Hello Zulu groups, do you copy?

Today is Day 7 of the phase and all our groups are out there having a fantastic time. We though everyone at home would like a quick update on what's happening on Expedition 10L so far...

Zulu 1 - Maribios Trek (Nicaragua)
It's hot, hot, hot up in Nicaragua and our fearless trekkers are eating up the miles and enjoying stunning views across the Maribios Volcano range. The group are heading towards a town called Buenos Aries today and looking forward to a resupply from the Raleigh shop as they meet up with Ross, the Boss (Country Programme Manager) and Vanessa our lovely Logistics Manager, who are up there in Bravo 1.

Zulu 2 - New Trek (Costa Rica)
From the heat of Nicaragua, to the mud and rain of Costa Rica! Zulu 2 have made it through the jungle section at the start of their trek and are now skirting around Turrialba before they start heading towards the Pacific Ocean. Despite the rain and huge quantities of mud the group are having a fantastic time and proving they are up to the challenge. They too had a visit from Fieldbase on Wednesday night - David, Emma, Tony and Piers headed off for the night to meet them at Bajo Pacuare delivering food, post and the shop.

Zulu 3 - The Guanacaste Trek (Costa Rica)
Although we've run the Guanacaste trek on previous expeditions, this is a new trek for Expedition 10L, and indeed the first four days were entirely new as the group tested out a new improved route complete with stunning views over Lake Arenal and Volcan Arenal. They've had a lot of rain too, but it hasn't dampened their spirits and everyone is doing really well. They've had one visit from Fieldbase (Ross and Vanessa popped in on their way up to Nicaragua) and we're off to see them next Wednesday to climb Rincon de la Vieja - perhaps the highlight of their 19 day trek.

Zulu 4 - Volcan Irazu / San Lucas Island (Costa Rica)
It's chilly up on Volcan Irazu, but Zulu 4 have made a lovely cosy home up there and are making fantastic progress with the road to the mirador. However, they are packing up their woolly jumpers after the weekend and moving to San Lucas Island - Costa Rica's notorious prison island. Zulu 4 will spend the second half of the phase living in a beach jungle camp and working with the rangers in this very special place. We suspect they will also enjoy the opportunity to soak up the sunshine and get out their swimsuits!

Zulu 5 - Camaronal (Costa Rica)
It's the rainy season in Costa Rica, and of course there has been some rain on the beautiful beach project in Camaronal. But the sun is shining now and Zulu 5 are making great progress on their two projects. During the day they are working on the path and installing steps on the trail up to the Mirador. This steep climb brings you out at the top with a lovely view across the ocean and beaches. The existing trail and steps have been well worn, so the group are working with the rangers to restore the path to its former glory. They are also heading out on nightly turtle patrols and have seen plenty of turtles coming up to the beach to lay their eggs. They are fully trained in how to collect the eggs and safely rehouse them in the hatchery, safe from poachers and predators. They've also been lucky enough to see a Leatherback turtle - the size of a picnic table!

Zulu 6 - Achuapa (Nicaragua)
I think it's fair to say that Zulu 6 couldn't be happier with their life up in Nicaragua. They have all settled into their new families and are loving spending time with the community and working like mad on the water project. The group are living in the community of El Portillo and working to build a new gravity fed water system for the village. They have already dug many metres of trenches and are starting work today on the holding tank so they'll be mixing a lot of concrete. It's not all work though, they're looking forward to a Nicaraguan dance evening tonight and heading off tomorrow to nearby Achuapa as guests at the graduation of our main project partner's son. It's a special privilege to live with Nicaraguan people and enjoy this unique window on their lives and Zulu 6 are making the most of every minute. They are also looking forward to the Bravo 1 roadtrip (Ross and Vanessa) visiting tonight.

Zulu 7 - Talamanca (Costa Rica)
It's the second phase on expedition 10L that Raleigh have been invited to work in the Talamanca indigenous reserve in southern Costa Rica. The group are busy continuing work on the wooden school started last phase and it's progressing rapidly. Relations with the local community are also going from strength to strength. Indigenous people can often by quite shy and it's sometimes hard for groups to get really involved, but Zulu 7 have risen to the challenge and are arranging football matches, teaching in the school every day and learning new skills by helping out our project partner on his land. They are also learning how to make chocolate from the raw cocoa pods - a welcome addition to their diet of rice and beans, all cooked by the local community. The Bravo 4 roadtrip (Finance Manager; Marcus, Blogger; Maryann, Photographer; David, Project Manager; Tony and Logistics Coordinator; Emma) are currently visiting Zulu 7, bringing with them much needed extra supplies of cement, along with the Raleigh shop, blog messages and post!

Here at Fieldbase all is quiet, there are only four of us left (Deputy Programme Manager; Sarah, Administrator; Roberto, Medic; Cat and Project Manager; Piers). We're busy planning for the last weeks of expedition and the Christmas party at the end... we can't quite believe it's December already!

Keep the blog messages coming they are much appreciated by your loved ones.