Phase One Deployment

Friday at field base saw the five alpha groups start the arduous job of collecting their mountains of kit and food supplies from the logistics store.  With the assistance of their Project Managers the teams packed everything they needed to live and work for the next 18 days onto waiting buses.  The trekking groups had an even harder job of deciding what they will need to carry on their backs.  Everything having to pass the scrutiny of Olly and Lynne the Mountain Leaders, acting as hard task masters as their first food drop will be in five days. 

In the evening the venturers were treated to a great slide show presentation showing just how much they had done over the last five days and leaving them in awe of what they will experience in the next nine weeks.

As Saturday dawned the air was full of excitement, and the sound of a few early moring yawns, as everyone woke to say their final goodbyes before heading off to their various project sites.  By 8:30 field base was left with an eerie silence as the sixty eight venturers and PM's left along with Anna, Polly and Polly from the office, who headed out on their first loop with the groups.

For field base the morning offered a chance to catch our breath after the last week, and enjoy a gratefully received breakfast of bacon and eggs from Country Director Mark.

As the day progressed Charlie One reached their project site in Uluvada and had a welcome meeting with the village, who have been waiting with anticipation for the groups arrival.  They have now set up camp.

Echos Three and Four have made a start on the construction on their camps with bashers springing up and tree houses being built by project partners for elephant watch.  Everyone had a fabulous nights sleep under clear and starry skys with Laura Burnett even spotting a shooting star!

Tango Six have started their trek, fording seven rivers on their first day and having a well earned peaceful night's rest.  Whilst Tango Five will be continuing the journey to their starting point this morning after spending the night in a dorm along the way.  Venturer Robbie Dwyer successfully solving the field base riddle that had been set to both Tango groups.

Two men are walking in the arctic when they discover the body of a dead man.  One man says to the other "That's the body of Adam, the first ever man".  How did he know this?

By Doug Meehan and Susan Pollock - Guest bloggers

Photos by Doug Meehan, available for all events and occasions in the Mysore area