Welcome to the official blog for Raleigh India 12I | July - August 2012



Welcome to the Official Blog for Raleigh India 12J September - December 2012.



Tuesday 23 March 2010

Raleigh Round Up


As you all know our intrepid explorers return to the nest this Friday, for 2 days of rest and relaxation, well  rest and relaxation is perhaps not how it will be described by all, but rest assured changeover 1 is set to be a fun filled two days.  

Before we get there let's take a look at what the groups are up to:

Charlie 1 have now finished the cow shed, and most of their physical labour and are currently putting their wonderful artistic talents to the test by paining a mural on one of the walls in the village.  The mural will explain in picture form the virtues of bio gas so that the local community and visitors to the model village can have an even better understanding of the concept.  Mark our Country Director, and Claire our photographer will travel there on Thursday to take part in the opening ceremony, a fitting way to end what has been an incredibly successful project.  It will be Thursday that the cows are presented to the village, marking a significant change in their current and future income levels.  Well done Charlie 1 you have made us extremely proud and reminded us that we can make a difference even in a very short time.
Charlie 3 - I will keep this brief only because a whole new post is coming your way later today following a recent loop visit.  The fieldbase team had a fabulous day which included, among other things, a Victorian picnic and sports day.

Echo 4 - Having cleared much of the land in preperation for the elephant proof fence, the team have now focused their attentions on digging holes for the fence post.  They have 50 to do before they leave on Thursday, current count is 12!  Maybe we should show them the hole that Charlie 1 built for inspiration.  The group had a day off on Saturday, and bless them they went in search of water for a swim.  Just a quick six hour round trip. Very impressive.  They had to take the next day off to recover (no just joking) Because their site is so remote, the group will need to spend a day or two carrying in the materials for the fence.  Local people will join them on the chain gang which needs to extend 2kms up the hill.  This is the place to be if you want to improve your fitness levels quickly.   

Echo 5 - life by the river continues as only life by a river can!!  We are green with envy everytime we speak to Echo 5 who continue to 'live the dream'  Digging is on their agenda here as well, they have to begin the Elephant Proof Trench, which for future reference should you ever find yourself in the position of needing to dig one, should be 3 metres deep, 2 metres wide at the bottom and 1 metre wide at the top so that it resembles a piece of cheese.  Speaking of cheese, the group have mastered the New Zealand hungi method of cooking, and are baking some fabulous bread - which they serve with cheese and tomato - how very civilised. 

Tango 6 - hooray!!!  Have finished the trekking phase of their adventure, (that's 200km and the second highest peak in India outside the Himalayas - but who is counting) and today will head to the river where they will first build their own bamboo raft and then navigate on down for two days.  What a way to end what has been a fabulous journey through the beautiful Kerala.  The group will spend their last two nights at the beautiful Hornbill Camp, before undertaking their 1.5 day journey back to us here.

Tango 7 - hooray!!! Have not finished trekking - but have finished their stint in the jungle.  They are now just a few kilometres from Mangalore and the beach where their epic adventure will come to an end on the Arabic Sea.  The final day in the jungle involved a 1200 climb in a couple of hours, where the group reached Telacauvery the source of the Cauvery river.  The group will spend a well deserved 2 day rest at the beach before returning by train on Thursday night. 

Fieldbase - here we are getting ready for a busy couple of days (and hiding all Haribo remnants!)  On that note there has been a question about sending parcels.  Please allow me to clarify.  The problem with parcels is that sometimes they get caught in customs and we never see them or sometimes they get caught in customs and we get sent a note requesting that the person the parcel is addressed to go and sign for the parcel.  Given that venturers and most staff are out for 98% of their stay here, this is logistically impossible especially when one considers the intereting processes that one encounters in the post office here in India (it takes us between 2 to 4 hours everytime we visit to send the letters from the guys).  The solution - small parcels seem to get through - I probably wouldn't risk sending anything of any value, and I happen to have inside information that parcels containing gifts to Fieldbase volunteers get through in record time - random I know but there is no explaining some things here. 

So back to our busy couple of days, the groups as you know will return on Friday, they will spend some time in Mysore and experience some creature comforts ie internet, pizza etc before returning here to Fieldbase for the much anticipated skit competition.  Never have I heard such a buzz surrounding the skits, I suspect it has to do with the prize - hot showers and an English breakfast served by Fieldbase for the winning team.  We will have a party that night and then Saturday after some well deserved chill time, venturers and staff will get ready to do it all again.  Allocations of new groups will be at lunch time, and then its packing and preparing for all before a final night BBQ, slideshow and campfire. 

