Our first exploration trail outing took place on Sunday 11^th,February 2007 from Tarouba turn off along the Naparima Mayaro Main Road, through Tabaquite and Rio Claro and finally Pt. Radix in Manzanilla. There was one stop off at Harry's Water Park where members took the opportunity to investigate and gather information on the facilities for our upcoming Family day. Some of the shots depict location, equipment and facilities available on the compound.

Team members had a healthy brunch, open to Ocean breeze, picong, serious conversations and trail briefing. Then it was off into the swamp via Cascadoux Trace meeting and chatting with villagers along the route. The country folks were a joy to be with, all filled with laughter and good humor. Our members that were not present have not and may never know what they missed on that memorable day.

Some of the fun and challenges we had along the way include fishing, techniques taught to us by eight year old boys of the village, assisting with tractor rescue ( and of course Frankie was most present to direct the John Deere and advise on the do and don’t of the rescue), being attacked by alligators and anacondas, ( and we know where  we will not find Raff)  Driving through endless swamp land trails and miles of watermelon fields dotted with farmers outposts. Signs similar to sites of the good old wild west but reality is we were actually on the east coast of Trinidad 

The trail took us into the forested area which happens to be the Nariva Wild Life Sanctuary where No Entry signs were posted, however the trail goes around the forest into the swamp leading to Biche rice land cultivation miles away. Two units and four members not too safe to journey into the unknown at 4:30 pm we decided to take out exit and one day to return with more member who have the will power or “guts” to venture into the outbacks.

We once again stopped off at Kernnaham junction where we enjoyed refreshing drinks, and well prepared provision with the now renowned Australian Dish, “downbelow” marinated with lots of red hot peppers.

The trip was relaxing, exciting, full of fun and laughter,so much that two of our members were encouraged to remain at Kernaham, get into the watermelon business, do farming, live the good life and look at good fat salted fish.

On behalf of Gauph Nandoo.