tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31621112599225682132024-02-19T01:24:00.095-08:00Tabitha's news from home and awayTabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-78614745482844064032010-07-28T15:29:00.000-07:002010-07-28T16:28:00.650-07:00Project phase with Eastbourne College in EcuadorHere I am, in Puerto Lopez, where the sun has finally decided to come out after five days of drizzly rain.<span style=""> </span>We have, or rather the local builder has, finished our project – a dining room for a primary school in Ayambe (just up the road).<span style=""> </span>It’s an interesting building, as you may be able to tell from the photographs.<span style=""> </span>I thought my house had no right angles but this place is ridiculous!!<span style=""> </span>It hasn’t been without its moments either.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIktrHx3eYVcOiBdN8cqd9DgPA_DmS6_cJtso8rX3CZn61I-dyOKKGvq-X9xkjWdGlVu5RKPGpzbeTHyYe89O1dKI1hbChDOUHl195YiaTIJjeP_UnUZ2O-Zp3qOyMTp4vEQ2ivpObCSB/s1600/DSCF6570.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMIktrHx3eYVcOiBdN8cqd9DgPA_DmS6_cJtso8rX3CZn61I-dyOKKGvq-X9xkjWdGlVu5RKPGpzbeTHyYe89O1dKI1hbChDOUHl195YiaTIJjeP_UnUZ2O-Zp3qOyMTp4vEQ2ivpObCSB/s320/DSCF6570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499088606171341954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QNRFIG8UEEL7Ecq38POre70oQoEOscVoZznd441isqJKovkqipUdGHwRYJsMxZMgE30ceAVzynotmvHRwb7Grg-XtGsu2t4XKQh0KGm9uMxP7CbrRItvVQl8V6y5-VWqtMXyA0sC4onD/s1600/DSCF6587.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QNRFIG8UEEL7Ecq38POre70oQoEOscVoZznd441isqJKovkqipUdGHwRYJsMxZMgE30ceAVzynotmvHRwb7Grg-XtGsu2t4XKQh0KGm9uMxP7CbrRItvVQl8V6y5-VWqtMXyA0sC4onD/s320/DSCF6587.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499088926172011234" border="0" /></a> <p class="MsoNormal">The second day of the project, last Saturday, I decided to stay at the volunteer house with a couple of students who were planning on shopping and cooking lunch for the team.<span style=""> </span>Richard (the teacher) went with the remainder of the group to Ayambe.<span style=""> </span>About 1 ½ hours after they had left, while I was in the supermarket, I received a call from Richard telling me there had been an accident.<span style=""> </span>It would seem that the rather unsafe and wobbly wall that we had been working around the day before, had decided to fall onto Harry’s foot (somewhat helped by Harry himself).<span style=""> </span>Excellent.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5YDTISdXbT4AtrbEHD-ju5_HEGuu8CUeqfi8YeIvDlwwWSaovpO6AGwkWB3jaSF5WNq770lS8HIW4WM_Ma6G9AUaa2QtdF4kYei7gyUSp6jBzgrG7ZD04FaoSZmWwqYptr9GSxRDdWfZ/s1600/DSCF6710.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5YDTISdXbT4AtrbEHD-ju5_HEGuu8CUeqfi8YeIvDlwwWSaovpO6AGwkWB3jaSF5WNq770lS8HIW4WM_Ma6G9AUaa2QtdF4kYei7gyUSp6jBzgrG7ZD04FaoSZmWwqYptr9GSxRDdWfZ/s320/DSCF6710.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499089428678769794" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Plenty of phonecalls later I managed to get Pedro (our host) to get to the project site with a bus and take Harry to the local clinic.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately the clinic in Puerto Lopez is not all that well equipped so off he went in an ambulance to Xipixapa (pronounced hippyhappa) to get an x-ray.<span style=""> </span>A few hours later and Harry was back, having broken two metatarsals (David Beckham eat your heart out), with a cast on his foot and looking a little sorry for himself.<span style=""> </span>Richard, on the other hand, spent the next 4 hours driving around the region of Manabi trying to find crutches.<span style=""> </span>He eventually returned about 7pm having spent all day in a taxi with two non-English speakers (he speaks no Spanish).<span style=""> </span>He was not, however, empty handed and came equipped with two, somewhat small, but useful, crutches!<span style=""> </span>We decided to go out for the night (I secretly wanted to celebrate finally breaking a kid after 7 expeditions) to one of the beach bars.<span style=""> </span>The group had a mass salsa lesson on the beach, which was hilarious, and drank lots of milkshakes while I had my first beer in 3 weeks.<span style=""> </span>Lovely :)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqfI8lMPxj4C7DcEj9hbfuMwYf31bdI6AnTHMNXMJDmB3tEixYGzUwCcTuV5EEEnvn7egHXf4u_OCompxkDa27gKzKnQf4YhFD3VcPo-YEC_JQvS-nBhFiIxxevnFkNqUsM2f6Ncs78NS/s1600/DSCF6641.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqfI8lMPxj4C7DcEj9hbfuMwYf31bdI6AnTHMNXMJDmB3tEixYGzUwCcTuV5EEEnvn7egHXf4u_OCompxkDa27gKzKnQf4YhFD3VcPo-YEC_JQvS-nBhFiIxxevnFkNqUsM2f6Ncs78NS/s320/DSCF6641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499089170951179106" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sunday was a rest day but as we are wicked and therefore deserve no rest, we headed off on a boat to watch some whales.<span style=""> </span>Richard and I escaped the masses and sat atop the boat with another English couple unfortunate enough to have organised a boat trip with 13 teenagers from the UK (there’s nothing like getting away from it all...).<span style=""> </span>All was great for us, the ride out was fun, the whales were close by and easily spotted – not so for those mere mortals below.<span style=""> </span>An amazing 10 out of the 13 got seasick enforcing an early return to port as the captain of the boat was rather concerned.<span style=""> </span>I was more concerned about the other passengers who had paid to go on a four hour trip and had actually only got two!!<span style=""> </span>But then I’m not that sympathetic to people who are sick on a boat after eating ice cream and drinking fizzy drinks for breakfast (am I being too harsh here?).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PF5zRXLSeI_68rYwNo9yjrUJP-AD-_OaTnct9azWDuZFnBZyb-U0xf2ZWoRsZnzIsdbC6jr5w08FLoisiAAtyxADD51rSSqbE4e2qHXE3QT7bIm3FmhGS21E-8jgtpcrysbS5tSvkTG7/s1600/DSCF6728.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PF5zRXLSeI_68rYwNo9yjrUJP-AD-_OaTnct9azWDuZFnBZyb-U0xf2ZWoRsZnzIsdbC6jr5w08FLoisiAAtyxADD51rSSqbE4e2qHXE3QT7bIm3FmhGS21E-8jgtpcrysbS5tSvkTG7/s320/DSCF6728.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499090938139825298" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The rest of the week we have been back to work, well, back to lying around sleeping and occasionally getting up to mix some concrete.<span style=""> </span>This afternoon, after almost completing the building, we were treated to a dance display by the kids from the school. The first was an incredibly surreal display by the younger kids dressed as sea creatures and dancing to Rod Stewart's 'Do You Think I'm Sexy' (I know, not really very appropriate!!). I was going to include a video but it's taking way too long to upload - maybe I'll add this later. This was followed by a more traditional but equally funny dance by some of the older children in beautiful dress. Tonight we are off out again, but as they are all such lightweights (normally in bed by 8.30pm) I'm sure it won't be a late one. Maybe 10pm if I'm lucky?</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Back to Quito tomorrow, before heading north to Ortavalo for some serious market shopping on Saturday.<span style=""> </span>This time next week I will be back in lovely North Wales and back on the vino tinto. My mouth is watering in anticipation :)<br /></p>Tabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-17926674245268176062010-07-20T18:41:00.000-07:002010-07-20T20:19:18.913-07:00Trekking in Cotopaxi National Park with Eastbourne CollegeWell, I am back from Cotopaxi (spelling it right this time!) National Park, clean and fed and back in the squeaky bed at the Blue House in Quito. It's been an interesting week which started at 7.15 am on the 15th as we headed off for Machachi to begin our trekking phase of expedition.<br /><br />Things didn't quite go according to plan as we arrived in Machachi to be met by two pick ups. For those of you that don't know, pick ups are a bit of a no no with groups. Young people need to have a seat to sit in, preferably with a seat belt, but that is quite an ask in South America. So, after a call back to the Ops room in the UK and the promise that it would be sorted for our return journey, 9 students and myself jumped in the back of one pick up, Steve (my assistant for the week) and Richard the teacher jumped in the back of the other with all 16 bags and the remaining 4 students got seats. The most uncomfortable 45 minutes of my life then ensued as I was sat on the edge of the truck, gripping on for dear life as we bumped up a very unsealed road to the Hacienda del Porvenir.