We’re now a few days into the final phase of expedition and everyone is safely out on their project sites getting stuck into making this a totally incredible last three weeks of the programme. Changeover was fantastic with a hilarious series of skits from all the returning phase 2 groups, plus a spot of synchronised swimming and an auction that raised a huge amount for the host country participant fund. Brilliant efforts by everyone and we were sad to see them go on Sunday morning. Here’s a quick summary of who’s where at this exact point in time…
Alpha 1 is making fantastic progress two days into their Maribios trek in northern Nicaragua. See previous entries below for a description of the route. Ellie and Lena are the PMs on this one, and have with them: Marina, Rory, Kit Sze, George, Danielle M, Louis, Sasha, Edwin and Patrick. They will also be joined from Tuesday onwards by Deputy Expedition Leader Mac, which is very exciting as he’s been locked in a dark corner of field base for the past 5 weeks. No dramas to report apart from Lena managed to forget her walking boots. It’s only 280 km, I’m sure she’ll be ok in flip-flops…
Alpha 2 now consists of PMs Ben, Lucy and Emily who are no doubt keeping the troops entertained on the awesome Guanacaste trek in Costa Rica. In their team are: Carmelo, Peter, Stevie, Gerson, Kerry, Nicholas, Talitha and William. All seems to be going splendidly with them. Bravo 1 is setting out to meet the group for their first food drop tomorrow evening – can’t wait to see you all!
Alpha 3 PMs Kiran, Wayne and Hazel are now the lucky ones back on beautiful San Lucas Island in the Gulf of Nicoya. This is a deserted prison island (Costa Rica’s version of Alcatraz) and they will be spending the next 2 weeks with Maggi, Darwin, Ericka, Micheal F, Tom F, Ritchie, Alison, Karla and Harry, clearing trails and starting work on a water system for the rangers and tourists. The sun is shining and they have their own private beach, so all good.
Alpha 4 has now moved to the popular Carara National Park with team members Kate A, Stephanie, Victor, Sylvius, Thomas L, Tonia, Edward, Reinier and Maikel and PMs Tom I, Kerenza and Rhodri. Tom thought he might be getting a bit of a rest after 2 Maribios treks back to back but alas no, they have got straight to work on the start of trails throughout the park. This, I understand, involves a lot of digging. On the radio this morning we heard that they’d so far built a bridge. Good work. Oh and happy 30th for tomorrow Tom!
The final Alpha 5 now consists of Matt, Rogier, Danielle L, Laura, Chris McPhee, Kaya, Simon and Saskia along with PMs Naomi and Gavin. They have returned to the lovely Wisquili in Nicaragua and are currently doing a project recce for the next two weeks work in nearby La Calera where they will be installing fresh water systems into village homes.
And finally Alpha 6 – now made up of Hannah, Josh, Stuart, Liam, Kate M, Chris J, Damian, Pablo, Ma Lee and PMs Nicola, Beccy and Helena. This team has returned to the beautiful Miraflor reserve in Nicaragua, this time to the small community of La Pita where they are repairing a damaged bridge. This work will allow locals access to nearby Esteli in order to sell produce in the markets and to bring essential supplies into the community. So far we gather there’s been a lot of rock carrying – well done team!
And finally Alpha 6 – now made up of Hannah, Josh, Stuart, Liam, Kate M, Chris J, Damian, Pablo, Ma Lee and PMs Nicola, Beccy and Helena. This team has returned to the beautiful Miraflor reserve in Nicaragua, this time to the small community of La Pita where they are repairing a damaged bridge. This work will allow locals access to nearby Esteli in order to sell produce in the markets and to bring essential supplies into the community. So far we gather there’s been a lot of rock carrying – well done team!
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