Page 9 - 1993 AMA Summer

. . . Jon Watson following
idler (and usually continental) campers lived their comfortable lives. One well-groomed family of Italians was even observed to smuggle armfuls of take-away pizzas into their luxurious abode. By contrast, the members of JSAM 92 took up residence at the bottom end of the campsite, well away from all this opulence, and established a temporary village of Vangos, Winter Gear geodesics, makeshift awnings, and even the odd family frame tent. Here, despite extensive ‘civilianisation’, we were no doubt easily recognisable by the ubiquitous Ron Hills, our inability to master the ‘hole-in-the-ground’ toilets (how do they manage it?), and our propensity to consume vast quantities of pasta. The initial period of acclimatisation included the discovery that one was only allowed
out of the campsite after 0800 (which stymied one or two early forays), working round the 4-hour Italian siesta, and the continual requirement to divide by 2097 during shopping trips. It was suggested at one stage that a few ‘O's be removed from the end of their prices, and perhaps also from their words.
On the rock, it took a little time to get used to being overtaken by the occasional pushy Austrian or Italian team, whose members were not averse to doing some knitting on the cramped stances, clipping into one’s runners and exploiting one’s carefully established abseils. This distressing process was, however, often reversed at the start of Via Ferrata by the simple expedient of
jumping onto the wires and disappearing upwards without resorting to the usual complement of slings, krabs, helmets and gloves. Judging by the muttered comments that this performance generally elicted. the overtakees were in no doubt as to our nationality! In a welcome restoration of national pride, once our budding hard men were warmed up and in full flow, it was frequently us Brits who were doing the overtaking. It soon proved surprisingly easy to escape from the masses by dint of careful route selection and brisk climbing.
By the end of a very productive meet the climbing roll of honour included the routes shown in the table:
The result of these exploits was a highly successful meet. Few parties enjoyed more than 1or 2 rest days in the base camp, though bad weather did force the occasional short spell of inactivity. By the end of the meet all were looking fit, hardened and weather­ beaten, and there was much evidence of damage to knuckles and fingertips thanks to the unforgiving rock. Thankfully there were no accidents or other disasters: a combination of careful briefing and common sense meant that all were able to perform within their abilities without sacrificing the desire to extend the boundaries of their mountaineering experience .
Finally, some words of advice and caution to future JSAM co­ ordinators:
The RAF managed to get a higher rate of ClLOR than the Army, despite every effort to secure supplements, uplifts etc from HQ LONDIST. This is an increasingly familiar story. The Services Booking Centre provide an excellent service, and can offer discounts of up to 40% on most cross channel ferries.
Route Approval Cards are essential, and must be closely supervised.
Pay close attention to matters of insurance, including travel and breakdown, third party liability, medical and theft/damage of equipment. Meet members must be properly covered, despite the expense.
The business of individual adventurous training grants can be troublesome. Members of JSAMs are eligible for grants, and they must be provided with a clear letter of authority to attach to their claim.
And last but not least: the JSAM has been accused of being a subsidised holiday for gladiators. It is not. JSAM 92 proved that for sheer quality and intensity o f adventure training at all levels and for soldiers of all ranks, abilities, experience and ages it is very hard to beat.
Sass Pordoi from Piz Ciavazes
Army Mountaineer 9