Welcome to the official blog for Expedition 13A. We'll be keeping you posted on all the happenings of life on expedition from 10th January to 11th April. Check back and please send us your comments, it's free and easy. ¡Pura vida!
Showing posts with label X-Ray 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label X-Ray 4. Show all posts
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Monday, 19 November 2012
X-ray 4 - full of beans!
We are waking up bright and early every day to mornings that are consistently sunny and hot - we are now in the super hot, dry season. This ensures that the work is adequately sweaty but we are treated to the cool northern breeze that is a feature of the Nicaraguan highlands.
Having spent a phase and a half digging a 1km trench, we have now started to fill it in again. Thankfully we did remember to lay water pipes in the bottom first. The water tank has been installed and is up and running. It may be made of breeze blocks but we think it is a thing of beauty, it is after all the essential component in bringing water to our community of Los Loros.
We are having a lovely time with the community who endlessly show us their appreciation. This is done most obviously by keeping our stomachs full to the brim. We are literally and metaphorically full of beans!
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| View from the worksite, Los Loros |
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| Florian after a hard day's work, waiting for some beans |
by Florian, Project Comms officer
Monday, 5 November 2012
Quick update - X-ray groups are go
X-ray 1 got to Nicaragua safely, staying the first night in a school in Jinotepe. They've now started trekking and are requesting extra porridge to keep their strength up.
X-ray 2 arrived at Playa Hermosa and got stuck into turtle patrols straight away. Rumour has it there was film crew there yesterday so they could have 5 minutes of fame, at least in Costa Rica.
X-ray 3 have been moving rocks and building paths in Carara National Park. Oscar, the ranger there, has given them a wildlife tour which everyone enjoyed. They have upgraded their accommodation to include an outdoor hammock area.
X-ray 4 successfully made their way to Achuapa and then on to their community where everyone came to meet them and helped carry the tools and equipment back to the site.
X-ray 5 enjoyed an awesome welcome party hosted by the community and have spent time getting to know their new mums, dads, brothers and sisters.
X-ray 2 arrived at Playa Hermosa and got stuck into turtle patrols straight away. Rumour has it there was film crew there yesterday so they could have 5 minutes of fame, at least in Costa Rica.
X-ray 3 have been moving rocks and building paths in Carara National Park. Oscar, the ranger there, has given them a wildlife tour which everyone enjoyed. They have upgraded their accommodation to include an outdoor hammock area.
X-ray 4 successfully made their way to Achuapa and then on to their community where everyone came to meet them and helped carry the tools and equipment back to the site.
X-ray 5 enjoyed an awesome welcome party hosted by the community and have spent time getting to know their new mums, dads, brothers and sisters.
Friday, 2 November 2012
Introducing the new X-Ray groups
So everyone is on their way for Phase 2!
Even though early mornings are becoming quite routine now, 3.30am is still quite brutal especially after the Halloween party the night before. No complaints from the new X-Ray groups though. Everyone made their packed lunches, ate breakfast, stuffed their rucksacks and loaded the buses ready for a prompt(ish) departure.
So the X-Ray groups are as follows:
X-Ray 1 - Miratombo Trek (Nicaragua)
David M, Vic L, Charlie
Marco, Gustavo, Louis, Luke, Jonas, Matt Whiteside, Carlyn, Anika, Anna, Tiggy, Victoria M
X-Ray 2 - Environmental (starting with Playa Hermosa)
Claudia F, Jim, Nicole
Diego, Ben A, Jack, Harley, Ben H-D, Ben P, Jacklyn, Mela, Suwen, Puck, Aisheth, Hester
X-Ray 3 - Environmental (starting with Carara)
Pauline, Martina, Sarah F/Natalie
Matt Wilkinson, Jose, Omar, Claudia A, Floor, Dave R, Vera, Lilian, Shannon, Nick, Alex
X-Ray 4 - Los Loros water gravity project (Nicaragua)
Florian, Claire S, David A
Pedro, Hidde, Callum, Ziggy, Archie, Henry, Yorleny, Laura, Frankie, Lydia, Patrice, Andrea
X-Ray 5 - Miraflor house building project (Nicaragua)
Sarah C, Jae, Katie
Jonathan, Angel, Rory, Paul, Ben B, Max, Arlenne, Bodyl, Vinnie, Eveline, Sophie
If you could mark your blog messages with these X-ray groups it will help us get each one straight to your loved ones. (Even though messages aren't being published on the blog at the moment we still print them all out and get them out to venturers just as soon as we can - so keep up the words of encouragement, they mean a lot.)
And speaking of the Halloween party here's a picture of Barney to put you off your breakfast...
Even though early mornings are becoming quite routine now, 3.30am is still quite brutal especially after the Halloween party the night before. No complaints from the new X-Ray groups though. Everyone made their packed lunches, ate breakfast, stuffed their rucksacks and loaded the buses ready for a prompt(ish) departure.
So the X-Ray groups are as follows:
X-Ray 1 - Miratombo Trek (Nicaragua)
David M, Vic L, Charlie
Marco, Gustavo, Louis, Luke, Jonas, Matt Whiteside, Carlyn, Anika, Anna, Tiggy, Victoria M
X-Ray 2 - Environmental (starting with Playa Hermosa)
Claudia F, Jim, Nicole
Diego, Ben A, Jack, Harley, Ben H-D, Ben P, Jacklyn, Mela, Suwen, Puck, Aisheth, Hester
X-Ray 3 - Environmental (starting with Carara)
Pauline, Martina, Sarah F/Natalie
Matt Wilkinson, Jose, Omar, Claudia A, Floor, Dave R, Vera, Lilian, Shannon, Nick, Alex
X-Ray 4 - Los Loros water gravity project (Nicaragua)
Florian, Claire S, David A
Pedro, Hidde, Callum, Ziggy, Archie, Henry, Yorleny, Laura, Frankie, Lydia, Patrice, Andrea
X-Ray 5 - Miraflor house building project (Nicaragua)
Sarah C, Jae, Katie
Jonathan, Angel, Rory, Paul, Ben B, Max, Arlenne, Bodyl, Vinnie, Eveline, Sophie
If you could mark your blog messages with these X-ray groups it will help us get each one straight to your loved ones. (Even though messages aren't being published on the blog at the moment we still print them all out and get them out to venturers just as soon as we can - so keep up the words of encouragement, they mean a lot.)
And speaking of the Halloween party here's a picture of Barney to put you off your breakfast...
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| Pretty in pink? |
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
X-Ray 4...Tarzan!
Arena y lodo son dos cosas que no se pueden comparar desde el primer momento que entramos todo realmente asombroso, ahorita nos encontramos realmente orgullosos de haber vivido en la jungla como tarzan! Entre arboles, bañándonos en el río y haciendo nuestras necesidades al aire libre, pero todo eso es parte de la experiencia.
