Monday, 23 March 2009
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Update from the trek - Saturday 14th
Our last day in Brazil - boo hoo!
A group of us today decided to take an optional tour - some combining it with hang-gliding as well! The mini-bus took us through Ipanema to the other end of the bay where the hang-gliders went up a mountain to fly back down again in a tandem flight whilst the others waited down below.
After an hour, we then left Ipanema to travel back through Rio and along Cocacabana beach to the base of Sugar Loaf mountain. From here we were able to take a cable car up to the first mountain, and then a second cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf. The panoramic views were fantastic and we could have easily spent some more time at the top and maybe had some lunch and a beer (or two!). Unfortunately, time was against us, so just enough time for some photos, buy some souveniers, and then queue up for the cable car rides back down to the bottom.
We had less than an hour back at the hotel to grab some lunch and our bags before boarding the coach to travel back to the airport. Some of the group that were staying on in Rio were at the hotel to wave us good-bye.
The trip back was very long, but most slept through the night flight. We had a changeover in Lisbon, and then when we got back to Heathrow I had a further changeover to catch my flight back to Manchester. After 23 hours of travelling, I arrived back in Manchester to be met at the airport by Sue, Ashleigh and Bethany.
It was a fantastic trip. A truly memorable experience. But it was nice to be back home! I'm not sure Sue was quite so pleased to get my dirty washing though - it absolutely honked!
Update from the trek - Friday 13th
After a VERY good night's sleep, and another hot shower (the second within 12 hours!), we had breakfast then left on a coach for a visit to the Unicef project in Rio. This was to show how the money that we had all raised would be invested to help local children, and to actually meet some of the children and see what they do at the centres.
It was a very informative and sometimes moving visit. Following an introduction from the centre Manager and local Unicef rep, we split into groups to chat informally (via interpreters) with some of the children. The children then gave us each a present that they had made followed by a demonstration of their "expression through dance" skills. The boys then challenged some of the trekkers to four-a-side football. At the end we re-grouped to present some gifts that we had purchased - footballs, volleyballs, sports nets, board games, etc - and then headed back to our hotel.
The afternoon was freetime - some of the graduates that were staying on in Rio went to an internet cafe to plan and book their next few days, some of the group went to visit the statue of Christ high up on the hill (a four hour round trip, but apparently well worth it) - I went to Ipanema beach with two fellow trekkers (Andrew B and Silvia) for lunch in the sun. Silvia left us after lunch to go meet her sister who was joining her from Canada, and Andrew and I went for a walk followed by a coffee so that we could update our diary/blog notes.
In the evening, we all met up for a celebratory meal at a local meat restaurant where we exchanged stories and received our certificates. I also found out that I had been the third highest fundraiser out of all the trekkers - not bad for a first-timer! After returning to the UK we were to learn that in total we raised over £40,200 in aid of Unicef, which is a tremendous achievement in itself.
Back to the hotel for another good night's sleep - our last night in Rio. In the morning we found out that some had decided to stay out all night and had been dancing in the streets! Oooh - the youth of today!
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Update from the trek - Thursday 12th
We packed up for the final time today with our luggage being loaded on to mules again. After leaving the Pousada we followed a path that took us to the start of the Gold Trail where Sabola our local guide gave us a talk on the history of the trail and answered our questions. He also planted an orchid in a tree trunk as a memory of the poepl in our group, which he said were special and that he did not do this for every group that he guided.
We then started a long and treacherous donw-hill walk along the wet and very slippery cobble stones of the Gold Trail. The trail was used by the early miners to transport the gold from the hills to the coast for shipping. This part of the walk was probably the hardest of the week and was very tough on both the feet and knees. Walking sticks/poles were essential. Several people slipped and fell over at least once - including me! - but thankfully no serious injuries.
It was today that we heard monkey's in the distance, ate banana's freshly cut from the trees, and met a highly poisonous member of the rattlesnake family! I was less than 8ft away from it and I swear it was 5-6ft long! I didn't manage to get a photo quick enough, but a friend did, so when I get a copy I will up load it.
