The Magnificent (Tango) 7

The rain hasn't stopped PMs Frankie, Dave and Andrea from looking happy

Hello, it’s stand in logistics manager Kate here. I’ve just returned from an epic 1000km road trip down to Kerala with 60-60 to drop food for Tango 7. Although they are battling some pretty atrocious weather conditions they are flying through their kilometres. I joined them for a night and was hugely impressed by their high spirits. Jamie and Amy did a great job of organising all the food whilst PM Dave dug trenches (with a spatula!) around the tents to stop them flooding.

Matt and Bill

David H led a great group review as day leader. Toby and Jamie cooked a fantastic dinner whilst everybody dried out over the fire, Matt’s method of drying his boxer shorts provoking particular amusement. The loop shop sold out of chocolate in short order with Nanette and Laura being just two of the many who stocked up for the next week.

Frankie created a fantastic quiz which was won by Matt, Amy, Andrea and myself and Bill narrated several nail-biting games of mafia with Claire proving particularly adept at avoiding detection. The morning finally brought sunshine and every trekker’s favourite breakfast, porridge, the joys of which Prajeesh and Rahman are slowly being converted to! There’ll be another food drop on Wednesday so if you have any messages then please leave them for us to take down, they all really appreciate your words of support and encouragement.

Prajeesh and Rahman

Here's some messages from the group:

Hi Mum, Dad, Tom and everyone else,

I am having a brilliant time in Kerala trekking despite the freak weather – it has hardly stopped raining since we got here. My group is really nice and is staying positive through the challenge of the weather – which is reminding me of Dartmoor D of E. The scenery is stunning here and the food is amazing. Hope you are all well, especially Auntie Gillian and that life is not too quiet without me.
Lots of love Amy xxx
PS I’ve already had two leech bites and am expecting more – and they don’t even bother me anymore! See you in 5 weeks.

A vous tous!
Suis an plein trek ds le Kerala, il drache an permanence, on marche +/- 15km /jour depuis le 3, pas encore eu l’occaz de prendre une douche hmh! Toutes mas affaires sont trempées y compris les tentes et mon sac de couhage dur d’enfiler des chaussures & chaussettes novillees a 5 am! Paysages magnifiques & villages charmants. Sangsues par-tout, meme sur mon menton! San mentionner les blattes. Je vous embrasse tous très fort et hb a ade! (13/11)
xxx Claire

Hello Anne, Tom , Ceri, Pat, Ken, Maya, Sam, Mum and everyone else!
We’re on the trek – we’ve done about 60km so far in five days. The weather isn’t too bad – it’s only rained continuously for five of them. We got to the top of the highest mountain in Southern India and slid down the other side in hysterics. We were surrounded by wild elephants in our camp one night. We’ve eaten wonderful food from street vendors in villages. We’ve all been blood sucked by leeches – my personal count so far is five. The landscape is beautiful – sometimes it looks like north Wales if you ignore the tropical trees. Just enjoyed delicious lime tea made with limes from a tree next to our tent.
David xx

Hi Dan,
How are you, I’m missing you more than ever. I’m on trek and we’re getting rained on really really badly. I got a leech on my face too! We summited the second highest mountain in southern India which was amazing. I’m longing for a hot bath, a duvet and a real fire in the lounge!
Love you, Frankie xxx

Hi Mum & Dad,
Could you put a word in upstairs for the rain to stop please? We’re getting monsooned through Kerala and the trek is tougher than ever for everyone. We’re wet and covered in leeches but still standing. When Tango 7 complete this it will be a huge achievement and I’m looking forward to the day! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Love Frances xxx

Hello,
I am Rahman, now I am trekking in Kerala. It is going well, this is our fifth day. We are in Chathunangapara. It here heavy rain going on. We got lots of leeches. We are all happy with the trek. This is the best part is own life. Happy to all Raleigh family.
By Rahman, Kondotty, Kerala

Hey Mum & Dad,
The trekking is really hard but enjoyable at the same time. It has been constantly raining (monsoon?!) for five days now so the tent is soaked completely. It is a lot drier to sleep in the shelter when there is one at the campsite. That said I still have some dry clothes left so it is not all bad. These Primark tackie are holding are holding up really well. I do have a massive blister on my right little toe which is affecting the way I walk. Remind me to complain to Berghaus when I get back as my boots should not be in the state that they are in under a year. At least they are waterproof so my feet are dry if the socks are not.
Love Jammy Dodger xxx

Hey Holly,
I’m not sure if you got my reply on the blog or the letter for that matter! If you read this I have been trekking for a while now in constant rain le monsoon so the tents are soaked through. I’ve been carrying a 26-28 kilo bag depending on how wet it is. I’m perfectly fine apart from a couple of blisters especially on my little toe its is affecting the way I’m walking. I feel like I’m putting weight on during the trek just due to demolishing all the snacks that I can find. I also managed to successfully start my fishing career earlier today with a basic stick and line and caught a fish within five minutes. My hair is growing quickly though not that much at the sides. Thinking of you loads and I believe that it is fine you to stay on the 17th.
Love you lots xxxxxxxx
Jamie Eyles
PS I haven’t got your letter yet.