Ya en la playa todo realmente buenísimo disfrutando de la arena, mar tortugas algo que realmente no olvidaremos!
Un grupo demasiado bueno y con unos PM’s asombrosos que marcaron el balance en todo el grupo.
Proyecto ambiental como última fase es muy agradable y pacifico un tiempo en donde puedes pensar sobre todo la expedición y darte cuenta de lo maravilloso que es la mundo nuestra naturaleza, bella Pachamama!
William Pavon
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| X-Ray 4, Playa Hermosa |
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| Ta-Shanae enjoying life in the jungle |
Proyecto ambiental como última fase es muy agradable y pacifico un tiempo en donde puedes pensar sobre todo la expedición y darte cuenta de lo maravilloso que es la mundo nuestra naturaleza, bella Pachamama!
William Pavon
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Playa Hermosa... lugar maravilloso
No fue muy buena nuestra bienvenida con toda nuestra comida oliendo a cangrejo y camas mojadas, gracias X-Ray 3!
En nuestras mañanas pasamos trabajando creando una barrera protectora para cuando suba la marea no entre al vivero. Estas horas de trabajo nos tienen todos quemados, la mayoría rojos camarón y uno que otro más moreno.
A las 10am termina el primer turno de trabajo. Hora tan esperada ya que todos nos vamos a meter al mar o a jugar voleibol.
Por William Pavon
Thursday, 23 August 2012
X-Ray 4 - Parque Nacional Carara
Nuestro proyecto empezó con el parque nacional Carara a la cabeza, dando mantenimiento a uno de los senderos del parque porque en temporada de invierno se inunda y es imposible de pasar.
Desde nuestro primer día fue maravilloso observar todo tipo de animales – como, lapa roja, tucanes, serpientes – que nos iban a hacer compañía los siguientes 10 días. Somos un grupo muy enérgico y cuando llegamos al campamento empezamos a repararlo y mejorar varias cosas para así sentirlo como nuestro hogar porque después de la primera noche todos amanecimos bien mojados.
Vivir en la jungla, sin luz, sin baño, con lodo, hace de esta experiencia única. En nuestro día libre nos fuimos a nadar a un rio, fue una pequeña caminata pero maravillosa, mirando los gloriosos arboles y sonidos de las aves. Encontramos el rio y pasamos la tarde ahí, comiendo nadando y chilliando. Luego ya nos regresamos porque venía lluvia pero eso no nos detuvo y así fuimos al rio Tarcoles para ver los cocodrilos. Todo ese camino fue demasiado alegre, gritando, cantando y saltando para que los camiones nos tocaran el pito.
Y para que ir a un restaurante si tenemos chefs de primera clase, Amy con deliciosas empanadas, Georgia con magníficos postres y Richard y William dando el sabor latino. Sin duda, nadie se puede quejar de la comida.
Ahora todos estamos ansiosos por empezar en playa hermosa y sus bellas tortugas.
Por William Pavon
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Blink and you'd have missed it
So another Raleigh phase has gone by quicker than a meteor flashing over the Cheviots; here’s a run through of the endeavours of those fine Raleigh guys and gals’
Our trek groups have routed their respective routes. X Ray 1 delved through the heart of Costa Rica, almost coast to coast. Beginning in Barbilla National Park they have breached the continental divide and are celebrating their success at Punta Judas. Whilst Turrisantos may sound like a beach resort, apparently its completely the opposite. And you need to like peanuts. and tang. and getting slightly lost. but mainly peanits.
X Ray 2 conquered the Corcovado, tackling the eponymous national park and La Amistad in the hot and humid southwest of Costa Rica. They finished with three days striding the sands at Playas Madrigal, Carate and Piro.
X Ray 3, up in Nicaragua, mastered the Miratombo trek, with their final days in the Maribios Volcano chain, enjoying stunning views of Volcan Momotombo and Lake Managua. They visited many communities along the way, were treated to food by smiling hosts, slept on volcanoes, traversed deserts and rivers, all celebrating in style at Lake Asoscosas.
X Ray 4 have completed their work on the ‘Quebrada Bonita’ trail in Carara National Park, enjoying a day trip to Playa Hermosa, and celebrating several birthdays throughout the phase. The traditional celebratory energy bomb cake was pimped with addition of oreos. Must have been some huge sugar crashes down in Carara after that...
X Ray 5 in La Amistad have also been productive on the ‘Gigantes del Bosque’ trail (Giants of the Forest’. They have enjoyed various outings to the swimming pool in Altimira, a local farmers market, and to the Valley of Silence Ranger station where Raleigh undertook a project a few years ago.
X Ray 6, after 18 days of pouring rain, finally had a day of sun! They have been working at Volcan Tenorio, undertaking an overhaul of the path to the waterfall on the aquamarine Rio Celeste.
X Ray 7 have continued the work of Alpha 7 on the adobe brick houses in La Naranjita, mixing mud and ‘old man’s beard’ to create a ‘cement’ between the bricks, alongside trips to Esteli and visits to X Ray 8...
...who have completed the community centre in San Jose! This was celebrated with a fiesta yesterday afternoon, featuring all the classics - pass the parcel and some rather competitive musical chairs. They too undertook trips to Esteli, visiting the cigar factory and there was a barely a dry eye when they said good bye on Tuesday morning.
Finally, X Ray 9 in Dorbata. In their one phase, they whipped up a school building faster than a Groundforce montage and have enjoyed the good life in the beautiful surrounds of Chirripo Indigenous Territory. The school is already in use and the group enjoyed a game of football with the locals, the torrential downpour during the fixture making the Brits feel truly at home.
They’ll all be back at HQ tomorrow for all the fun and games of changeover so stayed tuned for the latest goings on at Raleigh Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Our trek groups have routed their respective routes. X Ray 1 delved through the heart of Costa Rica, almost coast to coast. Beginning in Barbilla National Park they have breached the continental divide and are celebrating their success at Punta Judas. Whilst Turrisantos may sound like a beach resort, apparently its completely the opposite. And you need to like peanuts. and tang. and getting slightly lost. but mainly peanits.
X Ray 2 conquered the Corcovado, tackling the eponymous national park and La Amistad in the hot and humid southwest of Costa Rica. They finished with three days striding the sands at Playas Madrigal, Carate and Piro.
X Ray 3, up in Nicaragua, mastered the Miratombo trek, with their final days in the Maribios Volcano chain, enjoying stunning views of Volcan Momotombo and Lake Managua. They visited many communities along the way, were treated to food by smiling hosts, slept on volcanoes, traversed deserts and rivers, all celebrating in style at Lake Asoscosas.
X Ray 4 have completed their work on the ‘Quebrada Bonita’ trail in Carara National Park, enjoying a day trip to Playa Hermosa, and celebrating several birthdays throughout the phase. The traditional celebratory energy bomb cake was pimped with addition of oreos. Must have been some huge sugar crashes down in Carara after that...
