Digging Deep and Aiming High

Hello, it’s Moycey here again. I have just come back from an amazing five-day loop vehicle trip to visit three of the project groups and as promised here are some of the many highlights.

Charlie 1 - 'Magical Multilmoola'

My first stop was Charlie 1 in Multilmoola where they are making fantastic progress on the school building. I had a great time helping out for the day and working with the group alongside the villagers to shift concrete bricks and sand down a steep hill into the village. I was blown away by the strength of the women in the village who carry huge rocks on their heads without even breaking into a sweat; I was struggling with a bandolee (shallow Indian bucket) of sand!
Sam and India have done an amazing job of painting the toilet and the children in the village are loving playing cricket, and even henna drawing, with the boys! One of my high-lights was seeing the young boys in the village applying Laura’s bright pink nail varnish to their toes!

During the day the group are provided with fantastic chai and simple but delicious meals complete with poppadums and chutney. It’s safe to say I was sad to leave but will be looking forward to returning later in the expedition to see what it such a worthwhile project in a truly wonderful community. 

Charlie 1 next to the foundations of the school

Echo 5 - 'Abseiling caterpillars and a lizard in the long-drop!'

 

Echo 5 meet an elephant calf

After leaving Multimoola, I joined Echo 5 on the second day of their outing to an elephant sanctuary and returned to Bandipur National Park with them to spend a night in their bamboo basher camp. Despite the small area in which they are living they have done an amazing job of turning it into a liveable space and make ongoing improvements and renovations to their communal areas with hand painted signs, bamboo benches and toilet seat transformations!

Matt and Louis working in the EPT

The forest where they are based is more beautiful than I imagined it would be and it felt such a privilege to be allowed to work and stay there. Although we didn’t see any elephants while I was there we heard them during the night so it’s a good job the group are working hard digging out the Elephant Proof Trench around the camp! They have already cleared and deepened one side to the front of the ranger’s building and have also started digging foundations for the toilet block at the rear.

Left to Right: Andrea, Georgie Page, Kate, Christina and Morten

I absolutely loved this project; the group are working so well together in what many people would find a difficult and challenging environment but they make it look easy. No one was phased by drinking lake water or having to dodge the poisonous caterpillars that abseil down from the trees. I on the other hand am hoping the lizard in the long drop has found a new home by the time I return!

Echo 4 - 'Snakes and Bamboo Ladders'
My last night in the forest was spent with Echo 4 who are renovating the 100 year-old guest house so it can be used as a Ranger's Station.

Myself, Claire and Andrea, who came to join me from fieldbase, were greeted in amazing style by the group whose faultless hospitality extended to collecting us water from the nearby pump so we could ‘shower’ whilst watching the sunset behind the trees (a personal high-light for me!).  That night we had games of mafia and beautiful music provided by Luke and Amy. 

The next day saw massive progress with the careful removal of all the original tiles from the roof of the house by a chain of steady hands. The original plaster had already been stripped away prior to us arriving.
Meanwhile another group were deepening the Elephant Proof Trench around the camp (Below left: Tor, Amy and Jamie).

Although the elephants didn’t put in an appearance we did see some beautiful deer and a troop of monkeys swinging by high up in the trees. Despite the hot and sticky conditions and the ever present danger of snakes and scorpions, Echo 4’s enthusiasm for their project doesn’t waiver and they are clearly enjoying and making the most of every day to each and everyone’s credit. 

That’s all from me for a while so I’ll hand over to those doing all the hard work for their messages to you at home…….

