Phase three finale - Echo Two

Paul Mohan, star of the above documentary, recalls those heady days in Huskurhadi:

It's good, no?

"It is a sunny afternoon in Huskurhadi village. We have just finished our last day of digging our part of the elephant-proof fence. Looking back, it is hard to believe that just two and a half weeks ago, this section of trench, which now stands at 50 miles in length and 1 metre depth, was just flat ground. Needless to say the group are very proud of what they have achieved.

Now that's what I call a trench!

Vicky makes sure Tom is well-balanced

Rengith, is that a digging pole or a snooker cue?

Daniel moments before extreme pickaxe action 

Tomorrow the group will be taking down the campsite and getting ready to return to field base on Thursday morning. The group will also be attending a leaving ceremony which will be held at the community school. There are definitely mixed feelings of excitement and sadness in the air, as in just a few days the 10 week expedition will be over. But whether travelling on or going home the venturers will undoubtedly take some amazing memories with them.

The villagers check out the sound system

 

A regular at the trench, one of the village elders, fondly known as "Papa Smurf"

Scott vamps it up

Rengith evades the camera with a bandalay as a shield

For me the memories I will take from this phase include swimming in the reservoir everyday; playing rounders; chatting; laughing and playing games around the fire; stargazing; celebrating Kyle's and Rengith's 24th and 25th birthdays; watching people chasing chickens out of the campsite; listening to Will's amazing guitar skills; using the pull-up bar Tom constructed out of bamboo and the day trips to the Golden Temple and Mysore Palace.

Taking the weight off their feet, it's Vicky, Tom and birthday boy Kyle

Louise, Vicky and Rengith snap a stunning sky

Rengith's delicious birthday banquet

Put that in your cakehole!

For this venturer, the environmental phase was the perfect phase to finish off what has been an incredible expedition."

  An unstoppable workforce

Louise receives her garland at the leaving ceremony

Will is honoured for his hard work too 

A jubilant Echo Two

Echo Two Opening Ceremony

The distance that the final phase of Echo two reached was impressive, at over 50 metres in length, and at least a metre deep virtually everywhere. One extremely tiresome rock had spoilt the party, and I for one (Pete), wondered if it was not a relation to the famous Ayers Rock in the Australian outback. The original target for all three groups had been somewhat optimistic, as there were simply too many layers of rock to dig through, and where it was only mud, was still hard-packed like a concrete Benidorm holiday complex. The villagers lent a hand most days digging and shifting rubble at astonishing rates.

The solar fence posts were painted in a saffron orange that shone like a hundred radioactive satsumas. Work will continue in the next expedition with the required depth needing to be dug down to 2 metres deep and 1 metre wide to stop elephants reaching and eating the village crops.

Kyle, Tom, Scott, and "The Rock" by Taylor's shoulder.

Camp Coco was being stripped when we arrived for the closing ceremony. The Camp Coco fence of branches had been plundered for a final firelight blaze the night before, underneath a star filled canopy of the Milky Way. We wondered what may happen to the camp mascot, a stray dog that Echo Two named Suzy. She had  been on guard duty for the princely sum of a Parle-G biscuit per hour!

The third and final phase of the solar fence and elephant trench project had now come to a close, and we attended the presentation at the small school, with children dressed in some of their smartest bright clothes. I was fortunate to watch the presentation of beautiful jasmine garlands that were handed out, and the applause from the children for all the Raleight volunteers present. I considered myself lucky to be able to spend a full  seven days at the camp site, partaking of the reasonably comfortable outside beds, known as bashas, and toiling away with a pickaxe, digging pole or mamatie, as the group of ants ever so gradually sifted and shifted the rubble. The children were in fine voice as we warmed up prior to the presentations with a singalong of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", followed by Scott leading the "Aroochicha" song, much to the puzzlement of all the local adults. This was closely followed by teaching them a Mexican wave, with mixed results!! Lessons might never be the same again ...

Nick and Anita the two project managers expressed their thanks and appreciation to the villagers kindly translated by the MYKAPS spokesman. Scott then paid a moving tribute to the village that they will pass down this work and these memories to fellow generations.