X Ray 5 in La Amistad have also been productive on the ‘Gigantes del Bosque’ trail (Giants of the Forest’. They have enjoyed various outings to the swimming pool in Altimira, a local farmers market, and to the Valley of Silence Ranger station where Raleigh undertook a project a few years ago.
X Ray 6, after 18 days of pouring rain, finally had a day of sun! They have been working at Volcan Tenorio, undertaking an overhaul of the path to the waterfall on the aquamarine Rio Celeste.
X Ray 7 have continued the work of Alpha 7 on the adobe brick houses in La Naranjita, mixing mud and ‘old man’s beard’ to create a ‘cement’ between the bricks, alongside trips to Esteli and visits to X Ray 8...
...who have completed the community centre in San Jose! This was celebrated with a fiesta yesterday afternoon, featuring all the classics - pass the parcel and some rather competitive musical chairs. They too undertook trips to Esteli, visiting the cigar factory and there was a barely a dry eye when they said good bye on Tuesday morning.
Finally, X Ray 9 in Dorbata. In their one phase, they whipped up a school building faster than a Groundforce montage and have enjoyed the good life in the beautiful surrounds of Chirripo Indigenous Territory. The school is already in use and the group enjoyed a game of football with the locals, the torrential downpour during the fixture making the Brits feel truly at home.
They’ll all be back at HQ tomorrow for all the fun and games of changeover so stayed tuned for the latest goings on at Raleigh Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Letters from La Amistad
X Ray 5 has had plenty to do since the last update. On the final night of the field base visit we celebrated Alfredo’s 18th birthday with a bonfire, piñata and the largest energy bomb cake made in Raleigh history.
One of the most important aspects of our time (apart from work) in La Amistad has been Human Cluedo initiated by Amelia. Every person is given a location, a ‘weapon’ and a ‘victim’. The objective is simple – kill your victim with your allocated weapon in the allocated location. Obviously this has resulted in a series of extremely amusing moments, such as Valeria smearing energy bomb on Matt’s face, and Gareth tipping cold water over Dani – whilst she was sunbathing!
After a few days of hard work x5 decided to take a day off, for what we thought would be spent at the local swimming pool. Unfortunately we arrived to find it empty, but were redirected to a river nearby where we wiled away the hours bathing in the water, the sun and playing volleyball. Louis and Dani meanwhile attempted the world record for most falls in a day – the latter taking the spoils. You’ll be pleased to know it’s not all fun and games for X-Ray 5. Due to the huge effort put in by the group, we’re way ahead of schedule and close to completion several days early.
Of course, being in a National Park wouldn’t be complete without wildlife encounters – just last night the classroom was invaded by a stag-beetle/butterfly hybrid and it was all we could do to prevent George having a panic attack. This was followed this morning by the invasion of a herd of 30 cows onto the campsite, which were duly driven away by banging pots and brandishing machetes. No animals were harmed in this defensive display.Since our last update we have seen not 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 5 but 6 spider monkeys, which were spied by Gaz and Phil, swinging their way above our worksite.
Yesterday we visited the pool (now full) and stopped on the way at a local organic farmers union. We were unsure what to expect – especially not a coffee shop made of mosaics which impressed the whole group. Here we sampled pure organic jam and coffee which can only be described as the best ever.
That’s all for now. Tomorrow we visit the Valley of Silence, a former Raleigh project of footpaths and trails. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves, had a laugh and undertaken some amazing things. Here’s hoping our Zulu groups are just as epic!
X-Ray 5 sends its love to all friends and family at home and wishes all the Mothers out there a truly special day x
One of the most important aspects of our time (apart from work) in La Amistad has been Human Cluedo initiated by Amelia. Every person is given a location, a ‘weapon’ and a ‘victim’. The objective is simple – kill your victim with your allocated weapon in the allocated location. Obviously this has resulted in a series of extremely amusing moments, such as Valeria smearing energy bomb on Matt’s face, and Gareth tipping cold water over Dani – whilst she was sunbathing!
After a few days of hard work x5 decided to take a day off, for what we thought would be spent at the local swimming pool. Unfortunately we arrived to find it empty, but were redirected to a river nearby where we wiled away the hours bathing in the water, the sun and playing volleyball. Louis and Dani meanwhile attempted the world record for most falls in a day – the latter taking the spoils. You’ll be pleased to know it’s not all fun and games for X-Ray 5. Due to the huge effort put in by the group, we’re way ahead of schedule and close to completion several days early.
Of course, being in a National Park wouldn’t be complete without wildlife encounters – just last night the classroom was invaded by a stag-beetle/butterfly hybrid and it was all we could do to prevent George having a panic attack. This was followed this morning by the invasion of a herd of 30 cows onto the campsite, which were duly driven away by banging pots and brandishing machetes. No animals were harmed in this defensive display.Since our last update we have seen not 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 5 but 6 spider monkeys, which were spied by Gaz and Phil, swinging their way above our worksite.
Yesterday we visited the pool (now full) and stopped on the way at a local organic farmers union. We were unsure what to expect – especially not a coffee shop made of mosaics which impressed the whole group. Here we sampled pure organic jam and coffee which can only be described as the best ever.
That’s all for now. Tomorrow we visit the Valley of Silence, a former Raleigh project of footpaths and trails. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed themselves, had a laugh and undertaken some amazing things. Here’s hoping our Zulu groups are just as epic!
X-Ray 5 sends its love to all friends and family at home and wishes all the Mothers out there a truly special day x
Monday, 12 March 2012
X-Ray 4 Carara National Park
X-Ray 4’s Charlotte with a Chapter on Carara.
X-Ray 4’s journey through Carara Holy Land began with an iguana which had similar eyes to our own Daniel leading us to suspect potential biological lines. This myth was soon debunked however as, our man is nowhere near as clumsy as this reptile, which continually fell off the roof in our first few days on site.
Each morning’s unique vocal wake-up call is followed by a delicious dose of porridge that fuels us for the sweat-soaked morning of building trails, before its back for lunch and everyone’s favourite – refried beans! Thankfully our ranger, Oscar supplements our yummy rations with fresh fruit and the essential after jungle work – soap!
Free time here is filled with card games (SPAM), word games, riddles, and recently a trip to the beach at Playa Hermosa, where many dodgy suntan applications led to the typical splotchy Brits sunburn and the name-calling that goes with it (Lobster).
What does the future hold for X Ray 4? Well we’re about to dig our third long drop, and there’s lots more to maintain around the park, but X Ray 4 maintain their high spirits!
We’ll leave you with one our riddles to keep you busy:
“A man walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a gun. 30 seconds later the man thanks the barman and leaves. What happened?
Pura Vida!