<br /><br />Thank goodness for the Hacienda del Porvenir. What a sight to behold. We were met with hot sweet tea (from the mint family, but not mint) and mini empanadas before being guided round our luxury accommodation for the night. I have never stayed anywhere quite so posh while on expedition - it was amazing! After a lunch of hot soup we were off for three hours of horse riding. I was actually dreading this part as it is a health and safety nightmare but thankfully they were able to supply 16 helmets, much to the disappointment of the students and much to the relief of Richard and Steve - Richard particularly as the thought of horse riding had made him go rather pale!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2G8oS3Y3mpUaOLPVU6IFDNj-saRd6g9Cv5VJiDMsHc4Gr5Ehsj4STalTcutnAp4NwjfX9wcckWz0gYFkov8Hpxq_847od7vGOvv83ldWq9LvtLUI9_uAS_clcpSPuZZt8SBVp2oTSpYI/s1600/DSCF6385.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2G8oS3Y3mpUaOLPVU6IFDNj-saRd6g9Cv5VJiDMsHc4Gr5Ehsj4STalTcutnAp4NwjfX9wcckWz0gYFkov8Hpxq_847od7vGOvv83ldWq9LvtLUI9_uAS_clcpSPuZZt8SBVp2oTSpYI/s320/DSCF6385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496184337326772034" border="0" /></a>The Hacienda sits at 3,600m and we rode up to 4,200m and back down over the course of the afternoon which certainly helped with acclimatisation. We were accompanied by a friendly little dog we came to know as Rocky and who became our permanent talisman for the next few days.<br /><br />That evening, all walking a little like John Wayne and missing our chaps and ponchos, we settled down for a fantastic dinner of soup, followed by chicken, mashed potato and red cabbage. Oh what I would have done for a large glass of Rioja...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint1xhcu5HB1bcqtiHC917ozwdhGYg1uWIF-dtglhfG1IMGtzCdAv3LzzVlGjpURhuWUdeEgsdiN4YzqpCvnrJyiU-8qMSTg5jyqvRmgA-9GDUXUwBmzCNa4VWBvlacS8VtJ13Sl12Wx7E/s1600/DSCF6411.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint1xhcu5HB1bcqtiHC917ozwdhGYg1uWIF-dtglhfG1IMGtzCdAv3LzzVlGjpURhuWUdeEgsdiN4YzqpCvnrJyiU-8qMSTg5jyqvRmgA-9GDUXUwBmzCNa4VWBvlacS8VtJ13Sl12Wx7E/s320/DSCF6411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496191826670526002" border="0" /></a>After a lovely sleep in a warm and comfortable bed it was up to a delicious breakfast of granola with fruit and yogurt, followed by scrambled egg, bacon and cheese, accompanied by bread rolls and jam. All washed down with a glass of guava juice and a cup of hot chocolate. Now that's what I call a sensible trekking breakfast :)<br /><br />Unfortunately, after all this opulence it was time for a reality check. Dario, our guide (who looked about 14 and didn't speak any English) led us off up the road at a ridiculous rate of knots into the rain on the first day of our trek around Cotopaxi. The wind and the rain was bearable but the lunch of one pita bread with ham and ketchup (oh my god) was not. This was it, I was going to starve to death, surrounded by teenagers, wet and cold and with the taste of cheap ketchup lingering on my tongue. Oh joy. At least there were a few banana chips and a couple of raisins to bulk out the meal...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1pN_pkn-IRfSNvTlEFXKP03DnNtfcxRoAXTYlAm_x8ebjqYx3Opko3dWcoqaYJjkGXfx6VAnmy0pK249JNNmPq5G8bXpernodCLKgVKUvqoYhfyblOLcmo2OGyum1KUBagPFKkcIz0d-/s1600/DSCF6496.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1pN_pkn-IRfSNvTlEFXKP03DnNtfcxRoAXTYlAm_x8ebjqYx3Opko3dWcoqaYJjkGXfx6VAnmy0pK249JNNmPq5G8bXpernodCLKgVKUvqoYhfyblOLcmo2OGyum1KUBagPFKkcIz0d-/s320/DSCF6496.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496192941398119058" border="0" /></a>The rain and the wind continued in spurts but held off just long enough for us to put our tents up at our Santo Domingo campsite (Mother Nature can be nice sometimes). Unfortunately the rain came back with a vengeance when it was time to cook dinner. Poor Becca almost froze to death and then had to put up with Richard, Steve and I moaning about eating cold uncooked pasta with cold tomato sauce. Well, it was pretty shocking and we had to have a good laugh about it. It was that or cry. We had possibly managed to get down 500 calories over lunch and dinner. What was that I said before about starving...?<br /><br />Oh my goodness, I have just realised how much I have been rambling! Long story short: had good night's sleep, woke up to find that my good tent spot had become precariously close to the water's edge following a night of heavy rain, breakfast of porrige (not much) and brown sugar, long day of walking in persistent heavy rain following Dario who didn't always seem to know exactly where he was going, ending up at Hacienda de Tambo to be greeted with more hot (mint but not mint) tea and a roaring fire. Lovely end to a not so lovely day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RzcGqBv30BMYm-67BJUDkYzFFjyFMprIXc8ft1-9Ud4CfRPri3tXXSX1iQoaEr_PyPSbOFSsX7S7zuDsgzXOvB8jCwt60cA18CtVZGUsSEtnXINeyHGYpwKwr_vmElY_Xzk_HG2i9wTi/s1600/DSCF6554.JPG"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNh_tENA_-qbFJwHmhbC8ZQI4TA1F4-hmLuPkTthpBWiKI47g3CgkZQW5FE9Re247K32PqVP_kPmsF4YA93Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a><br /><br />After a night of drying out and another good evening meal and hearty breakfast, the sun finally decided to show her face, as did Volcan Cotopaxi! Day 3 was a different kettle of fish altogether as we walked with higher spirits and things to look at other than the person in front's feet while keeping our heads down out of the rain. It was back to the campsite by the lake that night, this time making sure I pitched my tent well away from the water's edge (just in case!). That night Rocky slept in with me - I was hoping he would keep me warm as it was a very clear night but he was a rubbish hot water bottle and I froze (something to do with the bad decision I made about which sleeping bag to take).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDyGFCZCxQQgAEptlKPSSqFsOaKk0HYx_o377G5Ho-PKfoVQcHNPLtZ_Az4IOl-Y1z2cPBAUKmVRepCF9ch4GaVXvfxY6sxUq8BVx-lSRp073Vd5bJZoK0rMeih-6d0CbnxPfiBgK7ras/s1600/DSCF6510.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDyGFCZCxQQgAEptlKPSSqFsOaKk0HYx_o377G5Ho-PKfoVQcHNPLtZ_Az4IOl-Y1z2cPBAUKmVRepCF9ch4GaVXvfxY6sxUq8BVx-lSRp073Vd5bJZoK0rMeih-6d0CbnxPfiBgK7ras/s320/DSCF6510.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496187430786733426" border="0" /></a>Day 4 started with a picture perfect view of Cotopaxi reflected in the lake. Unfortunately, what could have been a fantastic day's walk, was marred slightly by Dario's inability to pick a good route - some dodgy traverses and unnecessary ups and downs made for quite tiring work. Still, we eventually reached our final campsite and lay back to look up at the volcano backed by blue sky and illuminated by the much needed sun. It's quite a stunning sight and definitely one to come back to, without a load of teenagers, to climb at a later date. Another one for the list.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RzcGqBv30BMYm-67BJUDkYzFFjyFMprIXc8ft1-9Ud4CfRPri3tXXSX1iQoaEr_PyPSbOFSsX7S7zuDsgzXOvB8jCwt60cA18CtVZGUsSEtnXINeyHGYpwKwr_vmElY_Xzk_HG2i9wTi/s1600/DSCF6554.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RzcGqBv30BMYm-67BJUDkYzFFjyFMprIXc8ft1-9Ud4CfRPri3tXXSX1iQoaEr_PyPSbOFSsX7S7zuDsgzXOvB8jCwt60cA18CtVZGUsSEtnXINeyHGYpwKwr_vmElY_Xzk_HG2i9wTi/s320/DSCF6554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496189007836122450" border="0" /></a>Unfortunately that day one of the students had become ill and was not getting any better that evening. After much deliberating and communication with the Ops room it was decided that she would be better off at the Hacienda. Unfortunately (and I say this with real sincerity...) that meant that I had to accompany her and another student and spend the last night in a warm comfortable bed rather than under canvas. I really am a rubbish camper - give me luxury accommodation any day!! :)<br /><br />Thankfully the young lady in question felt much better in the morning - possibly something to do with the proper toilets, comfy bed, hot shower and hearty breakfast.