Representatives from MYKAPS thanked all of the three Echo Two phases for their assistance, help and hard work on the project.

                           

 

The final Echo Two group arrived safely back at field base this morning. Though distant and some 5,000 miles from England, time flew by on this Huskurhardi project, and I'm sure it will long remain as a fond memory, and a privilege to have been part of this experience. Porridge at dawn, digging all morning, then swimming in the lake, games and camp craft in the afternoon, and star-kissed night skys. Priceless ...

Phase three so far

Charlie One

22/08/10 - 28/08/10

The new bunch of Charlies visited Muttilmoola, a model village in Tamil Nadu, where in partnership with CTRD Raleigh previously built housing for the Kattanayakan tribal people. It being festival time, the group also had the rare opportunity to watch a man drink chicken's blood. It is not known whether the venturers followed suit.

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We are pleased to report that the school's roof was completed on the 25th August.  With little time to rest on their laurels, the Charlies kept their work gloves on and began plastering the school walls, which they were all a dab hand at given their experience in making porridge in the morning. Having raised the roof in Koolal, celebrations were rounded off with tribal dancing.

Back to work, the rain fell heavily today as the group finished the inside plastering and the two outside walls. The scaffolding has been taken down and the Charlies are looking forward to living it up on their day out tomorrow.

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Echo Two

According to sources, this resounding group have made amazing progress in the trenches of Huskurhadi.  A booming voiced Scotsman (Scott) declared that 40m of trench had been dug. Not on your nelly!

Elephants were sighted in the area and a night watch was organised by the villagers to ensure that the pachyderms stayed away from Camp Coco,  leaving the Echoes sleeping soundly in their comfy bashas.

Digging a more realistic 10km of trench on the 27th, the group are today taking it easy with a visit to the  Golden Temple, Bylakuppe.

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Tango Three

Up at 4:30am on the 23rd August, Tango eased into their walking boots with a 4km trek. The next day they took on a 21km trek. Survival day followed with the group split into two tribes showcasing their camp craft skills.

Rambling on through Kerala's majestic scenery, Tango trekked 2km to Lakeside and set up camp. Putting their feet up the following day, the group enjoyed a day of splashy fun building their own rafts. Relaxed and refreshed, the trekkers emerged today from their tents for a 06:00 start. After a 24km trek in the heat and rain they arrived at Shantaparam campsite in fine form.

10E round-up

We're more than half-way through phase two. Doesn't time fly when you're having fun? Meanwhile at field base, it's been busy, busy, busy with plenty of comings and goings. But grabbing the keyboard with intent I (Marie) now bring you the news and messages.

01/08/10 - 13/08/10

Charlie One

Our new bunch of Charlies arrived safely in Koolal tribal village on the 1st August, accompanied by logistics manager extraordinaire, Jen. On the coach journey the group caught a glimpse of elephants. Arriving at the project site they caught sight of a whole lot of mud. The Charlies quickly set about putting tents up and digging trenches around them to keep dry. Attempts to keep clean proved futile and once the group had accpeted that fact, mud fights ensued!

Murugan's birthday on the 3rd August was celebrated with a banoffee pie and games. The next day it was Ben's birthday so a joint birthday party was held with tribal music and a 4kg cake. Earlier, the Charlies soaked up the torrential rain as they laid the foundations for a toilet. A day trip took the group to the Centre for Tribals and Rural Development (CTRD) to see a biogas plant - everyone was happy to escape the mud and to be clean and nicely dressed for a few hours! The Charlies also enjoyed a trip to the town of Sultan Battery in Kerala and a wildlife sanctuary.

Back on the project site a day was spent mixing cement, the floor of the school is near completion and the masons have begun working on the roof.

