Alpha 4, 5 & 10

It has been an amazing couple of weeks for Alpha's 4, 5 and 10 and our bloggers Emma, Josh, Olly and Glyn have given updates on their progress.

Alpha 4, Carara National Park by Josh and Emma

It has been wild since Day 1 here at Carara when we came under tarantula 'attack' and met our resident iguana that we have named 'killer' for the first time. We quickly embraced our luxurious new home fully furnished with beds, showers and the occasional tree frog.

Alpha 4: Henry, George, Ben, Josh, Ollie, Emma, Celine, Emilie, Cecilia, Amy, Lewis, Adriana, Lou, Jos, Emma and Hidde

Once everything was set up we were ready to hit the ground running, lining over 100m of path with rcks. Since then our progress has continued and we have renovated many 100s of metres since including raking,gravelling and stone moving. One of the most rewarding parts of working in Carara is the instant gratification from the hundreds of tourists who visit each day and are always interested in and thankful for our work. We have felt perfectly at home here, having thrown Celine a birthday party including a magnificent biscuit cake, and have since held a jungle party with Tang cocktails and a quiz.

Ollie hard at work

We are all fighting fit and plan to continue working hard, until we cannot gravel anymore! We feel blessed to have seen all the wildlife in this magnificent park including Scarlet Macaws, an anteater, Capuchin monkey, hummingbirds, snakes and multiple agouti alongside witnessing an iguana eat a tarantula and a rare sighting of the illusive Carara puma. Every day we experience more and are so excited about our final few days and what they will bring. Pura Vida!

Alpha 5, San Lucas Island, Olly Wolrond

Celebrating St.Valentine's Day

It's hard to believe that I'm writing this blog entry on day 12 of our inhabitation of San Lucas Island. Although the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" does apply, I think it's more a case of time flies when you're working very hard. However, the palm lined Playa de Coco (literally Coconut Beach) on our doorstep does a little to ease the aches. The beach is also a reminder of our mission here to protect and conserve this beautiful island and it's habitat.

Alpha 5: Sally, Jade, Greg, Kate, Gina, Holly, Nick, Olly, Matt, Emily, Kat, Anna, Ben, Charlie, Paul and Job

We hope to keep the island as untouched as possible, preserving it's status as a nature reserve and allowing future generations to enjoy it as we have; while at the same time helping the Rangers to protect the island from poachers who take trees and animals from the islands beaches and forests. By far the most vocal species of animals at risk from poaching are the Howler Monkeys (surprisingly tiny for their loud calls), we thought they were massing for attack the camp however we have since become used to the maniacal calls that occur throughout the day and night.

Hard at work on the trail

Monkeys however are not the only animal to contend with on the island; ants, stick insects and most memorably a tarantula have all wandered into our kitchen. We've also seen an armadillo, hundreds of hermit crabs, have been set upon by bees whilst working and we also share our food store with bats! However we have also seen the other side of the islands natural habitat stargazing on the jetty and seeing for the first time the island's fluorescent water plankton which gives the sea a sparkling glow.

Howler monkeys up in the trees around camp

In building our trail across the island we hope to protect this habitat by providing a new path for the Rangers which will allow them to better patrol the different beaches from the threat of poachers as well as clearing and maintaining the beaches from rubbish which comes on shore from the sea. Taking down buildings is also part of our task and we hope that we will create an environment which will attract responsible tourists to the island both to view the infamous prison and admire the unspoilt natural environment. In terms of global impact we hope that our part in promoting conservation areas in Costa Rica will add to it's global reputation in providing the right way to protect the natural environment.

Alpha 10, Arenilla Miraflor

Raleigh is working alongside the local community of La Arenilla in Miraflor to build sustainable housing. This encompasses levelling the terrain, laying foundations and making adobe (mud) bricks to build new houses.  These solid, low-tech and durable homes replace makeshift accommodation that cannot withstand the storms and rains.

The view from our homes

Raleigh’s Expedition 13A Alpha 10 group came to La Arenilla with the aim of progressing building work on 60 to 70 percent of the locals’ new housing. That aim is near completion.