<br /><br />So, back in Quito tonight. We finally made it to a local restaurant this evening and had a feast of meat, rice and beans, all for $2.50 a head (can't complain about that!). The kids are all watching a DVD while I sit here, writing this blog, wearing my newly acquired slouchy trousers (I finally gave in and became one of the gang - we all match now) and listening to the hippies play guitar and sing a bit too loudly. Hopefully we will see some more of Quito tomorrow before heading off to Puerto Lopez on Thursday to get started on our project. Adios amigos. Hasta luego :)Tabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-87443195240213888582010-07-13T22:59:00.001-07:002010-07-14T00:06:59.149-07:00Ecuador with Eastbourne College - Phase 1Well, here I am again, on expedition with a bunch of teenagers, this time from the prestigious Eastbourne College, and this time in Ecuador. It was an interesting start with our flight leaving Heathrow at 0620 on the 7th and us only being able to get a lift to the airport the previous evening. Terminal 3 is possibly the most uncomfortable airport I have ever had to spend a night in, and believe me, I have slept in a few! Needless to say I think I managed about half an hour of shut eye before having to check in at 0430 (that is not me in the picture - I think he slept quite well!).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeHybxaylV2xTJpvt5fTkoCgOHmZ2iCeOzW5DgOJVcL0GNEEzhsyEOuI4JyNrsLvbzqTispjd05lsR9MpABSeWLBA5VO3tXmQnslxtYNdZTNYf28rOFdDj6mygN3pblvwJAz334ThmKfy/s1600/DSCF6239.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYeHybxaylV2xTJpvt5fTkoCgOHmZ2iCeOzW5DgOJVcL0GNEEzhsyEOuI4JyNrsLvbzqTispjd05lsR9MpABSeWLBA5VO3tXmQnslxtYNdZTNYf28rOFdDj6mygN3pblvwJAz334ThmKfy/s320/DSCF6239.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493650238262963618" border="0" /></a>I then promptly slept for the entire flight to Madrid. Wow, a whole 2 hours - that made me feel heaps better!! Grumpy? Me? Never! It was then a wonderous 11 hour flight where once again, I was unable to sleep. Instead I managed to watch Date Night without the sound and then Nanny McPhee (the second one I think) with the sound (I shouldn't have bothered with the sound!!). At least two young people were sick during the flight, the Iberia staff were typically rude throughout and the food was sub-standard. We did manage to hear the football score from the pilot though, which was a nice touch. Viva Espana and all that.<br /><br />Arrival into Quito was an anti-climax with no lovely views of the mountains due to thick cloud and torrential rain. Oh, and everybody clapped when we landed. Why do they do that? Do they not realise that it is supposed to happen like that?? There was then the moment when we thought Iberia had managed to lose 7 bags, only to discover them discarded on the floor on the other side of the luggage hall. Thankfully our airport pick-up was waiting and on hand to help me as I was carrying my bag, my hand luggage and the rucksack of one of the pukers. Me very strong. Like ox. Thanks boys.<br /><br />Anyway, I am spending far too long describing what is really quite meaningless in the grand scheme of things as I'm sure it is Ecuador you wish to hear about, rather than my gripes with air travel. So...<br /><br />The first couple of days it was all about getting used to the altitude - Quito is not horrendously high, about 2,800m I think, but enough to make you out of breath quite quickly when you try and walk briskly uphill. Unfortunately there are quite a few stupid members of my group so getting things done seemed to take forever. This meant no sightseeing for us except for a visit to El Mitad del Mundo (the equator) where it rained like I have never seen rain before (well, this trip anyway) and we all got very wet and cold. It is quite amusing that the monument and the line are actually about 240m out (according to the guide book) from the actual equator. Genius.<br /><br />Saturday we left Quito, which was a shame as I was becoming rather fond of the hotel/brothel we had found ourselves in! The two women/men/women/I don't bloody know what they were that were working out of there were becoming a little scarey, especially when they started winking at the kids. (I feel I should call them kids here, just to emphasize the creepiness of the situation.) Anyway, we left Quito and headed to Tena on the edge of the Amazon rainforest. We lost over 2,000m in altitude and gained about 20 degrees in temperature and 80% in humidity. That was a shock to the system. The teacher with the school became very ill and spent the afternoon and evening throwing up (typically this was the first time we had to share a room!). I spent the evening tip-toeing around so as not to wake him from his fitful feverish sleep. Thank goodness for wi-fi - at least I could check my Facebook ;)<br /><br />From Tena it was off into the jungle for a true Amazon experience. Well, truish. We did have beds (albeit not that comfortable). And flushing toilets. And we were only 20m from the road. But it was a jungle experience of sorts. The group were impressed so I guess that's what counts. It's not my holiday after all (and don't I bloody know it!!).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPldAGzpGJ_9tU35agHGnYeW0eC0FtFZ26CiPq3DQa0wfOgXEPttF39mz3hngc55AfbQguO-uxmVPlF-FFyOzZwNtkxEPWQ101MGQFp0naQiaJDsQ1kLOraQicssOUKURyCIIm-9GrTQI/s1600/DSCF6321.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPldAGzpGJ_9tU35agHGnYeW0eC0FtFZ26CiPq3DQa0wfOgXEPttF39mz3hngc55AfbQguO-uxmVPlF-FFyOzZwNtkxEPWQ101MGQFp0naQiaJDsQ1kLOraQicssOUKURyCIIm-9GrTQI/s320/DSCF6321.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493652934372346642" border="0" /></a>No, I mustn't knock it, it was a great couple of days. The food was amazing - well, the teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway, the hammocks were very comfortable and the two dogs (named Colin and Colin by the teacher, even though one was female) were very amusing. The female Colin even accompanied us on our epic gorge walk - we were very impressed with her dexterity and fearless attitude. Put most of the kids to shame! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKESLzeIA3BDzmHjVPijB7biB5WGY5kb5bQkT7tS-8ghm-8Af8YweccWOCktBYRHV2tXyRjCNRzSD6DsjcB6DZDjVa5XaEXbOA5RLWkJSM_6UeXzh0UUhbi1QcZaizXh59pv_uR7WaVbid/s1600/DSCF6312.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKESLzeIA3BDzmHjVPijB7biB5WGY5kb5bQkT7tS-8ghm-8Af8YweccWOCktBYRHV2tXyRjCNRzSD6DsjcB6DZDjVa5XaEXbOA5RLWkJSM_6UeXzh0UUhbi1QcZaizXh59pv_uR7WaVbid/s320/DSCF6312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493651061074190546" border="0" /></a>We got our faces painted with tribal markings, we wore headbands made from palm leaves, we ate lemon ants (actually, I didn't eat any - been there, done that before), we swam in a jungle pool, we climbed a waterfall, we learned all about the medicinal, and sometimes halucinagenic, qualities of some plants, we wore wellies... what more could one need for a well-rounded jungle experience? I know, learning to make bird noises. Hmmm. A couple of minutes listening to 13 teenagers attempt to make a bird noise through their hands would have been bearable, a whole afternoon of it was enough to drive me to murder. Almost.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aFA11sh_EZEYJ7V9GDP5rnNnpDk50FGJ4AjOMlgWbZ1vly3HbsM7OJpC7ix1dFGec1OCFhll7JqyLX7v91ubCDWNK0Ux2oOUR8bbJXFVOC_kybcWFyu-7kn8jc0TLnyV1l_PULgoIB00/s1600/DSCF6283.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aFA11sh_EZEYJ7V9GDP5rnNnpDk50FGJ4AjOMlgWbZ1vly3HbsM7OJpC7ix1dFGec1OCFhll7JqyLX7v91ubCDWNK0Ux2oOUR8bbJXFVOC_kybcWFyu-7kn8jc0TLnyV1l_PULgoIB00/s320/DSCF6283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493650726547552306" border="0" /></a>Our jungle experience sadly ended this morning and today was spent white water rafting and getting eaten by sandflies. The rafting was great, the sandflies not so. The river was quite low which was disappointing but, once again, I guess it's not my holiday and the group had a ball so that's what counts. It is now 0130 and I am writing this blog in an effort to exhaust myself so that I might fall asleep without scratching myself raw. It's all mind over matter apparently. Yeah, right!<br /><br />So that's me, at the end of week one of this Ecuadorian adventure with the most gullible of gullible students in my charge (seriously, they believe absolutely anything!). The day after tomorrow we are off to walk around, yes, around and not up, Cotapaxi, so I will endeavour to update this blog on my return. Ciao for now xxxTabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-52561039570285705172010-06-06T10:15:00.000-07:002010-06-06T10:40:24.948-07:00Bit of a catch up!Oh my goodness, where is the year going?? I can't believe we are nearly half way through 2010 already and this is my first blog of the year. What has been going on?? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2WIeBe3aihugHL64Uza1JRfSECb4LwmIB_eSvClDJrc6NDTecvyG1IPePyh6fCJDpm4KOpWeKBau774eXkwE-HUFdQxLy4Po6-_qb6MbfzXmK4oJa97mU6iIGSi2yR3o2DyfueWvkTIL/s1600/DSCF5953.