X-Ray 2: Corcovado Trek

X-Ray 2 are currently on Day 11 of their trek, they have battled through forest and rain (although X-Ray 1 and 3 have definitely borne the brunt of the wet weather) climbing to stunning peaks and enjoying the hot thermal pools, which hopefully alleviated some of their trekking aches. They are currently on their way to Los Mogos on the pacific side of Costa Rica and are making excellent progress.

Today's blog was written by X-Ray 2's Comms Officer Wisha Walker

Venturers waiting nervously, sitting on the edge of their seats, looking forward to hearing their fate.... X-Ray 2! As usual the trek teams were called first at allocations, before we knew it our names were called and X-Ray 2 for the Corcovado trek were formed. Bring it on!

From the start it was clear that our group was vivacious, determined and ready for action. Although we felt rather  relieved to have an 8 hour bus journey to our start point, a luxurious rest at El Progresso in a community centre. I'm certainly not alone when I say that I have never appreciated bed time as much as I have on Raleigh - everyday is a full-on non-stop action adventure.We have been progressing well and we are already feeling satisfied and are overwhelmed by the views we have seen and overwhelmed by the privilege we have been given and what we have achieved so far.

X-Ray 2 clockwise from left: Charlie, James, Hidde, Laetitia, Freddia, Glyn, Gemma, Chuck, Anthony, Mary, Wisha, Elpha, Kat, Willie, Adriana and Lena

The days started with steep hills which eased off slightly and suddenly we were rambling through forest, thankfully the previous Alpha had tackled it with 6 hours of cutting through with a machete to create our path - thanks Alpha 2!

Lena, Chuck, Willie, Hidde, Kat and Anthony ready to trek

Then it begun to rain, a wet group began to cross rivers, scale hills and through great teamwork we helped each other. With no sign of the rain ending, we marched on with our heads held high and before we knew it we had arrived at the quiet, colourful and desolate village of Alturas, where we would later set up our tents, although an incredibly kind local offered us their community centre, so our tents came down - good practice though!

Freddie and Kat loving trek

Chuck and Anthony enjoying a well-deserved rest

Pittier Rangers Station, a tough trek achieved by 10.30am - must be a new record

It has been spectacular, despite some cold nights and 5.30am starts to our day, in order to beat the heat, we have seen incredible views, lively monkeys dancing along the tress, njoyed a leisurely and well deserved dip in the idyllic aguas thermals before enduring the never ending up hill climbs - although whenever we arrive some very redface and sweaty X-Ray 2 faces are always beaming.Ever in anticipation we are excited and looking forward to the challenged that lie ahead and are excited to find out what the Corcovado trek will reveal in front to us.

X-Ray 2: a team ready to face the rest of their trek and the challenges ahead

p.s sorry we have been a bit absent recently and thank you for your patience; we have been out and about collecting stories and pictures, completing the very important task of delivering food, blog messages, post and of course news from the outside world to all our of our teams. Updates and pictures of our teams to follow...

And I would walk... 250kms over 19 days

Trekking: A term derived from the Afrikaans word trek literally meaning to ‘pull travel’ translated as a long and challenging journey, typically on foot.

Every Venturer on Expedition 13A will take part in one of Raleigh CR&Ns Adventure Projects. A challenging time of discovery and incredible teamwork, the treks will take our teams through beautiful scenery, traversing volcanoes, negotiating rainforests and navigating through a UNESCO world heritage site. A challenge yes, an incredible journey yes, can everyone achieve it - absolutely without a doubt yes.

Alpha 1: The Coast to Coast Trek

Trek Leaders: Colin and Nurse Sarah

Summary: Beginning on the Caribbean Coast and ending at the Pacific Ocean this trek is 270 km across Costa Rica - traversing not just a country but also a continent. It begins in the port of Limon, heading along railway tracks and through small communities to Barbilla National Park . From this point the groups through the Chirripo indigenous territory to Bajo Pacuare. They then head to the beautiful river and over to Tapanti National Park ascending to nearly 3000m through the park before descending to the Pacific Ocean via the Cerro Dragon Peak. Ending after 19 days at the Playa Palo Seco where the groups make their final dash to the sea to celebrate their incredible achievement.

Alpha 2: The Corcovado Trek

Trek Leaders: Sarah L and Chris
Summary: Beginning their trek in La Amistad National Park, the largest national park in Costa Rica and a UNSECO World Heritage Site, the trek takes in beautiful mountains and towering cloud forest. After passing waterfalls and a hot spring (perfect for initial aching limbs) the group will cross the Fila Costena - a chain of mountains that run parallel to the sea. After traversing the mountains the group will finish their trek by crossing the famed Corcovado National Park which straddles the Osa Peninsula, walking through the best preserved tropical rainforest in Central America. Monkeys and Tapirs abound at the end of this trek and the final three days take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the beaches along the coast.

Alpha 3: The Turrisantos Trek

Trek Leaders: Gemma and Dr.James

Summary: Commencing between the two active volcanoes of Irazu and Turrialba ascending to 3000m, on a clear day the group may even be able to sea the Caribbean Sea. Passing from here to the Guayabo National Monument - the ruins of an ancient settlement in the jungle before passing close to Fieldbase and then out to the Tapanti National Park. Ascending again to 3000m  the group will follow the ridges of the Fila de Bustamante towards Cerro Dragon Peak before making their final descent to the Pacific Ocean and a final flourish (and a run no doubt) into Playa Matapalo.