The Haven Challenge This is a very important aspect of fund-raising for The Haven Wolverhampton as it supports our International work with women and children escaping Domestic Violence The last trek, 'The Cuba Challenge' was undertaken by a group of five women, Dee Edwards, Tracy Morgan, Michelle Baderick, Pat Green and Val Brooks (pictured right), this took place in November 2003 and raised over £11000, an amazing sum. A huge thank you is extended to all the women for their gallant efforts.

Some moments and memories
The serious team building began when we (the gallant five trekkers!) arrived at The Atlantic Hotel in Paddington - a vast plus seedy warren of a hotel that reminded me of all the worst moments of my past student life. The test was to get our huge and heavy backpacks and our day packs up to the 3rd Floor - without the luxury of a lift!! This accomplished, we knew that we could live and trek together for the next ten days.

We arrived in Havana in the early hours of the morning after a 10 hour flight where we were met by our tour guide.
Following our acclimatisation, we journeyed by minibus through Matanzas Province towards the start of the Escambry Mountains, the visual images were spectacular. The trek began on the slopes of the mountains with the Hanabanilla Trail, again the views were breath taking as we made our way around a vast man made lake to our first hacienda (Casa de Callega) where we would camp for the night. Over the next two days during our trail at Encantes de Codina (Codina's Wonders' or La Alfambra Magica -The Flying Carpet) we trekked through lush vegetation, surrounded by exotic plants and trees laden with bananas. We also experienced a visit to a family home on this plantation, a small 3 roomed, single storey building made of wattle and daub. Each room contained a minimum of furniture and very few personal belongings; a saddle and spurs in one room and a change of clothes in another. The walls were bare except for a picture of Che and the floor was cleanly swept mud. We often saw woman hitch hiking and questioned their safety, in that community people look out for each other so there is very little crime.

From the mountains we made our descent towards Trinidad, this was an arduous day's trekking but we all felt a real sense of achievement and would seriously recommend the trekking experience.

Plans are underway for the next trek to Evia Greece in March -April 2005.
Interested; give us a call on 01902 572140 or visit our website info@havenrefuge.org.uk for further information.

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