Trekking, 'Dragon Venturer Llandovery', France - Alps, Jul 2011, ID 1082

Llandovery College CCF

Over the period 20th July – 3rd August 2011, Llandovery College CCF mounted a mountaineering expedition to France. The expedition visited two different areas, Fontainebleau, near Paris and Chamonix, in the Alps. Written by a cadet, this is their account of a brilliant expedition:

“Stopping off for 2 days at ‘Font’ en route to the Alps, the torrential weather hampered most attempts to go bouldering, and so our team of 4 adults and 12 cadets set off towards the Alps feeling slightly disappointed and very wet!

Once in Chamonix, however, the weather improved and we managed to visit the local crags of Les Gaillands and Servoz frequently. Here, Olwen, Angus, SJ and Robin had the opportunity to practice their skills, whilst the others built up their confidence on top ropes. Olwen, Robin and Fraser all completed their first multi-pitch routes, proving to be extremely quick learners and great climbing partners. Dougie, Tom, Cameron and Fraser managed their first ever lead climbs whilst on the trip, which is a fantastic achievement. For Lucy and Ros, the trip possibly saw some of their first attempts at rock climbing, so a huge well-done to them.

After trying the via ferrata with Maj D, reports came back that it was very scary, particular the crossing of a bridge right at the beginning consisting of just a wire suspended high above the trees far below.

We took a train up to the Mer de Glace to let everyone experience walking on a dry glacier. Despite an unintended detour to the bizarre tourist attraction that is the ‘ice grotto’, a tunnel system hewn into the side of the glacier, containing a Saint Bernard dog and disco lights, we found our way onto the glacier and were able to see some incredible ice formations, before scaling a via ferrata system back up to the station.

You cannot come to the Alps and not walk amidst its soaring spires, so on three occasions the students set off with maps and compasses in hand. Our first day in the valley saw our ascent of La Prarion, from where we saw Mont Blanc reveal her ‘hat’ for the first time.

Some of the group took the cable car up to Les Aguilles Rouges to practice their navigation and find Lac Blanc. From this lower, northern side of the valley, we had a cloudless view over the jagged white peaks of the French Alps, brooding shoulder to shoulder before us.

On the route back we reached an abandoned lift station. Clambering over it's walls Tom, Dougie and Cameron discovered some big, foam tubes, and started a Jedi sword fight. Capt Evans gleefully picked up a tall metal sign reading ‘DANGER’ and tried to join in. ‘Danger’ indeed!

The 3-day hut-to-hut walk formed the finale to our trip. The first day involved a steep climb and a refreshing dip in Lac de Pormenaz to cool off. Reaching la Refuge de Moede Anterne, we were allocated a room in the basement, which certainly helped to contain some terrible snoring!

Day two was the big push, but also took in the most impressive walking, with the groups ascending to the Col de Brevent, the highest point of the walk. After traversing to the Col du Cornu, the group was noticeably tired, but we soon joined the path to Lac Blanc which was, as hoped, a great place to stop for a much-needed break and a stone-skimming contest; SJ managing 29 bounces! Our final stop that night was the hut at La Flegere.

All that was left for us to do then on our last day was to make the final steep descent back down into the Chamonix valley. A quick turnaround, and all too soon the minibus was pointing homeward.

This trip was not only about mountaineering. The students took responsibility for shopping, cooking and washing up for the whole group, looking after all club kit, washing their clothes and keeping their spaces tidy. Hopefully everyone has gone away with a better idea of how to work as a team to look after themselves wherever they are, and how this leaves more time for the fun things!”

My thanks go to Maj Stuart Robertson, Capt Glyn Evans and Miss Ferdia Earle for their great company and assistance in running the trip and to the Cadets for working so hard. In addition, the Expedition would like to thank the College, 160 Bde, 5 Div and, of course, The Ulysses Trust for the amazing support. Without the financial and logistic support received the expedition would not have taken place. It was a superb expedition, with all aims achieved.

Maj David Drinkall

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