X-ray Three: The Final Word by Sophia Carr-Gomm

Sophia, left, gets a back rub from her fellow trekkers

The infamous ‘Coast to Coast’ trek that has now and will be forever referred to as ‘Curse to Curse’ had an intense final week. The weather seriously heated up, typically, at our hardest uphill climb for eight kilometres. We all ensured we kept hydrated and UV protected! We battled through the final days that included road walks, passing through communities and also walking in incredibly remote areas. We could tell when we were reaching great heights; when we were walking into the clouds that settle round the tips of mountains.

On our final day, during the last kilometre, the physical challenge was huge: despite heart burn, swollen Achilles’, sprains and sores, we were all filled with excitement and urgency. It was an incredibly emotionally and physically confusing day for us all. At last, as we walked up a little hill, the road flattened out as it headed to our final destination – Palo Seco. Brilliant giant palms line this golden and grey sandy beach and the sky was a clear blue with a perfect breeze. We played Queen’s ‘We are the Champions’ on Hugh’s speakers as we walked our final one hundred meters to our Mecca.

When we arrived we ripped off our packs, removed our boots and after the ‘water safety check’, all held hands and ran into the sea. The water was beautifully warm and the bright sun was smiling down on us epic travellers. After spending an hour or so swimming and sunbathing, we thought the curse was over…alas, there were more waiting to happen. Bryony went for a swim and got stung by a sting-ray. It was just our luck. PM Rich joked that the next thing would be someone getting struck by lightning. That night, as we all snuggled up in our tents a raging tempest ensued. Luckily nobody was struck, but all our tents were flooded and we had to sleep under a roof of an open restaurant very much to the annoyance of the owner.

The following day was spent aiming to avoid any kind of excitement. Most slept under palm trees (we checked for Coconuts first), saw a family of monkeys, fixed our feet and in the evening we enjoyed a delicious dinner with birthday cake for desert as it was Sam’s birthday! The table next to us kindly offered to buy us all originally a shot of Tequila each, but of course, ‘Raleigh Rules’ – so they switched it to a shot of red Fanta instead!

Looking back on the trek, we all felt that we had crossed about five different countries. The landscapes are so diverse; ranging from what looked like the Yorkshire Moors to thick tropical jungle. The flora and fauna is just incredible. All fourteen of us were together on the final day - we made it, all in one piece! Just about, and are now safely back at Fieldbase.

Next: The Final Word from X-ray Two