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2WIeBe3aihugHL64Uza1JRfSECb4LwmIB_eSvClDJrc6NDTecvyG1IPePyh6fCJDpm4KOpWeKBau774eXkwE-HUFdQxLy4Po6-_qb6MbfzXmK4oJa97mU6iIGSi2yR3o2DyfueWvkTIL/s320/DSCF5953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479714669668696082" border="0" /></a>Well, 2010 started well, with lots of snow falling in North Wales and an excursion out into the hills, with good friend Aled, to test out my new winter boots, crampons and axe. The conditions were fantastic and it was set to be a good few months. Unfortunately, walking to the car with my new pup Bailey and slipping on the ice put a kibosh on my winter plans. A week later, with a steel plate and five screws in my ankle, Bailey and I headed down to Tunbridge Wells to be looked after by my lovely parents. Not quite the winter I had in mind! So now spring has sprung and summer is well on her way - I am already peeling on my back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9icH4eOxw06Otfx-JwoCNRgw6LLbVZjZOOU2EcjRYUa3nMH-AYaeLmBZ83OQOPiHZrLMXRnwmmIwP__b_EZbXLZrBZXzn29-viyIufUWydp_9H9PzCR3DWgIVMM98FFJzv3_YlPb6jPFx/s1600/DSCF5923.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9icH4eOxw06Otfx-JwoCNRgw6LLbVZjZOOU2EcjRYUa3nMH-AYaeLmBZ83OQOPiHZrLMXRnwmmIwP__b_EZbXLZrBZXzn29-viyIufUWydp_9H9PzCR3DWgIVMM98FFJzv3_YlPb6jPFx/s320/DSCF5923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479715549371360898" border="0" /></a><br />My year really began in April, once I was off crutches and back in action. Since then I have been up Snowdon a couple of times, visited The Old Man of Coniston, got back on the rock, swum Derwent Water and finally got back in a sea kayak. I have yet to get back on my bike, but it won't be long :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZgYYkyvN2HmBdYyCpnwL9pOiLduxlJitkpwEvPHWapsn7dPhM9qBuUCVoiqkDFTxsBADjOOQiTIaydHRF53vTLFsvyQldt4C1YBBsUbusTHo-4CJEf_K2q0Hvz1jk_ICmloS3aYaNk3b/s1600/DSCF6161.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZgYYkyvN2HmBdYyCpnwL9pOiLduxlJitkpwEvPHWapsn7dPhM9qBuUCVoiqkDFTxsBADjOOQiTIaydHRF53vTLFsvyQldt4C1YBBsUbusTHo-4CJEf_K2q0Hvz1jk_ICmloS3aYaNk3b/s320/DSCF6161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479716193916953570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C7h21Ex7WXzqKa9nnHTzmKZU_lH0xFga1ZRWOmENJqfvx6sJValjwZZWsu7xmJAuCUR8Obk1jNw6GgboYa4pl6hHcbJrO_paZjOj4-_rLKy1mQ1Q8WsZ5VkVC4qiRUgnRPn8Ddr-_5yw/s1600/DSCF6206.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C7h21Ex7WXzqKa9nnHTzmKZU_lH0xFga1ZRWOmENJqfvx6sJValjwZZWsu7xmJAuCUR8Obk1jNw6GgboYa4pl6hHcbJrO_paZjOj4-_rLKy1mQ1Q8WsZ5VkVC4qiRUgnRPn8Ddr-_5yw/s320/DSCF6206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479716746295448290" border="0" /></a><br />The really scary thing about how quick the time is slipping by is that it is now only four weeks until I head off on expedition to Ecuador with Eastbourne College! Watch this space for the blog postings on that trip - I will be sure to keep it updated. Until then, ciao for now xxTabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-40653433015026823132009-09-10T08:55:00.000-07:002009-09-10T09:25:27.094-07:00Taking on the Red Ridge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwg_nFsraVo5Ezz-89wZZ8HTHEpOH6946GZrf4Vu4SQMnu7f1OV9DYf9MA7cTSla_bLlkabNhQGgSxWFfvEtjX8M8kpPgrggqJLyyhXkmmzN4q1kMh4AvFCLEO4xSgT6XGftcigyK4XWd/s1600-h/SG103771.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwg_nFsraVo5Ezz-89wZZ8HTHEpOH6946GZrf4Vu4SQMnu7f1OV9DYf9MA7cTSla_bLlkabNhQGgSxWFfvEtjX8M8kpPgrggqJLyyhXkmmzN4q1kMh4AvFCLEO4xSgT6XGftcigyK4XWd/s400/SG103771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379873600631611522" border="0" /></a>It's not often that we get blessed with weather quite as fantastic as now, and it's been pretty grotty since I got home, so I thought I should make the best of it. While I was hanging around on Idwal Slabs yesterday, being a guinea pig on an MIA assessment, I thought I really should get back on Crib Goch. After all, it's been at least 2 years since I graced her with my presence. So, over dinner with my good friend Jo, it was decided. I would drive to Cwm y Glo, drop my car off, get a lift with her husband Dave to the pass and then disappear off up the mountain, ringing later to get a lift back with Jo - isn't it nice having friends with nothing better to do :)<br /><br />What a glorious morning it was. The car park at Pen y Pass was heaving already at 8.20am so I didn't waste any time and made a quick dash up the Pyg Track. Overtaking one couple I found myself with no one in front. Excellent. I hate having people in my photos! Unless they are specifically of people of course...<br /><br />I made quick time up the face only stopping briefly when I managed to drop the sun shade from my camera. As it bounced back down the way I had come I decided it wasn't worth it and continued on, not wanting anyone to overtake me. Not yet anyway.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZWCqRSucKf5a9Feuxw7YyHvmD_-USPbzlvb1BVtPWC4XPYjYFuNusslmOO2wZxTaSCZo1VMaENJ8JzpmA2sQdzNFwCRzEx_Xiz_rXcnVXXV9rlnPZf1L_7LpuH3rBV-czo4cq2JI1Pg2/s1600-h/SG103780.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZWCqRSucKf5a9Feuxw7YyHvmD_-USPbzlvb1BVtPWC4XPYjYFuNusslmOO2wZxTaSCZo1VMaENJ8JzpmA2sQdzNFwCRzEx_Xiz_rXcnVXXV9rlnPZf1L_7LpuH3rBV-czo4cq2JI1Pg2/s400/SG103780.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379874181569740242" border="0" /></a>I arrived at the start of the ridge at about 9.30am and had to stop and take stock. I had forgotten just how beautiful the winding double ridge of Crib Goch and Crib y Ddysgl were. Especially with Snowdon in the background just shrouded in a candy floss of cloud. Magnificent.<br /><br />So off I trundled. Oh how I wish I wasn't quite so clumsy. I would love to be able to nimbly pick my way along the ridge in a dainty fashion but it is never to be. I trip over my own feet far too many times to be careless on a knife edge ridge like Crib Goch. I wanted to make it through this gorgeous day rather than lose my life following a clumsy fall! Slowly did it, finally allowing the gentleman that had been slowly catching up to me to overtake (once I had taken the important photos that was). At 11.00 I reached the summit of Garnedd Ugain after keeping strictly to the ridge line of Crib y Ddysgl and sat down to take in the view. Snowdon was covered in people already - I had seen the train go up a couple of times full to bursting - so I made the conscious decision to give it a miss. It will always be there and it's not like I've never been there before...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDyl4nSHihjRKp34yh4gMiXWX-FA8s4D0z3sjeG2SDdUVV-B8JxA0IhNfgx9z60y4YfiYvV5NAV2ySaIG8QtyeoUEPQIeR5gEeZVP0RQIuYqZDMTqdOarff908RNOVPKJ18wj9MXu3PHR/s1600-h/SG103802.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDyl4nSHihjRKp34yh4gMiXWX-FA8s4D0z3sjeG2SDdUVV-B8JxA0IhNfgx9z60y4YfiYvV5NAV2ySaIG8QtyeoUEPQIeR5gEeZVP0RQIuYqZDMTqdOarff908RNOVPKJ18wj9MXu3PHR/s400/SG103802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379874788137756866" border="0" /></a>It was a toss-up between the Pyg or the Miners Track for the descent but I went with the Pyg thinking it would be more gradual and therefore better for my knees. I don't think my knees are agreeing having done it :0 Back at the carpark for 12.35 which made my morning jaunt a total of 4 hours and 10 minutes. Now I have set myself the challenge of getting it done in under 4 hours. I'm not sure quite why and my knees are already protesting just at the thought of it. Still, what is a life without challenges? :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwtNrOPTB938fXPHSc0g9fnzF8MICFmaJmxJN08s70dHZARTHqphslCutF0Rdpy98_h7WNordp5JJ_AjS24o5TozJUv9pszfbwlVX8gSIy3Y8y3TSTxFALmF-ScsZjHDvy8kjKhtdumNb/s1600-h/SG103804.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwtNrOPTB938fXPHSc0g9fnzF8MICFmaJmxJN08s70dHZARTHqphslCutF0Rdpy98_h7WNordp5JJ_AjS24o5TozJUv9pszfbwlVX8gSIy3Y8y3TSTxFALmF-ScsZjHDvy8kjKhtdumNb/s400/SG103804.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379875464636774082" border="0" /></a>Tabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-36860517270314211042009-09-07T02:23:00.000-07:002009-09-07T04:25:06.906-07:00Sea Kayaking, AngleseyI have a love hate relationship with kayaking. It all started back in 2001 in New Zealand when I went on a four day sea kayaking trip in Doubtful Sound. What a beautiful place! The weather wasn't great, and the sand flies were horrendous, but just being there, with the dolphins, and no one else except us in our little sea kayaks was inspiring. So much so that I came back to the UK, applied to go to university to study Outdoor Education, left the life of London and the office and became an outdoor instructor! Obviously it didn't happen quite that quickly but, in a nutshell, that is the story of my big life/career change.