Page 62 - Wish Stream Year of 2019

Exercise KING’S CADET
OCdt Baker
Ex KING’S CADET was a Summer Moun- taineering Expedition that took six Officer Cadets and one instructor to complete
the 65-mile northern section of the Kungsleden (King’s Trail) above the Arctic Circle in Sweden. The expedition took place from 10th –18th August 2019, with six days dedicated to sum- mer mountaineering.
The team spent two days travelling to Abisko in Sweden above the Arctic Circle. Rather than simply driving a minibus for two days, the team instead flew to Stockholm and took the night train (see photo) up through Sweden to Abisko. The Adventure Training phase of the expedi- tion began on the evening of Sunday 11th August. Immediately upon arrival in Abisko they completed the first leg up to Abiskojaure. For accommodation, the team took advantage of the mountain huts the King’s Trail offers. Over the next six days the team hiked between moun- tain huts covering the northern section, north to south, of the King’s Trail.
The team were well-matched to the physical demands of the hiking, completing most days with relative ease and allowing three students to complete Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) qualifications. The trail is not difficult to navigate and so allowed the instructor to teach the basics of the SMF without a hitch in the first few days, and then test them with a more arduous section towards the end of the trail.
On the fifth day of the trek they also climbed Mt Kebnekaise, the highest peak in Sweden, as far as the snowline at 2100m. This day was particu- larly arduous, and after seven hours of climbing the team were met by an ice-covered route only 100m from the summit. As the snowline was out of the instructor’s remit, the decision was made to descend and continue on to the final hut. At the final hut, this time the team were met by warm showers, saunas, and a three-course meal, which was certainly a highlight of the trip. The team completed the expedition successfully and returned to the UK on Sunday 18th August.
The team came back to the UK in great spir- its. Upon reflection, it is difficult to say what one
could improve about the expedition. The accom- modation, logistics and feeding went smoothly and the environment in which to deliver the SMF was well suited. Great mountains, weather (mostly), reindeer sightings, saunas, and even finding reindeer antlers made for a rewarding and interesting expedition.
60 SANDHURST