Field base Roadtrip

Well it might seem like the fieldbase team just work, work, work and well sadly that is true we are the undisputed hardest workers (if you don't ask the Project Managers or indeed the venturers). However despite our work addiction we allowed ourselves a well earned and it must be said an hilarious road trip to Ooty the other day. You know it's going to be a good outing when the sun is shining, you pack the car, get on the road and within an hour you see an elephant out of the window ambling along. Sometimes India overwhelms you.

There was some debate about the quality of accommodation that we should stay at and we mooted staying at the Savoy for our mini break but it was finally decided that the Ooty Youth Hostel met all our needs and Claire, Sophie, Anna, Kev and myself checked into this establishment with enthusiasm; I must admit I had some reservations that there was a sign informing us that it was an extra 5 Rupees (roughly 12 pence) for a bucket of hot water and that lights were to go off at 10.30pm. My concerns however were unjustified as we received no bites from our bunk beds, no complaints about our noisy laughter and the water was well, it was refreshing!

The first thing we did was check out Doddabetta Lookout which is the highest point in the Nilgiris. The views were magnificient, if a little misty as we ignored the advice of the guide book and got there  later than was recommended.

Next a bit of shopping and it was so easy to browse a couple of hours away dreamily choosing nick nacks and souvenirs.

 Jacaranda trees are in abundance in Ooty and the bluey, purple flowers decorate the landscape making it a joy to chill on the grass, people watching and enjoying the surroundings.

Chocolate from Ooty is famous so we took advantage, ordering it by the kilo and made our way chubbily to the boats for an afternoon of messing about rowing slowly and unrhymically on the water.

We were accosted in the street by a palm reader who told us that Kev had a lucky face and had a great fortune ahead of him. We were intrigued enough to part with our silver and each in turn had our destinies revealed. Prashanth our driver interpreted for us. It was fun and some of the information that was imparted pleased us, so we chose to believe the mysterious Indian man.

We finished our little holiday roaming the botanical gardens and arboretum feeling refreshed and relaxed and ready to start planning the end of expedition party and wash up.

And finally a few Field Base Thank Yous

We have to say a quick thank you to Mark, Vijay and Sammy who had to stay behind at field base to man the ship allowing us to take some time to eat chocolate, kick back and row ourselves down the river.

Also a big thank you to Lauren McDonald's mum and Lowena Carlson's mum for the much appreciated confectionary. We have also received a few unidentified gifts of sweets so if you were the benefactor again A BIG THANK YOU!!

More to come later today on the groups and also more to come on our half marathon and the 10k race.....it's exciting so it is worth logging in today as I will be typing the adventures and stories all day. Stay tuned....