Raleigh Costa Rica and Nicaragua: Stunning Photos from Alpha 1

Monday, 26 October 2009

Stunning Photos from Alpha 1

Dry & dusty roads, unbelievably hospitable locals, flowing rivers, smoking volcanoes, random men on horses...it must be the Maribios Trek. Thanks to Dani and Laura for sending these to us at Field Base. There will definitely be shots of Alpha 5 & 6 up tomorrow.

Alpha 1 - Maribios Trek

At the base of Volcan Casita - that's Volcan San Cristobal in the background

Leaving San Cristobal behind

Looking after Andy's group mascot!

One of the many river crossings

A rare shot of Sam without his wooly hat!

Alpha 1 pool party

A rest at a pulperia to load up on cals

The most random ice cream man ever

0530 - so begins another day on the stunning Maribios Trek

The troops march on...

35 comments:

Kei27 October 2009 at 00:38
Good work alpha 1!!! Keep On!!! the goal is too close! there is when you know that everything is possible! Pura Vida gente! xKei
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Anonymous27 October 2009 at 01:38
Dear Wiet,
Great to see all thos epic pictures. Looks like beautiful scenery, but hard to conquer. Hope your feet are keeping up the pace.
Feyenoord has won from VVV (1-0).Is now in fourth position behind Twente!!, PSV and Ajax. Twente has 29 points and Feyenoord has 23. Still a long way to go.
ING has been split in bank and insurer. Am very glad I am not there now.
Best Maes, Josien and Daan.
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Anonymous27 October 2009 at 01:57
message for andrew needler (alpha 1 )
hello you?? seen the photos on here what are you like taking a nightie silly x you look well and look to be enjoying yourself, take care love stacey, ethan and alice x
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Felicity27 October 2009 at 03:37
For Laura McDonald,
Hey Lol,amazing to get all your news and such fantastic photos of you and your group on the blog. Looks absolutely incredible, all the highs and some of the lows! I have three words for you darling girl,elbows, elbows, elbows!Can't wait for the next exciting instalment. Have fun, love you so much, huge strangulating hug, us here in GX xoxoxox
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Walters Family27 October 2009 at 06:01
For Sam W (Alpha 1)
Hooray! Lots of pics of you and without the beanie (still haven't cut the hair then!)
The photos of the trek are amazing but it looks quite challenging - we are really proud of you hun! Love ya xxxxx
P.S. Nikki, Chris & Gabriella are coming to us for xmas - Should be a good one!!
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Anonymous27 October 2009 at 08:09
Lovely pictures especially of my godson Sam. All seem to be having a great time and 5.30am start - oh my god Sam !!!!
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Gabriel27 October 2009 at 20:11
hola ...Gabriel ..soy tu mami ..he estado pendiente de ti por medio de la pagina,he guardado todas las fotos en las que sales ...aqui estamos muy bien ....y veo que estas muy pero muy bien .....estoy guardando todos los besotes que te voy a dar ...asi como puedes imaginar son un monton,,mas los de tus hermanas Valeria ,Naty,Ari...y tu papa te amamos ....sigue adelante eres un triunfador ...adelante¡¡¡¡ conquista esas montañas y guardalas en tu corazon ...mi amor ..mi bebe..mi moreno precioso
Saludes a tus nuevos amigos .....
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Robert Walter28 October 2009 at 02:07
Message for Sam Walter - Wow.... great photos!
Good to see you and it looks amazing.
Very jealous! Hope the boots are comfy!!
Look forward to catching up
Lots of love. D x
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suki28 October 2009 at 04:19
for rachael ince (alpha 2) been following your trek with a map on the kitchen wall and string showing the journey. looks amazing, keep up the good spirits, and hope you are still liking rice and beans.one bit of news is we are actually having our wine and cheese fundraiser and in the spirit of Raleigh, we are going to send the donation to the water project in nicaragua. guess you'll be up there one of these days.. everyone misses you.. of course. love mum.. and dad too..(coming home tonight from kosovo)
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Ball family28 October 2009 at 06:57
for Katie Ball

The volcano looks amazing, it must have been well worth the trek. Should have taken a bet out on you wearing the hat! Keep on having lots of fun, we miss you lots and mum misses your hugs.
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BALL FAMILY28 October 2009 at 07:02
Katie Ball