We stopped for lunch at a waterfall, and as we had made good time on the morning part of the trek we were able to rest for a couple of hours. We then had to cross a rope bridge before completing the remaining 45mins of the trek to the finishing line where we had photos next to the Unicef banner. After a great sense of relief and congratulations all round, we learned that the minibuses that were due to pick us up could not get through due to mud on the roads as a result of the heavy rains - we therefore had another 6km to walk before we could relax!
We eventually boarded the minibus for a 40 minute ride back to the nearest village, and then a 3 and a half hour journey back to Rio. We were all very tired, and very very smelly (take my word for it - you're just lucky that the technology doesn't exist yet to be able to upload smells to blog sites yet!). We arrived back at our hotel at around 8.30pm. We unpacked, had a quick (but oooh so nice) hot shower, then went out for something to eat. I was back in the hotel in bed and asleep by 11.30pm - found out the next day that some of the younger members of the group stayed out until 6am!
Disappointingly, we also found out the next day that one of the Dutch girls had her bag snatched from right outside our hotel, so she lost her money, phone and camera.
Update from the trek - Wednesday 11th
It was an early start today (7am) and we had to pack up all our luggage ready for transport via horses and mules. From here on in there would be no means to get out of the jungle by car or truck - the only way out would be on foot or horse back!
We started out on a jeep track, then faced a 3 hour long and steep descent over jungle paths. Although difficult in places, we took it at a steady pace and were able to enjoy some really picturesque scenery. I'm no botanist, but there were some beautiful flowers along the way and large and colourful butterflys.
Several of the party suffered heat exhaustion this morning, with one unlucky one also getting stung twice by a bee, getting bitten on the leg by a spider and then vomitting! He needed attention from the doctor when we stopped for a rest.
At the rest stop, there was a quaint little toilet for us to use - a wooden shack with square hole in the floor above a stream. It was a case of aim and shoot!
Before we were able to move on, a heavy thunderstorm came past, which meant that we had to stay put until the worst had passed. When it started there was a flash of lightning so close that it was like a flash bulb going off in your face, followed by the loudest crash of thunder that I've ever heard, which actually hurt your ears! The inevitable downpour then followed, which we sat out for about half an hour. Once it eased (still pouring down) we set off up the hill in the rain.
The climb in the rain was steep and very slippery due to the muddy paths that had turned into rivers in places. There was a number of dangerous river crossings - I managed to get my feet wet twice! We eventually arrived at a raging river crossing to our final Pousada which involved using a cage (with no sides!) that was attached to a pulley system to get to the other side.
Our final night's accommodation on the trek was the most basic of the week. It was just a tin-roofed shack with no walls (just tarpaulins to divide up the "rooms"), only one toilet/shower for the whole group, and no electricity or power at all. The ground outside was still sodden from the earlier rain. Many of the group decided to "wash" in the river this evening.
Our luggage arrived shortly after we did via the same route. All the bags had to be offloaded from the mules and sent across the river via the cage. At least one bag fell in the river - thankfully, it was safely retrieved before floating off down the river - which meant that due to this and the earlier rain, many of us had wet clothes and belongings.
Having secured a bed for the night and set up my mosquito net, I had a snooze before we met for our evening meal. After this we had a few beers, jokes and a sing-song round the camp fire. Quite a pleasant evening, despite the basic surroundings and lack of "home comforts", and a surprisingly good night's sleep - all were in bed asleep by 9.30pm!
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Update from the trek - Tuesday 10th
After a light breakfast, we left at just after 8am and immediately faced a near vertical climb of around 400m in altitude that continued for an hour and 20 minutes. At the top, we reached the highest point that we would climb to on the trek: 1600m. From here we could see the Atlantic Ocean to the east, which was over 15km away.
After a rest and some photos, we descended part way down the other side then climbed round another mountain before descending a steep slope to a very posh (5*) Pousada. There was an option to stop and rest here for 2 hours, which a couple of trekkers decided to do. I went with the majority for a further 40 minute walk through very muddy jungle to a waterfall stop for lunch.