<br /><br />So the story began with a love for kayaking. Getting my Level 2 Coach and then working in centres teaching kids to go in a straight line soon brought upon the hate. It's a shame, but working at that level, your personal skills never improve and the repetition just wears you down. The time I had spare I focussed on other activities and poor old kayaking got left by the wayside. The only time I gave it any focus was when I went to Chile in 2004 with Raleigh International and assisted leading a group round the Chilean Archipilaego for 17 days. Since then, I can probably count my days in a sea kayak on one hand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nMCnUOx-H8gB5KkZMb7ANKPHuH1PAzxgJ5Lu2460423OzfiZ-FYTuwfdphedGmXCQw4IPhQQZjoQnKpdtVaYvQCxOkLQXFToGuf3t9LK16Dqp6uxgjWEa_ZKw7vwT02mEX8SrM-Rt4kP/s1600-h/picture+211.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nMCnUOx-H8gB5KkZMb7ANKPHuH1PAzxgJ5Lu2460423OzfiZ-FYTuwfdphedGmXCQw4IPhQQZjoQnKpdtVaYvQCxOkLQXFToGuf3t9LK16Dqp6uxgjWEa_ZKw7vwT02mEX8SrM-Rt4kP/s320/picture+211.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378662046963157506" border="0" /></a>Last year I decided that this had to change. Kayaking on rivers doesn't appeal to me all that much, mainly because I lose the feeling in my ankles and feet and, more so, because I invariably end up swimming. So, back to the sea. This is where the love started and, therefore, this is where it should be rekindled.<br /><br />It always pays to have friends who are better than you at what you do, that way you can use them to help you :) A fine example is my friend James, owner of Adventure Elements in North Wales. He is an excellent sea kayaker and is an aspirant Level 5 Coach. This means that he needs long term students to mentor and coach and that's where I step in.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWE-ZX50u_PWh-5eBIzZsXpc5Pkz-xklDm89AxD-ZLk5cEkTzqmS3tTnnO8r2LMh67SdioqxsXb4nKs74_eOrcTdPXxa1eYBKchqBf7-Je4NTQIaASK4BLaJfLrQh_Q2mvjvCTBk2GRAm/s1600-h/DSCF5438.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWE-ZX50u_PWh-5eBIzZsXpc5Pkz-xklDm89AxD-ZLk5cEkTzqmS3tTnnO8r2LMh67SdioqxsXb4nKs74_eOrcTdPXxa1eYBKchqBf7-Je4NTQIaASK4BLaJfLrQh_Q2mvjvCTBk2GRAm/s320/DSCF5438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378662402481652146" border="0" /></a>So, after a few sessions out on the water earlier in the year I found myself signed up for the 4 Star Leader's Award. Training, may I add! Having been away for over 2 months over the summer, I was a little nervous stepping into my kayak in Bull Bay on Anglesey on Saturday. Especially with the force 4 winds blowing offshore the way they were. The trip had been planned that we would be paddling to Cemaes Bay with the ebb tide the whole way, despite going into wind, so it shouldn't be too tough. No one bloody mentioned the effects of the back eddies though!! I was knackered. Not only paddling against the wind, but also against the flow of the water! Still, I didn't fall out and I didn't get wet. In fact, I found the whole day very enjoyable and really quite manageable. Maybe I wasn't as rubbish as I thought...<br /><br />And then came Sunday. Off we headed to Treaddur Bay where the winds were blowing a force 5, maybe 6, onshore and there was a good 4ft swell rolling in. My stomach was doing flips before I even got on the water! Heading out of the bay wasn't too bad. Paddling into wind is hard work but you are very supported. It was when we turned right out of the bay and were suddenly broadside to the wind and the swell. Oh my goodness!! James then asked me if I'd like to lead a leg, at which point I let him know that my confidence in my own ability was pretty poor so being responsible for others was possibly not a good idea :0<br /><br />I managed to keep it together and get through the worst, avoiding all the rocks and keeping myself upright to the lagoon we were headed to. Phew. Pete asked me if I wanted to lead back. Feeling much more confident, I agreed. Actually, I don't think I did that bad a job. My communication to the group was good. I identified the hazards well. I kept between the group and the danger. Nearly went in twice but that's by the by ;)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd-maTWgEJoLNg4euk5W-s8spwXLBFXIV-LgHAyBg2bZz9O3ToCnA1wVNx2b6yt7HHCU70qPo1r49fASq4p9hWhChdMA9F6IdpkHTOEo9Jz-okA6YMVLYpMj-d3uHwc-arP2BTWPmG87G/s1600-h/DSCF5439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd-maTWgEJoLNg4euk5W-s8spwXLBFXIV-LgHAyBg2bZz9O3ToCnA1wVNx2b6yt7HHCU70qPo1r49fASq4p9hWhChdMA9F6IdpkHTOEo9Jz-okA6YMVLYpMj-d3uHwc-arP2BTWPmG87G/s320/DSCF5439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378663231725207490" border="0" /></a>Rescue time. We knew it was going to be a wet day so I came dressed for the occasion. Wet suit under my not-really-so-dry trousers and gimp hat to keep my little ears warm. I volunteered to go swimming first. Jimbo did an efficient rescue and I was back in my boat in no time. The water wasn't actually that cold. Thankfully! Then it was my turn to effect a rescue. In Jimbo went, over I went to rescue him, in I went. Hmmm, that wasn't the plan. I got a little over cocky, reached out for the boat, just as a wave came and moved it out of my way. Once you're leaning that far over, there's not really a lot you can do. So poor old James had to rescue us both!! I did it a little better the next time.<br /><br />So, a four star leader I will not be any time soon, but my love for sea kayaking has been rekindled. I now need someone to give me lots of money so that I can go and buy a Romany Surf from Nigel Dennis. Hmmmmmmmmmm.Tabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-4351754517248187002009-08-20T01:48:00.000-07:002009-08-26T08:22:28.836-07:00Kenya with Langley Park Girls - Final Post<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2IZtCnd4Wvm1Px-1F02PKOuYPjNl3Rl39NDvC3MUNc4zgzXkOb6xFbyHu3njeTkTTZGaEMlXNftnBk-iVS7GakPanNQQfSWmhfN6c68ZBmMjDDsCyNJb-8EP1JtvvUHXjiz6K_jTQlNi/s1600-h/SG103421.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373496037946282786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2IZtCnd4Wvm1Px-1F02PKOuYPjNl3Rl39NDvC3MUNc4zgzXkOb6xFbyHu3njeTkTTZGaEMlXNftnBk-iVS7GakPanNQQfSWmhfN6c68ZBmMjDDsCyNJb-8EP1JtvvUHXjiz6K_jTQlNi/s200/SG103421.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HWoMoAEfHVzUatnguBPkO-1xWcgoj8cVrCww6NTOxxNgDK5SzJay_5AN563gvPrOT6mjokJu8WRqZ8XU1c2gHbZfbN6hbajxWwFHWDDqr_-kNbc6Q67zRGqRCmEa2wPXVbVzCflXDMoc/s1600-h/SG103413.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373494811040953538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HWoMoAEfHVzUatnguBPkO-1xWcgoj8cVrCww6NTOxxNgDK5SzJay_5AN563gvPrOT6mjokJu8WRqZ8XU1c2gHbZfbN6hbajxWwFHWDDqr_-kNbc6Q67zRGqRCmEa2wPXVbVzCflXDMoc/s200/SG103413.JPG" /></a>Our project phase involved working alongside a UK charity called African Promise. The work was to build a new school block for the primary school in a village called Bungule in southern Kenya. It was very labour intensive and the girls (and me) worked hard moving bricks, sand and stones and breaking up stones to make gravel.<br /><br />The community were very welcoming and we stayed in a lovely thatched cottage belonging to another charity, ABE. While there we also learned to make Chapati and Mandazi, a useful skill for all to take home!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xbjHrH9ZeAl6kyHnBr-oJmLEipVMv90fQCLaC2kQ4v5pefxYn_MZivGbQrYe5_jmCJMhusw_OauWtu-0ItBwE2Xixh1D96v9H7rq0sxg9O4KHx95lZc_rB_4p-5z_tiHVIzcmUPIYEI1/s1600-h/SG103431.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373495331227016626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xbjHrH9ZeAl6kyHnBr-oJmLEipVMv90fQCLaC2kQ4v5pefxYn_MZivGbQrYe5_jmCJMhusw_OauWtu-0ItBwE2Xixh1D96v9H7rq0sxg9O4KHx95lZc_rB_4p-5z_tiHVIzcmUPIYEI1/s200/SG103431.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We stayed in Bungule for six nights in a lovely cottage owned by another charity ABE. Abraham was our fantastic host and everyone was sad to leave, especially having to say goodbye to Boots the kitten! The villagers threw a celebration for us on the final day and performed traditional African song and dance and cooked us some local food. It was a fabulous send off and really appreciated by the group.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXKV2hrUXkMetHevspdLOR2kvbxmvXCP5lw-wwMmHIIqASs9AMI-2L4lclHw87BFAD55_1q1uzAn3D9shZetxYvT0Rd7STpA7LWfRplbbd2Y31vTyc_NxN-THPQoi_VtMprGZMfq_Um6j/s1600-h/SG103631.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373499137645874898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXKV2hrUXkMetHevspdLOR2kvbxmvXCP5lw-wwMmHIIqASs9AMI-2L4lclHw87BFAD55_1q1uzAn3D9shZetxYvT0Rd7STpA7LWfRplbbd2Y31vTyc_NxN-THPQoi_VtMprGZMfq_Um6j/s200/SG103631.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7A4RxiQVQzGyvNV0CN5BHRMOLuxjgoHMG02E04oNVLi-0TPB1YnaKBaPVKLTmQYcGazsaPeviXuiHG79_ev5BZoPzEkHmb3kln_Y7-I9BQOzyqkKcOiUUdm9IR29DjiBBAl9Ao08SGMP/s1600-h/SG103585.