The volcano is amazing it must have made the trek well worth while. Should have taken a bet out on you wearing the hat! Miss you lots and mum misses your hugs.
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terry walsh28 October 2009 at 11:04
good to see u all alive, and walking, kicking, and swimming!!!!!!! wondered where u were well done heard u made good progress to gigi from mom
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Anonymous28 October 2009 at 14:31
hello Merman lorenzo we spotted you in the pool loungeing!!!!! From jew and Shams and your loving mum!!!and jess and izzy!!!!you look like your having alot of fun dawg..scenery looks amazing!!!!!
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NaGuzNa28 October 2009 at 21:23
Un saludote Gabriel, espero q la este pasando en todas, cuidese, por ahi nos vemos!!!
Atte, Natalia Guzmán
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aaron tay rong ern29 October 2009 at 02:44
i cry seeing the pictures. omg when will i be my turn? huhuhuhuh...wat on earth am i doing here!
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Anonymous29 October 2009 at 16:34
Message for Laura McDonald. Loli, saw your pics on the blog, you look grt, seems like you must be having loads of fun, the scenery is breathtaking!That pool you were in must have been particularly relaxing after all that hard work.Muchos besos.BTMSWCBAIBW
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Nacho29 October 2009 at 17:45
Gabo!!!!!!!!! DEja vu!!!!! mae que tan impresionante es para mi ver todas esas fotos!!!.... demasiado memorativas... y aunque no lo crea a nosotros tambien nos apareció un carrito de helados entre Santa Cruz y hermanos garcia la Ranchería.... en los 5 km de calle asfalto...
mae lo veo feliz demasiado bueno.. siga mae que eso apenas empieza!!! ya quiero verlo para poder hablar y hablar asi que apurese jejej
exitos mop!
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Anonymous30 October 2009 at 14:30
Yey Andy how's Bob doing haven't seen him for a while. Good to see that you are ok, and having fun. Letters in the post - Leeann x
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Amy31 October 2009 at 16:29
For Sabina in Alpha 4.

Told you I'd write another message!! Hope you've taken some awesome pics for me, although i hope none of them involve the infamous sandals - these have already been seen on the raleigh site, and does not need to be repeated!! Very jealous that you're super tanned. It is rainy, foggy and grey here. Hope you're coping well with the food and hygiene situation. Love you lots, Amy xxx
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Anonymous1 November 2009 at 08:05
message for andrew needler (alpha 1 )
hope your keeping well everyone at home says hello and hope that you are well x Going to daisys christening today looking forward to seeing everyone will give daisy a big from you x ethan and alice are well and me well i am just missing you like you wouldnt believe love you lots xxxxxx
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maes1 November 2009 at 14:23
Wedo,

Today unfortunately Feijenoord lost the match against Ajax. I cannot tell you the score because it was a disaster. Very sad match indeed. Feijenoord is still in fourth position. Twente remains number 1.
We spent the weekend at Zwijnsbergen with Joost, Makka and Duco. Truly worth the while.
Hope you are back safe and relaxed from the trail when you read this.
All our best.
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The Fowler Family1 November 2009 at 16:25
Message for Anneli
Loved the photos - great one of the volcano. Hope you are now managing better with your rucksack. Andrew rang to see how you were getting on and Charl and Ollie.
We are all well. Take care.
Love Mum, Dad, Andrew and Jamie and your pets
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Tammy3 November 2009 at 12:40
For paula lam chop...

Ello!! hope your having an amazing time, it looks it from the photos! enjoy the sun out there because the weather is shite back in london!
miss you loads, keep on trekking!
when will you be back? i want to hear all your stories when you return!
lots of love
Tammy xXxXx
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Anonymous3 November 2009 at 15:38
Hi Gigi proud of you my dear much respect Bert & Shirley Brighton.
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Joanna Thomas4 November 2009 at 03:22
For Oliver

Not sure if my last message got through. Thank you for the lovely email - it sounds amazing and the photos are lovely too. Not too sure about the beard! Glad your boots are comfortable. Have you got enough pants? I don't think so!!!! Love you lots and miss you. M and the boys xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Anonymous4 November 2009 at 05:57
Message for Andrew Needler
Hi Andrew, so good to hear from you, it was such a lovely suprise. Just been looking at the photo,s, they look amazing. I bet you were cream crackered when you got back to base. Had my tattoo done for my birthday, 3 butterflies in flight, could you hear me screaming? hahaha. john was laughing behind the door, ask if i wanted to bite on his.........belt. Lots of hugs and kissesand lots of love, your mammy xxxxx Bristoe did well in the test match have taped it for you.Daddy xxxxxxxx
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Anonymous4 November 2009 at 06:03
For Andrew Needler (alpha 1)
Lots of love from, granny, Aunty Lorna, Amanda, Simon and Stuart, Tony and Kerrie, Aunty Marilyn and John, Uncle Steve, and a big hug from Nicky. So proud of you xxxxx
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JW Scholten4 November 2009 at 18:25
Lanschot! General epicness, dashingly good show indeed. Especially your face in the swimming pool ;) Reminds me of the Gellert...

