Whitewash and Bashas: News from the Projects

Special guest blogger: Dr Andy Gilbert


Hello everybody. Field base is very quiet today with most of our team out on loop visits - that is, visiting our projects. I'm filling in for the PRO Peta while she's out checking on how Alpha 3 and 4 are doing. The loops have taken out much needed supplies and also a tuck shop to allow our venturers to stock up on snacks and goodies. (pictured: Dr. Andy taking some time to relax at field base)

Unfortunately that means there are no new photographs from the project sites at the moment. However, we have plenty of news to bring you from each of the four groups. We should hopefully have some great pictures by the time the next blog goes up.


Lama in Town

For us at field base, it was a big day yesterday when the Dalai Lama himself arrived in Mysore to open the JSS Centre for Management Studies. Country Director Gavin Shelton and myself headed up to see the 14th Tenzin Gyatso of Tibet in the flesh. We enjoyed his stimulating talk on world religions and were lucky enough to get within just a few metres of his holiness.
(pictured: The Dalai Lama waving to Gavin in recognition of all the good work that he is doing for Raleigh)




Back at field base we have been struggling a bit with our skeleton staff. Several of the team have had to take on two or even three roles to keep things ticking over. Country programme manager Mark was drafted in at the last minute to fill in for one of the security guards.
(pictured: Mark Ashby prevents another vagabond from entering field base)



Meanwhile, our accountant Paul Billett has been getting to grips with some new building skills. He was called upon to rebuild one of the field base walls after an incident involving an elephant and a mouse. The mouse has a black eye but you should see the state of the elephant (and the wall).
(Pictured: Paul the builder - can he fix it?)

To add to the pressures at field base, country director Gavin Shelton has been recruited to umpire a one day cricket match in Mysore today. He has sadly been unable to fulfil his usual role of toilet cleaning. We wish him a speedy return. (pictured: Gavin - Raleigh's answer to Tendulkar)

Well that's all for now from field base, here's the latest news from the alpha groups:



Project news


Alpha 1 Misappuli Mala trek group: Alpha one have now completed three full days of trekking and despite their fatigue are having a really great time. Yesterday they reached Lakeside camp where they had the opportunity to relax for a few hours and wash their socks. Trek medic Andrew Cox had been impressed with his newly acquired sun tan from the last few days. He was horrified to see it disappear after a dip in the lake when he realised it was just dirt.



Alpha 2 Kalainhnahalla eco-sanitation project: Alpha two have been making superb progress with their eco-friendly toilets (this group are now nicknamed 'number two'). They have made a good start with the initial ten units and are looking to have the first few completed soon. Project manager Joey Maloney has also recruited the whole group into whitewashing the local school. Several of the venturers have reported it is so dazzling that they need to wear their sunglasses within a twenty metre radius of the building.



Alpha 3 Kappikadu tribal housing project: Alpha three have been working exceptionally hard digging foundations for their houses. They have now successfully dug four sets and filled them with boulders. They will be adding the cement soon. Overnight temperatures have been on the chilly side up in Kappikadu and several requests have been made for extra clothes and blankets. Unfortunately we were able to locate project manager Matt Sales' pink fluffy slippers to send out on the loop.



Alpha 4 Anaikatti elephant-proof fencing project: Alpha four have constructed their camp and erected bashas for the group to sleep in. Their entire campsite now has its own mini elephant proof fence powered by a car battery. They have also started replacing the full size elephant fencing. Early problems with the water tank have been resolved - special recognition goes to project manager Ivan Philips who was dunked head first into the tank. Venturers have since reported that this was nothing to do with trying to fix the tank however!

Well that's all the news from me. Hope you enjoyed the guest blog. Next week our friendly PRO Peta will be back with your next update and hopefully some great photos as well.



Bye for now!