Never can say goodbye...

Apologies dear readers for the lack of updates on here, the last 24 hours has been a whirlwind of dinners, packing, slideshows, speeches and farewells and the incredible venturers of this expedition have all just boarded the buses to catch the flight home tomorrow morning or to continue exploring different parts of India.

I wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you that sent in messages last night for everyone, I printed them all out and laid them on the table before dinner and stuck them up this morning and everyone was so touched by your words so thank you, thank you, thank you - it meant a lot to everyone.


I'll be back very soon with an absolutely epic blog post covering the last few days so make sure you get comfy before starting to read it. But for now, we've got some serious cleaning to do. As much as I love those venturers they can't half make a mess between them all!


Right, where are those marigolds...

More than words...

Morning folks from a very busy field base! It's our last full day together today so we're all making the most of the last of our time all together as the full expedition team. Sad days indeed. But before I get all emotional on you again I wanted to ask for your help with a little something and don't worry it doesn't involve money this time.

We're having our last supper together tonight and it's going to be a formal Indian dinner with us dressed up in our finery for once instead of the grubby t-shirts and shorts that we're usually sporting.

I wanted to pin up some quotes at dinner from the teams' friends and family about your thoughts on the expedition and everyone's hard work as a little something for them to take away with them. So if you did have any kind words to say about the teams' efforts which have been incredible over the last ten weeks then it would be amazing if you could post them as comments on this blog and I'll be able to use them tonight. I'm sure they will lead to smiles all round.

Thank you and back soon with more updates from all the action.

And so the end is near...

All the camps have been dismantled, the trekkers have hung up their walking boots and the groups have called in their last evening update which can only means we've finally come to the last night of the final phase on expedition. It's exciting but sad times here at the moment and I've had to hold back tears three times already today and the team's aren't even back yet, strewth. They're all setting of at first light to get back here as early as possible to catch up with everyone and celebrate - after we've all run 10k on Monday of course.

We went on a few more trips to Charlie 2, Echo 3 and Echo 4 at the end of this week so below are the messages that we picked up from them. We also went along to the inauguration ceremony at Charlie 2 in BD Munti this morning to open the 45 new eco-sanitation units that the teams have built over the last ten weeks. We'll bring you a full update on that tomorrow with some lovely photos from Kathryn. Ceremonies were also held today at Charlie 1 and the Echo projects to thank them for all their hard work so I can't wait to hear how they went.

The good work that the Raleigh teams in India are doing is being recognised over here as we've had some press coverage in The Hindu newspaper today. In the article, the lovely Philippa from Raleigh head office describes her time as a venturer in 2009 and the projects that she worked on.
Here's a link to the article and below is the amazing photo taken by Kathryn that was published in the paper - The Hindu article 

And here's their messages to you at home...

Charlie 2

From Becky Barnes
To Mum
I can't wait to talk to you really soon. You probably still have a backlog of letters to arrive from me! I hope you have had a lovely time in Venice and are really well. I can't wit ti see Ruth and you. I'm an looking forward to earing about her travels and seeing your photos from the past few months as well! I am fine with the heat, no sunburn, no tan and many, many litres of chlorinated water so don't worry. Love you loads and loads, Bec x x x

From Katy star
To Janio Mooo
Moo! Am flying back from Bangalore with BA on the morn of the 27th April so deff stay out til then! Am planning us lots of exciting stuff to do. Will be able to text/email proper from 6th April so be in contact then yaaay! x x x

From Katy star
To Abi Morts
Thank you so much for the post and blog morts, it's so good to feel loved... The the other bobs they are lame!! Have a different phone number but haven't been using it much as it costs twenty pounds per text! Will email soon from 6th April. How time is flying! Loads of love x x x

From Katy star
To Weeksbob
Squeeks! Thanks for msg at last!! Glad life is tumbling along and you're all missing me loads...you better be! Jane arrives in less than 2 weeks then I'm home in exactly 4 weeks!! Get the BBQ out... Love love love x x x

From Katy star
To Dommer
Badger face! Exactly 4 weeks til I'm home, better start tidying and practicing cooking lots of puddings!1 Love you loads x x x

Echo 3

From Samantha Anderson
To Mum, Dad, Tanya and Shelby

We sadly haven't seen any elephants :( so glad nan and grandad have found some houses! YES YES YES that colour is fine! What's the price of it? The snake man on tv is the one we saw on trek training! Is shelby not staying with Tina then? I had D&V but am ok now after a course of antibiotics. Only a day left and we'll be back at field base - it's gone so quick, will soon be home. Oh but did I did see nelly's on the way to trek. Missing you, love you loads x x x
PS Oh and I'm travelling with Alice And Maybe Ellie, not Lottie x x 

Echo 4

From Florine Boer

Hi Mom and Dad

I'm writing in English to make sure the message will arrive properly because Dutch and my handwriting does not make it easy for the blog updaters.My time in India has been great! Today is my birthday and it is great! The guys from field base are here today so that is a treat! We have done some good work in solar fencing and I am enjoying my last days in this beautiful country and the last days in the sun until the rainy Haarlem. Have a great week and I'll see you soon!

