This year’s planning for ‘Pyrenees 2014’ started with a shorter lead into than 2011 trek due to the experience and planning of other squadron activities, so back in November 2013, the initial letter went out and presentations by myself from the previous trek to encourage interest from the over 16’s. 10 cadets took up this year’s challenge to complete the 5 day trek to include climbing Mt Perdio (3355m) in Spain.
The cadets were set the task of choosing their national and local charity which they came up with Parkinson’s UK and Swindon Children Without a Diagnosis and along with the rest of the squadron coming up with different ways to raise money for the trek, this included applications to different trust funds for adventure activities for young people, letters to local companies, car parking duties, bag packing, cake stalls, laser quest evening, night hike and cadet contribution.
On Thursday 3rd July 10 cadets, 2 staff from the squadron and our guide for the trek Keith Gault of www.hillways.co.uk arrived at 0900 at the Squadron to travel to Bristol Airport for the short journey to Toulouse - all went well and arriving into Toulouse to rain, and arrived a little later than planned in Gavarnie. We were met by our hosts for the evening Bernard and Roselyne Fillastre who gave us a warm welcome, and cooked us a typical French 4 course meal. After evening meal we had a staff brief from Keith about the conditions of our planned route and weather forecast.
The plan had to change as the ‘the ladder’ section of the route still had ice and there would be a lot more snow around this year and there was a risk of thunder and lightning to contend with late afternoon.
Day 1 (5KM, 379m Climb/4h) So the morning arrived after a good sleep for everyone, a plentiful breakfast and our last shower for a three days. We had packed our rucksacks with all that would be required for the trek, leaving our suitcases and non-essentials at the hotel. We then discovered a few cadets had forgotten the essential waterproofs jacket or trousers. The decision to change the route was a good one due to this.
It was a little chilly and getting wet as we started off, up an easy track and making sure we stayed away from the edge, even though it was cloudy you could feel that when it cleared the views and experience would be awesome. We arrived at the col French/Spanish border 2273m in cloud and had a quick break to sort layers and check everyone was ok.
We then took the HRP route Alta Ruta Pirenaica (Pyrenean High Route), towards the Goriz Hut. The route was starting to get a little tricky after lunch and the first use of crampons were required for the first ascent of the day. We used the crampons to zig zag up, our first experience of height and we then completed the last up of the day and first view of the hut – Refuge de la Roland at 2587m and the largest waterfall in Europe - Grande Cascade de Gavarnie. This was the cadets first experience of a mountain hut, 30 people in a room - we got ourselves organised with a bit of team work due to the space and height of the beds. Cadets and staff either used the communal room to play cards, read a book or take a sleep before the weather cleared and the first views of the Brecha de Rolando and some much needed warm sun!
Cdt Marianne Szymanski - It was not hard going at first, simply a flat, rocky path taking us towards the border between France and Spain. In fact, the majority of the first day was relatively easy as compared to most of the following days. My rucksack was relatively comfortable - fortunately there were no trangias or tents to carry, unlike on Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions.
Day 2 (8KM, 220m Climb/6h) The weather was a little overcast, so most wore their trousers, fleece and waterproof jacket and the crampons had another work out this morning due to the snow line coming right down to the mountain hut. The cadets worked well together to the first stop, halfway up to Breche de Rolando which from the hut looks like you are very close but it’s very much like a false summit. At Breche de Rolando it was very windy, with lots of other intrepid explorers trying to pass through.
After lunch we made our way to the col and had our last views of the Breche de Rolando. We had been walking with a group of Japan’s tourist for the last 2 days and their guide took our team photo for us. We then made our way towards the hut Refugio de Goriz, taking about 2 hrs.
Cpl Goddard - This hut was on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, which meant lots and lots of Spanish hikers. The place was full of happy and exhausted hikers waiting for a comfy bed.
Day 3 (8KM, 1155m Climb/8hrs) Today we would take 7 of the 10 cadets up to 3355m and reach our goal of Mt Perdido. The day started early at 0730, walking up the relatively easy section, and then moving over the boulders towards the Lago Helado. We put the crampons on and layered up, but the cloud was starting to develop and Mt Perdido was being a little bit of a mystery. It was pretty slow going up to the saddle before the last height gain of day. I was allowed to lead the last section to achieve our goal and reach 3355m Mt Perdido. I felt very honoured and privileged to lead the 7 cadets and be able to take them to the top. We all took our photos by the cairn and team photos with the flags. I was also able to hand out a Silver DofE Award to Cdt Marianne Szymanski who had recently completed her award.