After lunch, and walking back to the posh Pousada to pick up the others, we then had a steep ascent for about an hour before starting the descent back to our Pousada again. The afternoon trek included several river crossings using stones, logs and the occasional wet foot!
We reached the Pousada ahead of time at 4.15pm, and the local guide commented on how impressed he was with our group compared to others that he takes. I got the impression that he genuinely meant it, and wasn't just saying it to make us feel better.
The trek doctor (very fit young lady!) was busy this evening repairing people's feet, Sylvia fused all the power in the Pousada (what little there was!) by trying to use a hairdryer!
After a short kip and some dinner, a couple of the graduate trekkers organised a highly entertaining and occasionally controversial quiz. After that, one of the trek guides played some Brazilian music and demonstrated typical dancing, which rounded off the evening nicely.
After a rest and some photos, we descended part way down the other side then climbed round another mountain before descending a steep slope to a very posh (5*) Pousada. There was an option to stop and rest here for 2 hours, which a couple of trekkers decided to do. I went with the majority for a further 40 minute walk through very muddy jungle to a waterfall stop for lunch.
After lunch, and walking back to the posh Pousada to pick up the others, we then had a steep ascent for about an hour before starting the descent back to our Pousada again. The afternoon trek included several river crossings using stones, logs and the occasional wet foot!
We reached the Pousada ahead of time at 4.15pm, and the local guide commented on how impressed he was with our group compared to others that he takes. I got the impression that he genuinely meant it, and wasn't just saying it to make us feel better.
The trek doctor (very fit young lady!) was busy this evening repairing people's feet, Sylvia fused all the power in the Pousada (what little there was!) by trying to use a hairdryer!
After a short kip and some dinner, a couple of the graduate trekkers organised a highly entertaining and occasionally controversial quiz. After that, one of the trek guides played some Brazilian music and demonstrated typical dancing, which rounded off the evening nicely.
Update from the trek - Monday 9th - "Waterfall day"
We had an 8am start from the Pousada to follow a mainly jeep track to start with but with some forested sections, including a number of small river crossings.
Our first stop was a stunning waterfall where several of the group took the opportunity for a refreshing but freezing cold swim. I chose to sit on the side and watch! Which was pleasant!! To get to the bottom of the waterfall was a very steep climb down, and not surprisingly, an equally steep climb back up again when it was time to move on.
The second stop was another stunningly beautiful waterfall, although this one was too dangerous for swimming in. We had lunch here and I took a number of very picturesque photos that I will upload as soon as I get a chance.
After lunch, we had a long and undulating walk along jeep tracks. At around 4pm it started to thunder and lightning very loudly, followed by the inevitable rainstorm. With still an hour to walk, we put on our waterproofs and continued on towards our Pousada along what were now becoming muddy and slippery rivers rather than jeep tracks.
When we got to the Pousada it was clearly very basic, with only two toilet/showers for the whole trekking party (35+) and no electricity in the bedrooms. It was more of a shack really, with corrugated roof, wooden shutters instead of windows, and floorboards with big gaps between them so that you could see the mud floor below outside. We were to stay here for 2 nights!
It continued to thunder, lightning and rain throughout most of the evening, leaving no opportunity for people to try to dry out their clothes and boots ready for the next day. I've got some video footage of the storm outside the Pousada that I will upload when I put the photos online.
We walked a total of 30km today, with still the hardest day of the trek yet to come. I patched up my aching feet with blister plasters before retiring to bed.
Our first stop was a stunning waterfall where several of the group took the opportunity for a refreshing but freezing cold swim. I chose to sit on the side and watch! Which was pleasant!! To get to the bottom of the waterfall was a very steep climb down, and not surprisingly, an equally steep climb back up again when it was time to move on.
The second stop was another stunningly beautiful waterfall, although this one was too dangerous for swimming in. We had lunch here and I took a number of very picturesque photos that I will upload as soon as I get a chance.
After lunch, we had a long and undulating walk along jeep tracks. At around 4pm it started to thunder and lightning very loudly, followed by the inevitable rainstorm. With still an hour to walk, we put on our waterproofs and continued on towards our Pousada along what were now becoming muddy and slippery rivers rather than jeep tracks.