X-Ray 4’s journey through Carara Holy Land began with an iguana which had similar eyes to our own Daniel leading us to suspect potential biological lines. This myth was soon debunked however as, our man is nowhere near as clumsy as this reptile, which continually fell off the roof in our first few days on site.
Each morning’s unique vocal wake-up call is followed by a delicious dose of porridge that fuels us for the sweat-soaked morning of building trails, before its back for lunch and everyone’s favourite – refried beans! Thankfully our ranger, Oscar supplements our yummy rations with fresh fruit and the essential after jungle work – soap!
Free time here is filled with card games (SPAM), word games, riddles, and recently a trip to the beach at Playa Hermosa, where many dodgy suntan applications led to the typical splotchy Brits sunburn and the name-calling that goes with it (Lobster).
What does the future hold for X Ray 4? Well we’re about to dig our third long drop, and there’s lots more to maintain around the park, but X Ray 4 maintain their high spirits!
We’ll leave you with one our riddles to keep you busy:
“A man walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water. The barman pulls out a gun. 30 seconds later the man thanks the barman and leaves. What happened?
Pura Vida!
Saturday, 3 March 2012
X-Ray projects, some background
Many of you undoubtedly read the previous post regarding X-Ray allocations and spied some new locations in amongst some familiar names. Well observed. Whilst some of the groups will be continuing the work undertaken by the awesome Alphas, a couple of new projects have cropped up which I will give you a background.
The Turrisantos and Corcovado treks, as you may have guessed, are the same as those that ran in Phase One, albeit with one new addition, the Miratombo trek, which will be tackled by X-Ray 3 during the phase. Starting up in the north of Nicaragua, near to Esteli. This route snakes its way through the Miraflor and Estanzuela wildlife reserve, and for the second half of its duration, the mighty Volcan Momotombo remains within sight; the trekkers celebrate the trip’s climax in the crater lake of Asososca.
Environmental efforts continue at Carara and La Amistad National Parks, with X-Ray 4 and 5 respectively, however the new kid on the block is Volcan Tenorio, visited by X-Ray 6. Located in the north of Costa Rica in Guanacaste province, it is notorious for the ultramarine Rio Celeste, which attains its colour due to mineral deposits and the emanation of sulphur from the volcano. Whilst in the park, X-Ray 6 will be repairing access trails alongside constructing a stair case down to a waterfall on the Celeste. This is one of several projects Raleigh will have undertaken on Volcan Tenorio; previous Raleigh groups assisted with the constructions of a bridge and Latin America’s first disabled access pathway in a rainforest.
X-Rays 7 and 8 will carry on the community projects undertaken in La Naranjita and San Jose up in Miraflor, Nicaragua, whereas X-Ray 9, in a new project, have swung south to Dorbata, in the Chirripo Indigenous Territory which is located on the Caribbean slope in the Matama area. Populated by the Cabecar indigenous people, one of the largest groups in Costa Rica, X-Ray 9 will be constructing a school in the area, which due to its remoteness, is generally only accessible by foot. The majority of the population are subsistence farmers, with one notable import to the community being football boots!
We will of course, bring you news and views from the projects as they break. If you haven’t already, whet your appetite by checking out the fantastic photo review of phase one (see the link on the left hand toolbar), composed by Ale. I can assure you it only gets better the more you watch it.
The Turrisantos and Corcovado treks, as you may have guessed, are the same as those that ran in Phase One, albeit with one new addition, the Miratombo trek, which will be tackled by X-Ray 3 during the phase. Starting up in the north of Nicaragua, near to Esteli. This route snakes its way through the Miraflor and Estanzuela wildlife reserve, and for the second half of its duration, the mighty Volcan Momotombo remains within sight; the trekkers celebrate the trip’s climax in the crater lake of Asososca.
Environmental efforts continue at Carara and La Amistad National Parks, with X-Ray 4 and 5 respectively, however the new kid on the block is Volcan Tenorio, visited by X-Ray 6. Located in the north of Costa Rica in Guanacaste province, it is notorious for the ultramarine Rio Celeste, which attains its colour due to mineral deposits and the emanation of sulphur from the volcano. Whilst in the park, X-Ray 6 will be repairing access trails alongside constructing a stair case down to a waterfall on the Celeste. This is one of several projects Raleigh will have undertaken on Volcan Tenorio; previous Raleigh groups assisted with the constructions of a bridge and Latin America’s first disabled access pathway in a rainforest.
X-Rays 7 and 8 will carry on the community projects undertaken in La Naranjita and San Jose up in Miraflor, Nicaragua, whereas X-Ray 9, in a new project, have swung south to Dorbata, in the Chirripo Indigenous Territory which is located on the Caribbean slope in the Matama area. Populated by the Cabecar indigenous people, one of the largest groups in Costa Rica, X-Ray 9 will be constructing a school in the area, which due to its remoteness, is generally only accessible by foot. The majority of the population are subsistence farmers, with one notable import to the community being football boots!
We will of course, bring you news and views from the projects as they break. If you haven’t already, whet your appetite by checking out the fantastic photo review of phase one (see the link on the left hand toolbar), composed by Ale. I can assure you it only gets better the more you watch it.
