Page 32 - 2009 AMA Winter

snow making all the rock surfaces slippery and on two occasions a rope was deployed for protection. We moved cau- tiously along the ridge taking extra care not to slip and injure ourselves. It was along this section that Cpl Jim Mackie’s super- man dive led to him dislocating his shoul- der. It was down to the professionalism of the Exped Doc, Capt Tariq Ahmad and the airborne spirit of Cpl Mackie (aided by mor- phine) that allowed his shoulder to be put back into place and carry on.
The team roped up and fitted crampons for the journey along the glaciers and the diffi- cult section of ground linking them. The second glacier was steep and we gained altitude quickly.
Concerns were beginning to surface about timings and if the team was able to summit and return before dark. Thankfully after consulting with the guides the team cracked on to the summit climb. This 15m of climb was very difficult and involved a network of safety ropes to get across. Once this was over, all that was left was a short zigzag up to Margarita Peak with the entire team reaching the summit at 1425. Although the threat of nightfall was urging us on our return journey, we did find enough time for a few summit shots.
The route back was the same but no easi- er than ascending and after what seemed like another days march we arrived back at Elena Hut for 2000 and a much needed dinner - tuna and rice, much to the dismay of Maj Dan Ashton who hated tuna with a passion.
23 May 09
Another long, tiring day and emotional in the bogs! Everyone was feeling fatigued after their summit day as well as rushing out of Elena Hut early during a small break in the snow. The intent was to cross the rocky section below before it got too slip- pery. Progress down to Kitandara Hut, and the main trail, was slow and then we had to climb again for 2hrs to reach the Freshfield Pass; with tired legs this was a long slog. Undulating terrain followed before a steady downhill and a few steep slippery parts. The final part of the day’s trek treated an already exhausted team to endless bogs and many a sense of humour failure.
24 May 09
The final day’s trek once again involved bog after bog but with this being the last day most had just enough moral to laugh them off. The descent was at a fast pace and saw us loose altitude rapidly sucking in the thicker air that allowed the team to quite lit- erally breathe a sigh of relief. We stopped briefly for lunch at the hut we’d stayed in on the first night before embarking on the final part of the journey: a trek through the jun-
gle leading to the park entrance. Here the team had some much appreciated soft drinks with the guides and porters before wishing them goodbye. It is fair to say that the RMS guides had worked incredibly hard to guarantee the success of the expe- dition and we were grateful for it. Transport whisked us away to the White House and Nile Specials, whose motto is appropriate- ly ‘You’ve earned it!’
25 May 09 - Safari
For R&R we went across the Equator to Queen Elizabeth National Park where we had a short cruise up Lake George seeing an array of wildlife including hippos, water buffalo and crocodiles. After the cruise we boarded a bus for a long drive through the park and were fortunate to find a leopard, a pack of lions with their cubs and elephants; all almost close enough to touch - if you’re mad enough to try.
26 May 09
We set off early morning back across country to the Red Chilli in Kampala, were we headed off for a meal at a steak and grill bar and an insight into what the nightlife of Kampala had to offer. I thoroughly recom- mend it; everyone was extremely friendly, intrigued as to our reason for visiting. An enjoyable night out finished off by a boda boda ride (don’t tell the FCO) back to the hostel and an early flight home.
Thanks to the AMA for contributing to a great expedition.
Major Tolan leading the way through the undergrowth
30 ARMY MOUNTAINEER
Moving across the East Stanley Glacier