Radio Round Up on Day 4

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