This project is to provide the people of La Arenilla with safe and stable housing. This project is not just to build sustainable housing, it is to secure a future for the children and grandchildren.  Somewhere for them to study, somewhere for them to be safe and confident that when the wet season comes their homes will not be washed away.  We are proud that Alpha 10 has helped this community realise its ambition to adapt to the climatic conditions, to withstand the rains and to carry on into the dry season without rebuilding every year. 

Tomorrow a social justice blog from Alpha 8 and an update from Alpha 7.

Fat Pandas send a message home - Alpha 4

Playa Hermosa!  Definitely deserves the name "Beautiful Beach!"

We've been here just over a week now and Alpha 4 has been enjoying every second.  We've had sunshine, storms, lightening and starry night skies.  The work has been carried out both in the hatchery and on the beach, first collecting and recording the baby turtles from the nests and then releasing them into the sea.

"Releasing the baby turtles at sunrise was one of my best moments ever, so magical and surreal.  I feel so privileged to have experienced it".

The Rangers have welcomed us all into their team and never let us forget the impact of the contribution we are making.  The pancakes they made us for breakfast were also greatly received by all.

The Fat Panda team still remain close and will be sad to be leaving each other when this phase comes to an end in a couple of days.  However we are all excited to begin working on our new projects!

Hope you all enjoy the video and the view.  Much love from Fat Pandas.
Pura Vida!

Project Comms Officer, Ben Byers

News on Alpha 4 also known affectionately as "Fat Pandas"

The last 9 days Alpha 4 (team name Fat Pandas) have been working in Carara National Park on an environmental project.  Using manual labour, basic tools and team spirit we managed to complete approx. 150m of nature trail providing a new access route into the park.

A couple of fat pandas at work

The days were long and hot but motivation and team morale remained strong.  We never thought a group could become so close in such a short amount of time.

Spirits are high

It hasn't all been work, we still managed to find time to celebrate Hidde's 18th birthday with a party,  music, games and thanks to Oscar, the park ranger, even cake and ice cream!

Evenings have been spent playing countless games of uno, salsa lessons, massage sessions, Spanish lessons and slangtastic classes.

During our time here we have seen a variety of wildlife, from capuchin monkeys, Iguanas, and coati to coral snakes, lizards, toads and crocodiles.   We were lucky enough to have a rare sighting of a black jaguar which crossed our trail.  We found it hard to believe too when Tory first told us!

It's been a great first project and even though we'll be sorry to say goodbye to Sarah, one of our project managers we're waiting to welcome Charlie into the Fat Panda family.

Wahgwar to my bredrins at home, keep it real, safe, all bless.

Pura Vida

Words by Comms Officer Ben Byers

This is zero, this is zero... over

When everyone is out on their projects there is always a core team here at Fieldbase.  Each Alpha group has various means of staying in touch (a radio, a mobile phone and a satellite phone) so they are never cut off from advice, support or a friendly word.

There are two official communications from each group at a set time each day.  One is just to check in and the other ones is a more detailed SITREP (situation report).  This is a structured conversation that includes where the group are, what they've been doing, what they are going to do and allows information to be shared both ways.  One person is responsible for manning the Comms Room at Fieldbase each day to take the calls morning and night.  Our call sign here is zero.

Charlie and Martina manning the radio - this is zero, this is zero...

The news from our Alpha groups over the past couple of days is:-
                           
Alpha 1 - Yesterday they walked 18km to San Miguel and ate some fantastic salami.

Alpha 2 - They have walked from Miraflor Ranger Station to La Naranjita.

Alpha 3 - Arrived at Playa Hermosa and have succeeded in building basha beds to keep dry.  They have gone straight into Turtle patrols and working with the rangers.

Alpha 4 - At Carara National Park the jungle camp site is waterlogged so they are living in a ranger house - and it has the bonus of electricity.  They've started work on the trail.

Alpha 5 - Arrived at Achuapa, they are having a tour of the community and the water source today.

Early starts and fond farewells...

