Page 58 - 2016 AMA Spring

The party above the frontier Col having a quick bite to eat before the descent into Spain and Freedom.
scree and grasslands following the river until the ground levelled off and allowed us to get to our collection point where we were spirited away into the Spanish towns for some well earned Tapas and a drink that didn’t come from a mountain spring.
Day 6: Travel back to the UK. After a well earned rest at La Fenier Lodge in Vallie de Lys near Luchon, all the kit and equipment was checked and accounted for before we loaded up our transport and headed for the port of Santander. The spirit of freedom following in our wake, we made good time in good weather through France and into Spain, boarding the ferry with ease only dreamt of in our outward journey. All were in high spirits until a critical Rugby match between England and Wales was
Cpl Burgon leading the way around a snow field
56 ARMY MOUNTAINEER
watched onboard with French subtitles. Some were left feeling saddened but glad they were able to watch it. A superior full English breakfast was eaten on the Sunday morning, no drinking out of bowls to be had here.
After conducting this arduous trek it was certainly more apparent to all members of the group, just how difficult it would have been during the times of WWII. When you consider that the escapees would have been dressed in hobnail boots carrying suitcases with a blanket for warmth, and a loaf of bread and some cheese for 4 days of arduous trekking all at night to avoid the Nazi hunter force of Specialist Alpine (Mountain) Troops. Among the military personnel were escaped prisoners of war, recently enlisted
men, army cadets and shot-down airmen, all driven by the same desire to re-join the Allied forces and continue the fight. It made us appreciate the extent of their mental and physical challenge over the route to freedom. By experiencing it first hand and by walking in the footsteps of the escapees we were better able to empathise with their struggle and the harsh conditions they faced. Although our crossing was late in September, during the war the route was open throughout the year, with many making the journey through freezing conditions and deep snow. The determina- tion and the dedication of these escapees stands as a testament to the fighting spirit of the men and woman of the allied forces during the war.
A route sign depicting the ascent throughout the 63km trek; intimidating to see from the start but satisfying at the end
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