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



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



Wednesday 19 October 2011

A tale of Tango 6


Hannah and I are back at Fieldbase after joining Tango 6 on the beginning of their trek and we’ve got lots of stories for you. We were lucky enough to spend the first three days with them and now I know why the treks are called the Adventure phase!

We all left Fieldbase at 6am last Friday, and settled in for a day and a half drive down to Kerala, where the trek started. The drive took us through three states: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Each state was absolutely beautiful but also increasingly different. The further south we travelled, the lusher the scenery got; with the greens of the countryside getting brighter and richer the closer we got to Kerala. As we travelled down the dusty roads, the vegetation became more tropical with the palm trees and banana groves becoming more common than we were used to around Mysore.
We drove through national parks on our journey and saw lots of monkeys which everyone loved - although we did all get a bit concerned when they climbed onto the roof of the bus!

We stayed the night in a small town called Udumalpetti and then continued our journey to the Silent Valley Tea Estate to begin our trek.
We started the trek in a beautiful mountain village. As we walked past the huts the locals where playing music, which soon became our trek soundtrack! After a quick lunch stop, and of course a cup of chai, our packs were on our backs and we were ready to start. And then it happened, the heavens opened and we started our trek in a complete monsoon! Apparently, this time of year, Kerala gets a second monsoon – which would probably account for all the lush green vegetation surrounding us!
Along with the rain came a chorus of leeches, all rearing their heads and trying to jump onto us with every step. The village music was still playing in the background and it seemed as if they were all singing along with it...as they crawled up our legs! After a few squeals, mainly from me, we all had our ‘finger flicking’ action perfected and it was heads down, fingers ready and a quick march for 4km until we reached our camp for the night.

Tango 6 starting out

Now, although they’re pretty gross, leeches can’t actually hurt you; so after we had all got used to the fact that, whatever we did, we were pretty certain to get leeched, everyone started to see the funny side. I think quote of the day had to go to Aaron who started the leech songs with ‘I want to have sex with a leech’ (a 90’s pop classic). This started the ball rolling with all manner of bad puns coming out...everyone agreed however that ‘Can you feel the leech tonight’ was not something we aspired to!  
When we reached our camp for the night, our lovely guides set about making us a fire. The boys did the manly thing and battled with the elements to put the tents up, while the girls set about making a delicious supper of pasta, baked beans and tinned cheese – just what we needed!
After a couple of hours, the rain subsided and we were all able to venture out from our shelter and see where we were spending the night -it was breathtaking.
We were nestled on the side of a mountain surrounded by peaks wrapped in swirling mists. The mountain tops looked like the white cotton candy machines you get at fairs, surrounding each peak with a delicate mist. The campsite had a lilly pond and crystal clear waterfall to gentle lull you to sleep – it was stunning.
After supper, and a lot of sock drying around the fire, it was an early night for all in preparation for our 5am start the next morning.
Warming up by the fire 
The view from the first campsite 

Sunday was our big day. We were going to climb Misapullimala Peak, South India’s second highest peak at 2,637m. One thing was for sure, it was definitely going to be a challenge!  
Fuelled by energy bombs, Tango 6 started out on what was to be their toughest day of trek. We were told by our guides that we had three ‘hills’ to climb before we reached the top. Now, I’m quite a fan of mountain climbing but these ‘hills’ were certainly not the sort of hills you might take a stroll up after a big Sunday lunch...in my view, they were mountains in their own right!
We trekked through open fields surrounded by mountains, across make-shift bridges and up some pretty steep paths! 
Helping hands across the river crossings

After our second ‘hill’ we stopped for a rest and then we saw it... Misapullimala Peak. Everyone was feeling pretty shattered by then, but seeing the top gave us all the spurt of energy we needed to keep going.
After a quick break and a few snacks, it was rucksacks on and best foot forward. We could see the top and we were going to get there, every single one of us, as Tango 6!
Before we knew it we were in the cotton candy that we were looking at the night before. The mist surrounded us, sometimes it was so thick that we could barely see in front of us, sometimes it cleared and we got a peak of what was around us. It was like the mountain was showing us a window into the world; we were literally on top of South India.
 Almost at the top