Hey All, Just to let you know I’m alive and stuff, having a great time in a village at the moment building a school. It’s lovely. Never done so much exercise in my life! Max – am working on your list of goodies, it’s going well! No etcots though (!) just lots of cool people. Steels man, write me a message, I miss you! And Vicky hurry up and get here. Thanks for messages Mum & Dad. Boots are great. Love you, India xxx

Til Alle, Hej fra Morten her I Indien. Alt fantastisk og kan umuligt skrive alt her. Bor lige nu I midten af jungle I tre uger uden kontakt med omverden. Er faerdig circa 4 November, saa taenk paa mig den 30! Skal nok skrive mere til den tid, haaber alle hard et godt. Massere af kaeruge hilsner fra Bandipur National Park fra Morten. P.S. Der gaar vilde elefanter rundt bare 100m fra lejren! Kys og kram til Mor, Far, Anders, Martin og Niki, O.S.V.

Hi Mum, Dad, Tom and any other friends / relations reading this blog. I’m having a great time in an anti-poaching camp in the middle of the jungle, living in harmony with elephants and even tigers! Hope you’re all impressed. Lots of digging and carrying and have learnt some Kannada (the local language). Have a great half term and party; have written you a letter but it won’t be there for a while. Lots of love, Amy xxx

Hi Mum, Dad, Kate, Lindsey and Chris, Having a great time, very hot though! Living in Bandipur National Park, pretty amazing, elephants a plenty and potentially tigers. Drinking lake water, mmm! Have been into Mysore on rickshaws, swam in a reservoir and drank some insanely sweet coffee and chai. Hope you’re all doing great, loved the message Kate, keep ‘em coming – Faustus info! Lots of Love Matthew xxx

Hi Mum, Dad, Suzanne and David, Just a quick note to say I’m fine and currently based in Bandipur National Park at an anti-poaching camp which is literally in the middle of nowhere. Our group and the rangers are the only people allowed in the park so it is pretty humbling as you can imagine. I have seen and heard so many wild animals, particularly wild elephants which are really intriguing and slightly menacing especially when they stare straight at you! I have so many things to talk about so will attempt a letter (apparently it takes ten days to send a letter to the UK). Hope your all well and keep checking the blog for news! Lots of love John xxx!

Hello Mum, Dad, G, Gill, Alec and anyone else I know reading this blog! Having an amazing time, I’m loving living in the jungle (surprisingly!) Our group have bonded really quickly and everyone is getting on really well. G – I hope work is going alright and you have had some spare time for your bike! I’m missing you loads and looking forward to a letter? So get writing…. Frog – missing you Hope schools been alright, you will have to let me know how hail and Nathan are getting on? I am writing letters it just seems to be taking me ages since we have been so busy. Miss you all, lots of love Christina xxxxx

Dear M, D, C, A & J, I have just read all your blogs, it’s so nice to hear from all of you. Have already seen several elephants quite close but no tigers…. Yet! Really want to see one but not sure for how long! Our bashers are very comfy. Digging elephant trenches has been hot, sweaty and muddy work! For Divali we have gone away for the night and the food was amazing and the shower very much needed! Echo 5 is an awesome group, I get on so well with them. James – I hope 19th was ok wish I could have text. Say Happy Birthday to your mum for 20th. Hands off my wardrobe! Love you all loads, Georgie P xxxxxx

To Mum, Dad, Max and Polly, Missing you all loads and looking forward to hearing from you. Having a wicked time here and making the most of it all. Hope your individual ventures are going ok. Had a luxurious night with a roof and some great Diwali food, along with a real shower! I also love my basha in the jungle, surprisingly comfy. Hope my letters don’t take too long to reach you. Missing you all and lots of love, Louis xxx PS Happy Birthday dad! Hope it’s awesome and enjoy yourself lots.

Hi all, Hope you are all well. Having an amazing time out here in the depths of the forest. Seen elephants everyday. Our camp is getting really homely now, we’re working on a basketball net at the moment!! Missing you all, any football news?! Love Kate xxx

Hey Dan, we’re living in a funky jungle camp, sleeping in bashas and dodging elephants! There’s wildlife everywhere and we’re working really hard on the trenches. I’m so muddy! I miss you lots, can’t wait to see you again, Love Frankie xxx PS There’s a lizard in our longdrop!

