Changeover 2

And so they returned from all over Costa Rica and Nicaragua, each bus bringing a new wave of venturers each full of stories of their latest project. It was absolutely brilliant to see them and wonderful to see their excitement and enthusiasm. It is clear that some firm and lasting friendships have been made and there were some big changes in many individuals.

The changeover was mostly a chance for everyone to chill out and catch up with each other. The highlight for me was a cricket match against a visiting team from the Costa Rican national league.

We didn't even come close to winning but it really didn't matter. The support and sportsmanship demonstrated by this group of staff and venturers was outstanding. Our team consisted of both guys and girls from at least 4 different countries, many of whom had never played cricket before.

Zeko and Ricai flew the flag for Bermuda, Alasdair and Ross attempted to prove that the Scots can play cricket, while Annabel, Laura and Emma showed the boys a thing or two. Our captains Vix and Dennis were brilliant in their organisation and Julian's passion for the game inspired us all.

Thanks guys you gave me yet another Raleigh moment.

Adios Lewis - We will miss you!!!!!

Tomorrow is a sad day for us as we bid farewell to the lovely Lewis who has been a real star of the expedition. Lewis was injured while on trek and after keeping us all entertained here at field base will head home to Scotland. Lewis is an incredibly popular member of our team, and his positive attitude and enthusiasm has inspired us all. Lewis we will miss you!!!!- the very best of luck in the future - stay away from the chilli - from everyone here at field base and the rest of the 08D expedition.

Phase 2 Our Highlights

Alpha 7 - La Esperanza - Nicaragua

A brand new project for the Alpha 7 team, tasked with the job of building a community centre for one of the small communities in Miraflor, Nicaragua. This is the first time Raleigh has been to La Esperanza and the team certainly had a huge impact. Living with local families, learning how to cook, work and live in this completely different world - this was certainly a once in a lifetime experience which the Alpha 7 team embraced.

Becky shows off some of her new building skills

And the walls go up



Marie-Claire, Esteban, Ricai and Mike - paying close attention to their Maestro de Obra - Foreman

Alpha 7 celebrating their hard work, Natalie, Esteban, Hannah, Marie-Claire, James, Ricai, Becky and Mike - (Amanda, Jamie and Teliqua were checking out the local hospital)

ALPHA 6 - El Cebellol Abajo - Nicaragua

Alpha 6 worked incredibly hard to finish the community centre which was started in phase 1. The group had the great pleasure of painting the building with a stunning mural and then using it on their last night for a whole of community celebration. We hear the dancing went on till the wee hours!

Ahh Tom - what can we say!

Rudo, Wendelle and Makeda working hard

Celebrating a job well done - Miranda, Theresa, Rudo, Matt, Jasper, Tom, Felicity, Rosa, Wendelle, Makeda and Jo - great work guys - I know that a more than a few tears were shed when you left, and while you will be missed you will certainly be remembered.

Alpha 5 - Achuapa - Monte Frio - Nicaragua

It was back to Monte Frio for Alpha 5 in their quest to connect running water to local houses. Although held up by some unexpected delays, the group worked incredibly hard and we are hopeful the project will be completed in phase 3

Our very own medicine woman - Carolyn who has now delievered two babies, bids farewell to her Nicaraguan Mama

The Alpha 5 work gang demonstrate that picking can be fun!

Annabel shows us how its done

Myles and Mani on the trench!

Alpha 4 - Playa Junquillal

A magical location for this incredibly hard working group, who impressed the local rangers no end with their efforts to improve facilities at the Santa Rosa National Park.

These are the BBQs that Alpha 4 built

Camp life - the ever present porridge

A very important birthday for a very important young lady was celebrated in style - Happy Birthday Al!

A glorious sunset for this fabulous group - we heard nothing but great reports from staff, venturers and rangers - Alex, Ale, Ned, Roberto, Alshante, Laura, Ben, Jon, Joy, Kandrea, and Wiggles a truly great team

ALPHA 3 - Bosque del Nino & San Lucas Island

Alpha 3 began their phase 1800 metres high in the cloud forests of Costa Rica where they worked on the visitors centre, visited beautiful waterfalls, ain, climbed Volcano Poas, and ....

got involved in local customs!

And then they made their way down to San Lucas, to help restore trails which take visitors around this stunning ex prison island.

Making friends with local fisherman proved fruitful - fish suppers for several nights made a nice change to rice and beans!


There is something quite magical about sleeping out under the stars on the pier, and the experience is something that few are likely to forget. Alpha 3 bonded brilliantly as a group and showed that it is possible to work hard and still have plenty of fun.

Alpha 2 - Coast to Coast

Starting off on the Carribean Coast, one of the bridges to cross - many more to follow as they made their way over mountain ranges, through jungles and across the lowlands to the Pacific Coast.

Colm checks to make sure they are indeed heading west

Iesha and Mel - having a Raleigh Moment

Andy and James try out the local transport

Many rivers to cross - to take the boots off or not - it's always a dilemma and a hotly debated topic

Mud like you have never seen or in Yasmin's case felt before - but she is still smiling!

Che also gets a taste for mud

The Coast to Coast girls - Laura, Yasmin, Iesha, Maddy, Mel & Emma

And it's all worth it - 19 days, a few hundred kilometres, several mountains, rain, mud, mosquitos, some swollen feet, some very weary venturerers, but what a view and what a feeling when you reach the Pacific - Congratulations Alpha 2 on crossing a continent

Alpha 1- Guanacaste Trek

Boots off crocs on! Another river crossing but not the real crocs this time they were to come later!

Yes it's definetly still raining here in Costa Rica but not enough to dampen the spirits of this crew

Shakii from Bermuda steels some shut eye while he can

Ashley another weary traveller!

Alasdair holds onto Katy in danger of being swept off the Volcano Rincon de la Vieja

And this is why they were walking! The beautiful Playa Nancito in the Santa Rosa National Park - Well done to Alpha 1 who overcame several challenges to finish in great spirits!