Delta Yankee 4 Update - by Si Keirle

To spend a day in a National Park is a wonderful thing, but to be given an opportunity to work and live in one for 3 weeks is something else all together.

Las Pailas, a National Park situated in the north west region of Costa Rica, boasts some of the most spectacular waterfalls, flora and fauna in Central America, with mud baths and hot springs this place is nothing short of beautiful. The park itself attracts thousands of tourists each year and the work Delta Yankee 4 are carrying out on re-building and repairing trails that wind through the dense dry forest is crucial to maintain the increased level of tourism all year round and therefore the continued protection of this stunning area.

The campsite for the 3 weeks is a picnic area complete with a portable range cooker, dining table, poker area and gym.

As the team works on different areas of the trails, two of us stay behind to carry out home improvements make the lunch and do the dishes. Today is mine and Hollie’s turn to spruce up the camp and there are already big plans afoot for a massage table and a sound proof gossip corner. If my future plans don’t work out I can really see life for myself as a stay at home house-husband.

The group itself is getting on like a house on fire and after only four days together it feels like we have been friends for years. This is a very special situation and something that is unique to Raleigh. with two and a half weeks left, the promise afternoons off, two more PMs joining us and an Alpha Yankee trekking group staying a night in our holiday camp retreat, this phase has the potential to be one of our best yet!