The Village People

Sorry it's been a while for an update but there's been around the clock work for the expedition magazine which is now almost at printing stage!

All the groups are getting on fabulously. Charlie 3 in the village of Hosaheggudilu have not only been... you guessed it... digging, but have also been busy teaching the children some English, art and sport in the school-cum-living accomodation for the group, which was very well received by the villagers.

The bunds and trenches are coming along well and they get a treat for all their hard work today as they're taking a rest day and a trip out to visit the villages of Halsur, which was the base of a project in the previous phase, and Netikalhundi which was a project for 09I. They also get the chance to take a cooling dip/wash in a nearby water channel.

The group outside one of the village's very colourful houses

Amy working hard

One of the village kids

Both trekking groups are making the most of the dry weather and are making excellent time each day. Tomorrow is cross over day and their rest day so both groups should get the chance to mingle, swap trekking stories and compare blisters over the fire at the campsite they will share for the night. Tango 6 will also be celebrating John Emmerson's birthday today.

Adam (The King of India) from head office has left his trekking adventure with Tango 7 and will soon be arriving at the Echo 4 camp, along with Neil (who we at fieldbase like to call teaboy!), where they are all looking forward to seeing them. And we've just received a phone call saying there is an elephant happily standing at the water pump ready to greet them both!

The group had a trip out to HD Kote yesterday and they had a birthday to celebrate today as James Gurney is turning 22. Happy birthday from fieldbase to both John and James!

The school at Charlie 1 is in the final construction stages and they're mixing their hard physical tasks with some lighter work such as painting. We're all gearing up to the school's opening ceremony towards the end of this phase which should be an emotional occasion for everyone involved in its construction and for the people of Muttimoola.

So after that round up it just leaves some messages from the venturers:

Georgie Page would like to say thanks to everyone from home who sent birthday cards, it was great to read them all. She had a great birthday! x

Davina would also like to wish her Dad, Tom, a very happy 60th birthday. And best wishes from all of us here at fieldbase. x

Hi Marina

Happy Birthday for the 16th, hope you have a fantastic day. All my love to you and Oliver.
Tina x

To The Badens,
Thank you for your message, you should receive some letters soon. Having a great time in Halsur.
Love Tina x

To Libby, hey ya hun I can’t receive any messages till I finish trek on Dec 13th. Not long left.
Rwarr x Crimbo

To Juliet Prodger
Hey same sort of thing I said to Libby x Crimbo. Things are fine, new group again – Tango 6.

To Juliette and Ben
Having a good time. How’s everyone i.e. Smurf, Sam R, John and Dale? Can you find out? Missing everyone. If you and Libby send another letter I will receive it but don’t send it after 20th Nov. Missing all, Crimbo.

Libby
Be careful what you send on the blog though because it won’t get through the filter. Missing you lots spiderman yer, jammy stain dippings, rwarries. Anyway write a letter I can’t wait to hear from you xx Glad you got the letter xxx Crim

To Johnny
You out there, can’t hear you, spiderman where are you? Miss you lots, any funny sorties? Have you done it yet? x chris x

Hey Dan,
Got your letter today – woohoo! Hope you’re still good. Almost finished the trek – it’s been a slog but we’ve had a real laugh! Eaten so much! Back in fieldbase on 23rd – speak to you then!
With love, Frankie xxx

Hello Marr Family!
Thanks for the blogs and letters – got them today. Especially loved Becky’s card! The trek has been tough but we’ve done it now and have 2 days of rafting to look forward to at the end. Have had no more leeches on my face but several hundred have attacked my boots in vain! Thinking of you all, love Frances in a tired but happy Tango 7! Xxx

Hi Mum, Dad, Lindsey & Chris
Sorry for delay – only just got the blog. Glad you had a great time in the Peaks – sounds awesome! Having a great trek although it’s rained a lot! Boxer shorts got soaked through one night so I dropped my trousers and dried my boxers on the fire whilst wearing them. When in Rome…! Have loads of photos. The trek is over now, just 2 days of rafting left, which will be great. Slept out under the stars last night. Glad you received the card as well and I hope you had a great day, lots of love
Matthew xxx

