Today Alpha 2 heads up to Barbilla National Park where they will stay in the beautiful Barbilla Biological Station. The station attracts scientists, students, volunteers and visitors from around the world who carry out studies as well as help the rangers in their quest to protect the surrounding tropical rainforests.
The Barbilla National Park is part of the Talamanca - La Amistad Biosphere Reserve Costa Rica declared by UNESCO in 1982. It protects forests of the Caribbean slope of the Talamanca Mountain Range and tomorrow Alpha 2 will begin the first of their jungle phases when they cross some of the parks 29500 acres. The area is very wet and has low hills and a large number of rivers which flow into the Pacuare River, so there will be plenty of opportunities for the group to practice their river crossing skills. There will also be mud like they have never experienced, and hopefully some encounters with the local wildlife.
Alpha 2 will spend one night in the jungle before emerging on Monday to spend a night at the Valle Escondido Indigenous Reserve. The reserve is home to people from the Cabecar group, one of several Indigenous tribes who together make up 1% of Costa Rica’s population.
We will let you know how they get on!
Hello Vincent,
ReplyDeleteHave been very interested to read the blog. Sounds very exciting. Hope you didn't get too wet crossing those rivers and wading through all that mud! Shall carry on reading your progress. Have written you a letter, which should be waiting for you when you return to base. Enjoy yourself! Lots of love - Grndma
Cam, how come you've already got the nickname Calamity?!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wicked time, see you in the new year!
Lucy (RIO)
Hello Jen and the Alpha 2 team. It was great to speak to you last night - tales of giant spiders and unknown jungle - a real Indiana Jones adventure. I didnt ask you some basic questions - what you were eating - where were you?, where were you going - was it wet? because you sounded so excited and enthusiastic. Lots of love from Ledbury, after the telephone call you dont seem that far away. Keep safe, all my love and more Spen xx
ReplyDeleteAlpha 2 your task seems amazing.
ReplyDeleteI am filled with admiration. I do hope that the rain has stopped.
Its fantastic to see pictures of you all. Thanks for all the updates which are checked here at home at least twice daily!
Lots of love to Jennie from her Ma.
Hi Christophe
ReplyDeleteReceived your letter this morning, thank you.
Sorry about the bites. They do look rather big.
Joanna is suffering from the heat and doing the trek first
Look forward to seeing the photos.
Bises
Maman