To Webbie Parents and Sister, Having a wild time in the jungle digging trenches; we are almost elephant proof. It’s quite similar to living at home with all the trees except with dangerous animals. Not to worry though. Missing you all. Much love, Georgie W xxx

Hello Mothership, Sara, Dad, Hunter Townleys and Egg-Heads, I’m having an amazing time here – saw first elephant yesterday! Maybe it was Ellie in disguise!! Missing Sultana Bran for breakfast most out of everything, but having a shower and toilet in our camp that is open to the forest is unbeatable! Speak soon, Love Tor xxx J P.S. Wish Ferdy luck with the trials and Lauren with the operation. P.P.S. Everyone in Echo 4 thinks I eat a hell of a lot – I’ve become the camp dustbin – it must be the Jewish mother in you feeding me up!

To Mum (Juliette Prodger), Hiya, been getting all blog messages – so many LOL. Keep going – very uplifting when receiving them. India is good, doesn’t feel any different apart from no-one to turn to. Enjoying myself truly. Good experiences and I’m glad I managed to be able to be part of it. Run out of money as well LOL, Help! Don’t have to though. Missing everyone lots, can’t wait to get some of my groups pictures on blog. Lots of love Crimbo.

To Mam, Thank you for my birthday card and the messages/updates. I can’t describe what India is like in words, you’ll have to wait for the pictures. Hope you are ok and say hello back to the boys for me. Get them to write a message on here. Let Jamie and Co know about the blog, as I didn’t tell them. Looking forward and all to your letter J - Dad, glad to hear the operation went well and hope you’re back surfing soon. Hope you had a nice birthday and everyone is ok your end. -Thanks to both of you for the birthday messages – it was amazing. Love to you both, Luke x

Hey I’ve finally managed to get a message on the blog. I read your last message the 3 miles sounded very stressful particularly the chocolate cake at the end. I’m sure you managed to force it down. Hmm you should be more easy on Caleigh I’m sure she was being dragged by the end. I have now discovered that I sleepwalk and have started to play human buckaroo. It is so cool to be out here, I’m having the time of my life. I don’t need more shorts I can manage fine without them! Pass my love to Holly see if you can get her to post on the blog. Love Jammy Dodger x (I can convert trousers to shorts J )

Hi Hamiltons, India is amazing. I am writing this in a little book by the campfire in the forest – and the message is electrically sent to you – how clever! Hope you are all well, let me know the news from home (via blog) Lots of love, Amy xxx

Hey guys, This is gonna be my last message for a while... The PR team are here now so you’ll have lots of pictures soon! The work is going really quick... we’ve been told we might have to slow down!!! Gotta run – the ricebags are ready (our daily lunch...) Much love to you all, Mikey

Star trekkers

I was lucky enough to join Tango 7 at the beginning of their trekking adventure. They were all in good spirits, albeit slightly uncertain as to how they were going to manage carrying all of their gear on flat bits, let alone up a mountain! After a long two-day journey down to Kerala, they were keen to stretch their legs and welcomed a short break at a waterfall. For those that dared to go under, it was the best power shower they'd had for a while, and for some time to come!

Top, the group stop at a waterfall and above, they find a strategically placed number 7 in the middle of a tea plantation

When we finally arrived at our starting point - right in the middle of a tea plantation - there was only a short trek (much to the surprise of the group) to the first campsite where we could set up camp, ponder the big day ahead and eat as much food as possible in order to bring the weight of the backpacks down!

The next day saw a crack of dawn start, and Tango 7 began to trek up India's second highest mountain outside the Himalayas (2,650m). It was a steady climb at first, watching the sun rise over some of India's most spectacular scenery.