From Florine Boer
To Anke en Piet
Hi Anke en piet, super leuk elke keer de berichtjes alles kleine verhalen over thuis zijn zooo leuk om te lezen. Hel weekend met oma en opa klinkt super leuk! Heb nu al zin om longs te komen met de auto, naar vlissingen! Over een weejke en 2 dagen ik alweer in NL, spreek jullie snel. Veel liefs Flo!

From Florine Boer
To Daphne
Hi Daphiee! Aan je belofte gehauden een blog message! Heel leuk! Deze fase is voorbijge - vlogen, weikelijk nog moor 7 dagen en ik ga naar Bangalore! Hoop dat de bday von je zus top was en geniet von NL, ik spreek je snel!! x x x
PS mij al gevonden op FB?

From Florine Boer
To Matthijs
Hee - leuk je berichtje te ontvangee. Hoop dat alles nog top is daar! Wens suus iig Happy Bday! Ik kon je nu wel allemaal vragen stellen maan dat heeft geen nut wont dit is de laatste keer op fase dat ik blogs ontvang en don op fieldbase. Is er een email gekomen over de uit leg von de disputenborrels? Veel plezier in NL nog 9 dagen! x x x Flo

From Florine Boer
To Mama, Papa, anke, piet
Hi lieve familie
Heel erg bedankt voor de pakketjes. Beiden totaal vershillende pakketten, dat maakie het des te leuker. Bday was een groot success. Paketjes kaarten, blogs, taart, lied, snope, vloggetjes, ballonnen en toeter en nog maar 3 dagen en dan kan ik weel bellen! Super leuk dat jullie aan me gedacth henneh x x x Flootje

From Sunil Mistry
To Everyone
Hey guys, last few days left and I'm really enjoying it. Hope you guys aren't missing me too much! Been making good progress on the trenches and I'm going to watch the India Pakistan match at a local's house today, so that should be fun! Saagi, hoe your nose is feeling better and i hope you took a pic of it when it was hug! I should be back in the internet next week so watch out for me on FB! CYA SOON!

From David Gutheridge
To Mum and Dad
Hey guys just a quick message to say thank you for the car packages, both arrived today. See you soon - only a few days now!

From Ameze Simbo
Hey Guys! I've been on Echo 4 for the past 3 weeks and the temperature has heated up! I'm still getting darker and I wear I actually have a tint of purple in my skin LOL! We started putting up fences today to protect the community from elephants and spend what free time we have drinking chai or mango juice at the local village. I've pimped out my basha my making my tarp into a mini canape and use underneath for shade, Our camp is in the middle of nowhere and there is NO SHADE ANYWHERE. Back at field base we've got a 10k run for charity then I'm going to Goa and Hampi with some other venturers for a week. I come home on Thursday 14th around lunchtime and I'm looking forward to a nice soggy packet of ships with a sausage and loads of salt, vinegar and ketchup! LOL some things never change :)
Love you loads, Amz  x x x

From Sarah Churlish

To Dad

Yeah, I got the message twice and the other one explaining that you'd sent the first one haha. It sometimes takes a while for the blogs to filter through as we only get them when field base come to see us. Thanks again for sorting insurance and yes I will bring you back to India. You'd absolutely love it! But a boomerang> You know I'm in India right? I'll get you something Indian haha. Ah gutted I missed John's barbershop!! I'm sure Andrew loved his free lunch and yeah good luck with your plan of having Andrew home, as if Andrew being home will stop the beer haha. At least the dogs will survive though. If you're sending a letter, remember I leave on the 5th so may not get it in time. I've loved Raleigh but am looking forward to exploring India independently. I'll let you know my plans when I know. Love to you all  x x 

From Sarah Churlish
To Johny Pon the stupid one
Seriously dude, my tan is mental and I actually have muscles - I'm practicing my punch to beware, Paz and Jonny are training me. Only a few weeks to go. Gutted I missed your barbershop - bet you looked stupid. Get a Lancs trip sorted. You're on your Easter hols on the 16th right? Hope alls well at home, much love x x x

