Raleigh Roadtrip Realities

So the word "roadtrip", it has a certain glamour don't you think?  Coasting along in the Land rover, window down, tunes on the radio, have a day somewhere new catching up on news and gossip and then riding out of town in a flurry of fond farewells and good wishes. 

Well it wasn't exactly like that...

We started out in blue skies and a clear road and had an overnight stop at a beach resort - so far, so peachy.  From then on things got a bit more "challenging". 

The thing with the communities that Raleigh helps is that they tend to be remote.  Very remote.  A "drive off road for two hours, abandon the Land rover and then walk for two hours up hill and down dale" kind of remote. 

And it's the rainy season so there is a torrential downpour every afternoon, starting at about the time we parked the car. Everything gets very wet (and very smelly) and there isn't an opportunity to dry anything out - for two weeks. 

And then there is the work that needs to be done when you get there - if there is trench digging to be done then you need to get stuck in too. 

It's been two weeks of physical graft, sodden socks and great fun.  The venturers did love the chocolate cake and the messages from home and it was great to see them all again.

So when there is a chance of another roadtrip I'll be first to sign up for that too...but I might take some wellies next time.

Roadtrip team - posed picture but real sweat

Comments

[Richard O'Connor]

Hi Ruth
It's great reading your blog and finding out everything you are up to, I must admit I do admire your spirit and hard work. well done you and all team

Happy Birthday Ruth. Hope that you have a fantastic day.

[Stuart]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTH have a wonderful day. Hope you have time to celebrate. Lots of love Mum & Dad xxxxx

[Judith Carr]

HI, ruth
Great to read about the adventure of Raleigh. Always fascinating to imagine the remoteness of some communities still in the world even if soggy clothing for 2 weeks is a step!!
Happy birthday, hope you have fun on it
love from Philip and Judith

[Karen]

Hi Ruth
It all looks and sounds amazing - great to know there are so many 'communal living' opportunities!
Happy Birthday for tomorrow, hope you celebrate in style with a BIG slice of chocolate cake! Love Karenx

[Stuart]

Hello Ruth- We are pleased you are enjoying your trip. We love your calls and being able to see you!! The I pad is the best birthday present ever. Take care, speak soon. Lots of love, Mum & Dad xxxx

[Ruth]

It's for a water gravity feed project; to bring water downhill from the source to the community and school. Couldn't believe how much they'd done in 3 weeks and was happy to contribute just a little bit to the effort.

Thanks for following my blog - and commenting! Really appreciated!

Rx

[Jackie Morris]

Lovely trench - what is it for? Wellies are a good idea and I see two of your colleagues thought so too! Sounds like you are having fun despite the weather and distance. What an inspiration!