Star trekkers

I was lucky enough to join Tango 7 at the beginning of their trekking adventure. They were all in good spirits, albeit slightly uncertain as to how they were going to manage carrying all of their gear on flat bits, let alone up a mountain! After a long two-day journey down to Kerala, they were keen to stretch their legs and welcomed a short break at a waterfall. For those that dared to go under, it was the best power shower they'd had for a while, and for some time to come!

Top, the group stop at a waterfall and above, they find a strategically placed number 7 in the middle of a tea plantation

When we finally arrived at our starting point - right in the middle of a tea plantation - there was only a short trek (much to the surprise of the group) to the first campsite where we could set up camp, ponder the big day ahead and eat as much food as possible in order to bring the weight of the backpacks down!

The next day saw a crack of dawn start, and Tango 7 began to trek up India's second highest mountain outside the Himalayas (2,650m). It was a steady climb at first, watching the sun rise over some of India's most spectacular scenery.

 

Above, Adam and Pik are all smiles and right, Ben and Emma take a break to admire the view

The ascent was pretty tough with lots of climbs and drops before we even managed to catch glimpse of the summit. But then after a jump across a stream and yet another steep bit, we were able to have a quick water break before heading up to the top. Everyone was elated when they got there, immediately forgot the strain climbing up (for a bit anyway), and, as Pik put it so well, it was like swimming with the clouds.

Cloud starts to cover the group as they make their final push to the top

And they make it!

Dan

Lee

Holly

Beth

Tango 7 at the top!

After a steep descent, which proved to be more problematic than the ascent for most, a dense jungle trek and a few leeches, we were whisked off in jeeps to Anthony's Camp, a campsite with outstanding views. We even had a few fireworks and sparklers to celebrate Diwali.

From there we could see our destination, and washing opportunity, for the next day, the lake. The trek down to the lake the next day was short but hot, which meant we could work up a sweat before cooling off and trying to get clean. The afternoon was spent relaxing, catching up on journal writing and for some, spotting Loch Ness-style monsters in the lake! Our campsite had to be guarded in the night in case elephants (not monsters) got close, but although some of the group heard them in the trees, we didn't get to see them. However, after I said goodbye to them as they trekked off from Lakeside the next morning, Field Base did get reports of Tango 7 spotting elephants from a distance...

While the group chilled out at Lakeside they also got the chance to write some messages home:

Hi Granny & Granpa

I'm still alive! I sent you a letter but it's going to Cosgarne as I forgot your address. Trekking at the mo, got some pet leeches as well! Love you lots, hope you're well, my socks smell. Love Emma xxx

PS. Ask Mum and Dad to check if I left my hair straighteners on.

Hello again

Our trek has started, scenerys is beautiful but the mountains are better in the distance than up close! We mounted the second largest in India (outside the Himalayas) yesterday - few tears on the way up, but that's the name of the game. We're camping at a beautiful lake tonight and onto a few more thousand km tomorrow... It's so surreal but I do love it. Hope all's well at home, Hol xxx

PS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICCOLPOPS for the 27th, have a fantastic time pretty lady - loves you xxx

Hi Mum and Dad

Hope you're both well! Day 3 of the trek and all great so far - we were above the clouds yesterday on the peak of a mountain, and by a beatiful lake now! Have decided to get other people to carry my rucksack for me if I ever go trekking again! Haha. Seen leeches but no elephants yet, if only the leeches were elephants! Feel a world away from London, very odd! Lots of love, Helen xx

From Pik:

You, you and you!

Why you folks don't leave me any message?!

I am now working on my trekking phase and I have just climbed to the summit of the second highest mountain in southern India which is 2,650m high. The view up there is really amazing, I felt like swimming with the clouds. But it was really exhausting going up and down from the summit, and guess what? I still have 13 days to go! Yay! There is no computer access so I will try to catch up with you all in this blog. Miss you all, and hope everything is going well with everyone in Hong Kong.

Hi Mum, Dad, Chris

Having an amazing time out here. Am trekking at the moment and yesterday climbed to the summit of the second highest mountain in India. Views were brilliant and was strange being above the clouds. It was so tiring but a great feeling once at the top. Well done for finding the blog if you are reading this! And I will try and write soon. Keep me posted with Bristol City results and hope all is well at home. Not too good though, as you remember last time, "bluff"! Miss you, Daniel.

That's it from Tango 7 for now, we'll keep you informed of their progress as we hear back from them, and keep the messages coming in for them!