Page 46 - The Wish Stream Year of 2020 Crest

five Ds: direction, duration, distance, description and danger. The following days put these new skills to practise with 5-10km routes through the mountains. A slightly more leisurely pace and atmosphere than normally experienced on exer- cise gave all a chance to improve navigation over micronavigation legs. As the week progressed, instruction moved on to more technical methods such as ‘boxing’ - usually taught on the Moun- tain Leader Course. The most eagerly antici- pated part of the course was the ‘night under the stars’ expedition, with participants dreaming of a flaming barbecue, liquid refreshments and, most importantly, no stag. On arrival at the dis- used mineshaft, tents were erected, and OCdts gathered round the imaginary fire and exchang- ing numerous stories about “that time I was 2IC of the reserve on Exercise”. A most enjoyable night was interrupted at 0100hrs by gusts of incredible strength ripping the tent pegs out of the ground and causing a few cries for help. The decision was made to de-camp, and using the mineshaft as a shelter, headed the 5km back to the buses. The final leg of the expedition ended with a trip to a café at the start of Watkin path, where the team decided to ditch their morn- ing rations in favour of bacon rolls and coffees. Despite the shortened expedition, all on the SMF had an enjoyable week and learnt skills that would help them on the commissioning course. A telling compliment to the instructors is that the vast majority of participants intend to complete the Summer Mountain Leader course as soon as they can.
A group of four took part in the Open Canoe 2 Star Foundation (02F) course. After being sized off and body-weight equally distributed, training began in the lagoons of the Llyn Padarn lake. Over the subsequent days both tandem and solo strokes were mastered. The most practised skill was the capsize drill which was required all
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too frequently in the icy welsh water. Sufficient skills were acquired to enable the planning and execution of a 10km expedition down the Menai Strait. Accounting for wind and tidal changes, the paddlers demonstrated all the skills learnt to successfully navigate the route. On the Wednes- day, with the arrival of a westerly low-pressure system (meteorology being another useful skill learnt), the paddlers were forced to ditch their 2-man canoes in favour of the solo sea kayak. Remaining underwater after capsizing whilst waiting for a fellow kayaker to reach you was a notable test and ticked the box in terms of being pushed outside the comfort zone. It was an excellent week for all on the water, with opportu- nities for future expeditions to more high-octane white water routes advertised by the instructors – a highly desirable and worthwhile adventure for OCdts to consider for themselves and for those under their command in the future.
Despite the rigour of full days of activities, the Platoon managed to take advantage of eve- nings off to see much of the island. The historic town of Beaumaris and its idyllic castle provided a memorable pub meal, whilst evening swims were a regular occurrence at the many beautiful beaches the island has to offer.
For the majority of OCdts this was their first experience of AT. Despite initial doubts, the Pla- toon had an exhilarating and enjoyable week. Importantly, all gained the necessary qualifica- tions and signalled an intent to continue to gain higher qualifications when they could. The week also created the opportunity to once more bond as a platoon in a different environment. Activi- ties pushed participants outside of their com- fort zone, developed leadership, and was an eye-opener to what can be offered to soldiers who will be under their command in the not-too- distant future.
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The Journal of The Mercian Regiment 2019 – No.12
A M A ARMY MOUNTAINEER THE JOURNAL OF THE ARMY MOUNTAINEERING ASSOCIATION
LINK-UP PIONEERS THE MOUNTAIN MAN JSAT COURSE UPDATE TRAINING FOR CLIMBING ON OPERATIONS
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08 MERCHANT ADVENTURER’S TANKARD AWARDS
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WINTER 2020
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REVIEW
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