Now it was time to make our way back down safely, and as it was steep we still needed to keep concentrating and making sure we were using the crampons correctly.
Cdt Marianne Szymanski - I could hardly believe it when I finally looked up and there was only 10 metres to go! There was a bigger surprise when we reached the peak- I had my silver DofE award presented, right at the top of Mount Perdido
Sgt Luke Cordas - Once we finally reached the summit it was a great achievement for all of us, and quite a scary one as it was still so very windy. Lots of photos were taken, despite the lack of view due to poor weather conditions, and the flags were also taken out (I think getting charity t-shirts out/on would have been quite a cold idea!!).
Day 4 (22Km 6hrs) We were taking the GR11 along the Valle de Ordesa>. We went along the valley to see, listen and take photos of some amazing and powerfull waterfalls. By lunch time we had made it to Pradera de Ordesa which the cadets really enjoyed having a few ice creams, and able to empty the rucksacks of any litter from the past few days.
We continued along the GR11 up the Valle de Bujaruelo, which is mainly concrete and a road up to the hut we were staying in that night. We were able to have a shower and tidy up from the last 3 days, able to use the local wifi to catch up with parents and update the facebook and twitter feeds.
Cdt Goddard - We walked the entire length of the Ordesa Canyon. We had a great journey following the yellow brick road!
Day 5 (10km / 808m / 6hrs) The final day of the trek and the sun and amazing views finally made an appearance from start to finish. Shorts on, sun cream and plenty of water to walk up hill to the French/Spanish border. This was probably the hardest day due to the heat, giving us opportunities to stop and soak up the mountains, reflect on the last few days walking, and the realisation you have taken cadets around the Pyrenees to add to their life experience.
Cpl Harper - We had a breath-taking parting view of the Ordessa Canyon as we climbed the final hill. When we reached the top we saw a familiar signpost. It was the same one that we had seen on the first day, only twenty minutes into the walk.
Day 6 Travel Home Cpl Harper - The experience of walking in the Pyrenees is one I will never forget. Every day provided another amazing sight and experience, and every single member of the team provided too many hilarious moments to count. Every single step was memorable and the cliffs were breath-taking. I would grab the opportunity to go back immediately and actively encourage any cadet who can do something like this to do so.
FS Bird - I will always remember that on the 6th July 2014 I climbed Mount Perdido with 633 Squadron right to the very top! This is definitely a life changing experience and one to tell to the next generation of cadets joining our amazing squadron which is growing in reputation.
Sgt Clayton - I have enjoyed this entire trip immensely and I am definite that it has been THE best time I have had in my entire time with the ATC. We had all expected to enjoy the trip but I don't think we quite knew how much. My favourite moments where surprisingly not that of the expedition itself although it certainly had its highlights. No, it was that of the nights that followed and the time spent just talking about absolute rubbish and making stupid jokes with my friends who I believe have become much closer and I now know far better than I ever have before. In essence the highlight was not the spectacular views or the enormous feeling of achievement held by all when summiting mountains but the bringing together of a team and of good friends.
Sgt Cordas - Overall, the trip for me was such a fantastic experience and one that couldn’t have been done without our amazing staff Flt Lt Woodham, Mstr Aircrew Russell and Keith Gault – whom the whole team are extremely grateful for! As well as that, the team couldn’t have done such an amazing feat without each other who worked well as a team to complete the trek!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, The Ulysses Trust, Swindon Council, RAFA Swindon and Alcatel-Lucent for their donations towards the trek, which has made it possible for the 10 cadets to achieve a life time opportunity to test themselves, to climb as high as possible depending on each cadet, to learn more about each other despite being on the same squadron. We may not of been able to see a 360 view of the Pyrenees, but you could certainly feel the achievement in the 7 cadets being able to reach 3355m at the top of Mt Perdido, one which I am very proud of their achievement and to all the cadets and staff who have made it another successful journey for all to gain in confidence and take away experiences they will remember for a very long time and take it with them for the future.
OC Flt Lt Helene Woodham