Hey Kate
Good luck with Faustus! It will be great! Save me a hoody please (and a poster). Hope terms going well and Chris isn’t too scarred from the house party! Trek has been great and tiring and wet. Have had some great food from cafes on the roadsides; parotha, chai and a white mango, going a bit green even?! Boxers on previous post to Mum & Dad. Have been keeping busy – planning our skit, building shrines to ganesh (have been given a little statue) etc. (I am now carving a spoon – hopefully!) Sleeping outside in shelters/random houses is a highlight. Keep me posted about everything.
Lots of Love and Hugs
Matt xxx

To Richard Drax
Hey Dad thanks for your message. No one has been assigned for the wake up call and with regards to the beer – no drink allowed! Say hi to Tash and James for me as well! Just finished the trekking phase (over 200k’s) with a very heavy bag! My trousers are now about ten sizes too big and this phase has definitely been both a challenge and a lot of fun at the same time! Sorry about the picture – I’d just finished my ciggy! Met lots of nice people and still having a great time. Definitely in need of some meat when I get home though as a lot of Inida is veggie! Killer!!!
Love Tobs xx

To Tamara Drax
Hey Bara, thanks so much for your message really appreciate it! Send my love to porge as well! Just about finished my trekking phase and have to build a raft out of bamboo tomorrow as we have two days rafting! Seen lots of wicked places and been on some interesting bus journeys! Food is not as bad now and doesn’t blow my head off quite as much as it did originally and I’m having a great time. Has been hard work and have lost a lot of weight judging by how loose my trousers are now! Hope the toons good and all’s well with you! Loads of love and see you at Christmas for a crazy one!! Xx

Hey Holly,
I just got both your letters today which was really cool  can’t wait to see you on the 17th! Bit concerned about how you are feeling couldn’t read the word on the first letter and I’m looking forward to the shoe shopping. You are going to have to keep guessing what the pressie is 
Love you loads, Jamie E xxxxx

Hiya Mum and Dad,
I’ve just finised the trekking today only got the rafting left now. It felt awesome to finish it. It is not the same having bad weather but being indoors still we have been rather lucky it has dried up or rather stopped raining constantly. I have put weight on during the trek. I would prefer not to have a haircut when I get back due to mu hair not growing quickly. So how it the work in the garden going? How is the fitness age coming with the Wii fit?
Love Jamie E xxxxx
P.s. no crocs in the river.

Hi to the Oakes Family,
Thank you for your blog comments the other day. I’m on the mend and Mum they’re nothing on your ice pops but I’ve managed to wangle a few ice lollies as a reminder of home comforts. Hopefully, I’ll be back on my feet again soon and able to head out the Hosaheggudilu to finish the project with the rest of the group. I’m glad to hear that the Wimpenny’s received my letter and that you will soon be reading it – I also received a letter from you and one from Jenni & Daniel a few days ago which was really nice. Don’t worry I’m being looked after very well and I’m sure you’ll be kept up to date with my progress.
Looking forward to seeing you all at Christmas, love to all,
Mads
xxx

Hello all! Adventure going well, trekking going well. Can somebody please pick me up from the airport (Heathrow). Please please please, it is Christmas, you haven't seen me for six months!

Charlotte Ali

(Flight details to come!)

Hey everyone, lots of love coming your way! Having a very exciting time here, lots of stories for when I get back! Dad the hat is still with me, though resembles a pancake. All good! Thanks for the blog messages and mail I've been getting. Koala - I'm getting pretty hot on my PA lyrics, will be number one fan by Feb! Tasha and Sean - got the letter, hard work will pay off guys but remember to play hard too! Off to work now, take care, love Holly xxx

Happy birthday Tahira!!! Sending lots of love from Kerala, enjoy your day, Michael Stern xxx