Page 18 - AMA Winter 2023/24

EXPEDITIONNEWS
EXERCISE NORTHERN GAUNTLET HORN
Henry Mower
The Royal Armoured Corps, Expeditionary in Nature
mbarking on a two-week alpine the ‘Pearl of the Alps,’ Saas-Fee has an mountaineering adventure in enduring allure for mountaineers of every Switzerland held the promise of stripe. The key to its rock-climbing allure
exhilarating heights and breath-taking vistas. However, a twist of fate had me suspended mid-ascent on the daunting Dri Horlini (2950m), an eight-pitch marvel of a sport route. Nevertheless, the panoramic views were nothing short of awe-inspir- ing. This remarkable journey marked the inaugural summer gathering of the Royal Armoured Corps Mountaineering Club in Saas-Fee, July-August 2023.
Nestled deep within the Swiss Alps, Saas-Fee is no ordinary village; it has earned its reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Among its myriad attractions, rock climbing shines as a thrilling pursuit that tests both physical prowess and mental acuity. Known as
lies in its geological wonders. The village is encircled by imposing granite peaks, sheer cliffs, and rugged rock faces, presenting climbers with an array of surfaces to conquer. Composed mainly of granite, these rocks afford exceptional grip and stability, rendering them ideal for both traditional and sport climbing.
My journey into more challenging moun- taineering endeavours had been a long standing desire since joining the Army. The opportunity to explore Saas-Fee arrived at precisely the right moment. It wasn’t just the location and meticulously planned itinerary that appealed to me; it was also the prospect of venturing into the mountains alongside a diverse array of per-
sonalities from the Royal Armoured Corps. In this regard, the experience exceeded expectations. From troopers to lieutenant colonels, five of the nine cap badges in our club were represented, though the absence of the ‘Heavies’ did not go unnoticed.
Regrettably, unforeseen circumstances led to the late withdrawal of some of our alpine instructors, placing our expedition in jeopardy. However, the OIC’s calm pro- fessionalism and swift communication with ATG(A) swiftly changed our course from alpine to rock climbing. While it was a dis- appointment, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of those who participated.
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