PS I didn't know about the football competition results either... good luck coping.

Lullo, tot in december!!
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Anonymous5 November 2009 at 05:00
For Sarah Harris,

Hey mate, sorry about the facecool incidence last night. Stupid thing. Anyway, missing you loads and loads, enjoy the rest of your trip and email me again when you get back to base. I'll post stuff on here for you whenever I get chance to now I know it exists!! If I get any gossip or news on a certain ginger someone I will let you know, bad or otherwise.
Love you loooooadddds, have fun! Siobhan. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Jo Thomas5 November 2009 at 08:10
So lovely to speak to you last night - sorry
I was half asleep! Phoned everyone to tell them what a wonderful time you're having. Love you so so much. M xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Joanna Thomas5 November 2009 at 08:20
For Oliver Thomas

Forgot to say who my last message was for! Oops!

Oliver, it was so lovely to speak to you last night - sorry I was half asleep! Phoned everyone to tell them what a wonderful time you are having. Nothing exciting is happening in Herefordshire - you're not missing anything. Love you so much. M xxx
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Anonymous8 November 2009 at 10:53
Message for Sarah Harris
Looks like your having a ball!! Hope your ankle is better, keep up the great work!
Lots of Love Auntie Michelle.xxxx
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Anonymous9 November 2009 at 07:24
Dani X-3:
Leí que está lloviendo mucho, y que aún así el ánimo no ha decaído. Qué bueno!! Lo importante es mantener los pies secos, como le dijo el teniente a Forrest Gump cuando llegó al ejército, te acordás?? Yo también trato de mantener los pies secos!! Todo en la casa bien. Que estés de lo mejor.Te amo mucho. Tu mamut.
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laura broad!14 November 2009 at 03:22
Message for paula lamchop!

Hey paula I hope the rest of you experience is going well!! The pictures on the blog look amazing.
Your missing all the lovely rain in leed...hehehe.
Im miss you loads and im really proud of you doing this! keep at it and call me when you get back as i will definately be popping down to wycombe for a MASSIVE catch up.
love ya lots
laura! xxx :)
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David30 November 2009 at 13:58
Looks like a bit more than the usual walk through the park.. Kudos for everything! Love the pictures and some of the familiar wiet-faces haha
Keep it up!
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Raleigh Lingo

Copy that?

Sometimes our Raleigh technical terms can be a tad confusing so we've put together a glossary for you blog followers. This will appear as a quick-reference section on the right-hand column so you can translate our Tico-terms into something a bit more palatable. And for those keen to brush up their Central American Spanish, we've included some handy translations. Here's a few to get you started...

Alpha, X-Ray and Zulu groups
(Grupos Alfa, X-Ray y Zulu)
The official name for project groups during the phases of CR&N 13A. Alpha will be out on project from 3rd to 23rd February, X-Ray from 24th February to 15th March and Zulu from 17th March to 5th April. Project groups are allocated during induction

Basha
Jungle ‘bed’: consists of a tarpaulin for shelter, a hammock and mosquito net. A basha is hung up between two trees and supported by rope, bamboo and canvas straps

Bodega
A Spanish word meaning store or warehouse

Bravo
A term of endearment for our hard-working Land Rovers. The four vehicles are officially, and imaginatively named Bravo One, Two, Three and Four

C.A.T.I.E.
The agricultural and development research institute on whose campus Fieldbase is situated. Find out more at http://www.catie.ac.cr/

Changeover (Cambio de Fase)
Two day period where all staff and Venturers return from their project sites for some respite before they are all reallocated and sent off to do it all over again...

Chicas, Chicos
Spanish term meaning girls (chicas) or guys (chicos) or both (chicos aswell). As in “Vamonos chicos!” or “Let’s go guys!”

Craic
A way to gauge how people are feeling, usually measured from 0 to 90. If your ‘craic’ is high, you’re pretty happy. If you announce a low craic, people will probably fix you up with an energy bomb and a nice big hug

CR&N 13A
Costa Rica and Nicaragua expeditions 13A

Day Leader (DL) (Líder del día)
Every day on project, one of the Team is designated DL – they are in charge of the day, including organising the day’s briefing, keeping group morale up, dealing with any problems, sticking to schedule and de-briefing at the end of the day. The DL role rotates round the whole group so everyone takes a turn

Energizer (Actividad Levanta Muertos)
An activity to gather the group together and raise energy levels. Can be used at the beginning of the day, or whenever a quick pick-me-up is required

Energy bombs (Explosión de azucar)
A trekking treat – mix together oats, raisins, condensed milk and chocolate powder and roll into little balls of gooey goodness to power you through the day

