Page 9 - The Light Blue Volunteer Journal 2022

Ex Capel Curig
Forming up on Monday, we left Cambridge in high spirits ready for the week ahead. What should have been
an uneventful journey quickly turned into a nightmarish start, as our minivan broke down in a layby on the M6. After being towed to the National Motorcycle Museum, and repairs from the AA,
we were shortly thereafter rescued by Corporal Philips. After a minor delay, we finally arrived in Capel Curig some ten hours after setting off.
Poor weather prevented any Snowden attempt on Tuesday, so instead the trekking group led by Major Wilson and Major Alcock planned to use the day to ease into it and avoid any heavy weather. OCdts Llewellyn, Nevin and I practiced our basic navigation skills as we slowly ascended up Moel Siabod; eventually summiting the mountain, as we found ourselves undaunted by a little rain and lights gusts. Improved conditions allowed for a Snowden attempt the following
day, and taking the Watkins route up, we summitted the peak where we promptly took a group photo with the unit flag. The group, led by Major Wilson, descended down into Llanberis where we took a welcome break and rested after a long day of walking.
Wednesday brought with it heavy downpours, as the trekking group attempted to summit Snowden a second day in a row. Led by Captain Crisp, OCdts Bharker, Butler, Nevin, Llewellyn and I slowly made our way up via the Miners track, brushing up on our location by resection technique along the way. Upon summiting, we then made our
way back down via the Pyg track to Pen y Pass, where we were dully picked up after heavy downpours. The weather finally broke on Friday allowing the first climbing to take place. OCdts Llewellyn, Nevin and I, led by Major Bevin and Major Wilson, headed to Holyhead Mountain to continue to develop our skills on the rock face; successfully completing two very severe climbs, complete with an abseil back down. Unfortunately, this was to be the only climbing, as the weather again worsened on Saturday. Another day spent trekking in the hills was well spent, with Captain Crisp and Major Wilson, before an afternoon of packing ready to head back to Cambridge. A smooth journey back, wrapped up an enjoyable week spent away with the unit.
This was my second Summer of
adventurous training with CUOTC and was a thoroughly enjoyable experience despite the often-unfavourable conditions. Developing my skills, competence, and confidence has
been a personally fulfilling and highly memorable part of my time at university and is a testament to all members of staff who continue to make these amazing opportunities available to myself and other OCdts. I would like to express my personal gratitude to Major Bevin for organising and running this AT package, and to all those I have mentioned for their wisdom and guidance during the week. It would not have been possible without them, and we are all grateful for their continued support.
OCdt James Friend
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 9