From Sarah Churlish
To Stef
Stefanie Matilda! How are you? Yes, I'm travelling after but no it's not properly sorted yet. I leave Raleigh on the 6th then I'm going to Goa and Hampi and Bangalore with a group of 10 of us and will be back on the 16th April. Haha your dream sounds mental, you should maybe lay off the cheese before bed. Elephant trenches are hard work but good fun as I'm with a really good group. We had an elephant near camp the other day while we slept which is exciting but scary. Congrats on the job knew they'd want to keep you! Hope all is well and I'll see you in a few weeks. I've send you a letter full of gossip :D Love to all, including Laura - I know she's rubbish but I love her all the same haha, Miss you x x x

From Sarah Churlish
To Bex
YES! I'm back on the 16th April and yay you're home! Get organising a trip missus. And OMG about Jenna! She's so funny. Elephant trenches are good, slow progress because it's so hot now but it's good fun. Yeah we need to travel together, we've got plenty of time to sort it though. Your trip sounds amazing, it's such a shame you had to cut it short. Can't wait to hear all the stories and cant wait to see you all! Lots of love Sarah x x x

From Sarah Churlish

TO Lauren Buckley
Hey Lozza! So good to hear form you, how's it going at Costa? Been thinking if you all when I've been walking through the coffee plantations and picking the Robusta and Arabica beans (I sounds like an expert  ha ha) Yeah I'm about to finish the final phase now on Echo 4 so I'm living in a basha and digging elephant trenches - it's good fun. It's gone crazily fast and I'm travelling for ten days after so I'll be back on the 16th. I love it here - such a relaxed way of live, it's getting hot now though, Hope all is well with you. Can't wait to catch uip. Lots of love Sarah x x x

From Sarah Churlish
To Mum
Yay you finished one! Only one left then you're done. It sounds like the stress is sending you loopy! I've been telling everyone about cowboy time, it's now openly acknowledged in the group. No elephants yet, I'd love to  see one from my basha though walking through camp. It's so hot here now, think it's pushing 40 degrees. I'm hiding in the shade trying to find a breeze at the moment., Say thanks to Dad for posting the flight stuff out, I'll keep an eye out for it. Hope he enjoyed his boys barge weekend haha. Looking forward to seeing you all. Still loving it here and I'm really exited for a week of travels, say hie to the idiots for me :D love you loads Sarah x x x

From Andrew Jehring
To Will Jehring
when arriving at the E4 campsite I thought it would turn me mad with crippling heat, barren landscape and harsh winds, However on reading your blog messages it's clear what mad is and though I'm bald, I'm far from whatever the hell you are. Get a grip, IN other news let's give a big shout out to 'Kat Lion' who apparently is an avid follower of our blog. On the subject of my bag, it broke before climbing the second highest peak in south India in the first week and then was attacked by shampoo last week, a far cry from the shelving plan. Just read Dad's blog, it seems he's gone as mad as you so I best get on and bring him down. Toodlepip brother x

From Andrew Jehring

To Dad
On receiving a large blog from my 'loving father' after being ripped by my cousins and my brother, my heart rose. Well, I feel pretty crushed now. Unfortunately, it gets worse, at Mysore I decided to buy a protein shake before shaving my hair off and then smuggling dumb bells on phase and building a bamboo gym. Also, I'm running 10k everyday for a particularly not fun 'fun run' at the end. Maybe I should have gone to Smethwick. I hope mother has recovered from the shocking pictures and with that in mind it's probably best you don't let her know how much I'm enjoying wearing a skirt these days... Your loving son x x 

Building, biking and banter...

Greetings from a very frantic field base. We are scarily close to the end of expedition now which means everyone is busy getting ready for the return of the project teams, who are also are digging, trekking and building like mad to get all the work finished before they come back to us.

I have just returned from what will be our last loop trip to see Charlie 1 in Vellary and Tango 6 at their camp in Kerala and its all come around too quickly! Here’s what I got up with the teams starting with the guys in Charlie 1.

We were welcomed in Vellary with smiling faces and tasty fresh chai from the family that the group are building a house for. the village has changed a fair bit since our first visit in phase 1 as the teams have built two new houses and three biogas units in the village. 

The night before our visit, the teams helped out at the opening ceremony of the house that was built by all three groups on this expedition. It was really emotional for everyone to see the family move out of the tarpaulin shelter that they had been living in and into the freshly decorated house. 

How the house looked at the start of expedition ten weeks ago.

The finished house that the family have now moved into.

The finished house and biogas unit that the family can now use.