 

Above, Adam and Pik are all smiles and right, Ben and Emma take a break to admire the view

The ascent was pretty tough with lots of climbs and drops before we even managed to catch glimpse of the summit. But then after a jump across a stream and yet another steep bit, we were able to have a quick water break before heading up to the top. Everyone was elated when they got there, immediately forgot the strain climbing up (for a bit anyway), and, as Pik put it so well, it was like swimming with the clouds.

Cloud starts to cover the group as they make their final push to the top

And they make it!

Dan

Lee

Holly

Beth

Tango 7 at the top!

After a steep descent, which proved to be more problematic than the ascent for most, a dense jungle trek and a few leeches, we were whisked off in jeeps to Anthony's Camp, a campsite with outstanding views. We even had a few fireworks and sparklers to celebrate Diwali.

From there we could see our destination, and washing opportunity, for the next day, the lake. The trek down to the lake the next day was short but hot, which meant we could work up a sweat before cooling off and trying to get clean. The afternoon was spent relaxing, catching up on journal writing and for some, spotting Loch Ness-style monsters in the lake! Our campsite had to be guarded in the night in case elephants (not monsters) got close, but although some of the group heard them in the trees, we didn't get to see them. However, after I said goodbye to them as they trekked off from Lakeside the next morning, Field Base did get reports of Tango 7 spotting elephants from a distance...

While the group chilled out at Lakeside they also got the chance to write some messages home:

Hi Granny & Granpa

I'm still alive! I sent you a letter but it's going to Cosgarne as I forgot your address. Trekking at the mo, got some pet leeches as well! Love you lots, hope you're well, my socks smell. Love Emma xxx

PS. Ask Mum and Dad to check if I left my hair straighteners on.

Hello again

Our trek has started, scenerys is beautiful but the mountains are better in the distance than up close! We mounted the second largest in India (outside the Himalayas) yesterday - few tears on the way up, but that's the name of the game. We're camping at a beautiful lake tonight and onto a few more thousand km tomorrow... It's so surreal but I do love it. Hope all's well at home, Hol xxx

PS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICCOLPOPS for the 27th, have a fantastic time pretty lady - loves you xxx

Hi Mum and Dad

Hope you're both well! Day 3 of the trek and all great so far - we were above the clouds yesterday on the peak of a mountain, and by a beatiful lake now! Have decided to get other people to carry my rucksack for me if I ever go trekking again! Haha. Seen leeches but no elephants yet, if only the leeches were elephants! Feel a world away from London, very odd! Lots of love, Helen xx

From Pik:

You, you and you!

Why you folks don't leave me any message?!

I am now working on my trekking phase and I have just climbed to the summit of the second highest mountain in southern India which is 2,650m high. The view up there is really amazing, I felt like swimming with the clouds. But it was really exhausting going up and down from the summit, and guess what? I still have 13 days to go! Yay! There is no computer access so I will try to catch up with you all in this blog. Miss you all, and hope everything is going well with everyone in Hong Kong.

Hi Mum, Dad, Chris

Having an amazing time out here. Am trekking at the moment and yesterday climbed to the summit of the second highest mountain in India. Views were brilliant and was strange being above the clouds. It was so tiring but a great feeling once at the top. Well done for finding the blog if you are reading this! And I will try and write soon. Keep me posted with Bristol City results and hope all is well at home. Not too good though, as you remember last time, "bluff"! Miss you, Daniel.

That's it from Tango 7 for now, we'll keep you informed of their progress as we hear back from them, and keep the messages coming in for them!

Looping with Charlie 1 in Multimoola

Well the looping has begun, and yesterday some of the Fieldbase team loaded up their Bravo vehicle and headed out to the wonderful community of Multimoola, situated some three and half hours from Mysore. Our mission was not only to visit Charlie 1 but also to drop off Ali our roving reporter who will spend the next couple of days out and about.

As a newcomer to India the scenery continues to blow me away, and yesterday was no exception. The first part of our journey took us through the majestical Bandipur National Park, known for elephants and tigers, before we headed up to the mountains and into tea plantation territory. It was quite simply stunning and literally took my breath away. India never ceases to amaze me!