I can't wait to see everyone and I know that they are desperate to see each other and catch up on the last 3 weeks.  I know that some will be sad to say goodbye to their first group.  The friendships and bonds that are formed here are just another part of the Raleigh magic, they never cease to amaze and really inspire me. 

So that's it folks, trust you are all well - quick weather check - it's hot and dry, very hot and very dry.

Namaste
Anna



15 comments:

  1. Hi Paula(Brocki),
    Got your message little dude.. Well done on getting through your trek.. Keep an I on your cuts and grazes and keep them clean it does'nt take much to get them infected. Enjoy your rest days and keep us informed of the next phase.

    LOL when I heard about you stagging on for two hour shifts... at least its just elephants and not people whose sole intent is to ........ FTM Love Dad, Yvonne & Holly.

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  2. Paula Poo (Tango 7)

    Do you want me to get mam and dad banned on here its totally cool if you do (dude sweety OMG). You would be so proud i did a reverse round corner and a turn in the road all by myself today on my driving lesson, however i do appreciate that has little to do with slugs and elephant watching obviously my terror was more heart felt when a post woman got in the way of my reverse round corner. I did the sport relief mile on sunday raised £200 i was dressed in a neon pink tu tu and neon leg warmers, Joe refused to stand next to me the whole time.

    Going to see Daddy bear this weekend at the wedding wish you were coming not as much fun winding Eddie up when its just me, but i will be sure to tell him u you say hello and how rude it is for him to get married without your presence.

    Hope your resting after your little walk and didnt get too much mud in your hair

    Super proud big sis Amanda Panda xxx

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  3. For Duncan Sander;
    Hey babe (: I hope you're well! Im so proud of you..200 km is pretty impressive to say the least! Keep safe on the rafting please (: And take lots of pictures, I cant wait to see them all when you're home! Also, make sure you get all my letters..I've sent 3 so far, but to the wrong address as you gave us the old one..silly :P I emailed around everyone you emailed giving them right one. I'll be sending letters to there from now on aha. Quite alot has happened here, as I explained in my email DMU have been so silly. I still dont really understand but we're writing appeals and stuff. Hopefully it'll all be sorted by the end of this week. Chris is home for a little bit, until the 1st I think..its nice to see him. He says hello (: I'll write again soon, and write on the blogs about you aswell (: I really do miss you, I cant wait until I can see you again. I just want to be able to hold you again.
    I love you so much,
    Your stompy (: xxxxxx

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  4. message for Geoff Wells,
    Thanks for your fbook message, glad to hear you survived the jungle and are enjoying few days on the beach. Hope you've been getting all the blog messages I've left. Looking forward to finding out what you are going to be doing next. And do you mind getting in a few more photos please? Want to see if you actually have a tan or if its just dirt!!!
    All's well here, no more news. look forward to hearing from you soon, have a great birthday!!

    Love Ruth & Steve

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  5. Message for Benn ( Tango 7 ) : Sounds like well earned rest coming up. We are looking forward to seeing and hearing all about it. Took grandma to Billy Elliot last night was really good/vibrant you will have to see it. LHEO 6 a side team lost again tonight now 40 to 0 they even had chances to score. Mum collects Hannah and Rory at end of week. Take care Love Mum and dad.

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  6. KATE MCKEON (ECHO 5)
    I just got your letter!!!! ive never been so happy to receive post in my life! i see youve asked for one back! well ive already posted one about 3 days ago! its an essay length...seriously, i gave you a word count and everything! for the love of god, please dont die in a forest fire! Ill never speak to you again if you do! btw youve also informed me of something i asked in my letter to you! Its along the lines of our usual type of conversaion...
    another thing...you have different felt tip pens in india? i thought it would come to me in some weird paper from elephant dung or something but nooo!! also why is mother theresa on the stamp?! haha, i shall deliver the other letters asap! :)
    missing youuuuuu, i hope i gave you enough gossip in your letter. ill write another one soon with any new updates lol love youuu,
    DWANE!

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  7. Hello Louisee,
    We are so pleased you have finished your treck I expect you had a great time. How was the rafting?
    We hope to hear from you this weekend once you are back at the fieldbase!!
    What do you think about all your offers?
    Anna's exchange partner arrives tonight and we are all looking forward to meeting her - We might go to Longleat on Saturday.
    Natasha has a space presentation at school on Friday night as the final part of her science course at school.
    Jonathan has invited Jessica to stay towards the end of his holidays so we'll all look forward to getting to know her.
    I have a meeting with Auntie Lyn and Auntie Sarah tomorrow about Grandpa's birthday party so it will be good to catch up with them.
    I feel it is a very long time now since we last spoke and I am missing you lots, but delighted that you seem to be having such a great time and making so many new friends!
    We are very keen followers of the blog
    love to hear what everyone is up to - It sounds wonderful but very hard work.Thank you to everyone at the fieldbase for keeping us up to date, we really do appreciate it very much.
    I wish I was 18 again!!!!
    I hope you get all my letters!
    Lots and lots of love m xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  8. Geoff and Myra White25 March 2010 at 03:34