The whole village attended plus about another 100 from surrounding villages to the housewarming party and Kate and Dave were honoured with turning on the biogas supply to the house. The team then helped to prepare and serve the food for the 100 visitors, much to the amusement of the locals that knew them.

The Raleigh cows had also also moved into their new cow shed that was built by the phase 2 group so they’ll soon be creating the fuel for the family to use in their home instead of having to use an open fire.

The cows now in their new home built and decorated by the phase 2 group.

The cowshed that the phase 3 group are working on.

The group's challenge now is to build another house by the end of this phase for Falcon and his family who are the other family in the village living in a tarpaulin shelter as their home was washed away during a monsoon in 2009. Falcon and his friends and family are all working with the team on the house and we arrived just as they were holding a blessing ceremony for the front door of the house. James was day leader and the team were working pretty quickly so I think they’ll get it all sorted before they leave.

The blessing for the entrance of the house.

The house that the group are working on.

The tarpaulin shelter that Falcon and his family are currently living in.

Holly, Louisa and Laura

Sean

Back row L - R Qathab (project partner) Wieger, Emily, Sean
Front row L - R Holly, Falcon, Louisa, Laura

The group are camping in the village outside one the family houses.

PM's Dave and Kate at their camp in the next house along. 

Kate and Dave who have been given the nicknames of Aunty and Uncle by the family they’re working with? I was asked twice, ‘Where is uncle’ and have only now realised that they were asking for Dave.

Dave (PM) and one of the villagers they've been working with.

Charlie 1 with Qathab from our project partner, CTRD
Back row L - R Felx, Jess, Genevieve, Louisa, Sean, Wieger, Anne-Romee
Front row L - R James, Laura, Sheena, Kate (PM), Qathab, Dave (PM), Thatte, Emily, Richard, Holly

We took out the group’s mail from field base and I’d just like to say a personal thank you to whoever sent Laura the marshmallows, they were incredible!

After spending the morning with a very happy team at Charlie 1, it was time to get back on the road and head over to the meet Tango 6 at their camp at the Periya peak. Not far from the camp we went through the village of Periya and were lucky enough to stumble across a festival they were having that day which was amazing to see.

After a frantic few minutes at the festival we emerged from the crowds and headed further up the hill to meet the trekkers. As we arrived the group were playing cricket with the locals and being watched by a couple of water buffalo.

It was a beautiful campsite for the night, and Karen (the day leader) and Lucy cooked up some tasty noodles as the fireflies came out to play. Much of the talk that night was of the moment during that day’s trek when Louis had slipped during a river crossing and taken a dip into the water. Despite the fact he and his bag were wet through he took it all in his stride and laughed the whole thing off, and for many it was the funniest moment of the day.

Karen, Georgia, Cas, Rachel and Lottie do some group massage to ease those aching shoulders from the day's trek.

Meanwhile Eleri (PM) and Georgia indulge in the more glamorous task of washing up.

The next morning it was time for them to ditch the backpacks for a day and head off for a 40k cycle ride to their next camp. I was lucky enough to join the group for the first few hours which was just brilliant. There were some pretty steep hills to get up but the scenery on the way was stunning and a welcome distraction from the burning thigh pain.

Lois demonstrates how to dry your clothes when you've fallen into a river the previous day. Simply wrap a bungee around your waist, hang your wet clothes off it and then cycle for 40k - job done.

Rachel very excited about the day's activity.

Cas and Andrew

Danielle

Tango 6 just before heading off
L - R Eleri, Karen, Ben, Cas, Philip, Louis, Georgia, Eeva, Danielle, Andy, Georgia, Lottie, Rachel, Lucy, Becca, James, Alex

Nadin, the guide from Muddy Boots, leads us up one of a fair few hills.

The PMs and Muddy Boots guides with Prashanth and I

I had a fantastic time with the group that morning, they're a great bunch and they're pretty quick on two wheels. We'll catch up with them again soon when they come back to field base in only a few days, eek...

The sponsorship is still coming through for the run taking place on Monday, I think it's fair to say we're all totally under prepared and terrified at the prospect but we'll get round the route somehow even if we're still running when the next expedition arrives in June. Thanks to those new sponsors, we're really chuffed with the total that has been raised so far and there's still a few more days to go so if you did want to sponsor us then just use the link below and it should be pretty straight forward...
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/raleighindia11a

Thanks again!

Here are the messages I picked up from them...

Charlie 1

From Holly Peel
To Mum, Edward and Kate

Dear Mum, I sent you an email recently but I take it that you didn’t receive it. I’m currently having lunch after a morning of house building. Community has been incredible so far, it’s a shame it’s almost over.