The last 200m to the top was along a narrow ridge. By this time the mist was so thick we couldn’t see either side. It felt like if you took one wrong step you would fall into a never-ending abyss. Now trek isn’t called an ‘Adventure challenge’ for nothing and this bit was certainly a challenge! Some of the group loved it, spurred on by the adrenaline rush of being up in the sky. The rest of the group, me included, were petrified! However, we all did it – the group came together, encouraged each other, gave words of support and offered welcoming hands to help people up over the tricky bits.
Soon enough we were all at the top. For many, it wasn’t just the mountain they’d conquered, but their fears as well. They had proved to themselves just what they could do when they put their mind to it – just the way Raleigh likes it!
Made it! Tango 6 - at the top of the world!

As they say, what goes up must come down and in our case it was time to get going. Next stop was the Silent Valley Tea factory for a very much needed cup of chai. As we headed down the mountain, the scenery changed from the rolling green hills that we saw on the way up, to perfectly manicured tea plantations. I’d never seen tea grow and was surprised at how flat the plants were – they looked like Bonsai trees.
Starting the descent
We can see you Tango 6!
Almost there...just as the rain set in!
Battling through the jungle!
Finally at the tea plantation!

As we got to the final stretch the heavens opened again and it was a quick march through the tea plantations to our final stop. The Silent Valley Tea Estate is the highest organic tea plantation in the world and proved the perfect end to our trek. As I’m sure you can imagine, the tea was delicious, especially as by this stage we were all soaked to the skin! After warming ourselves up with multiple cups of tea, we jumped into some jeeps which took us to our campsite for the night.
Huddled around the fire, spirits were lifted as we had a much-needed meal of noodles, sweetcorn and tuna (a Raleigh special). Everyone agreed that although it had been a very tough day, the highs definitely outweighed the lows and, as we curled up in our sleeping bags with full tummies, there were smiles all around (and a few sore feet!).

The next morning the rain subsided and we were treated to some more spectacular views before heading off to our next camp for survival day! Just as we got to the campsite we saw Little Manju waiting in the Bravo to take Hannah and me back to Fieldbase so, unfortunately, we left this part of the trek. However, I can tell you that Tango 6 were about to have all their kit taken away from them and, under the watchful eye of the guide, were going to be taught how to survive a night in the mountains without any of their kit! Exciting!
View from the second campsite 
Off to survival day!

After a long journey back to Fieldbase, I’m happy to report that Tango 6 survived their night on the mountain and had a fantastic time, building shelters, fires and even having a shower in the rain! For the next part of their trek they’ll be building bamboo rafts so they can cross the Anaerangal Lake to continue through the Western Ghats.
One thing’s for sure for Tango 6 – no day will be the same!

Back at Fieldbase, I’m catching up on what the other groups have been up to while I’ve been away, and will be posting a blog tomorrow letting you all know how they’re doing. So far everyone seems to be having a great time and making great progress with all their projects...more to come tomorrow!

20 comments:

  1. I’m catching up on what the other groups have been up to while I’ve been away, and will be posting a blog tomorrow letting you all know how they’re doing. So far everyone seems to be having a great time...
    Car movers chandigarh

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  2. Harriet Bailey tango5. Hi Harri hope you are having a great time, your trek to Kerala sounds amazing,lucky you. Its been great following the blog and keeping up with all you are doing. All's well here everyone sends their love. Nan sends her love too and James.Hope you get my letters, try to take loads of photos.Write when you can. Miss and love you lots mum xxx

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  3. lisa marshall tango 6. hi lisa hope you was ok on your trek and id imagine it was just that (a trek) keep going to text you at dinner in college then realising that your like a million miles away and then i miss you. lilly-anne can stand up on her own now and shes trying her hardest to crawl i think shell be crawling by the time you get back. dylans found a new word from somewhere i really dont know where hes got it from but he keeps shouting A CUP O' TEA!!! keep enjoying yourself and will write a letter for you soon love you xxxx