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373498195745983202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7A4RxiQVQzGyvNV0CN5BHRMOLuxjgoHMG02E04oNVLi-0TPB1YnaKBaPVKLTmQYcGazsaPeviXuiHG79_ev5BZoPzEkHmb3kln_Y7-I9BQOzyqkKcOiUUdm9IR29DjiBBAl9Ao08SGMP/s200/SG103585.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm48cfmiKvYCRhvC8gHtzyht3bfhD78FT2LLdQddpuqssiwJU9H0KLSLKHcOPaRg_vQ9_DqcEHtCUWDRH6QZqvx_eHbsmsnoTkX_VEbubqYrSmo2ptkvCxZAh_HLzcPZVTWXofQaQg5IVg/s1600-h/SG103513.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373496939383056962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm48cfmiKvYCRhvC8gHtzyht3bfhD78FT2LLdQddpuqssiwJU9H0KLSLKHcOPaRg_vQ9_DqcEHtCUWDRH6QZqvx_eHbsmsnoTkX_VEbubqYrSmo2ptkvCxZAh_HLzcPZVTWXofQaQg5IVg/s200/SG103513.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We are now at Tiwi beach, just south of Mombasa, where we will be until Sunday. Hmmmm.... rest and relaxation, my least favourity part of expedition. Yes it's nice to be by the sea. Yes it's nice not to have to get up early. Yes it's nice not to have to drive anywhere. However, when are things most likely to go wrong? Now. When do the group drop their guard? Now. When is it most boring? Now. When do I have the most to do? Now. Need I continue?<br /><br />Anyway, moving on... On Sunday we are getting the overnight train to Nairobi. First Class! Really looking forward to this - it is meant to be Africa's great train journey. And with silver service!! And then maybe I can relax :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsXB6baELW_H6mcZ0cF2DOPhPeaMDoNEIgaVmxOokfawVcv0LKCwFlX16tTVZ1M-rfErQayQX8yoTHpA3MT6Ti2ecO0zBgPrLbdxk648z5F7MCB1UHI0FYDR-DQCCYA2RycdUUwuX-K90/s1600-h/SG103681.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373501931476995522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsXB6baELW_H6mcZ0cF2DOPhPeaMDoNEIgaVmxOokfawVcv0LKCwFlX16tTVZ1M-rfErQayQX8yoTHpA3MT6Ti2ecO0zBgPrLbdxk648z5F7MCB1UHI0FYDR-DQCCYA2RycdUUwuX-K90/s400/SG103681.JPG" /></a><br /><p>As a footnote to this blog... Actually, the beach wasn't all that bad. And nothing did go wrong, apart from a room key that nearly went missing on the beach in the dark. The weather was great, most of the time, and the food was good. As was the beer :) The train, on the other hand, was a little less first class than I had hoped. Still, it was an experience and an enjoyable one on my part. The final dinner at the Thorn Tree restaurant in Nairobi was fantastic. The food was absolutely amazing - as it should have been at the price we paid! All in all, a fantastic expedition. Thank you girls.</p>Tabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-86768029005530251112009-08-15T06:32:00.000-07:002009-08-24T04:29:09.754-07:00Kenya with Langley Park Girls Part 2Well, a lot has happened since I last blogged. It has certainly been a rollercoaster ride! I left you all in the town of Nukuru following our exciting game drive to see Rhino. From there, we did a trip to the Menengai Crater, a 90km square cauldron with black lava flow winding through like a massive tongue. The walk down into the crater was fun. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the ascent. I think I managed to break half the group! However, once at the top, after many tears and requests to be flown home, the group settled back to normality and some local jewellery was purchased. There’s nothing like a bit of retail therapy ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNW4DxR9F762waPhNwr7M76rJ-02m69MjX-hLaUa5AmPyKhtMRWTdwwJrxoph1Ozt2FcWOTAafX4GHcYVpI90APlY4d3bZvUDhZ1JT4zbYFI3xvQ0YdBCwI49UVZjR1Xjh0IGNRWgn9w1/s1600-h/SG103138.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNW4DxR9F762waPhNwr7M76rJ-02m69MjX-hLaUa5AmPyKhtMRWTdwwJrxoph1Ozt2FcWOTAafX4GHcYVpI90APlY4d3bZvUDhZ1JT4zbYFI3xvQ0YdBCwI49UVZjR1Xjh0IGNRWgn9w1/s400/SG103138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373478478042247858" border="0" /></a>So, all preparations done, it off to face The Mountain. Mt. Kenya’s highest peak, Batian, stands at 5199m but can only be reached by technical climbers, as can it’s second highest peak, Nelion, at 5188m. Our goal was Point Lenana, the third highest peak, standing at 4985m.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLDHrPZH9He2-zJwWmkrpjCPDyAgdUpa_00AMhyo7f5EL2klmrX26MjC3OtrCbAqO0tWa1u_KacwcNzDWkDs66mVGJvnfZxa2RgXYPk_voO5QDCgB-0tEuSfR__Lon-n4qf_bKXJHGZbM/s1600-h/SG103162.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLDHrPZH9He2-zJwWmkrpjCPDyAgdUpa_00AMhyo7f5EL2klmrX26MjC3OtrCbAqO0tWa1u_KacwcNzDWkDs66mVGJvnfZxa2RgXYPk_voO5QDCgB-0tEuSfR__Lon-n4qf_bKXJHGZbM/s200/SG103162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373488106784190130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFAXefXc29flcHbOBwOfsiJZIxM54GmnhwKtxZj-UgzM_bCdXzwOvi-zSXMxVFKDbKjsJIgDjJQI63mY_IpvIc9sv0SgsdK2B1l71qTfvjG4EEI-mjzk353ARbfDwIwCzLbuJ-5Ei2oxW/s1600-h/SG103203.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFAXefXc29flcHbOBwOfsiJZIxM54GmnhwKtxZj-UgzM_bCdXzwOvi-zSXMxVFKDbKjsJIgDjJQI63mY_IpvIc9sv0SgsdK2B1l71qTfvjG4EEI-mjzk353ARbfDwIwCzLbuJ-5Ei2oxW/s200/SG103203.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373489070964187522" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2bReCebGHtvkNey_iJAi3P28ljVda6uFJP35JvNzV7l7HuAbO8P00-MbpH5PJ0m8FqtJvUy-UqgJ8ugF5-7mhL3ZQnCyctI5P55VYllTFHKjV4uGoONDK72pDK50YbTRkJkP2xD3QP-Z/s1600-h/SG103259.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2bReCebGHtvkNey_iJAi3P28ljVda6uFJP35JvNzV7l7HuAbO8P00-MbpH5PJ0m8FqtJvUy-UqgJ8ugF5-7mhL3ZQnCyctI5P55VYllTFHKjV4uGoONDK72pDK50YbTRkJkP2xD3QP-Z/s200/SG103259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373489900863720978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYHeY4TxbORi_bYNLxREsgla94CLCDWAupakFiL82P1jrjueHb1KCM_itgsAov-6iY6ZDhEuk-mtpqVs5cK9mU_iJalmh9eRgQpkAnRrXnnS9Rj2pHIMDrGgOLjwhV7-lBw5RASLeZ851/s1600-h/SG103311.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYHeY4TxbORi_bYNLxREsgla94CLCDWAupakFiL82P1jrjueHb1KCM_itgsAov-6iY6ZDhEuk-mtpqVs5cK9mU_iJalmh9eRgQpkAnRrXnnS9Rj2pHIMDrGgOLjwhV7-lBw5RASLeZ851/s200/SG103311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373490648288126114" border="0" /></a>The jaunt (ha ha ha) up to nearly 5000m (I’ll get there someday!) took us five days. First day we headed from the Naro Moru Gate at 2500m, to the Met Station at 3050m where we had an interesting encounter with some sleeping bag liner stealing cheeky monkeys. The next day was a long day, taking us all the way to Mackinder’s Camp at 4200m. We stayed here for a couple of nights, taking in an acclimatisation trek to Two Tarns on the 3rd day. We also met our summit leader, Al, at Mackinder’s.<br /><br />Day 4 saw us attacking the scree slope for five hours, arriving at the Austrian Hut, 4790m, just after lunch. Everyone was tired and emotional, we had one suspected case of HACE (thankfully only suspected!) and it was bloody freezing!! The sunset was amazing – I think the girls were too busy playing cards to notice so I took some quiet time to watch it and take a couple of snaps.<br /><br />Summit day we were up at 3.54am, having tea by 4.30am and away by 4.55am. Our path was illuminated by the moon and the stars (and our headtorches) and the peaks of Batian and Nelion looked majestic in the night sky. It was a steep climb up, once having to use the rope for assistance, but we arrived at the summit triumphant and in plenty of time to see the sun poke his head above the cloud inversion. What a spectacular 360 degree view. It actually brought a tear to my eye. There are times, usually when I’m dragging a group of petulant teenagers around Snowdonia in the pissing rain, that I question my career choice. Being there, however, at the top of the world, there was no doubt in my mind. I am a very lucky and privileged person and I love my job :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FyXHZSmSkTvj17tEicYplYEhwlD07USll49F4ttAgLIHZlrKnBychhaepRtx30UcmMlJd0x-1g8WAbLUQHhyphenhyphenjonURmPogwiRPb29cW_cMkpJWB_83VocfWv5b2FJ4QpoMx_nYpgBl-LV/s1600-h/SG103347.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FyXHZSmSkTvj17tEicYplYEhwlD07USll49F4ttAgLIHZlrKnBychhaepRtx30UcmMlJd0x-1g8WAbLUQHhyphenhyphenjonURmPogwiRPb29cW_cMkpJWB_83VocfWv5b2FJ4QpoMx_nYpgBl-LV/s400/SG103347.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373485622150855394" border="0" /></a>Tabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-91276020061926008822009-08-01T07:02:00.000-07:002009-08-01T08:19:19.550-07:00Kenya with Langley Park Girls Part 1So, with an overnight flight from Heathrow to Nairobi, and my inability to be able to sleep on planes, I was pretty tired when we rocked up in Kenya. And I don't think I was the only one! Still, I did finally manage to see Slumdog Millionaire - what an excellent film. We certainly hit the ground running, travelling directly to Lake Navaisha with a mega quick stop-off to change money and buy lunch on the way. Then it was tents up, cook dinner, fall asleep, get up and go walking up a mountain!! Not a bad way to start expedition...