It's the final countdown!
It is time to give you a round up on how all of the groups are doing and I am certain that you will be as impressed as we are at field base with the outstanding progress that has been made by the groups at this stage on Phase 3. It's the last push before we can all let our hair down, congratulate ourselves, reflect on the differences that we have made to others and finally allow ourselves to feel proud of our own personal achievements.
Echo 4 and Echo 5
We arrive at Echo 4 and 5 with our loop visit and we arrive with the rain. There are a few locals who rush to take their washing from the lines and the children take cover in the porch watching us with suspicious but interested eyes as we dash about trying to keep ourselves dry. What struck me on the journey to the environmental groups is how green and luscious Southern India has become due to the early start of the stormy monsoon season. The parched, red, dusty carpet that I considered covered Southern India has now been replaced by greenery and the change in the weather is matched by the change in the scenery all around me.
The location of the Echo Groups is so remote that I could not help but feel slightly stranded as I waved goodbye to the Bravo. No vehicles are allowed to remain in this dense, mountainous forest; a handful of children welcomed us but it would be wrong to call this a village as there are only three houses in sight and it is truly serene and calming to be here.
The rain does not stop activities for long though as waterproofs come out and the camp craft continues.
It is wrong of me however to deal with these groups together as despite their close proximities there is still a hint of rivalry and although there is friendly banter and sometimes an odd meal which is shared between the groups there is still a fierce competition which keeps these two Echo Groups distinct. Therefore I shall deal with each in turn. (See later references to chickens.)
So Echo 5 First!
I have not witnessed anyone as grateful as Harry when he received his guitar in the loop visit. We were then treated to his talent for much of my visit and the music created a group spirit that not even the rain could dampen.
There is definitely a male bonding in this group and the boys are well, they are boys and there is rolling and playful wrestling!
And then, well then, there are the chickens! Please meet Paul and Barry!
They have had what some call a "day trip" to Echo 4 whilst others prefer to call it a "kidnapping" by Echo 4. Who knows what the truth is behind their mysterious disappearance but they have now been safely returned to their pens. What I have witnessed however is that Paul and Barry are the only thing that cause a group divide within Echo 5. Some members want to eat them and skewer them with a break bar to make a lovely chicken tikka curry whilst others would guard these pets with their lives and want to gift the chickens to the children in the local village. All I do know is that they are yet to lay an egg and their lifespan may be lengthened if they could perhaps just produce at least one yolk. Perhaps it is best if I don't keep you updated on the chickens at Echo 5.
I should also mention that they have been working hard. They have cleared the 450 metre area and the fence posts are all concreted in. They have started painting and are all set to finish on time which means that they have earned their trip to Ooty on Sunday. I hope they have as much fun as the field base team although this is unlikely as we are generally hilarious here at field base.
Which brings me swiftly on to Echo 4.
I am informed that the Badminton trials take place over the weekend in England, well never ones to be left out, we have our own slightly different version of the Badminton trials out here too but I think we have the edge in terms of entertainment.
Henry and James battle it out. I have to admit I can't remember who won but take my word it was on the edge of your seat stuff!
Some of the group preferred a good book..... in various positions........
Some passed the time with a good old fashioned catch up. I think I was informed that Sam was roped into reading Glamour magazine but then again it could be misinformation so I am reluctant to put my name to it.
So apart from chilling out, playing sport, gossiping and chicken stealing what else have the group done I hear you ask. Well despite this seemingly casual approach the group are well ahead of target and they have cleared their ground, the poles are firmly cemented in with fence wiring happening over the weekend. With an Ooty trip to celebrate on Monday I have nothing else to report for the time being.
Charlie 3
MYKAPS have complimented Charlie 3 several times as they are way ahead of their schedule. They have already dug 9 out of the 10 trenches that they are targetted to dig and the foundations for the rain water harvesting tank are as you can see well under way!
The trenches will protect the crops and prevent the topsoil from being washed away during the monsoon.
The group have been swimming in the lake to keep cool in their spare time. There has also been time for some reading and merriment in the afternoons.
The bond with the villagers is also strong and the group have organised face painting sessions, a sports days and a whole range of activities to interact with the villagers. This is to be topped off by the large party to which the whole village is invited to at the end of the phase. Field base are flattered to also be invited and we will bring you the photographs and stories from this end of phase party at Charlie 3.
The group are off to Bylakuppe on the weekend which is one of the first refugee camps set up in South India which housed thousands of Tibetens who fled Tibet following the 1959 invasion. The area's highlight is the Namdroling Monastry home to the jaw droppingly spectacular Golden Temple presided over by an 18m high gold plated Buddha.
Charlie 2
The work that Charlie 2 have done for these tribal villagers is staggering. I returned on the loop visit with Sophie Cragg, our finance officer who spent a phase at the project, working as a Project Manager. The villagers rushed out to greet her and it was overwhelming to see the welcome that she received on returning to the village. Strong bonds with this village have been formed and life changing refurbishments to their housing have been created by Raleigh here. The groups from both phases should be very proud of what they have achieved here.
On a lighter note Bella shows me the goats and makes me laugh!
Guess where Charlie 2 are going on their trip? Hmmm its not hard as it's not very original. They too are off to Ooty. It is good there though so I will let them off and who knows they may have come up with the idea first.
So that leaves me to tell you about the trekkers. I am afraid there are no photographs as yet. It takes a day and a half to reach the trekkers and Claire our photographer and Sophie are not back from their visit until Monday. I promise therefore to deliver photographs then. In the interim I can tell you that Tango 7 did 22 kilometres in the heat yesterday and were resting up at Lakeside today in readiness for the raft race tomorrow. I have just this minute heard that it has been raining for the last 4 hours and the groups are battling with 5 inches of water. Some of the members have taken advantage of the tree house accommodation to shelter from the rain. Tango 6 have been on a trip at Kumili today and have been drinking chai, resting and having fun in preparation for their 18 kilometre trek to Hibuai tomorrow. Both groups are going strong and are injury free save for a few blisters and tired limbs. As I said earlier it's the final push.
Here is a photo that Kat Thomas took at fieldbase whilst she was waiting for the volcanic ash to clear.
The monsoon and storms have arrived in India!
Finally we are running a half marathon and a 10k race at the end of the phase. I will be producing the list of runners and more details tomorrow so log in and have a look. It is going to be so much fun. Bye for now
Jo