Messages from Charlie One

Louise

Dear Mum,

It was good to speak to you and Ed yesterday even though it was brief. Forgot to say to Ed please tell Dad I tried to call. Also send my love to Grandma - I hope she is recovering well. I hope Frances is OK too. Lots of love to you all. I am having a good time. Even though we are living in a mud pit I am enjoying the lack of leeches. Speak soon. Missing you all. Love Louise xxx

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Yvette

It's Yvette here! Was good talking to you yous yesterday! Gutted didn't speak to you Michael but I'm happy you managed to tape your TV thing - I was worried it was gonna be Crimewatch lol! Keep writing on the blog, get the packages in and send lots of sweeties! I love you all and missing yous loads and see you in less than 5 weeks!! Big hugs and kisses!

P.S. So proud of my 2 sisters and their smarts! Congratulations on passing your exams girls!

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Natalie

Hiya everyone! Thank you for all my messages, keep them coming. Thanks Lyn for my message good to know your coping without me :-) Nicola I was gutted up you didn't answer the other day, heard you had the kids as well. Bad times. Can I have some more pictures of everyone please, I'm missing you all loads. I'm doing well not got ill yet, and not too bad blisters. Having a great time out here with everyone. Don't worry 'bout me. Love you all, Natalie xxxx xxxx

P.S. Chloe have a sexy holiday and send your juicy goss asap. Love love.

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Happy Birthday Murugan!

Happy Birthday Ben!

Louise and Gemma shifting sand

Yvette, Will and Scott take a break

Taylor and Nat take a breather too

Told you it was muddy

Charlie One jump to it

01/08/10 - 13/08/10

Echo Two

Lucky Echoes inherited a lovely campsite in Huskurhadi which they are putting their own stamp on. The beloved bashas had to be adjusted or reassembled before snooze time and once this task was accomplished the Echoes hot-footed it down to the reservoir for a splish splash. Upon their return they began digging a long drop. You may recall that the previous Echoes won the prestigious Golden Toilet Brush for their long drop artistry. Will Camp Coco's new residents also be flushed with success?

Despite it being monsoon season the group has enjoyed a good spell of hot weather. Cooling off in the reservoir is part of the daily routine, as the group set to work digging trenches at 6am and finishing before midday to avoid toiling during the hottest part of the day. A weekly treat is shopping for vegetables in Sargur for the creation of tasty camp cuisine. On the 2nd August, Camp Coco celebrated Luke's 21st birthday. Mary and Helen made him a tasty birthday cake and he was given a container of assorted sweets from field base.

Well-deserved rest days were spent at the Buddhist Golden Temple and Tibetan Refugee Settlement in Bylakuppe, Karnataka, and the Sringapatram Bird Sanctuary.

The Echoes have now dug all the holes for the fencing poles and dug 65m of trench. I had the pleasure of staying with Echo Two for a few days and will publish my memoirs shortly.

Breaking news: An investigation has been launched following the collapse of one of Echo Two's bashas. Unable to withstand a gust of wind it collapsed in a heap. It is not known whether the occupant was on the basha at the time. The victim is none too pleased with the camp craft of the basha's original occupant and is intent on discovering theiridentity. When the suspect was questioned by the comms officer, they responded with peals of villainous laughter.

Messages from Echo Two

Luke

Happy Birthday Ben! Hope you have a great day. Thanks everyone for you messages, I'm having an awesome time now digging elephant trenches in Huskurhadi. Miss you all. Bonjour, Luke x

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Jason

Hello everyone at home, this experience is amazing: at the moment I'm doing the environmental phase where I'm digging elephant trenches, also I'm up at 5am and work at 6 till 11:30am and then I'm chilling out by the reservoir. How's thing at home and write back. See you all soon. Love from Jason x

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Kiana

Archer Hill, my gnarly bandy, I hope you see this message as you coast through the site as I know you are. Hunting for any comments that might be left to you. I got your letter. Great stuff - you rule. Just to let you know, I sent my reply. Hope you get it soon. I know you're in Guyana so it may take a while for you to get it but it's cool. Mean thing about the sandwich from Delicious bit. Mean. It's definately on my list of things to eat when I get back. If I could have one now I would. As my song title goes, "I could if I would but I can't so I won't." Savage stuff. Have fun without me. I'll be back before you know it.

Mom, hey! I finally got that d and v. Getting better though...I think. Stomach still isn't up to par but getting there. See you next month.

