Page 72 - LBV 2017

INTER-COMPANY TRAINING & VISITS
pre-dawn start, we began the sheer ascent up one of the valley sides that flanked our refuge. Digging our crampons in one foot in front of the other we battled the biting wind and slowly made progress, ably led by OCdt Kirk. We pressed on into the morning as we adjusted to the slower pace, stopping frequently to take in lungfuls of the thin air before eventually, after several hours of climbing, reaching the summit. At 4,167m we could not
help but admire the land below, stretching out far in the horizon from our vantage point high above the surrounding white peaks and haze below. With obligatory photos and impromptu pull up competition done, we headed back down to the refuge looking forward to the evening’s birthday celebrations for OCdt McConnell.
A similar ascent followed the next day as
we summited Timzguida (4,089m) and Ras Ouanoukrim (4,083m), the second and third highest peaks in North Africa whilst negotiating some precarious ridges along the way. On the descent, we decided to push on beyond the refuge and all the way back to Aremd, where we were delighted to be greeted by Louisa after the long day’s walking. The following day we headed back to Imlil, enjoying one last evening with our Moroccan friends involving plenty of dancing, gift giving and emotional goodbyes.
Needing some R&R, the next couple of days were spent enjoying the sensual feast that is Marrakesh. The noise of the splendid chaos of
Djema el-Fna square and surrounding souks filled the air at what seemed like all hours of the day as we soaked in the ancient sights of the Saadian tombs, Baadi Palace and Ben Youssef madrasa. This was accompanied by the visual spectacle of the Majorelle Gardens as well as the obligatory culinary delights. It was with much sadness therefore when we had to depart and thanks goes to OCdt Gibbons for all her work in organising and leading the expedition and OCdt Townsend in ably supporting her and the CO
for putting up with us. All helped to create an experience that will live long in the memory. OCdt Hutton
Sidney Sussex College,
University of Cambridge
B (Ladysmith) Company
70 THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER