The Charlie 2 Crew

Owen has won some fans

Two sugars in my tea?

The loop with Claire and Tom on board has just returned from Charlie 2 and the tribal village of Kudimery which is tucked away in the higher lands of our neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu. The setting is idyllic, tall green trees offset the tea surrounding tea plantations and are a stark contrast to the dryer regions of Kanartaka where many of the other groups are based.

And you can make it with these leaves....?

Layla demonstrates that it is indeed possible to sort of fit in a backpack

George brings technology to Kudimery

While Layla and Owen rely on the good old fashion air guitar

Of slight concern is the presence (or at least perceived presence) of a higher power. Noises at night, holly goat bones appearing in long drop sites and strange flapping sensations has got all a little on edge – including Claire.

Layla reads one of your letters

The group is working alongside the local people to refurbish their substandard housing. So far they have taken up the floors, prepared the roofs and sanded down interior and exterior walls in preparation for painting.

Yep that is a well - and yep that is our bucket in the well - and yep we don't know what to do now

In addition to the work, the guys put on a silent zombie disco in honour of the fieldbase visit and have also taken every opportunity to take educational trips to local sites. Today they visited some local waterfalls, yesterday they visited a tea factory and next week they will head to Ooty one of India’s famous hill stations.

Mat shows of his tea picking skills

Blog reading - look at the intensity

Hannah one of our new guys pulls of expedition chic

Claire joins Kripa and Sophie on the other side of the lens

Lauren - always the lady

The Zombie party

Always jolly and clearly having a great time while working incredibly hard – Charlie 2 have won some fans here at fieldbase.

 What tales are the Kudimerry hiding?
Of the woman that we call the Grinding
At night we hear moans, as she crushes goat bones
Their secrets we'll endeavour in finding