The email said that I’d been to a local festival where they put spikes through their mouths and were suspended in the air by hooks in their backs. Tell Kate and Edward I miss them lots and am looking forward to seeing you all very soon. I can’t wait to tell you all about India. Miss you loads, love from Holly xxx

From Anne-Romee Coebergh
To Families Coebergh

Lieve allemaal, Goed jullie geoproken te hebben! Tripje naar Ooty uitgesteld tot as. Di & woe dus dan laat il wel weer even van me horen. Hier alles goed, gezondheid steeds beter. Mensen in hot dorp fantastisch  en het werk is weinig maar leuk. Kan nauwetlis geloven dat dit avontuur al byna voorby is Heeeeeel veel leejs xxx Anne-Romee

From Wieger van Rinkhuyzen
To M, P and D

Lieve 3, als juillie dit lezenben ok waarschynlyk byna thuis! Ik geniet van de laatste dagen Community. Bedankt voon alle blogberichten! Veel lliefs aa Opa. Koeschuun en biogas zyn nu klaar. Werkaen hard aan het huis! Smakken en 1000 knuffels, Wieger

From Genevieve McAreavey
To Francesca Lloyd

Franki! I am happy to hear from you, I am so sad I have not got your letter yet. How long are you on Easter break for? I need to plan a get together when I get back, miss you all so much. Cannot wait to show you my tan, it’s so funny. Community phase is just awesome, the food is so good, the family let me help them most nights so will need to cook you some Indian food when I get back. Just got a parcel from my Dad so I’m currently munching through some strawberry laces, luxury! You have to come on Orange Wednesday when I’m back ok. Love you and miss you xxxxxxx Genevieve 

From Genevieve McAreavey
To John and Liz McAreavey

Heya, don’t know if you have blogged me, but no blogs through from you. But I did get your parcel Dad, yum yum! Pancakes for dessert tonight. Dad how was your birthday; did my card arrive in time? Mum what is grancha postcode? Has been so great in Vellary, yesterday I was putting the walls up of the house we are building it’s such a satisfying job. The bio-gas unit is completed which is amazing timing so only the house to focus on now and we really wanna get it finished before we leave. Going on a trip to Ooty tomorrow to go on a tiger safari so hopefully we might see some tigers and elephantsJ. I think I will need a dentist appointment when I get back the food is so sugary and am worried I’m gonna get my first filling. Love you so much and let me know what’s happening back at home. Is teagus still at Loch Ness? Oh and Dad will we still be able to plant some veg in the veggy garden, have you put anything in already? Oh how is the green house plan? Love you so much! Xxxxxxxx Genevieve

From Richard Smith
To Anyone that reads this blog Mum etc

Fit like ya bunch of maddies forter likes alike, not long till I arrive on the plane to Gatwick and see all your glam faces, as you have had to endure cold weather for three months, anyway enough rubbing it in. I’m now on the Community phase which is amazing and for me it was what the fundraising was all about, the money raised has gone towards building a house, biogas and a cow shed with 2 cows etc. I’m site mason which means I’m the boss, just kidding J. See you all soon, love Rich x 

From Louisa Mohsen

To Sammie
Hello! I sent you a letter a few days ago so you’ll probably get it in a couple of weeks. I’m on community phase now and it’s such a contrast to my trekking phase. We’ve just finished digging a very, very, very big hole for a biogas unit and a cow shed for a family we’re camping with. We’re camping on a family’s door step and they cook us lunch and dinner, I always go up for 3rds, such a pig! Are you planning anything for your birthday? I’ll be thinking of you. I’ll be travelling in 2 weeks, still haven’t worked out a proper plan but am really looking forward to it...pretty sad to leave Raleigh though... Speak soon x x x

Tango 6

From Danielle Sharpe
To All friends and family
Hello! Can you believe I’ll be home in just over a week! Just wanted to send a final message to let you know I’m going ok. On trek at the moment, it’s hard work each and every day but I’m enjoying it! It will be so nice to get back and see you all and live a western lifestyle again – I’m in definite need of a holiday and spa ha ha. Miss you and love you all x x x

From Rachel Smith
To All friends and family
Hello everyone! Only 1 week until I’m home, crazy! Can’t believe I’ve survived but missing everyone back home so I’ll be expecting a big catch up dinner when I get back haha! Trek is amazing and definitely my favourite phase and the thought of mac and cheese is keeping me going – hint hint sandeman! Missing everyone loads and give Calleb a big cuddle3 from me.. Lots of love Rachel x x x

From Andrew Richardson
To All
HI All. With now just over a week left of Raleigh, the impossible challenge looks set to be completed. Trekking is amazing, sites and scenery weighted with the strain of carrying baggage. Seen many wild animals including some vicious dogs. Really excited about coming home now and catching up on stuff.

