Page 22 - 2020 AMA Summer

EXPEDITIONNEWS
the pass of Cap de Pouech at 2462m. The route was rocky and hard but with clear blue skies the reward was worth it as the view at the pass was simply epic. Mt Valier was towering up on the left, with rugged spurs making a dramatic view that went on for miles... and there, 240m below to our right was the reward Refuge des Estagnous.”
“After dropping down to the Refuge for simple lunch of bread and cheese (it was good to have something other than rations), the team headed up Mt Valier. A steep and strenuous climb in the hot sunshine was well rewarded with the views and achievement levels. It’s amazing how the concentration levels shoot up and voices drop when you’re on a narrow path with a steep drop on one side and your shoulder rubbing the cliff on the other. After photos, jokes and a moment of reflection at the summit, we descended to the Refuge for a hot meal, cognac, coffee and wine!
As for groups Harry and George, David McGee continues:
“Dropped at Moulis, the vertiginous hills of the Lez river valley climbed upwards. The first objective of the day was perched over us in the form of a ceremonial crucifix, some 200m skywards. Ascending the steep valley of Beech we were introduced to the seemingly infinite variety of fungi and mushroom along the isolated track. Here the track on the map corresponded to that underfoot. This would not always be the case.
Team Tom
“Legs stretched by the steep introduc- tion team Harry took a grateful rest. Our destination on the first night was Cabane de Caplong and was arrived at with relative ease. The cabane proved a dis- appointing venue but a spot further along our route with a nearby stream was more suitable.
“The author’s confident attempt at speaking French to a passing shepherd and our request for any supply of milk, cheese or bread, was met with a sympathetic stare. The shepherd’s mutterings of ‘Le Anglais Imbecile’ remain untranslated. A bucolic pasture was our campsite for the night.
“The next morning, we set off in a southerly direction and at 1650m we ascended
Tuc des Pelades. After a few dog legs in our journey we entered a deep forest of beech, with its dense canopy above making vegetation growth below sparse. Walking underfoot was relatively easy. However deep within the forest there were no discernible landmarks to sharpen our map reading skills. When paths on the map bore no resemblance to the reality underfoot the walk proved troublesome. Eventually superb navigation skills we spotted, among the trees a loggers track.
The shepherd’s mutterings of ‘Le Anglais Imbecile’ remain untranslated
“Through the wood came the unmis- takable sound of English voices and we had stumbled upon team George. Handshakes and tall tales of our 24 hours in the wilds of France were exchanged.
“Due to time constraints it was decided that we would walk the couple of miles to meet up with the trek’s resupply team. Thanks to the thoughtfulness of Capt Parry, WO1 Daulton, WO1 Robb, SSgt North and LCpl Beverley, feast of French baguettes, cheese and hams was presented. As it was getting late in the day and the clouds were darkening over the surrounding peaks we moved to our overnight camp, the Cabane De Camplus on the Russseau de Camplus. The forecast rain swept in and stayed. We enjoyed the refuge of the cabane, with a warm fire and bad jokes.
22 / ARMY MOUNTAINEER
Refugee De Estagnous