself by delivering yet another baby. Her hard work has been rewarded and it would seem that Nicaragua has their very own Carloynita. Attending the international music festival in Atuapa was another highlight for this group, who were joined on stage by Alpha 6 and 7 for a prime slot, just before the headline acts. The groups report that their various renditions of Summer Loving, Wonder Wall and Valerie went down a storm and at least one member of the 500 strong crowd voted them the best act of the night.

Alpha 6 - Miraflor - Nicaragua

Alpha 6 returned from their trip to Atuapa music festival with an extra member, Kristen visiting from Bermuda, who has joined the team to put the finishing touches on their community centre in Miraflor. With painting pretty much complete, the group will attempt to install windows and doors before biding farewell to their families and friends in this tight knit community. No doubt some tears will be shed.

Alpha 7 - Miraflor - Nicaragua

La Esperanza was a whole new project for this group who have worked incredibly hard to get two walls up and leave their project ready for the next Raleigh group to complete the building in phase 3. This is the first time that a Raleigh group have been to this community and it is clear that they will leave a lasting legacy. The group have had more than their fair share of adventures and we look forward to hearing many tales upon their return.

Field Base
Back at fieldbase we are busily preparing for changeover 2 and working out how we will get all the expected washing sorted on a public holiday!? It's not all work though and we are definetly making time for our daily circuit training programme, an attempt to burn off the calories incurred through over consumption of glorious cakes cooked by our field based medic, Helen. We have also been honing our cricket skills in preperation for the big match this Saturday when we take part in the Costa Rican national league. We promise to have more photos up on the blog and more news from the groups upon their return so please stay tuned and keep the comments coming.

Hasta luego
Anna