From Georgi Zervudachi
To Alex
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  I know you should have got my letter by now and I’ve said it to you at every opportunity I’ve had but I hope you have an AWESOME day full of fun and amazingness. Looking forward to seeing you as soon as I get back! Tonnes of love x x x

From James Bell
To Mom and Dad
Thank you for the blog message! I haven’t had the time to contact expedia just yet so I will try and sort things out on Sunday, the end of phase 3 day. Trek has been really hard yet quite rewarding and worthwhile so I’m having a great time. I’ve reached a point if missing quite a few things from home now, which I can’t wait to get back to but I’m loving the heat here so I’m making the most of it! Also on Sunday I’ll try and phone you again so I’ll give you updates then, Hope everyone is well, Lots of love James x x x
PS I haven’t shaved since the end of phase 2 so I look rough , you’d be proud.

From James Bell
To Rachel
Hey Rachel! I got all your messages today and they all made me happy J Trek is still going really well and each day seems to be getting easier as time goes by which is a relief! We’ve done quite a lot already including scaling some mountains, biking 40km (More to come tomorrow and on Sat) survival day (yesterday) and rafting so like I said, it’s all going great. Reading festival line up sounds good, I’m looking forward to it, but I’m looking forward to seeing you most! I’m not sure if you’ll be on hol now but I’ll try and phone you on Sunday anyhow. Be safe and I hope you have a fun time. Lots of love James x x x
PS I haven’t rebooked my flight yet so I have to sort out travel plans still.

From Lucy Curzon
To Catherine Playfair
Dear Catherine, thanks you so much for your message! It was so nice to hear from you. Brilliant that you’ve been enjoying Wind up bird, it really is incredible isn’t it. Trek is wonderful, can’t wait to tell you all about it. Please let’s meet soon after I’m back! Text me if you’ve got a working phone or email/facebook me. Miss you so much and so sorry you couldn’t so the trek this time around. But next year! You will love it. I think of you lots and your blog message made my day, so thank you. Lots of love, Lucy x x x

From Georgia Zervidachi
To Mum
Trek is amazing – very hard but incredible. Unfortunately my camera has broken but lots of photos are being taken so I will get the copies once I get back. The boots are amazing and doing well – very few blisters walking 13.5km every day and treading in elephant poo regularly, SW coastal path sounds fantastic! One of my PMs this time round is an actress from Cornwall... talk about small world! Well done with your presentation and working out how to use a computer! The moon shadow here is unbelievable – you wouldn’t be able to sleep a wink! Am I rotad in to work the weekend when I get back? I’m really looking forward to it. So much! Shall I email Ginny and Clive do you think? Hope Alex is choosing well and hope is having fun, I’ll email some more food requests once I leave raleigh! Please can you tell Izzy I’ve just got her letter and I’ll facebook her soon. Tonnes of love Georgia x x x

From Georgia Zervidachi
To Jamie

Trek is hot – its hit 42 degrees but it’s INCREDIBLE and AMAZING. There is/was an echo letter, hopefully it isn’t lost because it’s a good ‘un. Glad you liked the Charlie letter – trek is so different, I don’t know how to begin to describe it... I hope the work isn’t to arduous and I’m sure your stories are v cool. I miss you very much too. I’m glad you caught it, I’ve been worried you wouldn’t. Hope you’re well and dandy. Love Georgia x x x x

From Alex Vostanis
To Emily
Hey! Firstly, good luck with the driving test – just keep calm! I hope a-levels aren’t still too stressful, I know you’ll be getting into the seeing of it now. I’m absolutely loving trek, it’s amazing, I’ve tried to keep up with hygiene , probably lost a lot of my civilised ways. Also I’ll be back now on the 21^st April . I’ll be travelling to Goa, Mumbai then Delhi then back to Bangalore for the flight back. Will speak properly in a few days Vozzy x x x

From Alex Vostanis
To Phyllida and Kimon
Wassup siblings! Not long now until I grace my presence with you guys again! Hope everything is good back home and school doesn’t suck too much. Hopefully Kimon had a wicked birthday and got some sick presents and as a fellow brother he’s  i) not broken the xbox and ii) done a background check on his sister’s new boyfriend. And Phyllida’s ‘enjoying’ A-levels and the new found freedoms of driving lessons, don’t get too comfy on that sofa and with the TV remote, I know you won’t have any opposition from Kimon. Will speak soon love Granga.

