When the going gets tough, the tough get trekking

Happy Valentine's day to all you blog readers, we've been sending out big love to all the teams from field base this morning and also passing on all your messages of loveliness. We've heard back about weddings in Charlie 1 and a special Valentines dinner taking place in Charlie 2 so we'll update you more on that when we have it.

But now, drum roll please... here's the long awaited update on Tango 5 from our very own Kathryn who's now back, washed and trying to edit the six hundred and something photos she took of the group...

If tea is the new coffee then Tango 5 are the new ‘it’ crowd. It’s hard to say exactly how many hundreds of thousands of acres Kerala’s tea plantations sprawl but we do know this much: India is the world’s largest tea-drinking nation, is one of the largest producers of tea in the world and the state of Kerala is home to the world’s highest organic tea plantation! 

In the first week alone Tango 5 embarked on a journey through some of the lushest tealeaf this side of an afternoon at The Ritz. They covered over 50km by way of hiking boots, rucksacks, water bladders and a few token walking poles; not to mention three handmade rafts made from bamboo, car inner-tubes and coconut rope. And if this isn’t enough to turn you into a trekking junkie, day two saw them conquer the second-highest peak in southern India, Meesapulimala - over 2600 meters - which is pretty much twice the height of Ben Nevis in the UK. 

Day 1

Day 1 dinner.
L-R - Hugh, Ros (PM), Alice, Richard, Ellie, Sophie, Gen, Georgi, Emily, Paz, James, Laura.

Naomi carrying off the pack-horse look pretty well.

Day 2 - taking a well deserved break at the top of the second highest peak in Southern India - Meesapulimala
L-R - Martyn, Ellie and Guy.

Day 2 - walking back down from the peak.

Day 3 was all about survival with a bare patch of land, albeit with views to die for, bamboo poles, woven coconut fronds and a few essential tools provided for good measure. The venturers and project managers didn’t hold back in putting their muscles of initiative to use as they constructed a sleeping shelter, cooked on the camp fire a chicken and vegetarian curry fit for a king and built a long-drop loo with-a-view.
  

Day 3
Pandy and Gen starting to build the shelter.

Richard and Sophie make a start on lunch.

The shelter coming along nicely 

Hugh serves up lunch of fresh vegetable soup which was amazing!

James, Martyn and Emily get started on the loo with view.

The survival camp on the side of a mountain. A bare patch of rock with a view to die for...

Ros and Sophie making chapati for breakfast at 4am.

Morning exercises before trek courtesy of Richard.

Day 4 and 5 was an epic 48 hours to say the least. Inclusive of raft-building, a rare downfall of ‘dry season’ rain, which didn't help anyone’s clothes washing and drying efforts, an early morning 2km rafting trip (how does a 3:45am wake-up sound?) and a 17km trek through some of the most stunning tea and cardamom plantations in the Western Ghats.

Bath time trek style.
L-R - Alice, Naomi, Guy, Laura and James.

One of the three completed rafts and the waterproofs are out!

Gen and Ros working on the raft in the rain.

  

Part of the 17km trek through the stunning tea plantations.

  

Richard, Ros and Martyn in a cardamom plantation.

Taking a break in the cardamom plantation.

Homeward bound to that night's camp.

 After such a challenging couple of days, Tango 5 relished in their rest day but of course there is no real rest for the wicked.  The group got underway filming for the expedition music video, creating designs for the expedition t-shirt, playing some energizer games and finally got to dry out their very damp and somewhat smelly clothes.

Sophie and Richard cleaning up after breakfast.

Finally time for some games.

On day 7 at the crack of dawn they did rise, and embraced another moderate trek passing chai (tea) stalls, another two steep and lofty peaks carpeted with lemon grass, elephant grass and even elephant poo, but alas, no sign of the gentle grey giants themselves. As the clock was nearing 3pm and Tango’s own ‘it’ crowd arrived into camp at Chaturangappara, low and behold…a snake was basking in the winter sun amongst the cardamom. Did we mention that winter in this part of the world climbs to 30 odd degrees Celsius?

We're not lost, honest...

The view from the chai stall.

Obstacles aplenty as Andy emerges from under a tree.

Another day, another peak.

On the Western Ghats looking out over Tamil Nadu with Kerala behind us.

Tick check time with Laura and Richard. All clear apparently.

On that note I shall leave you with this motto: It’s not the destination but the journey! This is Kathryn, official Tango 5 reporter and paparazzi signing off…

Thank you Kathryn and so nice to have you home! 


And here's the messages they sent for you guys back home...

