Page 120 - WishStream Year of 2023

Exercise BEAR’S HARDANGER
Lt William Froud 21 Engineer Regiment
Ex BEAR’S HARDANGER saw Lt Prewett and Lt Froud from 21 Engr Regt complete a six- day self-supported mountaineering expedi-
tion along with 10 soldiers from their regiment. The expedition’s aim was to complete the famous Hardangervidda traverse, crossing Europe’s largest wild area, a journey of over 100km.
Over the course of the six days, starting above the fjord town of Odda, individuals learnt the fun- damentals of summer mountaineering in order to achieve their SMF qualification. This included navi- gation, route briefs and river crossings, all through the harsh weather conditions that Norway had to offer, including Storm Hans. Averaging heights of over 1400m above sea level, the group covered breathtaking landscapes in a truly remote environ- ment, not seeing other mountaineers for up to a day at a time. Each day offered new scenery and challenges, from rapid accents in the fog covered rocky regions surrounding Trolltunga to river cross- ings in negative temperatures near the snow line in Tyssevassbu.
For many, it was the first time living off cold weather rations and relying on water from natural sources. On many days, personnel were pushed to
their limits, testing their endurance and navigation, all whilst maintaining a smile and appreciating the picturesque green pastures of the Hardangervidda.
During the latter stages of the expedition, with the weather starting to reflect a true summer, the teams ventured past white water rapids, waterfalls, incredible woodlands and finished in Kinsarvik.
The expedition proved tremendous to all and was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity, that eve- ryone believed has developed them in more ways than one.
118 SANDHURST