Today is deployment day - the day when all Alpha groups head out to their projects.  It starts early with alarm calls at 3.30 am, that's right I said 3.30 AM!  And there was no avoiding it as Martina drove a Land rover around the campsite with both the horn and radio blaring - nice one Martina.

Ben and Sophie and a big sandwich

There was time to make a big sandwich for breakfast and another one for lunch and then belongings and tools had to be loaded on the buses.

Yorleny, Tigi and Patrice - watching over a lot of heavy rucksacks

Bonds have been formed over the past few days so there were fond farewells, best wishes and hugs as new friends said "Adios" for 19 days.  And a few venturers had a special goodbye for Splatches, the resident Fieldbase dog, who is keen to be everyones best friend.

Henry, Matt and Lilian say goodbye to Splatches

As the sun came up the buses headed off in different directions - to Playa Hermosa, Carara National Park, Nicaragua and the start of the Coast to Coast Trek.  Some will be travelling for a couple of hours and some for a couple of days, before they arrive at their destination and the work begins. 

On their way

Remember to leave your messages here and we will make sure that they are received by you loved ones whilst they are away at their projects - your kind wishes mean a lot to everyone.

Jungle camp, muddy boots and energy bombs

Just to report that all of the Alpha groups made it back from jungle camp - safe and sound, if a little dirty around the edges. 

Callum setting off in the sunshine

The sun was shining when they left, and I'd love to tell you it stayed that way throughout, but the truth is that it did rain.  And it rained Costa Rican style.  Most groups managed to get some kind of shelter up before the downpour which meant that spirits stayed high, buoyed by pasta or rice and energy bombs.

Bright and early this morning the venturers headed back to Fieldbase, but on the way ran through the procedure for a medical emergency.  This involves some Oscar winning performances of injury or illness, the creation of a stretcher and then carrying the "victim" back to Fieldbase. Everyone dealt with the emergency really well, another set of skills acquired and understood.

Once back at Fieldbase there was work to be done cleaning off tents and equipment, so everything will be ship shape and ready to go when the expedition starts on Friday. 

Lunch and showers were a welcome sight - and the local launderette is doing a roaring trade thanks to Raleigh venturers.

Alpha group allocations - then off to jungle camp

An important day today, the venturers were told which projects they will be doing through the first phase of expedition.  The project managers took to the stage and performed project based skits - hence the kilts, mutant turtle masks, monkeys and shell suits that appear in the photographic record.

So here is the running order...

Alpha 1 - Coast to Coast Trek

Left to Right: Pedro Ocon, Florentine E van Selms, Jonathan Gerardo Corrales Marenco,Vera Juarez Vargas, Aisha Green, Sophie LaMarre, Benjamin Avern, Natalie Metcalfe, Matthew Wilkinson, Benjamin Hilton-Delhaye, Nicole Ferris, Rory Thompson, Dave Myer

Alpha 2 - Miratombo Trek (Nicaragua)

Left to Right: Claudia Fiedler, Diego Molina Rodriguez, Arlenne Rodriguez Leandro, Puck van der Vet, Archie Finlayson, Benjamin Persofsky, David Rosam, Suwen James, Harley Decker, Shannon Potter, David Agombar (Omar Antonio Amaya Ochoa will join in Nicaragua)

Alpha 3 - Playa Hermosa/Carara National Park

Left to Right: Henry Anderson, Tracy Heyburn, Callum Blues, Angel Roberto Mejia Quintero, Marco Mora Jimenez, Eveline Kroese, Rahim Hassanali, Laura Perry, Jim Howard, Lilian Keller, Clare Skelton, Lydia Auty, Matt Whiteside (Max Smith arrived today to join the group and Andrea Grundke will join shortly.)
  
Alpha 4 - Carara National Park/Playa Hermosa

Left to Right: Hidde Van Lent, Ben Byers, Victoria McIrvine, Carlos Lugo, Patrice Hollywood, Gustavo Granados Bolanos, Zahir Parri, Yorleny Bermudez Murillo, Paul Darius, Antigone Taliadoros, Jae Quiroz, Sarah Crawford, Charlie Cox, Pauline Wright

Alpha 5 - Water project, Achuapa (Nicaragua)

Left to Right: Florian Cross,  Jose David Quesada Murillo, Sarah Flynn, Vic Lapsins, Jonas Koch, Hester Van Marwijk Kooy, Anika Kandola, Melania Piedra Castillo, Nicholas Masters, Alexander Robertson, Anna McManus, Luke Waldock (Jakeling Escoto Rivera will join us in Nicaragua.)

