Page 131 - AGC Journal 2018

AGC JOURNAL 2018

Exercise Laugavegur

Tiger 2018

By Second Lieutenant Darren Fraser

Six Officers from the Educational and Training Services embarked
on the 87 kilometre Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalauagr to
Skogar during a wet and windy week in September 2018.

Dan Bondar poses on top of a ridge as the team
start the climb up Eyjafjallajökull – the volcano
that erupted in 2010 cripling thousands of flights

Day One fast, but it did lead the team over the terrain in good time, in Europe
enabling the team to reach the camp by the lake to relax
The team arrived, moved into the hotel and had the and enjoy a scenic evening in plenty of time.
most expensive dinner known to man. Kit was packed The team
(repacked) and packed again. The route was discussed and Day Four pose on the Day Six
then they spent the best part of the evening eating a lovely glacier

meal and discussing how the local population could afford A relatively short day with vast plains making the team Without a doubt the most challenging day of the trek. We
to eat. feel miniscule in comparison. This day saw us making made our way between Porsmork and Skogar through the
our way over terrain which was slightly more forgiving, site of the 2010 volcanic eruption which crippled Europe.
Day Two however bad luck with the weather inspired rapid Over this leg the team climbed and descended 1,000
progress to the end of the leg. metres over 35 kilometres. Throughout the seven and a
The team spent the morning buying supplies and the Most half hours of this leg, the team experienced 80 mile an

Valuable Member award; an award to be given out at the Day Five hour winds near the summit over difficult footing which

end of each day to the member considered most valuable significantly added to the overall arduous nature of the
to the team. We then made our way by bus through The team awoke in good spirits, eager to complete trail.

beautiful scenery and multiple seasons to the start of the the final leg of the Laugavegur trail. Following what is
Laugavegur trail. On arriving we wasted no time in taking commonly known as the Grand Canyon of Iceland, team Day Seven and Eight
advantage of the hot springs to ready ourselves for the 24 members progressed over the undulating terrain enjoying
kilometre trek the following day. a day of bright sunshine and yet more stunning views. The team made their way back to Reykjavik to rest and
recover before the cultural day in the city. Here team
Day Three members took part in a walking tour and had a trip out to
the Blue Lagoon for a well earned soak in the hot pools.

The trail between the start point and the first stop at the Dan Bondar and Byron Edens make their way across

second set of cabins was long, although it allowed the the first of five river crossings during the expedition Day Nine
team to enjoy the beautiful views. The initial pace set was
As the team sadly departed Iceland, the feeling among
all members was that the trip was a resounding success.
Every member of the team had at various times had their
physical and mental robustness challenged; however, all
felt the trip was nevertheless very enjoyable.

The team
embark on day
five as they

aim to climb
Eyjafjallajökull

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