Charles leads the way in the digging stakes

. 

When we got to Multimoola we were greeted by Charlie 1 who were hard at work digging in the toilets which will be attached to the houses Raleigh built over the Summer. Interestingly the girls, India, Laura, Nanette and Sam had finished their digging and had moved on to glamming up the existing toilet with paint they themselves purchased from a nearby village. The boys on the other hand, had called in PM Charlie to help them and were still hard at work (of course their hill was bigger, their ground harder etc etc!)

Everyone has settled in well, cleared out the creepy crawlies that inevitably inhabitat houses in small Indian communities, and set up a great campsite. 

The local people are clearly delighted to have Charlie 1 to stay and are working incredibly hard right alongside them.  Of course it is not all work, the cricket set is being put to good use, as is the nail polish brought by Laura and there is a constant background sound of laughing and giggling from the children as they get to know their foreign guests.

 It was heartening to see just how much this group has accomplished in a very short time and how brilliantly they are doing as a group.  You will have more updates from Charlie 1 in a couple of days when Ali gets back, until then keep the messages rolling in. 

Anna 

Country Expedition Manager 

PS. As a late edition to this post, Charlie and David want to say a personal thank you to all the young people who are currently helping in Multimoola.

Lunch time - eaten on the veranda of the girl's house

Come on boys! Keep digging!

Charlie with the local Leader

Dave gets involved with henna - maybe stick to the building Dave!

Charles and Kit - hanging with the kids

                                                              

09J have left the building!

Alison our PRO Officer deployed yesterday to go trekking with Tango 7 for a few days so I‘m very excited as the other half of the Comms team to get to be guest blogger for the day!

After a long day and night spent counting, packing and repacking we finally waved off the Venturers at the crack of dawn yesterday. 

James and Shamnad (Tango 6)

Charlie 1 leaving for Multimoola

Echo 4 and 5 both made it safely to Bandipur National Park and trekked in with their kit to their separate camps.  Echo 5 had the added excitement of seeing elephants on their way to their project site.  They have now set up all their bamboo bashers and have made it through their first night safely despite hearing some unidentified jungle noises.  Echo 4 however woke up to the realisation that they had left their porridge supplies at fieldbase.  That is of course unless the bears in the forest didn’t find it in the night!

Elsewhere, Charlie 1, who also saw elephants on their journey, reached Multilmoola to be greeted by the villagers who presented them with traditional jasmine garlands.  Although shy at first the local children are now loving having new friends to play with.
 

Tango 6 and 7, who had the longest journeys down to Kerala, reached Thrissu and Udumalpetti respectively where they spent their last night for some time under a roof.  Both groups reached the start of their adventure challenges earlier today.  Tango 6 start in Nerimangalam with the challenge of building rafts that will carry them down the Periyar River, while Tango 7 will start at Silent Valley, bracing themselves for the second highest summit outside of the Himalayas.

Here at fieldbase we are somewhat lost without the rest of our family.  It’s eerily quiet but we’re looking forward to speaking to the groups every day and finding out their news and progress.  We’ll be passing on your messages to them as we receive them, and posting messages onto the blog from the groups.  I can’t stress how much the messages and words of encouragement from home mean to everyone here so do please keep them coming.

Alison and I between us are lucky enough to be getting the opportunity to spend some time with all of the groups during this first phase to get photographs for the blog and the expedition magazine.  We will post some of the shots at the first opportunity so that you can see the stunning environments and truly amazing places the groups are living and working in.  We’re aware that not everyone has been in a photo on the blog yet but we’ll do our best to capture everyone as the expedition progresses so do please keep checking back.

Tomorrow I am going out to see Charlie 1 in Multilmoola to join in the local celebrations for Diwali, the festival of light, and then will be continuing on to see the Echo 4 and 5 in the forest and hopefully spend my first night in a basher!  Alison will also be returning from trekking in Kerala so we will have lots to report on and show you next time.   

