X-ray 3 update from Vicky Walden and Gigi Walsh

Having left field base imagining we had the shortest bus ride out of all of the other xray groups, we were dismayed when it actually took over 12 hours due to a landslide caused by heavy rainfall blocked the road. The ranger congratulated us once we eventually arrived. The detour turned out to be a journey through shining scenery with most people´s first glimpse of the Pacific ocean, laden with surfers, cocunut palms and a dazzling sunrise. Our first morning in the Jungle Camp consisted of reparing damages made and "pimping" to the max. New features include: non-leaky hammocks and bashers, a ´get-your-own-back-gunge-style´ long drop throne. an extended communal area, guttering systems and for the lads (and Gigi) an incredibly detailed artistic Jungle Risk board (where MANY hours fo fun have been had). The environmental project itself has appeared to be fairly laid back compared to the gruelling trek and strenous community phases. However, the ranger assured us how valued our contributions to developing the national park are, and told that the path started by Alpha 3 and finished by us will be called the ´Raleigh´ trail. Amazingly the rocks used to build it are of volcanic origin and date back over 700 million years. We will also be contructing a ´Mirador´ where children especially can view the breathtaking surrounding jungle and misty mountains. The ranger also explained how the devolopment of La Cangreja helps boost the socio-economics of one of Costa Rica´s poorest areas by creating employment. With this information we continued the trail with fresh motivation. As well as working hard Xray 3 also know how to play hard back at camp. We are extremely lucky to have an all day natural spa practially on our doorstep (Jungle Step). The local stream is one of the purest sources of water in Costa Rica, with bubbling brooks and natural clays to use as face masks. We are able to let our hair down and share a serene moment together in the afternoon. Xray 3 is now complete after Matt´s arrival on Sunday accompanied by Julian and Tony. The evening began with one of our usual culinary delights made from our usual Raleigh rations. Some tatsy meals have included bean pasta salad, egg-fried rice with lime, soy and chillli tuna and cinamon fried banana and pinapple for dessert. The evening then brought on an intense game of Mafia, but none of the cunning Xray groups could be fooled by Julians guilty face! We also celebrated Sam´s first class degree with a mini ceremony including a bin liner-coated mortar board hat. With possible day trips to waterfalls and towns, Xray 3 couldn´t be happier and have all settled in much quicker than expected. Pura Vida!