When we got to the Pousada it was clearly very basic, with only two toilet/showers for the whole trekking party (35+) and no electricity in the bedrooms. It was more of a shack really, with corrugated roof, wooden shutters instead of windows, and floorboards with big gaps between them so that you could see the mud floor below outside. We were to stay here for 2 nights!
It continued to thunder, lightning and rain throughout most of the evening, leaving no opportunity for people to try to dry out their clothes and boots ready for the next day. I've got some video footage of the storm outside the Pousada that I will upload when I put the photos online.
We walked a total of 30km today, with still the hardest day of the trek yet to come. I patched up my aching feet with blister plasters before retiring to bed.
Friday, 13 March 2009
update from the trek: Sunday 8th
After we woke in the morning, had breakfast, and paid our bar bills(!), our luggage was loaded onto the back of a very old truck, and the trekkers boarded a number of VW camper vans to transport us back to the nearest village.
At the village, I was able to make my last phone call to my wife Sue before we entered the rainforest, and I also managed a quick blog update. After that, we climbed onto a clapped out Ford flatbed truck with wooden planks as seats for a very painful(!) 2.5 hour ride along some very bumpy tracks to our trek starting point (I could still feel the bruises for several days afterwards!). We did at least see some spectacular views along the way, including the time we had to stop for the driver to go take a dump in the hedge (and he didn't even take any paper with him!).
By the time we got there at around 12.30pm, we were all ready and eager to start the walk. Things started off well enough, with a gentle stroll along some jeep tracks, including a stop to eat our packed lunch (creamed cheese and grated carrot sandwiches!). But we then faced a very steep climb up a hill, initially through a forested area, but then hillside that was exposed to the hot afternoon sun.
The climb was tough, and took about 2 hours. For me, and several of the others, it was a struggle, with one guy having to take a rest on doctors orders due to heat exhaustion.
Once I got to the top though, the hard work was all worthwhile, coz the views were absolutely amazing! We spent about 40 mins at the top to allow everyone to catch up and have a bit of a rest, before we then started the descent, which was also quite difficult, but at least it was downhill!
It was still a fair walk to our first Pousada (a sort of basic guest house), but a welcome relief when we did eventually arrive. The place was situated high on a hill, with stunning views.
There were around 10 of the male trekkers that had to camp out in tents as there were not enough beds inside for everyone (I managed to secure a bed indoors!). Everyone was sharing, with 4-5 people per room, and our bathroom also ended up as the communal bathroom for all the campers too.
Managed to get a half decent night's sleep, despite the snoring and trumping.
Today we had walked approx 15km.
At the village, I was able to make my last phone call to my wife Sue before we entered the rainforest, and I also managed a quick blog update. After that, we climbed onto a clapped out Ford flatbed truck with wooden planks as seats for a very painful(!) 2.5 hour ride along some very bumpy tracks to our trek starting point (I could still feel the bruises for several days afterwards!). We did at least see some spectacular views along the way, including the time we had to stop for the driver to go take a dump in the hedge (and he didn't even take any paper with him!).
By the time we got there at around 12.30pm, we were all ready and eager to start the walk. Things started off well enough, with a gentle stroll along some jeep tracks, including a stop to eat our packed lunch (creamed cheese and grated carrot sandwiches!). But we then faced a very steep climb up a hill, initially through a forested area, but then hillside that was exposed to the hot afternoon sun.
The climb was tough, and took about 2 hours. For me, and several of the others, it was a struggle, with one guy having to take a rest on doctors orders due to heat exhaustion.
Once I got to the top though, the hard work was all worthwhile, coz the views were absolutely amazing! We spent about 40 mins at the top to allow everyone to catch up and have a bit of a rest, before we then started the descent, which was also quite difficult, but at least it was downhill!
It was still a fair walk to our first Pousada (a sort of basic guest house), but a welcome relief when we did eventually arrive. The place was situated high on a hill, with stunning views.