From Andy Jehring

To – Mum, Dad and Willy

Thank you very much for the messages, they help a lot out here! Also, happy 21^st to Will! There’s a rumour of a chill, out here that sends you into a cardiac arrest so I think your birthday present is sorted. I hope all is well at home, even if you don’t have 30degree heat surrounded by beautiful mountains and awesome wildlife... Trevor and the judge arrived today, so many thanks as it’s much appreciated. I haven’t been able to get a phone out here and so this is the only real way to communicate with people so if Will could pop Serena, Tim and Ryan a link to the blog via a Facebook message that would be great as I haven’t had contact with them since leaving and with 8 weeks to go it’s a daunting prospect. Anyway I need to wash and photograph the new group mascot, Trevor!

Much love
Andrew

From – Georgi Tandy

Hi Mum, Dad and James

Hope you’re all ok. Thanks for the last blog dad it was amazing to have some kind of connection to you. I’ve sent you both letters but I don’t know when they’re going to arrive but they’ve been sent! I’m on the trek part in Tango 5. It’s seriously difficult mentally and physically I’m finding it so tough. I’m going to stick it out even though I’m missing home so much. We’ve already climbed the second highest peak in Southern India which is pretty cool and I never realised how many mountains India has! Anyway, I’ll write you all another letter when I get back to field base in two weeks.
Lots of love
Georgi x x x x x

From Georgi Tandy
To – Rupert
Hey Rupert! I just got your letter, it made me smile. Only you would write a drunk letter, I suppose it makes a change from drunken texts. Am eating curry right now by the way J. Hope you’re to have a good time in Camden by the wya, it is still the best place ever!

Missing you
Georgi x x x

From Ros Crocker
To – all
 Hi all, nearly cracked first of three week trek, it’s been emotional! There’s been pirate rafting race, hiking through breathtaking scenery, lots of tea and cardamom plantations, loading up on chai and as much cake as I can physically fit in my body (no chance of losing weight!). Lots of tears, smiles, games and sweat – I’m dirtier than I’ve ever been in my life but best of all we have a brilliant team. Still a long way to go, two more weeks of hardcore trekking, team building and working on the farmer’s tan. Hope all’s well with everyone back in the big smoke.
Love to all

Ros x x x

From Ros Crocker
To - Mum and Dad

In addition to the above note my lovely sleeping bag liner seems to have gone walkabout. Any chance you could get me another one and post it out here? Let me know if you need anymore details about it.
Thanks!

Love Ros x

From - Martyn Parry

To Mum and Dad, Thanks for the messages, all is well, see you soon. Love Martyn xx (Parry)

From - Martyn Parry

To - Scott

To Scott, Thanks for the message, tell the family I said Hi. See you when I’m back. 

Martyn

From - Guy Scott

To Mum and Dad, Thank you very much for your messages, they made my day! Just writing to say hi and that I am having an amazing time trekking down in Kerala. The scenery here is beautiful and I’ll give you a call when I’m back at field base in a few weeks.

Lots of love

Guy

From - Emily Hodge
To – Lorne and Harriet
I was so happy to get your essay of r a blog message (seeing as Mum and Tim have left me nothing – yes I hope you read this mum). Laughing so much about your working life and can’t wait for the Indian wedding! Hope rock jumping is all going well and you are behaving. Won’t tell you too much about what’s happening here as sure the blog is telling you. Had such highs and serious lows, It’s harder than I ever imagined on trek. Yesterday we woke up at 3:45 and were still walking in the dark last night to get to camp but having a rest day today. Everyone in the group is amazing and feels like we’ve known each other for months not days. Feet are getting nice and blistered but power house is trying to cope. Defo no cows munching clothes haha!
Love you so much
Emily x x x x

From Emily Hodge
To – Mum, Tim and Lou

Hope everything back home is good. Not sure if you’ve been reading the blog but if you have nice to know you have left me a message! Feels like I’ve been away for months and missing you so much. Trekking is so hard but everyone in group is lovely. Feel free to write to me and let me know what’s happening.
I love you all
Emily x x x x

From - Ellie Gale
To – Mum and Tom
Hello! Well here I am on trek in Kerala with the best team in the world Tango 5! We have made camp everyday trekking through the most beautiful, lush scenery and the tea plantations are staggering! Yesterday I led the team on a 2.5 hour raft down the river (and didn’t sink!) and a 17km trek through cardamom plantations and mountain top villages. It was super hard in the humidity but loads of fun!!! We had pirate face paint on which was melted all over our t-shirts when we woke up all sore and stinky. But I’ve made lot of friends and the sun has got it’s hat on! Can’t wait to get back to Mysore so I can call you both and hear all your news. Pink hair?!!!
I love you, I love you, I love you.
Your hot, happy and stinky Ellie x x x x

From Richard Smith

To- Mum

Dear Mum, (Anna Smith)

I’m doing fine a tad run down, as I’m on my 18 day trek. Climbed the second highest mountain in South India. Eating loads of curry and enjoying India – 50 pence for a packet of fags. Can you please pass the blog site on to my friends and in facebook.