Now that the Alpha groups are formed each will head out to learn campcraft and navigation skills, bonding over basha beds and trangias.  Bags packed they headed off to spend the night at jungle camp.

The lie of the land...12L project recce

Each of the PMs, newly formed in their Alpha groups, have spent the past couple of days visiting their projects to familiarise themselves with the lay of the land.  This is an opportunity to check that everything is as it should be and generally get ahead of the game before the Venturers arrive.

The Nicaraguan groups (Alpha 2 and Alpha 5) have just walked in the door, but Alphas 1, 3 and 4 came home to Fieldbase yesterday.

Here is a little flavour of what they got up to.

Natalie, Dave and Nicole raring to go

Alpha 1 had the opportunity to walk part of the Coast to Coast Trek with a local guide, sleeping out along the way.  Boots got muddy and t-shirts got sweaty but the view was the reward.

Natalie watching her footing on the Coast to Coast Trek.

Early morning on the Coast to Coast Trek.

Alphas 3 and 4 are looking after the first Environmental phase based in Carara National Park and at Playa Hermosa.  Whilst at Playa Hermosa the guys got a chance to stay up for a night patrol where they collected 800 turtle eggs and then the next morning they were able to help release 47 turtles back to the sea where they would have the best chance of survival.  Not your average Monday morning, but this is Raleigh.

Releasing turtles and Playa Hermosa

Turtles heading for the sea.

The magic sorting hat of Turrialba

Each PM, as nervous as any new wizard to Hogwarts, took the stage to don the sorting hat of project selection.  How will the hat pronounce?  Will it be environmental, community or a trek?  Who will be your team mate/s?  Only the magic hat can decide.

Jae receiving pronouncement from the sorting hat

In a Harry Potter/Ready, Steady, Cook mixed metaphor the first task for the new teams was to create a pudding with store cupboard ingredients in 20 minutes - marks awarded for taste and presentation of the dish.

Pedro and Barney - judging pudding

Alpha 2 succeeded on taste - with David (call me Heston) and Claudia presenting a tropical flapjack.  Alpha 1 took presentation to extravaganza levels by bringing bunny ears and gold sequins to the table.  Fieldbase scored for team effort with Phil being the actual table, Joss being the waiter and the girls providing the crunchy bottom, fruity layer, velvety chocolate and zesty topping of their Fieldbase Fantasy.

Alpha 5 in the dance off

It all had to be decided with a dance off and Fieldbase pipped the competition at the post.  There may have been strength in numbers, and we have had an extra week to bond - but personally I put it down to sheer skill and creativity.

So, now fully bonded over cooking and dancing, the teams are assembled and ready to go.  The running order for the Project Groups is as follows:
Alpha 1 - Coast to Coast Trek, Costa RicaNicole, Dave and Natalie
This Trek has taken various forms over the past few years, but Expedition 12L will feature a particularly exciting version, starting at the Caribbean Sea and ending on the Pacific Coast.  Crossing a continent as well as a country.

Nicole, Dave and Natalie - Alpha 1

Alpha 2  - Miratombo Trek, Nicaragua 
David and Claudia
Starting in the far north of Nicaragua, near to the Honduran border, the Miratombo Trek meanders through the diverse landscapes of Esteli and Leon.

David and Claudia - Alpha 2

Alpha 3 - Environmental, starting in Hermosa, Costa Rica
Jim, Clare and Tracy H
Working to preserve the turtle populations of Hermosa beach, this project will collect turtle eggs, ensure that they hatch safely and release the turtles back into the wild where they have the best chance of survival.  This team will spend the second half of their phase at Carara National Park (see below).