There were around 10 of the male trekkers that had to camp out in tents as there were not enough beds inside for everyone (I managed to secure a bed indoors!). Everyone was sharing, with 4-5 people per room, and our bathroom also ended up as the communal bathroom for all the campers too.
Managed to get a half decent night's sleep, despite the snoring and trumping.
Today we had walked approx 15km.
Update from the trek: Saturday 7th
We left Rio at around 10.30 in the morning for a 4.5 hour coach transfer to a remote villa on the edge of the Serra da Bocaina National Park for our first overnight stop. The villa was set in beautiful surroundings next to a lake. It was originally built as the headquarters of the Brazilian Automobile Association and has hosted a number of famous people over the years, including the President of Brazil. I will upload some pictures when I get back to the UK.
Despite the location, the villa was fairly basic, and unfortunately I didn't get a very good night's sleep. That said, at least I didn't wake up to find a highly poisonous hairy spider in my room climbing into my rucksack, which one of the other trekkers found when he woke in the morning!
It was at this point that I could tell that things were going to get very interesting as the week was going to progress!
Despite the location, the villa was fairly basic, and unfortunately I didn't get a very good night's sleep. That said, at least I didn't wake up to find a highly poisonous hairy spider in my room climbing into my rucksack, which one of the other trekkers found when he woke in the morning!
It was at this point that I could tell that things were going to get very interesting as the week was going to progress!
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Thursday 12th - 5.15pm (20.15 GMT)
You will be pleased to know that I have survived the jungle! Just got out this afternoon and only just picked up reception to logon. I'll provide some detailed updates tomorrow to let you know how I got on, but for now, all I want is a nice long hot shower, clean clothes, and a good night's sleep! 3 hours to go until we get back to the hotel in Rio - I think I might have a kip on the way!
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Sunday 8th - 9am (12.00 GMT)
I think this will be my last update until Friday. Lost reception yesterday, but have stopped at a village this morning before going into the jungle, so back online temporarily.
Spent last night in a very nice but basic villa.
Just going now....
Spent last night in a very nice but basic villa.
Just going now....
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Day 2 - Saturday 9.30am (12.30 GMT)
Good night's sleep in comfortable and air-conditioned hotel, and nice hot shower this morning. Made the most of it!
We leave civilisation behind in half and hour when we take a 4 hour coach journey to the edge of the National Park. We've got a detailed trek and safety briefing this afternoon, then some free time. We start the hiking proper first thing tomorrow morning.
May not get a chance to update again for a while, so wish me luck!
Cheers,
Andrew
We leave civilisation behind in half and hour when we take a 4 hour coach journey to the edge of the National Park. We've got a detailed trek and safety briefing this afternoon, then some free time. We start the hiking proper first thing tomorrow morning.
May not get a chance to update again for a while, so wish me luck!
Cheers,
Andrew
Friday, 6 March 2009
Day 1 - Heathrow airport - 03.30 GMT
I spent the night in a Yotel cabin (check it out at www.yotel.com) - VERY compact, but comfortable and adequate!
I've already faced my first challenge of the day - Yotel is at T4 and I need to check-in at T2 - woke up, went downstairs, only to find that the train shuttle service doesn't operate through the night! I thought this was supposed to be one of the busiest airports in the world?
Anyway, had to wake up a taxi driver asleep in his black cab and pay him £20 to drive me round what seemed half of southern England.
At least I'm here now and ready to meet the rest of the trekkers in about half an hour. Long flight to Rio today - hopefully, will catch up with you later.
Cheers
Andrew
I've already faced my first challenge of the day - Yotel is at T4 and I need to check-in at T2 - woke up, went downstairs, only to find that the train shuttle service doesn't operate through the night! I thought this was supposed to be one of the busiest airports in the world?
Anyway, had to wake up a taxi driver asleep in his black cab and pay him £20 to drive me round what seemed half of southern England.
At least I'm here now and ready to meet the rest of the trekkers in about half an hour. Long flight to Rio today - hopefully, will catch up with you later.
Cheers
Andrew
Still Day 1 (but only just!)