Love Richard x

From - Laura Oakley

To Mum, Dad, Paula, rest of family and Callum,

Thank you all for your messages! Trek is really hard and exhausting, but I’m doing fine. If you could see me know you wouldn’t recognise me! India is beautiful and my group is awesome. Missing you all though. Hope someone’s found Gary! And Callum, try and get your home address to me as I only have your French one (which unfortunately I’ve already sent stuff to). With regards to your job I think you’ve made the right choice. No squirrels yet! All my love, Laura xx (Oakley)

From - James Hollins

To-  Suzie (Hollins), Ian, Sarah and Tom,

At this moment in time I am on the adventure phase in Tango 5 trekking in South Kerala, the scenery is amazing, I have taken lots of pictures to show you all when I get back. I saw some monkeys the other day climbing on our bus J. The weather over here is amazing, but very hot and quite humid, but it did rain yesterday. I am having a really good time and liking reading the blog messages that you sent me, so keep them up. I sent you Mum a postcard the other day but I don’t know whether it has arrived yet. Sorry for the minimum communication, but it is so hard to communicate at the moment. I hope everything is going well for you all.
Lots of Love James xxxx

And we've also had some other messages come in from the other groups also...

From Echo 4

From - Lauren Bell

To - Ali Welchman
Happy Vanentine's day and happy birthday for tomorrow. Miss you and thinking of you.
Love Lauren x

From - Dan O'Flynn
To - Mum

To Ma, Happy Birthday!! Hope you have a lovely day! x

From Dan O'Flynn
To - Letts

Dearest Lettuce - Happy Valentines day, miss you lots and thinking of you. Wish you were here. Maoam.
Love Dan x x x

From Echo 3

From - James Bell

To - Rachel and Family

Hi everyone! I'm not sure when I will be able to write to you all next, so thought I would give you an update on what we're up to. Yesterday, half of our group took some time off from digging and took part in the creation of a treasure hunt for the other half of the group (which they'll do on Sunday) and it was very fun and exciting to have some time out of camp! I'm yet to see any elephants but they are near as we have seen lots of tracks. I'm also well and am getting a great tan when working so it's keeping us all going. I' hope you are all well and I've sent a post card to you Rachel so I hope it arrives to you soon. Keep me posted with the happenings from home.
Lots of love

James x x x

From - Ellie Burton

To - Tom Smith
Oh hai! Hope you're ok. Too much to say here so have written you an epic letter. Hopefully it will reach you before I get back to blighty! Just to let you know I'm ok, enjoying incredibly hot weather, work and swimming in the day - campfires and stargazing at night.
Write soon :)

xxx

From Ellie Burton
To - Mum
Namaskara! As you've seen I arrived safely here in India (I'll save the tales from my flight for another time!). Have built my own 'basha' bed out of bamboo and tarpaulin which is proving surprisingly sturdy (for something made by me!). Just about getting into the swing of the 6am starts and sweltering heat. Staying in a very remote area next to a huge lake which we all cool down in after digging (haven't bumped into any crocodiles or leeches yet!). No elephant sightings to report (saw some poos though) but have been getting involved with plenty of artistic creations, bumpy bus journeys and infectious head wobbling in the meantime. Went to a magnificent house warming party where food was served n a banana leaf and all us girls got henna tattoo's. Gave English lessons at the local school yesterday which was fun but exhausting! Hope all is well in the Shire?
Thanks for your messages

x x x x

From - Ellie Burton
To - Mai & the crew

Hello fair maiden of the Shire! Wow, yes, I am in India! The insane heat and presence of creepy crawlies act as constant reminders! Haven't done much tent sleeping yet, instead I'm out under the stars in a self made basha (it's like a hammock with bamboo support) and it's actually holding out much better than our ill-fated Wakestock creation! Have made a fair few curried dishes, getting used to chlorinated water and am snacking on a record number of 'Parle-G' biscuits!. Your camera and I have sadly broken up after a turbulent relationship... it just wasn't working! :( Going to look for a new one whilst I'm out here. Anyway write back soon and I'll try keep you updated!
Octydal love x x x