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  4. Anne, Tango 5

    Hee lieve annie!! Ben er eindelijk achter hoe het bericht-sturen werkt dus hier het eerste berichtje van moi. Ben heel benieuwd hoe het met je is, ik mis onze bijna-dagelijkse skype gesprekjes! Aan de foto's te zien is het een hele gezellige groep mensen. Zorg maar dat je lekker veel gefotografeerd wordt, want dan kan ik zien wat je daar allemaal uitspookt! Wel gek hoor, om jouw gezellige gezichtje tussen allemaal onbekende mensen in een onbekende omgeving op de foto te zien! Ik heb het gevoel dat je nu al heel veel verhalen te vertellen hebt.. Schrijf je veel in je travel diary, als je daar tijd voor hebt? Ik wil alle verhalen horen als je terug bent hoor, dus niks vergeten! En succes met de trek verder, hopelijk hebben de trainingen geholpen! Gelukkig ben je een bikkel, dus ik weet zeker dat je het helemaal redt daar :)
    Hier in Salamanca gaat alles nog steeds toppie, vanavond komt Julia me voor een weekendje opzoeken dus dat wordt ook heel leuk. Laat je snel wat horen als je daar de mogelijkheid voor hebt?
    Dikke knuffel en lots of love, xoxoxoxxo van Ali :D

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  5. lieve esmee

    lieke heeft net een berichtje van je ontvangen. ze was helemaal blij,en wij vinden het natuurlijk heel fijn iets van je te horen . Elke dag kijken we op het blog of er weer leuke foto's en verhalen op staan .Helaas even een aantal dagen geen verhalen over tango 2. Wel hele leuke verhalen over de trekking. het is volgens mij een groot avontuur .Wel vervelend dat je zo ziek bent geweest,lang leve de antibiotica ! Het is toch wel heel erg fijn dat je voorgangers de eco toiletten hebben aangelegd. Lieke vertelde dat het al weer wat beter met je ging ,gelukkig maar .Die omeprozal heeft er waarschijnlijk toch voor gezorgd dat je wat gevoeliger bent voor ziektekiemen . Ik zou maar stoppen met die medicijnen . waarschijnlijk heb je dat advies al gehad. je kunt er nu weer tegenaan. nu is het weer tijd voor leuke ervaringen.we zijn zo benieuwd naar je verhalen. love you .papa mama lieke en een poot van babs

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  6. Hey Vicky V (Tango 6)!! Missing you loads but hoping you are having a brilliant time :D Have loved seeing the photos of you and the group. It looks awesome. Me and Adam both wish we were there!!! All is well in sunny (but very cold) Watford! Adam had a good birthday and we had some great gigs last week also. V busy with work - as always! Sending you big hugs and lots of love! Rebecca (and Adam!) xxx

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  7. lisa tango 6, hi lisa its just kadie hope u are having a brilliant time. I had tears in my eyes last night because of u hope u know the every single person in ur family is missing u lotsxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    all of my love ur beautiful niece xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  8. For Lisa Marshall - Tango 6

    Hiya Lisa,
    Wow! I've just read about your trek and it sounds amazing and very intense! I hope you're well and the leeches weren't too awful! You're so brave and i'm very impressed. My mum sends her love too, we're both keeping up with your travels. It's nice to see you in some more pictures :) i'm missing you and so proud of you. Loads of love xxxxx

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  9. Robyn Brooks Tango 6. Hi Bobbin....we have been looking at all the photos whilst we have been in Turkey and we are all so proud of you,you're a star!!!We are back home now and the three of us are going to write to you and fill you in on all the news and send you some photos...We miss you too much and love you so much Bobbin...Mum,Mart and Charlie....big kisses xxx

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  10. Sue Reeves-French22 October 2011 at 18:40

    To Robyn Brooks Tango 6.Hi Princess Bobbalina,greetings from G.mamma and G.daddy.Hope you in good health and not too many scabby knees or bites.Have got loads of photos of you from the net.Have a fantastic time see you in Dec(need to know what you want for xmas by the way!)All our love xxxxxxx

