Page 17 - AMA Winter 2023/24

EXERCISE BLUE EXPLORER
Kezia Poole
At the end of May 2023, six Officer Cadets from Oxford UOTC headed over to Capel Curig to complete their Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) course. Blessed with good weather from the moment we arrived, the trip started on a high and set the tone for the rest of our time in Wales. The course commenced with the customary ‘lecture battery’ where we learned about the aims of adventurous training, the JSAT scheme, weather forecasting and behaviours, mountain hazards, access laws and development models.
The second day was focused on a 1:25k scale navigation lesson whilst trekking a circular route of Mount Snowdon from Pen-y-Pass via the Pyg track and summit, following the ridgeline to reach the twin peaks on Y Lliwedd. From the word “go”, the team bonded over our poorly folded maps and depolarised compasses. The improvement in our overall navigation between our 0830hrs start and subsequent afternoon finish was phenomenal, whilst the route offered stunning views of the Welsh mountains and an opportunity to unwind in the afternoon sun on our return to basecamp.
On the third day, we aimed to reach the peak of Tryfan via the Heather Terrace path. On this occasion, navigation focused on larger scale 1:50k and 1:40k maps. As the trek continued, we focused on the physical environment, making use of the previous days’ lessons on access, flora and fauna. This was supported by the expedition leader’s fantastic books
‘Rock Trails’ and ‘The Nature of Snowdonia.’
Day four comprised a morning of expedition preparation, readying ourselves for our early afternoon departure back to the hills. Each Officer Cadet took turns leading the group to a prominent feature on a 1:50k map, either a re-entrant, saddle or spur, as the team wound their way northwards over Cnicht. Just after sunset, we arrived at our wild camp where we were briefed on methods to collect and purify locally sourced water, defecation ‘au naturel,’ and the use of a Jet Boil. Motivated by a swarm of midges that had taken an unfa- vourable liking to us, we left our campsite swiftly the next morning. Once again, we took turns navigating, moving towards the Pen-y-Gwryd hotel for our collection and subsequent return to camp where we cleaned and stowed our overnight equipment.
We flew solo the following day albeit with our instructors holding a ‘safe’ distance. We examined the weather and were given a choice of two TOPL approved routes which we narrowed down to a journey over Moel Siabod. The most rewarding of our
days, confidence grew on this route as we exerted greater independence, planning our legs and navigating the route in some incredible conditions.
On behalf of the expedition, I would like to thank our instructors, SSgt Devoy and 2Lt Coleman for being so incredible on this trip and making it unforgettably triumphant. We would also like to thank our unit for making this possible and the Army Mountaineer- ing Association for their financial backing. We are all very excited for whatever comes next.
ARMY MOUNTAINEER / 17