From - Chris McCann
To - Mum and brothers

Hi everyone, how are you? Well I'm good anyway am having a great time, am loving it so that's good. Martin's in college in that tel him to keep up the good work and tell Paul he better be keeping out of trouble in that. Well Mum, am gonny go the noow but if anything changes with anything just let me know and I'll fone ye anyway. Am gonny go the noo. Love use and write back.
Love Chris x x x

From Emily Howell

To studio house & Co

Hi dudes! Finally had a bit more time today to write to you properly – thanks for the message, glad to hear Alex is putting his head torch to good use…head torches and wet wipes are probably the most incredible investment ever made. Been staying by a lake digging elephant trenches for the last week after trek training at the very start. It’s BOILING in the day and freezing at night – 6am is a lie-in for me now and bedtime is 10pm…I have the most disgusting biceps already. I’m going to come back looking seriously manly. Sleeping in a homemade basha which is awesome (google it) and the toilets are how I’d imagine them to be – we dug our own and have toilet paper (yes!) at camp but public toilets involve an enamel hole and a tap. Basically there’s a reason why you’re not supposed to eat with your left hand. Yum?!! Seen an elephant bone, poo and footprints but no actual ones yet; I’ll let you know when I’ve jumped on the back of one – with me riding proudly, head torch on and my mosquito net tied round my head in a bridal fashion. So much more to tell you but don’t know where to start!  Am writing it all down though so you’ll get all the gory details later.  

Love you all! (Except Toby. My brain rots when I think of you). Xxx

From Emily Howell

To mum, dad, Charlie, Stan

Hi all!  Taking this opportunity to write to you once more before the blog book leaves camp and there’s no more communication for a while. Trench digging is going well but it’s very hot and hard work – luckily we have the lake to cool off every day!  We have a very sweet old man who comes from the village every night to watch for elephants in case they trample us but so far he’s just slept on the ground…maybe he can smell them coming? Am really enjoying life in the ‘wild’ yet we've still had chicken and fish for dinner. We’re in quite a remote area but have already done some fantastic things inc. teaching at the local school and being invited to a proper Indian housewarming party so having an amazing time! Anyway, these trenches won’t dig themselves so I’ll leave it there, miss you all, hope it’s not too cold in Winch! (It’s 9am here and boiling). 

P.s. you’ll be interested to know that 6am is now a lie in for me! 

xxx

From Charlie 2

From Sunil Mistry 

To Mum and Dad, Lofty Nilz

Hey guys, having a lot of fun out here, making good progress on the toilets and generally enjoying the sun! The children are good fun but think I’m a local! :S Really missing home cooking already but we are working on getting some fish and chicken! Gonna go for a swim now, CYA!

From Nic Richards

To Mum and Dad

Hi guys, having a great time out here, although quite tough at times. The masons we are building toilets with are a good laugh although all we really say to each other is Nero! and Cemento. Thanks for the update, it would be great to receive more football results via the blog, something to look forward to. I’m sending a card but could take a while to come. Good to hear all is well

love Nic x 

P.S Can you include the united scores.

From Lucy Curzon

To Elizabeth Howe and Flora Curzon

I don’t know if you’ve been looking at the blog but I hope so! Just to let you know I received your letters today-thanks SO much!  Such a lovely surprise.  Great to hear your news. It is absolutely incredible here - we even taught a music lesson yesterday which was so fun - we've got a guitar at the mo so lots of singing. The loos are coming on well but it’s pretty hot work! Have been running in the mornings too and the scenery is wonderful. SO much love to all at home, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Emma! 

xx Lucy xx

From Sophie Lether

To Parents/Juliette

Salut tout le monde! Je voujais juste tout die bonjour. Je suis maintenent bien bonze et entrais de lire. A passage to India! Genial! Je vous parlerais une foir rentee a Fieldbase dans genre 10/15 jous pour discenter un peux de ce qui ce passeraisi jes reste en Inde. Auni est que juju peut dire a Butler (mon amiee) Qui l y a un blog Raleigh, comme ca je peux leur die bonjour etc….Curos gros gros bisous, Soso xx P.S Mama, tu peux m’envoyer par poste des tampax, non-compact (pas plastic) couleur orange! Merci! ASAP

From Sophie Lethier 

To - BUTLER

Hey lovelies, hope juju has shown you the way to this place.  Otherwise this little message will sadly remain unread.   Anyway, would love to hear news and updates from y’all and if you feel like spreading the word that one can contact me in this way it would be fab.  

Love you all, hope all is good.  

Sophers

PS How is my ucas baby?  I don’t want to know about rejections...  seriously bummout!