Ali (aka Moycey)

And they're off!

The trek training was a complete success! Jet lagged, the venturers set off in groups to complete a 20km trek in searing heat.

Hotel 4 are greeted by local children at the halfway point

But everybody made it and reached the site to set up camp, which was to be their base for the next two nights. The second day they completed their swim test and were given a snake safety talk and the chance to hold some of the less dangerous varieties!

Tor

On returning to fieldbase the venturers were allocated their project groups for phase 1 and are ready to set off tomorrow. As you can see from the pictures, the Project Managers each chose interesting ways of announcing the news...

Amy, Katie, Vijay

Davina and Leti

The groups are:
Charlie 1 - Building the school in Multilmoola
Charlie Elgy
Kit Hei
India Letcher
Laura White
Sam Flood
David Hildreth
Charles Lockhart
Nanette Vrinjenhoek
John Emmerson
Tony
Avaneesh
PMs: Charlie and David

Tango 7 - Trekking then rafting
Pik Yan
Lee Qua
Beth Grainger
Daniel Sellars
Ben Strachan
Holly Dunlop
Adam Russell
Emma Morgan
Vinay
Arvind
PMs: Helen, Jeff and Miriam

Tango 6 - Rafting then trekking
Chloe Stephenson
Colin Thorburn
Baz Murphy
Tina Boden
James Gurney
Philippa Crockett
Maddie Oakes
Alain Eisma
Jhon
Shamnad

Echo 4 - Ranger Station
Chris Braggs
Nicky Beveridge
Michael Stern
Bill Murgatroyd
Victoria Begg
James Eyles
Claire d'Ursel
Luke Argall
Rehman
Boops
PMs: Amy, Katie and Vijay

Echo 5 - Fire Lines and Anti-Poaching Camp
John Springate
Christina Ambrose
Matthew McDonnell
Georgie Webb
Morten Jacobsen
Georgie Page
Louis Nerurkar
Amy Whetstone
Shyam
Prajeesh
PMs: Frankie, Neil, Kate

And here's everyone together before they all set off in different directions...

Raleigh 09J

That's about it until the groups get settled and we have some stories from the project sites. But we do have some messages from venturers...

To Mum
Hiya. Having a good time. Going to write a letter hopefully when can get time. My first project is refurb on a rangers' anti poaching camp. Say to Libby I really miss her and RWARRR. Been thinking about her loads.
From Chris Braggs

Hi to Everyone
Just been assigned my first project and it's the one I wanted. My back is annoying me but the medics have been really helpful. Gotta run for group games, I leave tomorrow but just wanted to check in and send you all lots of love!
To Tai - It's bugging me that I can't speak to you now, will try and get a sim card asap.
Much love, Mikey

From Holly D:
Hi Mum, Dad and everyone - Greetings from India!
Had a good journey here, the place is amazing and the people are great. There's been lots of sun, thunderstorms, training trekking, sweating, laughing, spicy food, tuk tuks and even shopping!
Hope everything's fine at home, missing you lots but it really is awesome. Start my first project tomorrow - the 200km trek and rafting. Keep checking for my progress but it's all smiles for now! Lots of love and kisses, Hol xxx

Hi Mum, Dad, Charlie, Abbie and James
Been into Mysore today on the tuk tuks which was so much fun. I wasn't a very good back seat driver, they go quite fast!
I leave for my environmental phase tomorrow which I'm quite excited about, sleeping in bashas!
Hope you're all well, I really miss you all.
Lots of love, Georgie P (now known as Page as I have another Georgie in my group who is called Webb!) xxx

They're here!

Kit, Pik and Michael are the first to arrive at Bangalore airport

So we're finally complete! The host country venturers arrived at field base yesterday and early this morning the rest of the travel weary venturers arrived at Bangalore Airport to be greeted by over-enthusiastic staff and then the even more enthusiastic PMs when they arrived at their new home.