It's 11.30pm local time (02.30 GMT), and I'm sat on Copacabana beach drinking a cocktail. Been up for 24 hours now, so feeling pretty tired. Think this might be a nightcap, then bed.
Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro - 7.30pm local time (22.30 GMT)
Arrived in Rio safely a couple of hours ago after 17 hours of travelling today. Currently on way to hotel, then meal, beer and bed!
Tomorrow, we set off at 10am for a brief coach tour of the main sites in Rio, then a 4 hour drive to the edge of the Serra de Boccaina National Park ready for the start of the trek proper.
Not sure if/when I'll be able to update you again, but will send news as soon as I am able.
Cheers,
Andrew
Tomorrow, we set off at 10am for a brief coach tour of the main sites in Rio, then a 4 hour drive to the edge of the Serra de Boccaina National Park ready for the start of the trek proper.
Not sure if/when I'll be able to update you again, but will send news as soon as I am able.
Cheers,
Andrew
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Day 1 - Heathrow airport - 03.30 GMT
I spent the night in a Yotel cabin (check it out at www.yotel.com) - VERY compact, but comfortable and adequate!
I've already faced my first challenge of the day - Yotel is at T4 and I need to check-in at T2 - woke up, went downstairs, only to find that the train shuttle service doesn't operate through the night! I thought this was supposed to be one of the busiest airports in the world?
Anyway, had to wake up a taxi driver asleep in his black cab and pay him £20 to drive me round what seemed half of southern England.
At least I'm here now and ready to meet the rest of the trekkers in about half an hour. Long flight to Rio today - hopefully, will catch up with you later.
Cheers
Andrew
I've already faced my first challenge of the day - Yotel is at T4 and I need to check-in at T2 - woke up, went downstairs, only to find that the train shuttle service doesn't operate through the night! I thought this was supposed to be one of the busiest airports in the world?
Anyway, had to wake up a taxi driver asleep in his black cab and pay him £20 to drive me round what seemed half of southern England.
At least I'm here now and ready to meet the rest of the trekkers in about half an hour. Long flight to Rio today - hopefully, will catch up with you later.
Cheers
Andrew
Time to leave for the airport...
Well - that's it. Too late for any last minute training! I'm all packed up and ready to go.
I'm quite excited, but a little bit nervous too. Today I'll be flying down from Manchester to London Heathrow and then spending 6 hours resting in the Yotel (look it up online!) before meeting the rest of the trekkers at 4.15am tomorrow morning. We then fly down to Oporto in Portugal, before catching a connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro. We're due to arrive in Rio at 17:45 local time (20:45 GMT) and then transfer to a hotel for one night.
On Saturday morning we have a brief coach tour of Rio, and then spend 2 hours standing on the back of a flat bed truck that will take us to the edge of the Serra da Boccaina National Park where we will stay the night ready for our first day of trekking on Sunday. On Saturday night we will get a full safety briefing and run down of the itinerary for the week from Adrian our tour leader.
I'll try to get a couple of updates posted online before Sunday - but after that, it will be very much down to whether I can get a signal in the jungle for text messages or online access.
Please let me know if you're keeping tabs on me!
Cheers
Andrew
I'm quite excited, but a little bit nervous too. Today I'll be flying down from Manchester to London Heathrow and then spending 6 hours resting in the Yotel (look it up online!) before meeting the rest of the trekkers at 4.15am tomorrow morning. We then fly down to Oporto in Portugal, before catching a connecting flight to Rio de Janeiro. We're due to arrive in Rio at 17:45 local time (20:45 GMT) and then transfer to a hotel for one night.
On Saturday morning we have a brief coach tour of Rio, and then spend 2 hours standing on the back of a flat bed truck that will take us to the edge of the Serra da Boccaina National Park where we will stay the night ready for our first day of trekking on Sunday. On Saturday night we will get a full safety briefing and run down of the itinerary for the week from Adrian our tour leader.
I'll try to get a couple of updates posted online before Sunday - but after that, it will be very much down to whether I can get a signal in the jungle for text messages or online access.
Please let me know if you're keeping tabs on me!
Cheers
Andrew
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