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  11. Hallo Lukas, charlie1, wir verfolgen hier über den Blog eure Aktivitäten ganz genau und sind ganz begeistert, was du dort alles erlebst. Wir hoffen, dir geht es gut in deinem Projekt und wir warten alle ganz gespannt auf neue Berichte und vor allem Bilder von dir. Wir denken alle jeden Tag an dich, wir umarmen dich ,ganz liebe Grüße vom Papa, Philipp und ein ganz dicker Kuss von Mama

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  12. Susan & Terry Spinks24 October 2011 at 23:26

    Hello Victoria (Tango 6) - M&D here! We've loved the comments about Tango 6's expedition - don't like the sound of the leeches! You're all so brave and hardy! D finally heard about the job and all is looking good, relief! He is off to Valencia tomorrow and I am joining him on Friday. Thinking of you lots - glad we're not in a tent! SO much to hear - we look forward to it all, lots of love xxx

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  13. Voor Veerle Tango 6,
    Dag lieverd, net de blog gelezen met de verhalen van de klim, wat klinkt dat zwaar!! En dan al die regen, dat maakt het niet makkelijker. Hoop dat het weer verandert. Vond het zo'n cadeautje dat je me belde op 24-10! Heerlijk je stem en even een paar verhalen te horen. Wat een ongelofelijke spannende ervaring! Hoop dat je je goed blijft voelen. Keep up the spirit! Hier is alles goed, wel regenachtig herfstweer. Ook Pietje nog ok! Omhelzing en veel liefs, mama

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  14. To Robyn Brooks Tango 6.Hi Bobbin,just a little blog to let you know we think about you everyday on your adventure and hope you are doing ok.Not long to go now on the calender girlie....all is ok here,everybody sends their love including Geeeof and Jackie. Sorted your phone etc but not sure whether you will be able to call when you are there but we all check on the website everyday anyway......Grandma is probably blocking up the blog with all her messages!!!!We love you so much Bob xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  15. To Maya Obstfeld Tango 6: Hello dear Maya! Missing you, so I came back to this section of the blog to look at your wet soggy pictures. The tea field is so beautiful, but most beautiful of all to me is seeing you -- I can't quite imagine what you are doing on a day to day basis, but it is so special seeing the photos and finding out what you just finished doing! I noticed that you are all wearing the same pale brown gators --- Glad you have the right kind now. Dad's on his way home and picking up Saccone's on the way -- eggplant! Can't wait to find out what you are all up to next. Love you so much, mom

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  16. Papa said

    Veerle wat een ontzettend goed avontuur en wat ben je relaxed op de foto's die ik samen met Rijn op facebook zag. Geniet ervan!
    dikke kus, Papa

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  17. To Maya Obstfeld of Tango 6:
    Hello dearest Maya: It was so great to get your e mail the other day -- We miss you, you know!! We had the craziest snowstorm yesterday -- yes, that's right, the first snowstorm of the year on October 29th!! Big, fat, heavy flakes falling all day, several inches deep. The trees are still all full of red and gold leaves, -- so the effect was stunning, but many trees could not take the dense weight and big branches were down everywhere. I spent half an hour outside with a broom beating the snow off every branch I could reach -- and I do think it helped -- no problems for any of our trees. So, tomorrow, Halloween, we may still have snow on the ground!Love you so much -- I hope you are cozy, warm, and DRY as you read this! xxxxx mom

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  18. Martin "Pops" Murtagh1 November 2011 at 02:40

    To Robyn Brooks, Tango 6.
    Hi Bobs, I hope you haven't found the going too hard! Everyone at work and in the Club has been looking on the blog and enjoying the photo's. We are all so proud of you, and a little bit jealous!!!
    Missing you terribly,
    Pops xxx

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  19. lieve esmee charlie 2

    Ik zit de hele dag al met mijn telefoon op zak. haha. Je weet maar nooit , misschien dat je in de gelegenheid bent om te bellen.xxxx peet

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  20. To Vicky S - Tango 6

    Hey vicks! Great to see you in some of the pics on here. Me and Leanne are planning the big reunion for when you get back - I've already done the Christmas shopping! Hope you're okay, looking forward to December :-)
    Claire x

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