The venturers (minus the ones who were spark out on the bus)

Some of the host country venturers gather to welcome the international group

Everyone made it safe and sound and after getting a quick tour they quickly had to prepare for the next two days of trek training. But not without a couple of rounds of Robot Wars and getting to know all the staff.

Robot Wars!

We've also finally been able to get the group of staff together and in one place for a group shot with a lovely holy tree.

The next blog update will come after the trek training when the venturers have been put through their paces, quite literally. There should be plenty of stories, but in the meantime we have our first message home from a venturer...

Hi Mum, Dad and Soph,
Arrived safely in the blistering heat! The field base is a wonderful place, really pretty and surrounded by palm trees. We are going on a practice trek tomorrow morning for two days, camping overnight, so I'd better shower (of sorts)!
Really enjoying myself and kit all works fine. Love to you all, Charles.

Bring it on!

The Project Managers have now returned to fieldbase with much excitement after carrying out their planning visits at their respective project sites. For venturers about to make their way out to India, there's no doubt that whatever project you are allocated, you are all guaranteed to have a fantastic time. And if you don't believe me, here’s what the PMs have to say about their experiences!

Charlie 1 – Charlie and David

Our trip to Multimoola was an emotional occasion. We arrived to a welcome ceremony from the villagers – garlands of flowers and traditional music, and then keys to houses built by the previous expedition (which Charlie was also involved with) were handed over to the new residents.

We saw the old school (a flimsy building with little protection and a mud floor) and realised what a difference a proper school building will make.

Also during the project, toilets will be built for each house and smokeless stoves will be installed, which will be much more healthy than the open fires used for cooking in houses. Finally they will be building some walls to protect part of the village from mudslides during the monsoon.

And for all the venturers about to leave the UK for Bangalore we would like to appeal to you to try to find space in your rucksack for a few crayons, colouring books, or even small toys for the children of Mutilmoola. Anything ‘UK-related’ particularly welcome!

Charlie also recorded a message to the previous expedition's Charlie 1 who built the village houses. Go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzxksA4kof8

Echo 4 – Katie, Amy, Vijay

We’re really excited about being on this project! Our aim is to renovate the Chowdhalli Ranger Station to aid the anti-poaching project in the forest. We’re going to be living in Bandipur National Park – a forest where very few people are allowed and only with permission from senior government figures. By living in the forest we will be very close to the animals we are working to protect eg elephants and tigers – we might even see them on our doorstep! Due to the remote location, the campsite will be entirely what we make of it. We’re only going to be limited by our imaginations and resourcefulness. We really can’t wait to ‘go wild’ there with the venturers.

Echo 5 - Frankie, Kate, Neil

The Echo 5 PMs have kept it short and sweet...Make your own survival camp in the remote Bandipur Tiger Reserve (www.projecttiger.nic.in/bandipur). Enjoy jungle living and hardcore conservation work with Echo 5’s finest PMs. As for wildlife, you name it, we’ve got it, sleep tight in your jungle basha.

Charlie 2&3 – Alison, Claire and Mili

Phase two and phase three will see the start of the two remaining community projects. We went off to the villages of Halsur and Hosaheggudilu to see firsthand what invaluable work Charlie 2 and 3 will be undertaking. “These projects will provide the means for more sustainable agriculture for two tribal communities. The venturers will work with the villagers digging trenches and building bunds. They will be directly involved in something hugely worthwhile that will boost the farmers’ future income and make a real difference to the area. Venturers will be living in the local schools in the heart of the communities and will be able to help the children learn English, something they are extremely keen to do, there’s lots of scope for games!”

