Page 26 - 2013 AMA Spring

ridges were climbed for the first time. Unfortunately questions whether the true summit was reached may put paid to attempts to name ‘Jubilee Peak’. There were also two attempts on Jackocire led by Sqn Ldr Percival accompanied by willing volunteers with the Eastern and Western peaks achieved but not the highest cen- tral peak due time limitations to cross technical terrain in daylight. The dominating snow face towering above the end of the valley was attempted by a rope led by Surg Cmdr Brown but this ended in turning back due to a highly unstable snow pack just shy of the summit. Unfortunately further exploration was curtailed by the impending Solstice weekend local celebrations and it was decided to make for La Paz before the local porters became too indulged in their local fire water.
There was time for a couple days R&R and following Team 1’s lead, all opted to cycle down the world’s most dangerous road followed by joining the locals in their Solstice celebrations that resulted in impromtu firework displays that would have raised eyebrows with health and safety aficionados. The long journey home was made
A rope huddled at the foot of the final summit push
more bearable by reflecting on a fantastically well organised and fulfilling trip to a beautiful and remote area of the Andes.
Acknowledgements and thanks: Icebreaker
Cotswold
Mountain Equipment
Terra Nova Tents DMM Wales Hely Hansen
Arcterx
Lowe Alpine
Columbia – South Kensington Store
North Face
Prometheus Medical for our satellite equipment enabling us to blog from base camp, Bradshaw Taylor for their kind support, advice and generous discounts on Lowe Alpine, Komperdell, Asolo and Thorlo kit.
Finally, thank you to Surg Cmdr Mellor for planning and leading a fantastic and successful expedition.
AMA Members receive generous discounts off all extremities, Wild Country and Terra Nova products. Refer to the AMA website for more details.
To win a pair of extremities
gloves, simply visit w.extremities.co.uk.
LIGHTWEIGHT GUIDE GLOVE
w w
w w
24 ARMY MOUNTAINEER