Conquest of the Corcovado (...almost!)

Having determinedly strode onwards through the scorching heat of the sun in Southern Costa Rica, trudged the open mud tracks, battled the mosquito-laden, humid jungle and waded across the winding waters of the Rio Rincon, X Ray 2 are fast approaching their desired destination. The glimmering promise of the Pacific has been sighted at the Golfo Dulce, and its inviting waters enjoyed at Rincon.

Such glorious adventure has not been without its misgivings however, and with blisters in abundance, food rations proving increasingly monotonous alongside 3 weeks of grime, sweat and dirt scenting the air surrounding us, we urge ourselves to our final destination.

The Corcovado trek has been rich in diverse wildlife. The vibrant colours of Costa Rica’s butterflies amongst the mystical fog of Santa Lucia’s bamboo fields have brought us a wealth of beauty and calm, in contrast to the alarm evoked at the sighting of snakes as they bask on our route, or the cohesive confines of spider’s webs strewn from trees.

Group morale has been faultless as we strive towards our adventures end. Two more days and we can rest our weary limbs and contemplate what will have been a unbelievable journey across some of Costa Rica’s most stunning landscapes.

Musings from Miratombo

Hello to everyone who has been following X Ray’s progress as we give you this instalment from the foot of the Cerra Negra in Nicaragua.

Since our last update we’ve walked over 125km, and after spending several days in the rocky mountains we have now descended to the flat roads surrounding the smoking Volcan Momotombo which has loomed over us for the past few days. Temperatures have increased as we headed south, often reaching unbearable proportions in the middle of the day. Subsequently early starts have been implemented to avoid this, with 3am deployment a common occurrence.
We were paid a visit by Fieldbase’s Dave, Holly, Ale and Jemma whilst we stayed at San Martin – their food drop and messages of support from home were much appreciated, and provided a view of the world far removed from the one we’re in!

Alongside Kelly’s birthday previously, we also celebrated VM Caroline’s birthday, who was 29 on Wednesday. In true trek style – apple juice and energy bomb cake was distributed at 3am, and I’m sure Caroline won’t forget blowing out the candle before embarking on a day of 21km walking.

Over the past few weeks we have continued our wildlife observation, especially amongst the pigs, cows, horses and dogs which roam freely on our route. Mark made the error of leaving his porridge unattended one morning and returned to find a pig with a nose for Raleigh rations, snuffling away in his mess tin. Our accommodation one night also had an animal related incident of note. The routecard informed us we would be staying in a barn – it did not mention that it was overrun with chickens, which quickly made their homes in our rucksacks; several members waking up from afternoon naps to discover they’d shared accommodation with feathered friends.

The past week has been, for many, one of the toughest of their lives – both mentally and physically. The distance has begun to take its toll and had you passed out in the Nicaraguan countryside, you’d be forgiven for mistaking us for soldiers returning from the battlefield as we limp from village to village, bandaged head to toe in zinc oxide tape (Rosie is literally mummified). Nevertheless camaraderie and morale remains high as we enter our final few days and the scale of the challenge we faced had brought us closer together.

Today we arrived at the base of Cerra Negra where we will spend the night and climb the volcano with the Bravo group in the morning, before heading to our finishing point at the lagoon. Soon we will be back in Costa Rica, at Fieldbase, regaling tales of what has been a truly fantastic and unforgettable experience.

Thank you for reading

X Ray 3 out, Deacachimba!

The author Sam would like to wish little sister Molly a very happy 9th birthday. And who are we to deny such a wish. Happy 9th birthday Molly!

Titbits from Tenorio

Blog X-ray 6

X-ray 6: mission to build stairs to the waterfall in Volcan Tenorio National Park

Mission update (1):
X-ray 6 has been working hard on the mission in hand. Each individual has played a vital role in the development of the path towards the baby blue waterfall of the park. No job is too tough!

Days 1-2 we prepared camp to make a jungle into a home: chopping bamboos from the forest, gathering wood, building our hammocks, the place looked great, even our kitchen area was great where our Michelin star chefs could do their cooking. Also as Roeland was injured due to the previous phase, he would become everyone’s mommy!

Days 3-6 the task in hand was to move materials to the place of construction, the only way of getting there was by foot on a trail that was muddy, slippery and wet. It isn’t called the rainforest for nothing! The team were up for the challenge, carrying heavy bags of sand on their shoulders, with a few members slipping, especially Ben C, whose balance isn’t great at the best of times! We created a Raleigh Chain all the way up the 1.5km path working from 8-3, 1hr for lunch; the team were putting in a shift.

And when they returned back to camp, Mummy (Roeland) would´ve cleaned, made improvements and have dinner ready. Inside that tough Dutch exterior, was a man who is kind, soft hearted and loveable (he does not like this being disclosed (I really don`t!!))

Days 6: With Roeland returning back to work, he had a point to prove carrying sacks like the soldier he is! Tim (the Scottish machine) was carrying plenty of sacks a day and always running too, even when others had become tired.

A low point had hit X-ray 6 as one day the productivity output was low, so a change was in order. Roeland with the idea altered the Raleigh chain and increased output by triple. The team were moving many sacks of sand per day and were ahead of schedule.

However a twist occurred in X-ray 6`s fortune: the weather! It became more and more wet, people’s hammocks were being turned into swimming pools, and it was raining most of the day. The trail had become too treacherous, so X-ray 6 had to suspend work. Morale was down and the team were wet and everyone had wet feet! The team had to abandon camp and moved into the Ranger Station, where they could get dry and recover.

No need to worry! The Team was filled with people who would entertain and boost morale. With Maria and her wit, and her mothering of the group, Max with his dancing and singing creating songs! George and his comic personality always keeping everyone entertained. Mercedes, whose work ethic everyone can look up to and whose voice that one can listen to all day. Allegra´s wonderful smile and happy personality making everyone feel better.

Sonia´s great dancing, which she is teaching as well as her great game jungle speed is keeping us all entertained (although she always wins...). Gustavo and Pamela, the two Ticos always translating for us, we could not do this job without them as well as Gustavo’s cheery personality and Pamela’s great strength (she does kickboxing!) we now realise why we love Costa Rica! Tim’s humour and stories always make the team laugh. Simon’s many roles, that he likes to use and Ben M, who has a look that could kill, but poses no threat. Hannah, who seems quiet, but once out of the shell she is a great person.

Last but not least the Project Managers, Amanda and Roeland, without them X-ray 6 would be no more, excellent morale boosters and good at keeping the team in order.

With all the members playing a great role in the team, x-ray6 are all happy and enjoying their time.

Entertainment in the evenings have been excellent, with Ben C´s shaving of the bead as well as a Quiz that George, Sonia, Ale and Gustavo won, x-ray 6 are not bored.

X-ray 6 reporting out. Status: all well and healthy, having a great time. Will report back in a few days.

Pura Vida!