Tango 6&7 – Jeff (green Raleigh T-shirt), Lewis, Leti, Davina (aka Dave), Miriam, Helen

We are all extremely excited to spend the first phase in the rainforest in Kerala. We’ll be trekking in the Western Ghats and building our own rafts to travel down the Periyar River. Every night we will set up camp in a different beautiful and remote wilderness location. We will pass through tea plantations, climb the second highest peak in India outside of the Himalayas and see wildlife in its natural environment. We will enjoy exposure to unique habitats and large tracts of remote protected national parks and the reserved forests of Southern India. We will be pushing ourselves to the limit while having a lot of fun along the way and together everyone will complete this ultimate challenge.

Behind the scenes

None of these project planning visits could have been possible if it wasn’t for Raleigh India's Operations Manager of nearly two years, Amanda working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Thanks Amanda!

Here in Mysore we have had cause for more celebrations with the announcement that Anna Tate has been appointed as the new Country Programme Manager for India. Lots of Raleigh participants and staff will know Anna who has worked on no less than five previous expeditions in India and Costa Rica and I’m sure will want to join us in congratulating her on this new role. 09J are extremely lucky to be the first expedition to benefit from her wealth of experience and her incredible catalogue of tried and tested recipes including her now infamous “energy bombs”.

And the project goes to...

The projects have now been finalised and allocated to the project managers. All the staff are now heading out to plan the projects which are... drum roll...

Charlie 1- Multimoola community project

This project will construct a 765 sq ft primary school which will serve the children of Muttilmoola village families, alongside a wider education development plan which includes the training and education of teachers and educational materials for the school and scholarships for the students. In addition a number of additional infrastructure facilities will be constructed for the tribal village people.

Charlie 2 – Halsur and Charlie 3 – Hosaheggudilu community projects

These projects are part of a six-year intervention, which started in June 2009, to develop an innovative and replicable model for improving the livelihood opportunities of vulnerable scheduled tribal communities in nine villages in HD Kote Taluk, Mysore District, through sustainable and equitable use of resources. Families from nine communities will benefit from the project and each family will be assisted to develop one acre of horticulture plantation. Raleigh volunteers will provide support to establish the horticultural infrastructure by planting cash crops of mango and amla fruit, creating contour bunding to retain monsoon rains; creating agricultural water storage tanks and constructing vermi-composting units.

Echo 4 – Ranger station environmental project

Raleigh, in partnership with Karnataka Forest Department, will refurbish a 100 year-old guest house deep inside Bandipur National Park. The guest house was constructed in 1908 by the Maharaja and has laid empty, falling into disrepair. The group will completely renovate the guest house adding sanitation and water services in order for it to be utilised by the Forestry Department as a permanently manned ranger station serving the Chowdhalli Range – an important habitat for tigers, elephant and many other key species.

Echo 5 – APC and fire lines environmental project

The group will construct additional facilities and provide clearance of nearby fire lines at an anti-poaching camp in Bandipur National Park. Bandipur is designated by the Government of India as a tiger sanctuary. The project will enable the Karnataka Forest Department to better protect the wildlife and ecosystems of the National Park from the threat of fire destroying the natural habitats.

Tango 6 & 7 - Adventure

The group will conduct an 18-day adventure phase in Kerala, guided by Kalypso Adventures, Raleigh’s adventure partner. The first stage will incorporate 14 days of arduous trekking at altitudes of up to 2,500m. The route will begin in Kerala, just inside the border with Karnataka at Marayoor in the Erivikulam National Park. The trekkers will head up into the Western Ghats and on day 16 will reach the Periyar River where they will construct two eight-man bamboo rafts and paddle west downstream for two days.

The staff going on phase one of each project will be: Charlie and David on the Multimoola project; Davina, Lewis, Leti, Miriam, Helen and Jeff all take on the treks between them; Vijay, Amy and Katie head off to the ranger station; Frankie, Neil and Kate are to tackle the fire breaks and Mili is to be the first fieldbased medic. Everyone is very happy with their allocations and just for good measure, here's some silly celebrations...

Frankie

Davina

Lewis

Charlie