A few days in and already it's apparent: 10E's venturers are a class act. Unphased by jet lag and with enough energy to power the state of Karnataka, they took on Wednesday's 20km trek as if it was a walk in the park. I am pleased to report that they did indeed stop at Krishna's Bakery to enjoy egg puffs and vegetable puffs too. These pickled, pastry delights powered them through the lashing rain as waterproofs were swiftly unfurled.
Arriving at Uday's hip and happening chicken farm, the venturers impressed us all with their dynamism as a tented kindgom sprung up before our eyes. Lessons in camp craft followed: how to rustle up a satisfying meal using a Trangia; the art and design of slop pits, the science of the short drop. Returning to the subject of satisfying meals, pasta, noodles, soya balls, tuna and a generous tin of tomato purée were on the menu; and will be for the next 10 weeks, tee hee.
The following day our happy campers hotfooted it to the temple grounds for three more sessions: swimming, field communications and medical training. There were a number of intrigued and somewhat bemused spectators as we provided a sideshow to the wedding that was taking place. The bride and groom didn't seem to mind; they requested we join their group photo!
A chilled out 2km walk back to camp allowed us to take in the beautiful scenery, flora and fauna. Once there, hilarity ensued as the venturers devised some highly entertaining skits depicting events so far. Anna led an optional session on the reality of where our food comes from by demonstrating how to prepare a live chicken for cooking. Whilst dinner was underway, Sham the snake man popped by with his non-venomous friends. The venturers welcomed the slithery guests to camp but drew the line at inviting them for dinner. And so the day ended with everyone gathered round the campfire, as the purified water and conversation flowed.