From Georgia Brooke-Hitching
To Sophie Sherlock
Sounds fab, go ahead with it – you sound so organised – I’m just looking forward to a real bed after camping for 7 weeks. Speak soon! I’ll talk on 3^rd April x x x

From Georgia Brooke-Hitching
To Maman and Daddy
Thank you for all the amazing cards and than Susie and Catherine for me! Tan is getting there steadily. Biking 49km today! Only a week left of trek – it seems to have flown although been quite tough too. So much to tell you! Spent my birthday at a haunted house and the man’s shoes were still laid out! I have to pack up now for our biking day but I shall ring you on 3^rd April. Lots of love G xx x x
PS Please give Sophie my canon camera charger in techi box

From Georgia Brooke-Hitching
To Tilda McDonald
Thank you for all the amazing news! You are my hero and I love hearing your little dilemmas my little pumpkin. I love what you said about the date guy maybe he thinks you’re playing hard to get! Don’t have much space here but I shall get internet hopefully on 3^rd April. Chat then. Love you more than tinned cheese J x x x x Brookie

Tango 5 take 5...

The loop visits are still in full swing this phase and we've been heading out to see all the teams. Una, our administrator, has just returned from Kerala where she caught up with Tango 5 on their rest day. Here's what they all got up to...

Trekking in the Cardamom country and tea plantations.

I've just got back from my travels to see the lovely Tango 5 trekking group in Kerala. The 12 hour journey was long and very picturesque. The Western Ghats mountain range comprises of tea plantations, cardamom fields and national reserve parks which contain rare wildlife and varying terrain. The group completed the impressive task of climbing Misappulimala at 8,333 ft, the second highest peak in South India, and double the height of Ben Nevis, on their first day trekking, something they should all be very proud of!

I met Tango 5 on their rest day at the Chaturangappara camp site which has a lake with swans and is surrounded by flowers and thick foliage. 

They decided to make a traditional vegetarian Sambar curry as a local family that lives near to the camp offered to teach them how. During the day the group played card games and were busy reading and writing to their loved ones. We even found a lovely little chai shop that sold cakes and goodies to stop by as Phillip de Koning celebrated his birthday at the camp and we all sang Happy Birthday to him and ate a delicious piece of cake.

The group are having a lovely time trekking and have spoken of their enjoyment of pushing themselves to climb mountains, swim and wash in waterfalls and camp life.

The team of Tango 5
Back row L - R Sachin, Kieran, George, Daan, Elliott, Philip, George, Stuart (PM)
Front row L - R Lisa, Clare, Susan (PM), Bryony, Lauren, Fieke, Anna, Ellie

Susan and Stuart, the Tango 5 project managers enjoying a well earned rest day.

Some of the group were invited into the camp gatekeeper's house to learn how to make sambar curry with his family.
L - R Elliott, Bryony, Susan, Fieke. 

Philip celebrates his birthday with not one but TWO cakes!

Thanks for that Una and we wish Tango 5 all the best for their last few days out in the wilderness of Kerala and look forward to seeing them all back at field base soon. I've just got back from an amazing trip to see Charlie 1 and Tango 6, also in Kerala so I'll be posting all the news from them very soon, promise...

Here are their messages to you at home…

To Penny Evans

From Clare Evans 

Alice is applying to uni? I did not know this. To study what? Wish her the very best of luck from me. Trekking is amazing – the scenery is amazing can’t wait to show the photos. Animal sightings update: loads of monkeys, warthogs, water snakes, numerous kingfishers, eagles and a baby chipmunk. Poor Melly hope she’s ok give her a hug from me! I may travel on afterwards – I’ll email you in just over a week. Love, Clare xxx

From Ellie Burton 

To Mother Burton

Hellooo! Just a quickie to let you know I’m surviving trek in Kerala so far, weather’s very humid, particularly in the thick jungle areas! Half expecting Baloo the Bear floating past us in the river! Climbed the 2^nd highest peak in India (shock horror), views were incredible, the slide down on my bum was less incredible. Also built a raft seen kingfishers, showered in waterfalls and regularly get up at 4 am! Very wild. Miss you loads, hope you’re well xxx

From Anna Clarke 

To Sebastian & Famille Clarke

Hello all! Trek is going pretty darn well. Had a touch of the Delhi belly on day one yet still conquered the 2^nd highest peak in South India. Quite an achievement I feel. Scenery is absolutely breathtaking so my pictures are fairly epic. Can’t wait for you to see what I’m seeing. At a camp in the jungle today it’s pretty toasty so taking the opportunity to sort out the T-shirt tan. Sorry to hear about Bruney I’m sure he’ll have an amazing time whatever he ends up doing. Hope you’re all well, send my love to everyone. Lots of love xxx

