Trekking with the Tangos



The spectacular Irupu Falls marks the beginning

 Just six days ago I deployed with Tango Six on the brand new Demon Trek, so named not for its nastiness but rather for the local name given to one of the several peaks the group will summit over the 18 day phase.



And they are away

The Demon adventure circumnavigates the region of Wayanad in the north of Kerala. Known for spices and its incredible scenery, Wayanad is a well kept secret of this popular tourist state. In fact, Muddy Boots, Raleigh’s project partner, are one of the first adventure companies to begin working in the area and as such we are visiting places few have seen before.

Sam lends Jen a helping hand

After an incredibly intense packing session where Tango 6 were tasked with packing 3 weeks’ worth of pasta, noodles, porridge and peanut crunch, we headed out in the early hours of Sunday morning. First stop was the Kuruva Islands, a 900acre collection of some 64 islands in the Kabini where we practised our river crossing skills no less than 7 times. A delicious Keralan lunch served on banana leaves and we were on our way to camp before heading up over the Western Ghats.

The Western Ghats in all their glory


The first day was tough, our packs were at their heaviest, our bodies at their least experienced, it is to the credit of the team that we made it to the top of Brahmagiri hill, a peak of 2100m. Monday was also our first taste of leeches, an animal which despite having 32 brains failed to win the admiration or respect of Tango 6. The very fashionable leech socks did however provide protection and we continued on undettered, crossing over the grasslands and ridges before dropping down through the forest to Kerela.

Regu takes a time to enjoy the view

No view but still happy to have conquered Brahmagiri

An early morning wake up call for birthday boy Kane was followed by a Hindu blessing at the 1500 year old Thirunelly Temple, before we began winding our way through the stunning paddy fields and coffee and banana plantations. Lunch by the river followed by a steep uphill brought us to our campsite and our birthday celebrations began around the campfire.

Birthday boy Kane - an 18th celebration he is unlikely to forget

Post lunch siesta





Ian receives a blessing from our Muddy Boots guide (hero) Ram

Paddy fields are plentiful in India - second biggest exporter of rice.....fact!

Camping amongst the coffee

Preparing to carb up - Anna, Reg, Liv, Sarah and Dr Phil

And then came the cycling, and wow what an amazing experience. Begining in the paddy fields, we continued on through the most stunning forest, the tough uphill rewarded by some incredible down hills leaving everyone on a high. A taste of Indian townships an incredibly spicy lunch and we finished our final section deep in the heart of tea country. Amazing!

Practically the Tour de France

Anniek, Katie & Phil

Jen in the jungle

Mikheil shows his skills on the corners

Sarah, Liv and Phil

I may be gushing, but I am still bouncing after my mini adventure.  I have lived in India for over a year now, and yet the beauty of this country never fails to take my breath away. Equally, I have worked with countless Raleigh groups and the determination, team work and sense of achievement displayed by each and every person never fails to inspire me. 

Full credit to project managers Olly, Phil and Rachel who are doing an excellent job in supporting what is a remarkable group of venturers from four different countries. Tango Six supporters you should be very proud of your people, they are doing brilliantly!

Katie enjoys a well deserved local lunch



Olly - mountain leader and allround great guy

A massive thank you to Polly who was not only a brilliant member of the trek but also took over 2000 stunning photos.

Anna - Guest Blogger  
All photos by Polly Baldwin http://www.dynamicpictures.co.uk/ (unless stated otherwise).