X-Ray Exodus
In the mere blink of an eye our Alpha groups have returned, eaten us out of house and home, regrouped, and flown the nest in the form of X-Ray groups. Phase Two is underway. Just two days ago, all was calm at Fieldbase. In a jam packed schedule we’ve welcomed and initiated our Explorers at ‘jungle’ camp, taken the Expedition 12B photo, seen our groups relay the story of phase one in their skits, reformed and ‘broken the ice’ with our new X-Ray groups, and last night celebrated the end of changeover with a super-heroes and villains fancy dress party. They’ll be off for 19 days on a variety of projects, some of which involve continuing work undertaken by the Alpha groups in phase one, some of which are new for expedition. The groups are as follows:
X-Ray 1 – Turrisantos Trek
Clare Wright
Daniel Saborio
Francesca Hodge
Elliot Gordon
Callum E Hunter
Danielle Dowding
Diana Hindle Fisher
Jack Bannenberg
Jose Pablo Castilo Halabi
Lauren Davidson
Phoebe Mackenzie Smith
Savan Shah
Sophie I Jenkins
Lisa Steinmetz
Sam Horbye
X-Ray 2 – Corcovado Trek
Afsana Tahirova
Joseph Donovan
Harry Verma
Dougal Mackenzie Smith
Erika Lobo Sánchez
Louisa Treadwell
Mary Dashfield
Max de Kroon
Valeria Vasquez Cruz
Jonathan Sacarello
Alexi Meghir
Joshua Biggs O'May
Fosca Meyjes
X-Ray 3 – Miratombo Trek (*New*)
Caroline Bolt
Jonathan Baguley
Kelly Mcpherson
Oliver Thomas
Wing Tung Wong
Deyanira Monterrey Centeno
Jarol Jassiel Tercero Morales
Jessica Emerson
Mark Wardle
Rosemary Henry
Samuel Marsden
Sian Lewis
Thea Mikkelsen
Ting Phoa
George Batt
X-Ray 4 – Carara National Park
Alexander E Dennis
Katie Philpott
Lucinda Ryan
Charlotte Rombaut
Ileana Boyes
James Barlow
Julian Heckmatt
Liam J Ward
Mark J Fearon
Nicole R Waller
Sjoerd B Baardman
Tess P de Jongh
Véronique Driebeek
Daniel Meza
Markus Hjorth
X-Ray 5 – La Amistad National Park
Danielle Percival
Matthew Jewers
Gareth Price-Baghurst
Alfredo Salas Garro
Valeria Celeste Polimeni Solís
Anthony Gallagher
Julie Balfour
Kevin Ho
Neneh Mae Whiting
Phillip Houghton
Rachelle Bent
Louis Manders
George Moody
Amelia Christie-Miller
X-Ray 6 – Volcan Tenorio (*New*)
Amanda Payne-Danson
Roeland Terpstra
Mohammed Benyamin Chowdhury
Maria G Gerono
Mercedes White
Benedict J Maclean
Allegra Dowley
Edward M Lilley
George K Cosgrove
Gustavo Badilla Araya
Hannah Voisin
Pamela Quesada Gutierrez
Simon Webb
Sonia Deiters
Timothy J Welander
X-Ray 7 – La Naranjita, Miraflor
Alex Beaumont
Fiona Arakelian
Amanda H Petersson
Amy Craddock
Claire F Edgley
Eika S Webb
Istvan Josue Sepulveda Hernandez
Jack T Griffin
Joni Antonio Moreno Gonzáles
Marvin Uriel Perez Villarreyna
Thomas S Edney
Louis J Worrall
Harvey Burgess
Emma Tivey
X-Ray 8 – San Jose, Miraflor
Jemma Grundon
Jessica Soane
Victoria Brennan
Andrew C Sweerts
James J Wildgoose
Anna Blackwell
Azelle Egbe
Charles A Pilkington
Georgina H Webster
Hanko Gerritsen
Holly K Courtier
Jezreel Lezama
Michael Modesto Romero Herrera
Roisin M Carson
Fleur Jansen
X-Ray 9 – Dorbata, Chirripo Indigenous Reserve (*New*)
Adrianna Rodriguez
Daniel Walsh
Jayshree Jadav
Robert F Sutton-Mattocks
Alexandre Bello
Frederik van Landegem
Brayan Lobo Fallas
Ciara Atkinson
Dara M Sternberg
Josephine Killen
Matthew F Moore
Ravenna A Westerhout
Sophie G van Woerkom
Yzza R Slaoui
From hereon in, if you wish to send a message, please put the NAME OF RECIPIENT and their X-RAY GROUP. Makes admin a little easier. Thanks!
X-Ray 1 – Turrisantos Trek
Clare Wright
Daniel Saborio
Francesca Hodge
Elliot Gordon
Callum E Hunter
Danielle Dowding
Diana Hindle Fisher
Jack Bannenberg
Jose Pablo Castilo Halabi
Lauren Davidson
Phoebe Mackenzie Smith
Savan Shah
Sophie I Jenkins
Lisa Steinmetz
Sam Horbye
X-Ray 2 – Corcovado Trek
Afsana Tahirova
Joseph Donovan
Harry Verma
Dougal Mackenzie Smith
Erika Lobo Sánchez
Louisa Treadwell
Mary Dashfield
Max de Kroon
Valeria Vasquez Cruz
Jonathan Sacarello
Alexi Meghir
Joshua Biggs O'May
Fosca Meyjes
X-Ray 3 – Miratombo Trek (*New*)
Caroline Bolt
Jonathan Baguley
Kelly Mcpherson
Oliver Thomas
Wing Tung Wong
Deyanira Monterrey Centeno
Jarol Jassiel Tercero Morales
Jessica Emerson
Mark Wardle
Rosemary Henry
Samuel Marsden
Sian Lewis
Thea Mikkelsen
Ting Phoa
George Batt
X-Ray 4 – Carara National Park
Alexander E Dennis
Katie Philpott
Lucinda Ryan
Charlotte Rombaut
Ileana Boyes
James Barlow
Julian Heckmatt
Liam J Ward
Mark J Fearon
Nicole R Waller
Sjoerd B Baardman
Tess P de Jongh
Véronique Driebeek
Daniel Meza
Markus Hjorth
X-Ray 5 – La Amistad National Park
Danielle Percival
Matthew Jewers
Gareth Price-Baghurst
Alfredo Salas Garro
Valeria Celeste Polimeni Solís
Anthony Gallagher
Julie Balfour
Kevin Ho
Neneh Mae Whiting
Phillip Houghton
Rachelle Bent
Louis Manders
George Moody
Amelia Christie-Miller
X-Ray 6 – Volcan Tenorio (*New*)
Amanda Payne-Danson
Roeland Terpstra
Mohammed Benyamin Chowdhury
Maria G Gerono
Mercedes White
Benedict J Maclean
Allegra Dowley
Edward M Lilley
George K Cosgrove
Gustavo Badilla Araya
Hannah Voisin
Pamela Quesada Gutierrez
Simon Webb
Sonia Deiters
Timothy J Welander
X-Ray 7 – La Naranjita, Miraflor
Alex Beaumont
Fiona Arakelian
Amanda H Petersson
Amy Craddock
Claire F Edgley
Eika S Webb
Istvan Josue Sepulveda Hernandez
Jack T Griffin
Joni Antonio Moreno Gonzáles
Marvin Uriel Perez Villarreyna
Thomas S Edney
Louis J Worrall
Harvey Burgess
Emma Tivey
X-Ray 8 – San Jose, Miraflor
Jemma Grundon
Jessica Soane
Victoria Brennan
Andrew C Sweerts
James J Wildgoose
Anna Blackwell
Azelle Egbe
Charles A Pilkington
Georgina H Webster
Hanko Gerritsen
Holly K Courtier
Jezreel Lezama
Michael Modesto Romero Herrera
Roisin M Carson
Fleur Jansen
X-Ray 9 – Dorbata, Chirripo Indigenous Reserve (*New*)
Adrianna Rodriguez
Daniel Walsh
Jayshree Jadav
Robert F Sutton-Mattocks
Alexandre Bello
Frederik van Landegem
Brayan Lobo Fallas
Ciara Atkinson
Dara M Sternberg
Josephine Killen
Matthew F Moore
Ravenna A Westerhout
Sophie G van Woerkom
Yzza R Slaoui
From hereon in, if you wish to send a message, please put the NAME OF RECIPIENT and their X-RAY GROUP. Makes admin a little easier. Thanks!