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0b83dP9W7xuZuSRL-S4imm-89FDLbamR4VPcDFGtAhq26PANYbdV-xIHgHblq0fCtBU67t1ozVr-XE0-VnX_EC9LyhZ_uQFVA3g_f5vz1-QJk1SblwIUbrNbzDJePpZAd8UUznoL1Dgn/s1600-h/SG102839.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0b83dP9W7xuZuSRL-S4imm-89FDLbamR4VPcDFGtAhq26PANYbdV-xIHgHblq0fCtBU67t1ozVr-XE0-VnX_EC9LyhZ_uQFVA3g_f5vz1-QJk1SblwIUbrNbzDJePpZAd8UUznoL1Dgn/s320/SG102839.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364999142067698690" border="0" /></a>Mount Longonot is a dormant volcano and stands 1,000m from the floor of the Rift Valley. We were a little late getting started (understandable on our first full day having had not much sleep) and therefore were walking in the heat of the day. It was a hot, dusty and steep ascent and we made it up to the crater in about 2 hours. It was a lunch rest there and then off around the 2km wide crater reaching the 2,776m summit about 2 hours later. The scenery was stunning and a great introduction to Kenya with zebra, buffalo and giraffe wandering wild. Unfortunately it was also quite a tough first day leaving everyone pretty exhausted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXv0zrPR_fWnjr_1ZIOAB35NKinC7VFrckPtvD56bcKOg0W-9OMFWxqINmImd0SPqLi4ls9T1VfI9OwmJFjPG4ZKnCPFc9BU5jdAB4TlS1ZSsXA2Umy9EG8FSPWKXMmNO5EN3rR0jQAUl/s1600-h/SG102852.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXv0zrPR_fWnjr_1ZIOAB35NKinC7VFrckPtvD56bcKOg0W-9OMFWxqINmImd0SPqLi4ls9T1VfI9OwmJFjPG4ZKnCPFc9BU5jdAB4TlS1ZSsXA2Umy9EG8FSPWKXMmNO5EN3rR0jQAUl/s200/SG102852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365006733066227634" border="0" /></a>Day 3 in country and we were off again, leaving at 7am for Hell's Gate National Park. Why it has such a severe name when it is one of the most beautiful places I have been I do not know! I met my first Rock Hyrax and he seemed very happy to pose for me. There was also a plethera of zebra, buffalo, baboons, warthogs, dik diks and gazelle. And on top of all that, we were able to trek through the magical lower gorge and experience boiling hot water seeping from rock.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46nH1ekfQ0PeRt6bRrwrWCqztCMQo-CIJbMDVU1kZPntBugBBIGsZiFxa1-lhlaTV7a19Je4agnfvlyh481lL6v76b5GvC1j2Hv0jBFXoB0hE5Fk3qOJgUSC_ghTqRxL6-zGAIs8ezifU/s1600-h/SG102878.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46nH1ekfQ0PeRt6bRrwrWCqztCMQo-CIJbMDVU1kZPntBugBBIGsZiFxa1-lhlaTV7a19Je4agnfvlyh481lL6v76b5GvC1j2Hv0jBFXoB0hE5Fk3qOJgUSC_ghTqRxL6-zGAIs8ezifU/s320/SG102878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365003508200154418" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpxT_OlT5QYHZQPl5sylwePFesy54-NFRCWAb7W0tbbrrusCMTt_qBgjcxlAn9HcDQbQyzAmAhyb3Zt96S8_hFFZz7p5y9lFcuTeWhJcJLoHQAArpacV042xWo7RH6IYls19z4x6E-IAB/s1600-h/SG102939.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpxT_OlT5QYHZQPl5sylwePFesy54-NFRCWAb7W0tbbrrusCMTt_qBgjcxlAn9HcDQbQyzAmAhyb3Zt96S8_hFFZz7p5y9lFcuTeWhJcJLoHQAArpacV042xWo7RH6IYls19z4x6E-IAB/s200/SG102939.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365012222549430210" border="0" /></a><br />Day 4 and we all had a well deserved lie-in. Well, 8am is a lie-in for me!! So after I sneaked off to the restaurant for a cooked breakfast (shhhh, don't tell the students) it was time to pack up, take a few shots of the lake, lie about in the sun for a while and then head to the restaurant for lunch. There's a restaurant?? :) After a delicious and highly filling buffet lunch (and yes, I did go back for seconds on dessert) we got into the minibuses and travelled the 1 1/2 hour journey to Nakuru, where I am now.<br /><br />Today we went on a game drive in Nakuru National Park. Unfortunately, after only having had 3 hours sleep last night - the hotel bar was a little noisy until about 2.30am!!! - I was not in the best mood as we set off at 7am. Still, the sight of pink flamingos in their thousands over the lake soon changed that. No big cats for us today, but I saw my first white rhino which I am very pleased about, along with buffalo (there are a lot of them about!), zebra (and them!), impala, gazelle, waterbuck, giraffe, warthogs, baboons, vervet monkeys, hyena, hippo and dik dik. That's along with the flamingos, pelicans and storks and many other birds. It was quite a morning.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGg9hEwe_jtLLrn_6WAtMKbSlec8cXjvb5sDbQ5GXi8X1SNHTOLjTr2Qb6b6zyY3imJMDRiH864O_kXbmHpu2t5eI5ccTDY4JGtDGIX3q0YjWAAaqSeg-1uF0pg0__KX8D7h7fU6qgb5fY/s1600-h/SG103012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGg9hEwe_jtLLrn_6WAtMKbSlec8cXjvb5sDbQ5GXi8X1SNHTOLjTr2Qb6b6zyY3imJMDRiH864O_kXbmHpu2t5eI5ccTDY4JGtDGIX3q0YjWAAaqSeg-1uF0pg0__KX8D7h7fU6qgb5fY/s400/SG103012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365014948298340626" border="0" /></a><br />Now it's raining. Good time to be on the internet then ;) We're off to the Menengai Crater tomorrow which is supposed to be spectacular so no doubt I will be ranting about that soon enough. From there it is on to the big guns of Mount Kenya!!Tabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3162111259922568213.post-78104982524170457712009-07-23T01:13:00.000-07:002009-07-26T14:52:27.483-07:00Borneo with Douglas AcademyJust back from Borneo, well, Sabah to be exact. It is interesting that in Borneo they don't refer to it as Borneo at all. That is just a name that we, as outsiders, use. There is plenty of history that I could go into but the basic fact is that now the island is divided between other countries with both Sabah and Sarawak being states of Malaysia. Kalimantan is a state of Indonesia and Brunei is one of the smallest countries on Earth. Anyway, I digress...<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoXX9qIZtTWkAjRZdN5QSCzv08mCNdcOyJfaWDtXJ3cSzDVfoD_zB74u4re_OZs9cGOZee6KmWyHg8IEB72S-N6DlUpLGrAT6lT1nCTG7MamJ9V4kZYVNn05sXaDz3peqnPNJQMPsMp8h/s1600-h/SG101878.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361572120393965730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoXX9qIZtTWkAjRZdN5QSCzv08mCNdcOyJfaWDtXJ3cSzDVfoD_zB74u4re_OZs9cGOZee6KmWyHg8IEB72S-N6DlUpLGrAT6lT1nCTG7MamJ9V4kZYVNn05sXaDz3peqnPNJQMPsMp8h/s320/SG101878.JPG" /></a>So, along with 13 students from Douglas Academy in Milngavie, Scotland, a geography teacher and an assistant leader, I set off for Sabah in the afternoon of Monday 22nd June 2009 from Glasgow airport. Hmmm... I say I set off for Sabah, we actually flew from Glasgow to Heathrow. Then we sat about for a few hours. Then we flew from Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur. Then we sat about for a few hours. Then we finally flew to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, arriving in the evening of Tuesday 23rd June 2009. Jeez, I really hate travelling. It's not the flying so much, I don't mind that. Although, it has to be said, airplane seats are not the easiest to sleep in! It's more the waiting around, the queueing, the rapid temperature changes, the crying babies, the bad films - need I go on? Not the food? I hear you ask. Actually, strangely, I really like airplane food :) It's something about the neat and tidy packaging and the tiny vegetables. It appeals to my OCD side.<br /><br />After a couple of days organising ourselves in KK it was off to the jungle for a couple of days of sleeping under a basic shelter, trekking through the rainforest, making things with bam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhAk5hrSwZw7Wb3aIIwxHtRVrHMjQXpx9Ee_5d__wZ0j7jp1XuwHs5QOwNFY-gt6shJ3P6GS2RsNoy7bc4mtgedPhld7QzlouqenS37l8_qM6Trmdl85hbnLsgBpd0VjMqXVVHx5OJAwT/s1600-h/SG101959.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361573379030656706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhAk5hrSwZw7Wb3aIIwxHtRVrHMjQXpx9Ee_5d__wZ0j7jp1XuwHs5QOwNFY-gt6shJ3P6GS2RsNoy7bc4mtgedPhld7QzlouqenS37l8_qM6Trmdl85hbnLsgBpd0VjMqXVVHx5OJAwT/s200/SG101959.JPG" /></a>boo, learning to use blowpipes and slingshots and eating frog. Oh yes, that's right, frog. But not like frogs' legs like you get in France, quite disguised and heavily seasoned. These were whole frogs, eyes, skin, little arms and legs - EVERYTHING. Actually, they were quite tasty. Well, the legs were. I didn't go any further than that. Trying to get the meat from the legs was quite a feat though. One of my students couldn't be bothered and just crunched through the whole thing. Nice one.