Sincerely yours guitarist,

Kiana

P.S. Hey Pa; daddy still thinking of that les paul :-) I've taken a few nice pictures since Inida but nothing too serious. Sometimes I just can't bother though the scenery is lovely.  I hope you are still planning that snowboarding trip but we'll talk more later. Bye, Kiana

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Reuna

Mama! Dea! and friends, missing you all immensely although I'm still taking it all in and think about you all everyday. I'm on the second phase which is environmental where I'm helping to dig large elephant trenches. This phase is not as muddy as community but the rain is still here. Hope your being a good girl Dea, aunty loves and misses you loads. Talk to you soon, take care of yourself Mama xoxo

 Reuna

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Happy Birthday Luke!

Camp cookery with Helen and Mary

Stephen, get out of the long drop!

Off to work they go

An entrenched Reuna and Kiana

01/08/10 - 13/08/10

Tango Three

After 1.5 days travel,  fleet-footed Tango were dropped off in the Silent Valley, a unique preserve of rainforest. Arrivingsafely at Anthony's Camp they were treated to some dinner and yoga - but not at the same time. Buffetted by wind and rain, they summitted Misappulimala the second highest peak in southern India and relaxed as the sun set over the water.Elephants were in the area but they didn't pop in to say hello.

On the 5th August the group journeyed to Lakeside, where they built rafts and floated down the Anaerangal lake.Our intrepid trekkers then embarked on a 24km trek. On completion everyone was tired but happy and a food drop was warmly received as Tango arrived at Shantapara Camp.

The next four days saw the group ramble through the majestsic scenery of Chaturangappara, Pushpakandam, Karunapuram and Swttithuzhi. A rest day followed and then a day out in Kumili, where the group finally got to say hello to elephants. It is not known what the elephants said in return.

This phase the loop (field base's visits to project sites) didn't make it as far as Kerala so unfortunately at this point we currently have photos to share with you. However, messages will be coming through soon and rest assured, Tango Three are having a great time and are as happy as can be.

Echo Two's epic adventure

Phase One has drawn to a close - so far, we've travelled through Kerala with Tango Three and had muddy fun with Charlie One. In an exclusive,  Echo Two's project communications officer, Shona Bradford, describes life at "Camp Coco":

 Shona and two friendly neighbours

"We arrived in Huskurhadi on 11th July to an empty field, which quickly became our new home. We made it so cosy that even the locals made it their second home. After working hard on setting up camp; building bashers; digging a long drop; making a shower; and building a fence, we went on to start a back-breaking, but enjoyable three weeks of digging trenches.

One classy campsite

Tea with milk and two sugars, please Lucas

This basher's inhabitant is in for a shock

Rise and shine time became earlier - we settled on 5am. Digging in the first two weeks of Indian sunlight was tough going, and we contended with sunburn and blisters. When the rain finally came, our breaks consisted of either taking cover under the bamboo tree, or having group mud fights, which we found worked wonders for our skin! We finished our days work with a swim and a wash in the reservoir. We managed an astonishing 33 metres of trench, which the next groups will continue.

 

 

After our day trips out to the Golden Temple and Sriringapatram, we all felt a lot closer to India and a little more cultured. We enjoyed masala dosa and puri for breakfast, using nothing but our right hands! We managed to get a glimpse of one elephant, and one evening they ventured extremely close to camp, finding their footsteps in the adjacent field in the morning.

 Day tripping at the Golden Temple

Going deeper underground

The local children kept us company and put on a traditional Indian dance for us at the school. We soon realised that we were going to have to dance too. So up we went and shook our stuff. A few of us went on to teach some nursery rhymes and games, which the children thoroughly enjoyed and went home smiling.

Ripping up the dance floor

 An Echo Two education

We ended our time in Huskurhadi with a feast, topped off with banoffi pie, which has become a camp classic. Waving goodbye to our new friends as we left pulled on some heartstrings, but we are all fit and well and excited about our next phases. Until then, over and out."

Yvette and a new found friend

Anna with a delicious pot of banoffi pie

Huskurhadi 5-a-side with referee Lucas

 

Night, night, Echo Two