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Updates from X-Ray 4 and 5
With phase 2 drawing ever closer to its conclusion, here are some blog reports from X-Rays 4 and 5 at Playa Hermosa and Achuapa respectively.
X-Ray 4
X-Ray 4
X-Ray 4 have currently settled into the roles of park rangers at Playa Hermosa. Our nightly patrol are full of anticipation for who will find the most nests, 10 is the best so far. Usually we find about 100 eggs.
We have been working hard all the time to protect the hatchery from high tide and rangers are pleased with our progress. We are determined to finish the project by the end of phase.
When fieldbase visited our camp, we organised a mini Olympics with disciplines including pinball, dancing, coconut throwing and the best sandcastle built in 10 minutes.
On Saturday, we had the pleasure to welcome a special visitor to camp when the Australian Ambassador came to say hello during her visit to Central America. The Australian Embassy and Raleigh work closely together and we were proud to show her the hatchery, the work we have been doing and our jungle camp.
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| The luxurious jungle camp |
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| PM Lucy doing some path clearing |
X-Ray 5
Having spent the last week and half adapting to a different lifestyle within a Nicaraguan family, the culture and expectation within the community seem to be the main differences from our own personal upbringing.
We found it fascinating that children get married from the age of 14-25. Also there have been recent developments in the education system.
Without knowing what was to be expected when living in a different environment, the way we have been treated in our households has been spectacular, from making tortillas to the unexpected situation of having our clothes washed for us!
The weather has been amazing in comparison to the previous week of torrential rainfall. In terms of the project itself we have built the dam and still need to establish a few waterpipes in order to provide sanitation to families in the village.
It has been a remarkable experience to be living in such a different environment and enjoying many laughs along the way. These included half an hour of Spanish lessons every day where 10 press-ups was the consequences of any mistakes...it’s fair to say some of us have developed quite a lot of upper body strength.
We have also had the idiot of the day award for anyone coming out with the silliest remark...the winner of that has to wear Halloween pumpkin dress for the day.
It’s been an action-packed last 3 days from finishing our project to a few last minute activities with community including a very enjoyable leaving party.
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| The completed dam |
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| X-Ray 5: trench diggers, dam builders, boulder lifters |
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| The evening radio checks are done with this view...not bad!!! |
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Updates from X-Ray 4
Jed from Bravo 1 has returned from the road trip and brought with him some blogs from X-Ray 4 bloggers Monisha and Flor.
A day in the life of X-Ray 4
06:00: Everyone gathers in our camp kitchen for breakfast, fuelling up for the hard day's work ahead of us.
07:00: We make our way from camp to the rangers' station which is a short walk away. Our charismatic maestro Don Marco and the other rangers have kept us very amused by communicating in Spanglish. Our mornign work has involved building a barrier between the beach and hatchery to protect from high tide and tsunamis, improving the road leading the rangers' station and smartening up the wildlife refuge.
11:00: Before the afternoon heat sets in, we return to camp for lunch. The middle of afternoon is spent resting, recouping our energy and playing cards with the rangers.
15:00: We make our way back to the rangers' station for some more work clearing the paths to the beach by removing driftwood that has been washed to shore. The afternoons are also spent in the hatchery excavating the new-born turtles from their nests. it's an incredible feeling to pull each turtle out and then release them in to the sea.
17:00: Dinner time! Our group has been blessed with some awesome chefs that have treated us to delicious gallo pinto and empenadas with soya mince and beans. Perfect meals to keep us all going for the night shifts.
20:00 - 05:00: Hatchery
Two people start the first hatchery shift at 20:00 - 00:30 and then swap with the second shift who do 00:30 -05:00. Every 30 minutes we check certains nests to see if any turtles have hatched. If they have, we count and collect them and bring them back to the rangers' station. If the turtles are very active and the tide is low we can release them into the ocean. The turtles are placed in a line about 10 metres away from the water and we watch them take their first steps in life.
22:00 - 05:00: Patrols
The patrol timings vary depending on the tide but usually patrol 1 starts at 22:00 and patrol 2 sets off at 03:00 for either a 7km and 14km distance with one of the rangers. We walk along the beach in the moonlight searching for turtle trails that lead to a nest to uncover eggs that have been laid. If we;re lucky we can catch the turtles laying their eggs or making their nests and then watch them silently make their way back to the sea. We collect the eggs which can way up to 7kg and continue our patrol. Initially we thought patrol would be a leisurely walk along the beach but we soon had to get used to the fast pace set by ranger Jonny.
It has been fantastic time so far in Playa Hermosa. working with the turtles and living in our beach camp has been incredible. Our body clocks are slowly getting used to the challenging but rewarding night shifts!
Pura Vida!
And now some thoughts (in Spanish) from fellow blogger Flor.
A day in the life of X-Ray 4
06:00: Everyone gathers in our camp kitchen for breakfast, fuelling up for the hard day's work ahead of us.
07:00: We make our way from camp to the rangers' station which is a short walk away. Our charismatic maestro Don Marco and the other rangers have kept us very amused by communicating in Spanglish. Our mornign work has involved building a barrier between the beach and hatchery to protect from high tide and tsunamis, improving the road leading the rangers' station and smartening up the wildlife refuge.
11:00: Before the afternoon heat sets in, we return to camp for lunch. The middle of afternoon is spent resting, recouping our energy and playing cards with the rangers.
15:00: We make our way back to the rangers' station for some more work clearing the paths to the beach by removing driftwood that has been washed to shore. The afternoons are also spent in the hatchery excavating the new-born turtles from their nests. it's an incredible feeling to pull each turtle out and then release them in to the sea.
17:00: Dinner time! Our group has been blessed with some awesome chefs that have treated us to delicious gallo pinto and empenadas with soya mince and beans. Perfect meals to keep us all going for the night shifts.
20:00 - 05:00: Hatchery
Two people start the first hatchery shift at 20:00 - 00:30 and then swap with the second shift who do 00:30 -05:00. Every 30 minutes we check certains nests to see if any turtles have hatched. If they have, we count and collect them and bring them back to the rangers' station. If the turtles are very active and the tide is low we can release them into the ocean. The turtles are placed in a line about 10 metres away from the water and we watch them take their first steps in life.
22:00 - 05:00: Patrols
The patrol timings vary depending on the tide but usually patrol 1 starts at 22:00 and patrol 2 sets off at 03:00 for either a 7km and 14km distance with one of the rangers. We walk along the beach in the moonlight searching for turtle trails that lead to a nest to uncover eggs that have been laid. If we;re lucky we can catch the turtles laying their eggs or making their nests and then watch them silently make their way back to the sea. We collect the eggs which can way up to 7kg and continue our patrol. Initially we thought patrol would be a leisurely walk along the beach but we soon had to get used to the fast pace set by ranger Jonny.