Fieldbase (FB) (Campo Base)
Refers to the Raleigh ‘office residence’ which is where the Fieldbase staff eat, sleep and work, whilst organising the expedition, manning the radios round the clock, supporting the projects, planning transport and logistics, keeping tabs on the finances and much, much more

Field Base Volunteer Managers (Equipo Logístico Voluntario del Campo Base)
Volunteer support staff for the expedition. The team looks after the ‘behind the scenes’ of the expedition and ensures everything runs smoothly. This consists of three permanent staff members - the Country Director, Country Project Manager and Country Expedition Manager - plus a team of volunteer staff including the, Medic, Photographer, Administrator, Finance Officer, three Logistics (logs) team members and the Communications Officer

Gallo Pinto
A traditional Costa Rican dish of rice and beans (yum!)

Icebreaker (Rompe Hielos)
A getting-to-know-you game

Longdrop (Letrina)
The camp loo. Literally a deep hole in the ground, it is one of the first tasks to complete when setting up jungle camp for obvious reasons! Short drops are similar, normally used for overnight stops when a shallower trench will suffice

Longs (Pantalones)
From 6pm onwards, we all don long trousers and sleeves to discourage the bugs that aren’t deterred by DEET

Maxis
Short for Maxi Pali, the stock-everything shop about a kilometer from Fieldbase where you can buy all those things you forgot/ran out of/lost

Nicas
An affectionate term referring to the native population of Nicaragua

Ninja
A popular game/energizer used by venturers and Project managers alike. Everyone stands in a circle and tries to hit the team members either side of them on the hand via a single ninja movements. Sound effects welcome

POPS
Legendary milkshake and ice-cream parlour chain found all over Costa Rica – perfect for a sweet splurge

Pork and beans (Frijoles con cerdo)
Another staple foodstuff for trekkers: tinned beans with a slightly sausage twang, served cold for lunch. Usually accompanied by dry cracker dust, sprinkled liberally on to the top. If you’re in a hurry, this can be consumed without cutlery straight from the can

Project Managers (PMs) (Guías)
Project staff for the expedition. Each of the groups has at least two PMs who work with the Venturers to develop skills, lead projects and challenge themselves

PURA VIDA!
A very special Costa Rican phrase that means hello, goodbye, I’m great, it’s good, pure life, basically any positive, feel-good thing can be Pura vida!

Radio check (Chequeo de Radio)
As well as a daily SITREP, all Alpha projects are required to complete a second radio call-in each day to check in, receive messages and report any developments

Review (Revisión)
A round-up that assesses how everyone feels, what went well and what needs work. This is sometimes an ‘activity’, sometimes a chat around the campfire, or sometimes just a bit of time to reflect. It’s an important part of everyone’s personal development so we make sure it happens every day

Roadtrip (Paseo Volando Rueda)
The logistics team and some of the Field Base team drive the Bravos on a loop round to each of the accessible project sites once per phase. They deliver kit, supplies, site visitors, messages from the blog and of course the all important post

Ropa Americana
Purveyors of the finest second hand American threads. Perfect for fancy dress/obtaining that long coveted college sports jersey

SITREP (Reporte de la Situación)
Literally Situation Report. A special radio message sent from the satellite project sites back to fieldbase once a day. It follows a certain format and includes all sort of handy information like where they are, what they’ve been up to, what they need and what they’re planning to do next

Tang
A fruity powder that is used to make squash. Jolly useful for taking away the chlorine taste of purified water

Ticos
An affectionate term referring to the native population of Costa Rica

Trangia (Mini Cocina)
A portable cooking stove. Used primarily for trekking, a trangia’s compact design makes it perfect for easy transportation. Literal translation in spanish - mini kitchen. Makes sense

Turrialba
The location of Fieldbase

Venturers (Aventureros)
Participants in the Raleigh expedition. Aged 17 to 24, they come in three varieties: Host Country Venturers (from Costa Rica and Nicaragua), Partnership Venturers (positive young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK who participate in Raleigh expeditions as part of a longer term development programme) and UK and International Fundraising Participants (who work hard to raise money to contribute towards the charities work and expenses in order to take part in the expedition)

Wash up (Revisión Final)
The last few days of expedition, spent debriefing, returning equipment, performing skits, and most importantly enjoying the farewell party (tears alert)

Zero (Cero)
A radio term that identifies the radio controller at Fieldbase. Fieldbase monitors the radios 24-7, listening out on three frequencies for calls from our satellite project sites. When the radio alarm sounds, we might answer something like this: “Hello unknown call sign, hello unknown call sign, this is Zero, this is zero, do you copy, OVER?”