Page 34 - Wish Stream Year of 2018

planned with excitement rather than in trepidation.
The six days of walking were split
into three different regions, two
days in each. The first two days
were based on the Slovakian
side of the Tatras, known as the
lower Tatras. This involved two days of travers- ing mountains of a relatively low height (1400m max). The weather stayed clear and the team were able to soak up some truly pleasant views in the unique terrain of the Tatras mountains.
The next two days saw us depart to Zakopane, a ski capital of Poland during the winter months and a hub for keen walkers during the summer. Taking in views like Morskie Oko was a particular highlight during our expedition; it was an 8 hour round journey in order to reach the mountain lake, but well worth it upon arrival. With scorch- ing hot temperatures of over 30 degrees, it was a hard effort over a particularly tough region, but the views and the pleasant people that we
met on the way helped the team’s progress.
The final two days were based in the Eastern Tatras, much higher moun- tains, very challenging terrain, and the weather did not make it easier. Summiting Mt Rysy at 2500m in
immensely difficult conditions was a triumphant ending to a challenging adventure. Mt Rysy is the largest mountain in the region that can be walked up; it took a full day to do it, which involved the team running low on food and water at times, but the feeling at the top certainly made it worthwhile, even if it was chucking it down!
The expedition itself was a huge success, and while Poland and Slovakia are both cheaper countries to reside in, the support from the Sand- hurst Trust certainly eased the financial pressure of the expedition and made it an immensely enjoyable experience. The entire team wishes to thank the Sandhurst Trust for their most grateful support.
The first dives were all about gaining confidence and quelling nerves...
32 SANDHURST