It has been fantastic time so far in Playa Hermosa. working with the turtles and living in our beach camp has been incredible. Our body clocks are slowly getting used to the challenging but rewarding night shifts!
Pura Vida!
And now some thoughts (in Spanish) from fellow blogger Flor.
Qué hay en el misterio de la vida?
Qué hay en la vida de cada ser humano que le hace tan importante and especial?
Qué hace que todo se mueva?
Eschuchar el mar, sentirlo tan vivo, alegre y fuerte; pensar que dentro de él existen milliones de seres los cuales no conocemos y que forman parte importante en el ciclo diario de la vida.
Cada vez que salimos a patrollar es tan interesante caminar y sentir la naturaleza, ver cuando las tortugas salen a desobar y dar inicio a un nuveo ciclo de vida. Pesnar que somos parecidas: naceoms, crecemos, nos reproducimos and morimos, pero nosotros tenemos el poder de la decisión, depende de cada uno darle sentido a la vida y marcar la diferencia, dejando huella en otros corazones, transformando vidas, asi que: sea bueno o malo nuestro dia, siempre trae buenas razones para cantar y reìr.
Pienso que en los momentos de adversidad siempre hay que tener una visión emprendedora, y si nos vemos frente a un abismop, dar un paso atras, razonar que estamos haciendo y buscar un nuevo horizonte, no ver el cielo gris que nos rodea, si no, agregarle estrellas y pintarlo de colores, al final despues de todo los obstaculos son solo para probar el guerrero que tenemos dentro.
Exitos en tu vida, vievela y no dejes que nadie, nunca te diga como, cada quien anda a su paso, lento o rapido. Buena suerte! Camina como te de la gana, claro siempre es bueno escuchar consejos, y toma nota de tus experiencias, para no cometer el mismo error dos veces. Buena suerte y brilla brilla!
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| One of the friendly locals...don;t worry they keep their ditance! |
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| PM Ken joins the team after a spell in fieldbase. |
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| The team is called X-Ray in case you weren't sure! |
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Back from the Jungle and Still Breathing!
After returning from 3 days of hot and humid exploring deep in the jungle that is La Cangreja, your guest Blogger (Jed) can now update you on all our beloved groups' progress.
A bit of background on La Cangreja, where X-Ray 3 are ensconced. La Cangreja translates as 'The Crab' - as the hills are said to resemble a huge crab. I couldn't quite see it myself, but it's a good a name as any! La Cangreja is a national park of preserved pristine jungle. In my 2 nights there I saw beautiful scarlet macaws, giant (and I mean giant) butterflies, bigger than life beetles and the ever-present never-ending hordes of ants.
During this nature-fest I was working hard to set up the water supply project, so I spent my time designing the system that the group will install. It will enable a further project to allow disabled access to the park and assist with the ongoing ecological research. The water supply system is over 850m long and the group will have to dig (by hand!) a 1m trench for this distance over remarkably steep terrain. X-Ray 3 will certainly have their work cut out over the next few weeks, but the results of their hard graft should last for the next 50 years.
The group themselves have now got their jungle camp set up with basher beds, hammocks, long drop, cooking station and even a communal games area. The camp is on the banks of the Rio Negra, which is great for a dip after a hard day's work! I'm sure they will have a unforgettable jungle experience. There's a few pics below (thanks to Anni and Lisa) showing the group in action.
As for the other groups here's today's round-up:
X-Ray 1 - Turrisantos Trek
The field base team have met up with them and they are currently descending Volcan Turrialba as I write this. Hopefully they will have hit the summit and had a chance to smell the sulphur! Tomorrow they head off to Guayabo National Monument, which is the remains from a previous civilisation thought to be over 3,000 years old.
X-Ray 2 - Guanacaste Trek
The trek group are making good progress and will reach Lake Arenal tonight, where they can take in the stunning views of the lake and volcano, and also go for a deserved and refreshing swim.
X-Ray 4 - Playa Hermosa
They are having what I'm told is a 'lovely time at the beach'! They've also managed to collect a huge number of eggs and have already released countless tiny turtles into the Pacific Ocean.
X-Ray 5 - Achuapa
Now fully settled in to the village, the work kicks off today. They will be continuing the work from last phase on the youth centre. They should also be setting up some time with the community to play games of football and baseball with them.
X-Ray 6 - Miraflor
They arrived safely in their community last night and today will be starting work on the water supply project for the village. They'll also get to explore their new home a bit more and get to know the families they are staying with.
A bit of background on La Cangreja, where X-Ray 3 are ensconced. La Cangreja translates as 'The Crab' - as the hills are said to resemble a huge crab. I couldn't quite see it myself, but it's a good a name as any! La Cangreja is a national park of preserved pristine jungle. In my 2 nights there I saw beautiful scarlet macaws, giant (and I mean giant) butterflies, bigger than life beetles and the ever-present never-ending hordes of ants.
During this nature-fest I was working hard to set up the water supply project, so I spent my time designing the system that the group will install. It will enable a further project to allow disabled access to the park and assist with the ongoing ecological research. The water supply system is over 850m long and the group will have to dig (by hand!) a 1m trench for this distance over remarkably steep terrain. X-Ray 3 will certainly have their work cut out over the next few weeks, but the results of their hard graft should last for the next 50 years.
The group themselves have now got their jungle camp set up with basher beds, hammocks, long drop, cooking station and even a communal games area. The camp is on the banks of the Rio Negra, which is great for a dip after a hard day's work! I'm sure they will have a unforgettable jungle experience. There's a few pics below (thanks to Anni and Lisa) showing the group in action.
As for the other groups here's today's round-up:
X-Ray 1 - Turrisantos Trek
The field base team have met up with them and they are currently descending Volcan Turrialba as I write this. Hopefully they will have hit the summit and had a chance to smell the sulphur! Tomorrow they head off to Guayabo National Monument, which is the remains from a previous civilisation thought to be over 3,000 years old.
X-Ray 2 - Guanacaste Trek
The trek group are making good progress and will reach Lake Arenal tonight, where they can take in the stunning views of the lake and volcano, and also go for a deserved and refreshing swim.
X-Ray 4 - Playa Hermosa
They are having what I'm told is a 'lovely time at the beach'! They've also managed to collect a huge number of eggs and have already released countless tiny turtles into the Pacific Ocean.
X-Ray 5 - Achuapa
Now fully settled in to the village, the work kicks off today. They will be continuing the work from last phase on the youth centre. They should also be setting up some time with the community to play games of football and baseball with them.
X-Ray 6 - Miraflor
They arrived safely in their community last night and today will be starting work on the water supply project for the village. They'll also get to explore their new home a bit more and get to know the families they are staying with.
Sunday, 28 August 2011
In the jungle, the mighty jungle...
