Page 15 - AMA Winter 2023/24

to distances on the ground. My preference, and the easiest technique was to identify landmarks such as peaks, rivers, lakes, and distinctive rock formations. Then match the features on the ground with those on the map to confirm your location and direction. Essentially, plan the route before heading out, use your map, consider factors like distance, elevation and potential hazards. Use a compass at regular intervals and align your map with the actual terrain then take a bearing to help you determine your direction of travel and stay on your planned route.
We used pacing to establish speed and time, which is an essential aspect to military manoeuvres, helping us to establish rendezvous times and plan for breaks with an estimated time of arrival. Establish boundaries or limits for the journey to prevent getting lost or straying too far from your intended route. Have a plan for what to do in case you become lost or encounter an emergency. Pay attention to natural signs like the position of the sun, moon and stars, as well as wind patterns, to help with navigation and be aware of changing weather conditions by asking locals or checking meteorological reports prior to starting your trek. When leading the group, clearly communicate the team plans, ETAs, points of interest, dangers, equipment, supply check, weather and ask questions to confirm understanding. By the end of the expedition, we were no longer a band of novices, but more like the ‘Maesters of Game of Thrones’ ready to share and improve upon our newfound knowledge!
On the last day of the trip, most of us decided to go back into Reykjavik to enjoy ‘tourist’ activities, some of which included relaxing at the ‘Sky Lagoon,’ a new and lavish spa facility with a ‘7-stage ritual.’ Personally, this was most needed at the end of the expedition when my bones were aching. Others went whale watching and saw a pod of Minke whales and dolphins. The remaining groups spent time in the centre of Reykjavik at shops and museums including the infamous penis museum! The nightlife in Reykjavik is very vibrant and eclectic. Drink and food are a little costly, but we found a busy converted bookstore called Hús Máls og Menningar where the house band ‘The Honky Tonks’ played a mix of pop and rock music and really got the crowd up on their feet.
Iceland is an amazing place for adventurous training due to the combination of challenging terrain, contrasting environment, physical demands and geological learning all made more enjoyable when shared with comrades. Skills of navigation, fitness and self-sufficiency are directly transferable to soldiering and provide an invaluable way for troops to ‘skill up’ as a competent group member, and eventually lead others.
As a 46-year-old reservist, it was a huge opportunity to take part in this, my first expedition. Iceland is not a country I would typically choose as a holiday destination and yet it surprised me how the country was geared towards tourism. The most memorable parts of the trip were climbing the mega volcanoes Magni and Mogi, the natural thermal spa at Landmannalaugar,
the people and the new friendships I made. From a novice mountaineers’ perspective, I enjoyed planning the last leg of the trek, looking at the route, hazards, sights, and conditions. I found it reassuring and enjoyed the responsibility of knowing the route ahead and coordinating the group. This aspect of the qualification allowed us all the opportunity to impress with our knowledge and confidence to lead, including individuals that we were not normally accustomed to leading in their civilian roles.
On behalf of the whole group, I can confidently say that we all had an amazing trip. We have continued to keep in regular contact since, with most of us now eager to complete the winter mountain foundation course at the earliest opportunity.
The 200-foot Skógafoss waterfall
THE FIMMVÖRÐUHÁLS TRAIL
Either tackled on its own or as an extension to the Laugavegur trail, the 24km Fimmvörðuháls Trail connects the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve to Skógar on the South Coast of Iceland. Including 1000m of ascent over the Fimmvörðuháls Pass, the intrepid adventurer is taken through Iceland’s idyllic and volcanic landscape including a tantalisingly close pass of the iconic Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull Glaciers. The trek can be completed in one long day but the casual hiker may wish to take advantage of the mountain huts and spread the distance over two, allowing more time to soak in the magnificence that is Iceland.
Source: https://volcanotrails.com
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