Here we go for one more time!

An old fashioned game of sardines kicked started allocations for phase 3 as venturers scrambled to find their well hidden PMs for the final phase. Groups found, everyone set about the task of packing group kit, tools and food for the next three weeks. This is no easy task and although the team are becoming old hands at this, it still involves many hours of counting, allocating, checking and re-checking. A special treat of chilli con carne cooked by our very own Amanda, another spectacular slide show by the Comms team Ali and Alison and some inspiring words of wisdom by Mark and we were ready to deploy.

FB team do our best to trick venturers into staying with us

Kate appearing from a barrel for not the first time on exped

Members of the new Charlie 3 find Leti and Claire hidden in the Bravo vehicle

In order to make it down to Kerala in daylight hours, the trekkers have to head off at 6am, and there were huge hugs, well wishes and even some tears as we sent them on their way. A more relaxed start for the other groups who left us by 9am.  I think these photos taken by Ali, our fantastic photographer, really show how much this team means to each other and how much they care for each other.  As a staff member it is truly a wonderful moment to share with everyone.

So heading off as part of Charlie 1 to finish the school in Mutilmoola are PMs David, Kate and Mili with Lee, Baz, Emma, Mathew, Beth, James Eyles, Chloe, Pik, Dan, Shamnad and Prajeesh.  The group will work to finish the school, toilets and choolas in time for the opening ceremony on December 12. 

Kit, Shamnad and Baz say goodbye

PMs Kate and Mili share a moment

Meanwhile, undertaking a brand new sustainable agricultural project in Hosaheggudilu (yes it's quite the tongue twister!) Charlie 3 will be led by PMs Helen, Claire and Leti with Maddy, Rahman, Claire, Amy, Holly, Bill, Adam, Ben, Colin and Vinay. The group will stay in a school in this small village and work alongside our project partner Mykaps on a sustainable agricultural project designed to boost the livlihoods of local farmers.

Double trouble - Leti and Helen

The brilliant Bill bids us farewell

and goodbye from Vinay

Echo 4 heading off to the forest  to finish off theChowdhalli Ranger Station and Elephant Proof Trench will be led by the lovely Jeff and Frankie with Alain, James Guerney, Toby, John Paul, David Hildreth, Tina, Aravind, Pip, Nanette and Laura. The group has a big task ahead of them to finish the walls and floors of the building before it is officially opened on December 13.

Pip showing her support for the trekkers

Beaming smiles from Frankie and Toby

Tango 6 will begin their adventure with a two-day rafting trip before heading off on their 200km trek through the beautiful Kerala. They will be led by the brilliant Dr Dave and Katie with Charles, Tony, Morten, Louis, Cristina, Chris, Sam, John Emmerson, Georgie Page, Shyam and Mikey. 

Miriam our FB medic tries to sneak off with the Tango 6 girls Katie and Dave

Breakfast on the run for Chris

Tango 6 - ready to roll Indian style and below Mikey with the prized team mascot

And last but not for a second least is Tango 7 who have the privilege of being joined by the self named 'King of India' Adam, and led by Charlie and Amy. The lucky team members are Luke, Jamie Green, Anthony, Tor, Georgie Webb, Thomas, Avaneesh, Nicola, John Springate and Boops. These guys will start trekking tomorrow and continue for the next couple of weeks before ending on the rafts.

"I'm the king of India!" ... if you say so Adam      And huge smiles from Jamie, John, Luke and Thomas

So that's where we are at folks - and as we head rapidly towards the conclusion of expedition our message to venturers and staff is to remember every day to wake up and make the absolute most of every opportunity that presents itself.  The following reading really conveys this message, we shared it with the venturers last night and I thought it would be nice to share it with you now.

The Station

Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long trip that spands the continent. We are traveling by train. Out the window we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village hails.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags waving. Once we get there, so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restless we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering - waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.
"When we reach the station that will be it!" we cry. "When I'm 18" "When I buy a new 450SI Mercedes Benz!" "When we put the last kid through college" "When I have paid off the mortgage" "When I get promoted" "When I reach the age of retirement, I shall live happily ever after!"

Sooner or later we must realise that there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.

"Relish the moment" is a good motto. It isn't the burdens of today that drive men mad. It is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more icecream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.
By Robert J Hastings

Don't forget if you have been inspired by reading this blog there is no reason you yourself can't "Get Out Here" with us, India would love to have you!
Anna
Country Expedition Manager