Jim, Clare and Tracy - Alpha 3

Alpha 4 - Environmental, starting in Carara National Park, Costa Rica
Pauline, Jae and Sarah
Starting in the Carara National Park this group will work to clear the Lago Meandrica trail, previously inaccessible in the rainy season.  This work will enable many more visitors to the park, and therefore increase the revenue for the Park and allowing them to continue their other environmental work. This team will spend the second half of their phase at Hermosa (see above). Where they will be joined by Charlie.

Jae, Sarah, Pauline and Charlie in the background - Alpha 4

Alpha 5 - Achuapa water project, Nicaragua
Sarah,  Florian and Vic
This project group will work with the local community of Los Loros in Achuapa to develop a gravity-feed water system to bring clean and safe drinking water to 40 families living there.

Sarah, Florian and Vic - Alpha 5

Alpha 4 - The Final Score!

La aventura inicio con un increíble paseo en bote hacia la Isla, con buena música incluida por supuesto. Al l llegar nos recibió un majestuoso lugar repleto de arboles, rocas, arena y mar. La primera noche la pasamos en lo que solía ser el dispensario u Hospital de la cárcel, ¡algo imponente en medio de tantos arboles!  EL resto de la semana transcurrió entre bambú, cuerdas, herramientas, sudor, enojos, risas, comida, metal, madera, basura y como podrán imaginar muchos zancudos y mosquitos.

The Adventure started with an incredible boat trip towards the Island, with very good music included! Once there, a marvellous place full of trees, rocks, sand and sea was waiting for us. We spent the first night sleeping in what used to be the “dispensario” or Hospital of the Prison. A impressive building in the middle of all those trees. The rest of the week went through bamboo, strings, tools, sweat, arguments, laughter, metal, wood, rubbish and as you can imagine, many mosquitoes!

Hicimos el campamento en la Jungla, icon 13 camas tipo basher; en realidad 11 y ½ porque Iván quebró la suya y Óscar terminó con la mitad de la suya en el piso.

We built up our Jungle Camp, with 13 basha beds, well, actually there were just 11 and a half, because Ivan broke his and Oscar ended up on the ground.

Limpiamos 7 lugares que solían ser las casas de los reos de mínima seguridad, cuando en los años 50 la cárcel cambió a centro penitenciario agrícola.

We cleaned up 7 houses which used to be the minimum security prisoner’s houses, when in the 50’s the Prison became an Agricultural Centre for inmates.

Olger el guarda parques muy amablemente nos dio el recorrido histórico por la cárcel, muy interesante por cierto. La segunda semana el grupo estaba más animado, todos felices por trabajar y disfrutar de la compañía el ambiente y claramente la comida.

The ranger Olger gave us a interesting historic tour around the Prison. On week two the group was a lot more enthusiastic about working while enjoying the good company surrounded by such nature - and obviously the food.

Ley puso una sonrisa enorme en la cara de Lotti cuando le dijo que “ya esta listo el postre” (Arroz con leche) esto sólo por destacar un momento mágico; pero en realidad esa semana comimos como nunca, increíble. En cuanto a trabajo de la semana,  limpiamos el sendero hacia la playa Tumba boles y sacamos 6 bolsas de basura de la playa.

Ley helped getting a smile on Lottie’s face by saying; “Dessert is ready!” It was rice pudding, her speciality. That week we worked cleaning up a path that goes straight to “Playa  Tumba Boles” and also took 6 massive bags full of rubbish out of the way.

Al final de un gran día de trabajo tuvimos el placer de refrescarnos en el mar y nadar. En ocasiones jugamos bola en la playa Cocos, hasta morir de cansancio.

At the end of a great day of work we had the pleasure of getting in to the refreshing sea water and swim.  We played some beach football at Playa Cocos as well!

En fin estas 2 semanas han sido estupendas. Día a día, todos aprendemos y valoramos la dicha que tenemos por ser parte de Raleigh, de tener la satisfacción de crecer como personas al mismo tiempo que colaboramos con el medioambiente.

Anyway, these two weeks have been brilliant! Day by day, we’ve all learned and appreciated the gift we’ve got of being part of Raleigh. The satisfaction of personal development is evident when you you can picture the improvement and conservation you’ve helped to do for the environment.

