Final goodbye to 12L

So we've now had the final few days take stock ( both literally and metaphorically) of our Raleigh experience.  First job, as always, was to clean team kit, personal kit and yourself - a cold shower has never felt so good.  Then each group held a debrief so that everyone could learn from their most recent experiences on phase.

There was some time in Turrialba for last minute shopping - or buying up the treats that you've missed the most over the past 19 days.  We the final skit performances, and with them the last chance to win ice cream (well done Zulu 5!)

There was time for reflection to consider the Raleigh experience as a whole; how we've challenged ourselves, how we've grown over the expedition and how we can carry on the Raleigh spirit on in to our day to day lives back home.  That evening we wrapped up with a Christmas dinner and party, because even though it's not snowing here it is definitely that time of year.  This was when we presented the "Golden mess tin awards", like the Oscars only better.  Well done to Alex, Tiggy, Omar, Luke and Patrice.

And then before you know it you're loved ones will be back home ready to tell you all their stories, share photographs....and no doubt give you a tonne of very dirty washing!

Turrialba Sunset...

It needs no words...

Alpha Yankee 3- Casita Bonita

As we packed our bags and headed to Volcan Turrialba, we were all excited to discover what the final phase has in store for us. We had all heard great things about ranger stations with chandeliers, of hot water and stunning panoramic volcano views at work.

Fast forward to arrival at our 'home' for the next week....with grass growing out of the shower plug, spiders coming out of the mattresses and cold water barely running out of the taps, ' home' wasn't quite what we had expected.
However, in time Alpha Yankee 3 spirit and after mass clean up and and interior design operation, we are now truly at home in our 'Casita Bonita.' Not even blocked toilets and crazy charging cows can dampen our spirits!

What's more, our project on Volcan Turrialba has never failed to keep our spirits soaring. After being met by our Rangers Sergio and co of our first day a work, we experienced the most bumpy 4x4 rie of our lives to destination Turrialba. Here, we found ourselves standing above the clouds on top of a breathtaking, active volcano!

After days of digging, lifting, paving and cursing at the numerous rocks in our way, we can now see all of our hard work coming together.

So with our first project site nearly complete, the rangers happy, our cameras bursting with photos and our stomachs full of Roberto's legendary energy bombs, we prepare to say 'adios' to Volcan Turrialba and our Casita Bonita. We now look forward to our next Alpha Yankee 3 adventure-in the jungle!

by Freya

Alpha Romeo 3 are smokin’

Helena Parker of Alpha Romeo 3 reveals all about working at the top of an active volcano.

Having anticipated at least two hours on the minibus to catch up on a bit of sleep, we were slightly surprised to be bundled out at our destination, Parque Nacional Volcan Turrialba, 30 minutes after leaving fieldbase. Now we knew staying at the ranger’s station was going to be nice, but not this nice! We’re really lucky to be staying here [note from your blogger: rumour has it there’s actually a chandelier at this ranger’s station – the high life at high altitude – alright for some!].

But the best thing by far is working with the rangers at the very top of the highest active volcano in Costa Rica, all of 3328m of it, right next to the three craters.

So what if it smells of sulphur, we can see the Caribbean baby! It’s been straight down to work though, clearing trails, with the boys wielding pickaxes with a vengeance. Motivation comes in the form of singing La Bamba and learning La Cucaracha from the rangers, although to be honest, having a smoking crater as the view from the office window isn’t something many people can say. We are definitely making the most of the one week we have here, and then it’s off to the jungle.