Page 16 - AMA Winter 2023/24

EXPEDITIONNEWS
EXERCISE DRAGON SLIM GEYSER
Amy Barker & Kate Busby
In July 2023, Birmingham University Officers’ Training Corps (UOTC) took on the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland, which
over 6 days saw the team cover 70km of stunning terrain, glaciers, ash fields and greenery, culminating at Skogar, and the infamous Skogafoss waterfall.
The hike itself began from Landmanna- laugar. After landing the night before in Reykjavik, a local bus company ferried us to the beginning of the trail. Busy with eager and excited hikers, along with our 14-man team also anxious to begin, Land- mannalugar acted as our step off point into the backcountry of Iceland.
Each day culminated with the arrival at a hut, where camp could be set up, and access to facilities such as showers and toilets were available, which acted as a nice comfort at the end of each day. Great views, a strong team bond and brilliant weather kept the team in high spirits throughout the expedition, which upon arrival to Skogafoss waterfall, gave us a boost of pride. The team left with foundation summer moun- taineering qualifications, allowing them to develop further as avid mountaineers.
THE FIFTH DAY
This report focuses on the fifth day of our expedition in Iceland. Although this was not the longest day of the expedition, the challenging nature of the terrain meant
The finish line in front of the famous Skogafoss Waterfall.
we had to use all the skills and lessons that we had been taught to cope in this environment. The hike was 15km long with 2400ft of elevation, and took the group six hours and twenty minutes to complete as fatigue set in.
Focusing on the skills we had learnt and developed in the previous four days – pacing, packing, map reading, navigation, weather awareness, being self-sufficient and group management – stretched our comfort zones and allowed us to tackle the day’s challenges which included a daunting ridge traverse that could have ended in serious injury had we not been concentrating and following our instruc- tor ’s advice. Fortunately, we all made it across the ridge safely and securely
The first campsite at the start of the expedition.
which allowed us to move to the next large obstacle, a chain assisted traverse of some very exposed ground. This section was particularly challenging. There were points at which the trail became vertical and unstable whilst personal fear added to the unwanted excitement. Our instructors really emphasised the importance of spacing during this ascent as we could not risk falling into one another. This meant working together and trusting each other in a perilous situation which led to further bonding and trust within the group.
Following this nerve-racking leg was the continuous gravelly descent to our campsite, through undulating terrain surrounded by amazing glaciers. This slope required balance, coordination, and concentration with our instructors helping to guide us down as we raced the ominous darkening skyline, increasing wind speeds, straining morale and fatigue. Eventually down, we hiked through one final stunning valley adorned with ancient trees and volcanic features against a backdrop of distant glaciers glistening in the sun.
16 / ARMY MOUNTAINEER
One of many refuge huts that conclude a long day’s walk.