Happy Mother's Day

We are now coming close to the end of Phase One, with our three Alpha groups returning to Fieldbase on Wednesday. They will then have a few days to unpack, unwind and catch up with all the other venturers and staff who they haven't seen for nearly three weeks before packing their bags again, ready for Phase Two! They will then be put into new alpha groups and set off to their next project sites on Saturday 8th March.

Vehicle Bravo One is out and about again, on a short 'loop' to Alpha groups One and Two. See below for a brief update on Alpha One's progress. More updates and pictures to follow. Meanwhile, Bravo Two returned yesterday after a trip down to Kerala to check-in with our trekkers.

Alpha One - Hosekerasunda Community Project

The team are close to finishing the construction of their first ten eco-sanitation units; when Bravo One went out to visit they were still working really hard each day and loving the afternoon swim in the reservoir. They reported this morning that they have completed seven now, each plastered inside and out and finished off with the roof. These are just awaiting a delivery of doors and fittings, due on Monday. They plan to begin plastering the other three today and to finish them off over the next few days!

Alpha Three - Chattamunnar Trek

Idukki Reservoir - one of the many views for our trekkers on the cycle route

Tuesday was a much-needed rest day for Alpha Three when we arrived at their camp in Hiburia. The camp was situated next to a river at the bottom of the valley, where everyone was enjoying the chance to relax in the water and catch up on their laundry. After a 4:30am start on Wednesday, Brian and I joined them for their final day of walking, on a route that took us 20 kilometres, mainly uphill, through tea plantations and small, rural villages to a town near to Periyar Tiger Reserve. Even though the group kept telling me I was lucky enough to be there for what they classed as an 'easy day', I found it pretty tough and my legs were aching nonetheless!

In the evening some of the group went to watch a spectacular demonstration, an ancient martial art in Kerala which included jumping through rings of fire and sword-fighting, while others caught a Kathakali performance, a classical form of dance-drama from the region.

Shrikanth, Graham and Project Manager Dom enjoying one of the uphill sections

The boots were put to one side and everyone was happy to swap their 20 kilo rucksacks for a smaller 'daysack' and jump on their mountain bikes for the next stage of their trek. It wasn't an easy first day, with roughly 80 kilometres to cycle on some quite steep terrain. However the whole group found the experience an enjoyable one and were looking forward to getting on the bikes again the next day for a route that would take them down towards the coast. From here Alpha Three will begin their three days of kayaking through the backwaters of Kerala.

Aaron and Tess take a short break

We left our photographer, Brian, with the group to record the final days of their trek, so we will be able to post lots of pictures here after the groups return for 'changeover' on the 5th March.