    Hi Owen
    Hope youve enjoyed it all. 3weeks have gone so quick! Cant wait to hear from you and know what you have decided to do. Can I tempt you back with a roast and all trimmings?!! No news since dad wrote. love you lots mum and dad xxxxxxxxxx

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  9. Erin McPartland25 March 2010 at 03:38

    Message for Lauren Pegg,

    Pegg can you make sure you keep your lady garden clean please.

    p.s I got a new job on a music show...i get to meet n-dubz next week.

    missing you loads and loads

    love
    Erin 'ezza' McPartland

    xxx

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  10. Hi Hattie Way,


    Hope you've made it back to Field Base OK and enjoying some 'Small' comforts? Looks like you are all having a fantastic time, can't tell you how jealous I am!

    No real news here except that Mum has turned your bedroom into a gym for Dad and all your possessions are with mine the garage - only kidding. Dad didn't use the gym so Mum gave Charlie a bedroom back, it was his turn.

    Everyone here is well, but missing you very much. Mum showed me your letters and we are all thinking of you all the time. Take care and enjoy - hope you've managed to take some photos to show us all, sunrise over the mountains? Look after yourself Little One. Loads of love,


    Benj xxxxxx

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  11. To Lauren Pegg,
    Tinker!! we are now in receipt of your letter dated 12th March. Mother's letter has been delivered already although I suspect she may not be able to read it through the gin haze!
    Great to get the letter and send any more in same envelope for ease and cost. Will let Rebecca know about letter too as well as Uncle D.
    I take it back dept: it is official; there are Cheetahs in India, and Afghanistan and possibly China too.
    You are not the shower I thought you were. Ha ha!
    Will you have some new cooking techiques to show us?
    What is the deal with the New Zealand bread then? Hungi?
    G is keeping some chickens in the garden for you to despatch in pursuit of a fresh roast chicken when you get back to blighty.
    Keep on keeping on Lauren, we are all behind you back in the mother country.
    Lots of love
    Pop aka Pa, G & Mac (woof)
    XX XX Woof again!
    PS What is the nickname for?

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  12. Lidwine van der Heijden
    Ha die lieve Pien, Oh, wat was het fijn om je stem weer te horen! En gisteren kwam je brief en dat was ook super!Wat maak je veel mee en wat klinkt het allemaal indrukwekkend!Moet wel heerlijk zijn geweest om na die lange tocht aan te komen en het zo goed te hebben doorstaan. Erg benieuwd hoe de volgende fase zal zijn, fysiek in ieder geval vast minder zwaar neem ik aan? xxxxxxxxxxxxx mam

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  13. To Sam/Echo4. Your dad read out some of your letter. it all sounds very challenging. You will need all your personal philosophy to make you realise that this kind of experience makes you grow. i hoep the nex stage of the expedition is a bit easier but however it goes I know you will cope. I've emailed a friend in Bangalore in case you plan to go there after the Raleigh experience is over. Love and thoughts are with you. GS

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  14. Message for Harriet Jones
    Not sure where to post these messages at the moment! Sorry you're not feeling well.... hopefully you'll be OK by the time you read this. I don't know what happened to my last message on here - I don't think I said anything too controversial!
    Day 3 in Sth Africa.... all going well, but wondering what you're up to and can't access news as easily now. Hope you got my letter? Not mentioned in your brief facebook message...
    Looking forward to hearing more soon.
    Lots and lots of love from Mum xxx

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  15. Jerry and Davina Saville30 March 2010 at 11:31

    For Tom on Echo 4

    Happy Birthday!!!!!! Sounds like a tough project hauling logs up the hill so you won't have much time for blowing out candles on a cake. Have a great day.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM! Hope you have a great day! We are thinking about you and look forward to hearing all your news next time you blog. All good here-got my photo shoot tomorrow so think the air-brush man will have to work overtime! Oh yes its official- I am now a blogger! Fudge says Hi-went to the groomers last week and now looks very smart! Going to the bach for few days but back on Fri as going to the Harlequins v Newcastle rugby match with Steve Gooden and Margaret on Saturday-sitting in the corporate area so hope there will be bubbles! Steve got present waiting for you here. Love you very much and cant believe you are 19-am very proud of everything you are! All my love Mama xxxx

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