Sundara Mysooru (Beautiful Mysore)

Special Guest Blogger: Dr. Andy Gilbert


Hi there blog fans. Hope you're all well. Once again our lovely press relations officer Peta has gone off visiting the alpha groups. As such, the responsibility of composing the Raleigh blog has fallen on my shoulders. This week's blog will fill you in on all that's going on with the alpha groups, although sadly we haven't got any new pictures from them.

However, our expedition photographer Annie has been out and about around Mysore and we have some fantastic photos from her to bring you. Here's a little taster of some of some of the stuff she's captured.

( Pictured left:a local market trader)

News from the groups

Alpha 1 Misappuli Mala trek group: Alpha one are soldiering on and

have recently been to a puja and a festival in one of the local villages. Last seen was mountain leader Peter waving a red flag of material in the wind. They have also been swimming in the river and drinking chai on their rest day in Hiburia. Tjebbe and Mubarak cooked an amazing chicken curry eaten off banana leaves and the group have recently been celebrating Sarah's birthday. We can also bring you exclusive news that on this emotional rollercoaster of a trek, strapping young man James was the first to cry. Always expect the unexpected with alpha 1.

Alpha 2 Kalainhnahalla eco-sanitation project: Alpha two have recently been trying their hand at fishing on the local reservoir. Nets were put out the night before and in the morning a team including Chris, Esmee and Tom set off to reel in the catch. Local coracle boats were used and the gang managed a whopping haul of twenty fish. The rest of the group set about about frying the fish up for lunch and the meal was served with coriander and rice. Alpha two are going on a trip today to Bandipur national park. They will visit one of Raleigh's previous project sites and will be staying the night in an anti-poaching camp, where they will hope to see some incredible wildlife. They are a little intrepid at their first night without electricity! We wish them luck.

Alpha 3 Kappikadu tribal housing project: Alpha 3 are currently making their way back from Ooty having had a relaxing overnight stay in the YWCA. Yesterday they spent their rest day visiting the botanical gardens and St Stephen's Church. They recently had a big fancy dress party for Seb’s birthday and we were most impressed by some of their outfits. Seb the birthday boy was the guitar hero, whilst Ed covered himself in zinc tape and went as the 'blister buster'. Will was Mr Sars, the evil super villain and Zoe was the jungle girl. Tilly, Eveline and Petrina were the gypsy, butterfly and pants (on her head!) girls respectively. Annabel went as Zap, Felicity as herself, whilst Sri and Guna went as the king and the disco kid. Our PMs

Caz and Lucy went as 'D and V' covered in loo paper. Last but not least Matt went as Mr. Pink. Sadly he had to wear pink buckets on his feet as he is still awaiting his slippers. It looks like Mark Ashby has been using them at field base but we are sending them out to Matt on the next loop! (pictured: Mark Ashby models Matt's pink fluffy slippers - the definition of comfort)

Alpha 4 Anaikatti elephant-proof fencing project: - The environmentalists among us are doing it in style – bin bag style. Not to be out done by alpha three these guys decided to have a bin bag fancy dress party. Among the star dressers were Charlie and Hobby, who went as ninjas, and Remi as a pirate. The Emilys went as 'salt and pepper' and Angel dressed up as a zebra. Emma was a 'trashy' novel whilst Rosanna went as a vampire. Mani was the forest man, Holly a bat, Edmee a water tank and Jenny a raisin. Tom was Mr Peanut Crunch (our venturers' favourite snack) but our prize for best outfit goes to PM Neil who went as a goth morris dancer! As well as partying, alpha four are making excellent progress with the elephant fencing and are going to spend today upgrading their camp sites.

More from Mysore

So that's all the news from the groups. Here at field base, things are once again nice and peaceful. Myself and accountant Paul have been to visit the beautiful Mysore palace. Dani, Julia, Peta and Annie have been practising yoga in between serious bouts of boot camp. (pictured left: Mysore palace by day)

Country director Gavin has been out on a reconnaissance mission for a new trek route in western Karnataka. Mark … well Mark has been wearing pink slippers and bohemian shirts. We think the chlorinated water has got to him (pictured right: Mark looks upset when told he will have to return Matt's pink slippers).

Last night we also had our second edition of Radio Raleigh. This weekly broadcast updates the alpha groups on all the latest news, sports and gossip. Mark also impressed us last night with a virtuoso singing performance. His rendition of Rihanna's 'Umbrella' has gained him a nomination for five Emmy's so far and wide acclaim from the Southern India music press. We wish him well in his new music career. (movie below: Mark Ashby sings 'like an angel')

So, as promised, here are some more great pictures from our resident photographer Annie. I hope you enjoy:

Pictured below (left to right): boy at river, painted stork and paddy field worker

Pictured below (left to right): herb seller, half the banyan tree and boy swimming

Pictured below (left to right): oxen, holy man and washing at river

Well guys, that's all from our blog for this time. Our PRO Peta and photographer Annie will be back at the end of the week. We should hopefully have some great new stories and pictures for you then. From all the team here - bye for now!