<br /><br />From the jungle we headed off to our project phase - living and working in a small village near Tambunan called Kampong Monsok. It was a great opportunity for the students (and the leaders!) to learn about Sabah culture, living with host families and attempting to learn some Malay and the local language Dusun. We were the first group to ever stay in the village so it was not only a great experience for us, but also for the villagers themselves. We were treated with amazing hospitality and certainly never went hungry - I have never eaten so much rice and noodles in my life!! But I'd just like to say a huge terima kasih to everyone there :) I had the good fortune of living with the head of the village, Helena, who had a lovely house opposite the school, a hot shower (think this might have been the only one in the village), three dogs and four hilarious cats, two of which bore an uncanny resemblance to an unpopular German leader...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi9axK-p0CHfnK1dB4E5LTyDbbNi8SbpRWaKr3UWGPpwLfVSv_ZpL93nAXZ-EbEfOM57EtCf2xRDjEUqXgzCbW6pHgSZQX5NZXWHfTiLnfVOe_zslGLkS1Nfoa7VdkLVNsFMf_SlS9G5x/s1600-h/SG102096.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361578279477658386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi9axK-p0CHfnK1dB4E5LTyDbbNi8SbpRWaKr3UWGPpwLfVSv_ZpL93nAXZ-EbEfOM57EtCf2xRDjEUqXgzCbW6pHgSZQX5NZXWHfTiLnfVOe_zslGLkS1Nfoa7VdkLVNsFMf_SlS9G5x/s200/SG102096.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zBEzeBtUxbReq5o4fnPWvIjMoYqmwYTPwl3eHyvIgfdzOSYkGjxFI9rOWpiF9PUSnuVH4mX6OHVTdozB49_VqtBJVTDsXPDQ6w8pIa8jB4b86HprPYk6k3ORK8HYwyeSKGESc2-P65-A/s1600-h/SG102227.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361578850295180594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zBEzeBtUxbReq5o4fnPWvIjMoYqmwYTPwl3eHyvIgfdzOSYkGjxFI9rOWpiF9PUSnuVH4mX6OHVTdozB49_VqtBJVTDsXPDQ6w8pIa8jB4b86HprPYk6k3ORK8HYwyeSKGESc2-P65-A/s200/SG102227.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XapUTa2fyG2sscMcJk_0j177TeE8yxR8tJtS16q3rbZIDNObPkQKrCHRspjF_yVYEyOBZY4cHw1XJxyl0GXKIs3fKpIxntiRlTrPEb8xEWTcHW2YhqY8HkZH3i_ogavAVzJhmLBTdPgC/s1600-h/SG102123.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361580304401073762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XapUTa2fyG2sscMcJk_0j177TeE8yxR8tJtS16q3rbZIDNObPkQKrCHRspjF_yVYEyOBZY4cHw1XJxyl0GXKIs3fKpIxntiRlTrPEb8xEWTcHW2YhqY8HkZH3i_ogavAVzJhmLBTdPgC/s200/SG102123.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vGr-S_hUl0WWgpV4T-sFLR1bMso64oq6od1tjgdF_eAzox-lAbszCqVXt70_5nGw4E8uL_8j4X9luiJEny1OrBs7anig_ohTjGKwfeaY7_GRUMaJIa-dWyvzrMoLomDhc04N0Sx43RX1/s1600-h/SG102366.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361581181593872434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vGr-S_hUl0WWgpV4T-sFLR1bMso64oq6od1tjgdF_eAzox-lAbszCqVXt70_5nGw4E8uL_8j4X9luiJEny1OrBs7anig_ohTjGKwfeaY7_GRUMaJIa-dWyvzrMoLomDhc04N0Sx43RX1/s200/SG102366.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Unfortunately the project work itself was a bit wishy washy but then I have come to expect this with expedition projects. The main problem is the locals not understanding just how much work a group of 16 people can complete in a short amount of time! And, that as a group we were more than happy to work all day. This is a concept that they don't really understand. Having said that, we did break for second breakfast, then again for lunch and then finish by 4.00 so that football could be played. And in the two whole days that we managed to work the students (I just hung around with my camera) manged to paint the outside of the community centre, build and paint 4 shelving units and design and paint 4 murals for the primary school. We were originally supposed to be working in the school but because of the threat of H1N1 (???!!!) this was scuppered. Still, it all worked out well in the end and I hope that the students will keep in touch with their host families and perhaps, one day, return the favour.<br /><br />So with our jungle experience in the bag and our project phase over, it was off to conquer the mountain. Oh, and what a mountain. It just looks so unclimbable with it's jagid granite peaks and steep sides, looming over the country from wherever you are. It was going to be a challenge, that was for sure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhyxglUg_r8uBA1rQxgvXCT_4uFLJsWGOPhdRHWMimV5lqgmjYFaAlOTwasChM_kkTCKdxBmrxz6I47aqiXowOtpUmLG7cyrBFo6cNYs-l838fR-SBrHqvCiQuAgl3XwL5VrYjb7ohlMu/s1600-h/SG102426.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361583373440880674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhyxglUg_r8uBA1rQxgvXCT_4uFLJsWGOPhdRHWMimV5lqgmjYFaAlOTwasChM_kkTCKdxBmrxz6I47aqiXowOtpUmLG7cyrBFo6cNYs-l838fR-SBrHqvCiQuAgl3XwL5VrYjb7ohlMu/s400/SG102426.JPG" /></a>Mount Kinabalu, at 4095m, is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. It is a tough climb, uphill all the way, up ridiculously large steps, tree roots and piled rocks. Some sections of the summit climb involve hauling yourself up steep granite slopes using a thick rope. Going up was the easy part it has to be said. When you've got knees like mine just the thought of going back down was painful! Unfortunately only 10 of the 13 students made it to the summit, 1 having to drop out on the first day due to illness and 2 being stopped 700m from the summit suffering from the altitude. This meant that both my assistant and teacher also were unable to make it to the summit meaning there were only 11 of us at the summit when we finally arrived, puffing and panting, at 7am on Thursday 9th July 2009.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcgqLB1Xarbbw-j6TkZq09U2IFFxWO4pis1rskNhLtXNY-A6FCJelDqIeRFJbRFhVDCjW08JzoVopW-oJDRDLrRzDFWNsqgmLWg1H8ozKr2haCsmkaw7olia0AvI8Ui9nzAq3tuAE4K1P/s1600-h/SG102492.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361585391828229330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcgqLB1Xarbbw-j6TkZq09U2IFFxWO4pis1rskNhLtXNY-A6FCJelDqIeRFJbRFhVDCjW08JzoVopW-oJDRDLrRzDFWNsqgmLWg1H8ozKr2haCsmkaw7olia0AvI8Ui9nzAq3tuAE4K1P/s400/SG102492.JPG" /></a>So, with all the hard work of the expedition done, it was off to Sandakan to visit the orangutans and macaques at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, head down the Kinabatangan River to see the wild probiscous monkeys, then back to KK to go white water rafting on the Padas River. We then spent three nights camped on Mamutik Island, part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, enjoying some sun, sea, sand, serious sandcastles, snorkelling and just general rest and relaxation to finish off an excellent four weeks. Thanks to everyone in the team for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8DJDKT40Vodikpuz6-on9q9l8GWYh-qkwDYj9z5U5v8XrQT1gw5lcrWzz11W9qBxlZLd6ZD5Q-yEJ23BBbkO7SQ1UxRqzpDKlyAERYm36sA0MW7_rmAx8Vb6UIHTqABp7kd-LmYUl24P/s1600-h/SG102541.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361588945565942866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8DJDKT40Vodikpuz6-on9q9l8GWYh-qkwDYj9z5U5v8XrQT1gw5lcrWzz11W9qBxlZLd6ZD5Q-yEJ23BBbkO7SQ1UxRqzpDKlyAERYm36sA0MW7_rmAx8Vb6UIHTqABp7kd-LmYUl24P/s200/SG102541.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7W9ImYw4Tt6KxMjHJfLMt058zY0uYH20syBeQ-foL3RABeN9s325G_Cqdt8Im6-eobj1jikEixScLJsMvBRxMF7hfqXA-ywtfRI7jHGCiF_qmSLBhLfmhm-MmDJKvIfVEdIlQ4Hax6EC/s1600-h/SG102565.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361589647590539410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7W9ImYw4Tt6KxMjHJfLMt058zY0uYH20syBeQ-foL3RABeN9s325G_Cqdt8Im6-eobj1jikEixScLJsMvBRxMF7hfqXA-ywtfRI7jHGCiF_qmSLBhLfmhm-MmDJKvIfVEdIlQ4Hax6EC/s200/SG102565.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUduYwsADuQIpC3H1OerdxlXVLh8Xzw7grFOK1u29HBTLbM8pe4TYqaiJaAGIJMhdSpqIdz3KOWX_nN-ijqVHd5uWsioeT8la0CNM9QppcbxkvZ6T0Mnm8tGijRbMv6F5_HJJ5AJgzDvf/s1600-h/SG102698.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361590104347396482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUduYwsADuQIpC3H1OerdxlXVLh8Xzw7grFOK1u29HBTLbM8pe4TYqaiJaAGIJMhdSpqIdz3KOWX_nN-ijqVHd5uWsioeT8la0CNM9QppcbxkvZ6T0Mnm8tGijRbMv6F5_HJJ5AJgzDvf/s200/SG102698.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiUi6ftE2S_5quHybaeYShBtf_fmQTDja8YIbVNlRpmCKBASbuEnFpvzcnOuAe_gt082pEDjcBu508OHL2cpDncvPgTnm-U9g5ML6HAC7GXmfrQYawo-LRBUKTEnr_ZWpZEvIDeG_Dq8Q/s1600-h/SG102746.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361590477766340002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiUi6ftE2S_5quHybaeYShBtf_fmQTDja8YIbVNlRpmCKBASbuEnFpvzcnOuAe_gt082pEDjcBu508OHL2cpDncvPgTnm-U9g5ML6HAC7GXmfrQYawo-LRBUKTEnr_ZWpZEvIDeG_Dq8Q/s200/SG102746.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div>Tabitha Coddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03046673353813456362noreply@blogger.com0