No hay palabras para describir la aventura de compartir crecer y trabajar.

No words could possibly describe the adventure of growing up through hard work and good new friends.

Increíble.

Incredible.

Alpha 4's Island Tales...

Blue skies, tropical storms, howler monkeys, sandy beaches, mosquitos and ghosts of prisoners past - all essential ingredients for a Raleigh environmental project on San Lucas Island!

The new inmates (AKA Alpha 4!) have set about clearing debris from the old prison sites around the island; working in human chains they have been moving barbed wire, sheet metal and the odd tarantula to the front of the island for removal by boat. Decades of litter have been tackled on the path, in the jungle and on the beach as well as giving the tourists areas some TLC. Jumping off the pier, football on the beach and learning Spanish round off A4's days spent on San Lucas island so far!

The guys from Fieldbase are with us now for a visit and to drop off all the additional kit we need - you'll be pleased to know they're also working hard! 

Photos to come soon...

Love, Alpha 4

Alpha Groups Training Slideshow

The night before the Alpha Groups deployed they too were treated to a slideshow showing how much they had packed into their short time in the country...

Alpha Allocations Announcement!

So, here we go! Alpha Group Phase 1 allocations, on projects running from 4th July to 23rd July, are...
*drumroll*
(Delta groups to follow)

ALPHA 1  - Coast to Coast Trek (Adventure - crossing a continent!)
PMs: Mau and Carlton
Venturers: Craig Henry, Richard Voaden, William Pavón Espinoza, Sophie Scholl, Thomas Breakwell, Lu Ying Yap, Elizabeth Samuel-Bryan, Trae Legay Cannonier, Josué David Tuz Villalobos, Georgia Rattigan, Jed Pattie

ALPHA 2 - Miratombo Trek (Adventure - volcanos and valleys)
PMs: Franz, Jason and Emma F
Venturers: Sonia Taylor, Adrian Gonzales, Craig Thomas, Michelle Calliari, Ruari Thomson, Isabel Adriana Matamoros Torres, Catherine Inch, Henry Seal, Jawonday Smith, Brandon Burns

ALPHA 3 – Volcan Tenorio National Park (environmental – paths, trails and staircases)
PMs: Amy, Neil and Leanne
Venturers: Luis Andrés Mora Muñoz, Alexander Goodchild, Suzzanah Kidd, Cole Durham, Michelle Ka Wai Wong, Gema Valdivia, Louis King, Daniel; Cherrie, Tom Harrison, Thomas Bassi

ALPHA 4 – San Lucas Island Nature Reserve (environmental – paths and trails)
PMs: Lottie and Sonal
Venturers: Carlo Davide Marescotti, Hoi Yi Jessica Li
Greg Parnell, Zichari Young, Leyla Massiel, Zelaya Hernández, Sofía Quirós Otárola, Matthew McKenzie, Oskar Plapperer-Lüthgarth, Chung Wing Yuen, Ivan Coueslant, Rebecca Atkinson

ALPHA 5 – Achuapa – El Pajarito Indigenous Territory (community – water project)
PMs: Andy Youl, Stephanie Aguilar, Emma Smyth

Venturers: Brandon Burns, Nicole Izurieta, Simon Allan, William Milne, Ernesto Rodriguez Delgado, Teydí Mariem García Ampié, Christopher Hempseed, Che Durham, Juliana Franco, Endgoes Mak, Grant Harrison

ALPHA 6 – Miraflor – Puertas Azules Indigenous Territory (community – school)
PMs: Carina Scott, Ed Mills, Istvan Sepulveda
Venturers: Cat Mills, Thomas Wright, Ramandeep Bassi, Mayerling Pineda Motenegro, Richard Chavarría Varela, Sean McGarry, Ben Woodhouse, Ysavier Darrell, Yau Man Mak, Ta-Shanae Pitcher Trott

From the cheers, shouts of ‘YESSSSSS!’ and massive smiles, I reckon most people are pretty chuffed with their projects and teams...time for some bonding!

Deltas next...check back later!