From Biryani your wife 

To Kathy Leeno

Hello gorgepot! Trek is amazing. I think of you a lot when I’m stood sweating my bodyweight in water, and think fondly of the times we attempted any sort of exercise (could I be any hotter?). I think about you a lot and think about the sticky turtle situations you get yourself into. It is the most beautiful place I’ve been to out here, but trekking is so hard. Can’t wait to speak to you properly. Miss you millions. Hope you and J have an amazing holiday and hope to God the patchy belly has made a comeback. Love you xxx

From Stu Vincent 

To All

Hi all, now on trek through stunning Kerala, experiencing forests, roads and a number of mountainous areas. Hardest trekking I’ve ever done. Humid and backpack almost at breaking point. Good job I’ve lost about 10kg since being in India. Not been this light since school. Camp sites are amazing and a great reward after a days trek. Not long till back and catch up with everyone then. Take care Stu

From Lisa Akyol 

To my fellow Akyols and mes amis

Allo allo everybody! I can’t believe how time flies out here, I’m already on day 8 of trekking through the jungle. The scenery is absolutely breath taking – especially the view from the 8,000 ft mother of a mountain we casually ascended on our first day. No biggie Pa, you would love our guide – he too is partial to wearing jeans whilst walking. Lol Timmy has prepared me well and all my D of E skills are defo paying off. All I’m missing is Cauth to recite a bit of hazza p to me as I saunter through the tea plantations and life would be complete! I’m so so excited to travel on afterwards now, but I am properly looking forward to my shower, bed and a cold glass of milk when I get back! Miss and love you all my lovelies, Lisa xxx ps M, will send you plans as soon as I get access to the internet, and it is sweltering J

From Bryony Wilde 

To All the people I love

Hello! Having the most amazing time in Kerala – it’s the most beautiful place I’ve seen! Literally have seen the most fantastic scenes and sights out here, and the weather is amazing so the tan is getting pretty immense! So the actual trekking eek! It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’m enjoying it so much! We conquered the second highest peak in South India (8000 metres) on our first day it was so intense. Since then we’ve averaged about 15 km a day, all over the shop, up amazing mountains, down again, through tea plantations, banana fields, cardamom plantations, jungle … the list goes on!! The camp sites each night are getting so amazing – we’ve had some fantastic spots – photos on my return! We get up at 2/3/4/ am each morning which is tough but means we get lots of trekking done in the (relatively) cool! Hope you are all okay and glad to know I’m still alive! We made rafts and rafted too and didn’t sink! It’s a dangerous game out here! Love you all and speak to you so soon, can’t believe there’s only a few weeks left! India love for one and all xxx p.s family you may have to pay my Glastonbury balance for me… I’m not sure when I have to pay the full balance ?!? Please can you check Marcus? Xxx pps Rosie Jones email me the campervan plannage, excited!!

From je liefste zus 

To Willem Haak

Kleine!! Ben zwaar teleurgesteld date k geen blog bericht van je heb ontwangen…horde van pap dat je al berig bent me m’n welkoms spandoek. Maak hem dan maar extra groot en mooi! Kan niet wachten je wee rte zien…et zie je op schophol, geen excuus dit leer!! Xxx tot snel

From Philip de Koning 

To de kline die dit leest

Hoiii heb het naar min zin hier. Trek is zeus zwaar maar ook erg leuk heb zojuist haart gegeten vooz min verjaardag wie over een paar uur begint. Spreek jullie gauw! X Philip

From Fieke Haak 

To Familie Haak

Hee lieve fam! Ik leep nog! Det is echt het waste wat it coit heb gedaan, maar het is echt 20 leuk!! De tweede dag de 2^nd highest peak van Z-India beklommen, was echt heel zwaar, maar 20ngoed gevoel toen we op de top waren en het eutracht was echt zoo mooi! Daarna twee rustige dagen gehad en vangag nu lopen we elke dag 10 km tot 22 km in de Bergen. Het is ock heel warm, gister 37 degrees du swat anders dan by jullie! Lik gaan ongeveer elke dag om 8 eur naar bed omop 2 n vroegst om 3 uur op te staan … Helaas na de eerstedag al blaren… En ek maak veel foto’s hoor!! Het nitacht is echt 200 mooi!! Hebook het pakelje met uitricht is echt zoo mooi!! Heb ook het  pakelje met snoep ontvangen, dankje!! Helaas no geen brig… Dikke kus!!