Buenas dias!! Having spent 5 days out on the bumpy road, taking in some of the stunning sights of Costa Rica, Juliet Bravo 3 are now back at fieldbase and ready to fill you in on the goings on of Xray 4! Arriving mid morning at La Cangreja to a muddy, yet extremely chirpy Xray 4, we successfully interrupted their hard work for a cheeky cup of tea and a catch up about what they’ve all been up to for the past 10 days. Without further ado, let’s hear from Xray 4’s blogger Justin……..
‘In the jungle, the mighty jungle of La Cangreja National Park, greetings from the intrepid Xray 4! In our short time here we have been very busy: to talk you through an average day, Xray 4 would wake, spring out of bed into an energy busting game of ninja, then hit the project site, where follows a day of levelling ground, shovelling mud, and working on the greenhouses where tropical trees are grown ready to be shipped worldwide.
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| The greenhouse the group have been working on |
The evenings are spent well, with Claire and Catriona making lovely bracelets for the group, as well as a rousing game (or two!) of Mafia (it’s always jenny!). When it rains in La Cangreja, it doesn’t just rain – it pours! Justin takes the opportunity to dive straight in and use the rain as a shower – it really works!
Xray 4 have also learnt the art of foraging – Lloyd found us an orange tree whilst Isaak and Luke cooked up some plantain. The rangers were also nice enough to give us some fresh piña (pineapple!) The constructive spirit also caught Xray 4 when Maykol fashioned a makeshift shower from basha tarps and a hose pipe. Luke added a roof, remarking that we wouldn’t want to get wet in the shower… (?!)
Even the strongest need their days off, and we found ours when visiting the beautiful Rio Negro, where naturally formed jacuzzis helped the group relax after a hard days work.
Finally, Xray 4 would like everyone to join us for the celebration of our very own Karen’s 20th birthday! We celebrated with cake and games such as pass the parcel and musical chairs. Raleigh is not for the faint hearted!
The intrepid Xray 4’s next steps are to the amazing Playa Hermosa, where we will be going out on turtle patrols to rescue eggs and set free baby turtles into the sea. Wish us luck as we stride boldly onto the beach!’
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| Xray 4 taking some time out from work with a game of cards |
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| Cerro Cangreja - the torrential rain looming in the distance! |
Blog written by Justin Shenolikar. Photos by Cathy Titterton.
So that’s the low down on what Xray 4 have been up to for the last 10 days! All in all the group are on top form and looking forward to spending the second half of their phase on turtle patrol at the beautiful Playa Hermosa. Juliet Bravo 3 are now back at fieldbase eagerly awaiting more blogs to come through on the radio from all the project groups so we can get them up for all of you to read, so keep checking! Pura Vida!!
Friday, 19 August 2011
The X-rays get moving...
It's only been a day since our X-ray teams left us here at fieldbase and already we can't wait to hear what they're up to. This is the latest so far...
X-ray 1 didn’t waste any time and began trekking yesterday afternoon. Today they are heading to Barbilla where they will meet their guide for the next couple of days.
Our Nicaragua teams, X-ray 2, 5 and 6, spent last night at Jinotepe school and today will be splitting up and going their separate ways to begin their phase three ventures.
X-ray 3 are settling in well at the top of Volcan Turrialba and soaking up the magnificent views before the hard work begins.
X-ray 4 are already getting stuck in, busy building bridges and painting the nursery.
So this is just a taster of things to come, but we're happy to say that all groups are safe, well and by the sounds of things feeling tip-top and full of gusto for the phase ahead - just what we like to hear!
It's that time again - the big 'R' (road trip...), when our fieldbase team leave the comfort of Raleigh fb and head on out for some life on the road, visiting our groups. The two Bravo vehicles will be off early doors on Sunday so if you have any messages that you want to get to our venturers soon, best get them in by Saturday night.
More updates soon. Pura vida.
Blog written by Dawn Tennant and photo's by Kat Mammone, unless otherwise stated.
X-ray 1 didn’t waste any time and began trekking yesterday afternoon. Today they are heading to Barbilla where they will meet their guide for the next couple of days.
Our Nicaragua teams, X-ray 2, 5 and 6, spent last night at Jinotepe school and today will be splitting up and going their separate ways to begin their phase three ventures.
X-ray 3 are settling in well at the top of Volcan Turrialba and soaking up the magnificent views before the hard work begins.
X-ray 4 are already getting stuck in, busy building bridges and painting the nursery.
So this is just a taster of things to come, but we're happy to say that all groups are safe, well and by the sounds of things feeling tip-top and full of gusto for the phase ahead - just what we like to hear!
It's that time again - the big 'R' (road trip...), when our fieldbase team leave the comfort of Raleigh fb and head on out for some life on the road, visiting our groups. The two Bravo vehicles will be off early doors on Sunday so if you have any messages that you want to get to our venturers soon, best get them in by Saturday night.
More updates soon. Pura vida.
Blog written by Dawn Tennant and photo's by Kat Mammone, unless otherwise stated.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Round three...
This morning we waved an excited goodbye to our new X-ray groups as they headed out for the final phase, and a few tears were shed as we said ‘adios’ to the 7 weekers, whose Raleigh adventure has come to an end all too quickly. True to the nature and moral principles of Raleigh however, we didn’t let them go without a bit of a jolly to see them off. Last night was Vegas night at fieldbase and the Raleigh staff were dressed head to toe in their finest get up in order to make the evening as authentic as possible; the girls in sparkly, floor-length numbers, the guys in dodgy shirts and bowler hats and we even had our very own Elvis. Unfortunately budget wouldn’t allow for our show-girl outfits, feathers etc (oh darn it, never mind), but the atmosphere was there all the same. The night started off with a slideshow of phase two moments captured by our venturers and super photographer, Kat, followed by an awards ceremony for the 7 weekers ‘best guy and girl’. Prizes went to Pinki and Rich whose efforts, motivation, high spirits and well rounded natures did not go unnoticed. Well done guys, you’ve helped to make this expedition a wonderful experience both for you and for those around you. We hope you enjoyed every moment of it, just as much as we have - pura vida!
After this Vegas officially lit up - the casino opened and bets were being placed left right and centre! (with matchsticks can I just add, no real money was used in the making of this event) A fun night for all. Check out some pictures below of our groups departing... and some random ones from fieldbase, just for fun.
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| Best Female Explorer - Pinki! |
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| Trek ready! |
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| New team - Victor Meldrew 1 |
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| Goodbye hugs for all |
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| Bien viaje 7 weekers! |
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| X-ray 6 |
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| X-ray 2 |
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| X-ray 5 |
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| X-ray 4 |
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| X-ray 1 |
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| Some cows in a field... |
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| Hello's in the rain |
Back soon with news from our X-rays as they head, trekking feet first, into phase three. Pura vida.
*Blog written by Dawn Tennant and photo's by Kat Mammone, unless otherwise stated.
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