Ulysses Trust Expedition

Trekking Expedition ‘Dragon Venturer Aneto’ Pyrenees - August 2001

Shropshire Army Cadet Force

The expedition comprising of seven adults and ten cadets set off in two mini buses on 16th August. After the long journey, a very tired group arrived at the campsite in Luchon the next morning. We set up camp and spent the day swimming, shopping and generally getting sorted out. Fortunately, the weather was not too warm, and a good night's sleep was enjoyed by everyone to get over the trip.

The next few days flew by as we alternated rock climbing one day, and trekking 15 to 20 kilometres in the mountains the next. The weather got hotter with lunchtime temperatures reaching 37 degrees most days. This made the activities more difficult, but everyone coped well, and I was very impressed with the standard of fitness.

On the 23 August, we set off from the Hospice de France on the French side of the border for the long steep trek over the mountains to Spain. We crossed the border at the Port de Venasque, at 2444 metres where we were rewarded with magnificent views of Pico Aneto in the distance. We were staying in a Spanish Refuge, the Llanos del Hospital, which was basic but comfortable and the food was superb.

The next day saw us up early, trekking over the lower slopes of Pico Aneto and resting for lunch at a beautiful clear lake. Some of the braver members of the party even went in the ice-cold water to cool down. In the afternoon we walked over the Col Renclusa to the next valley with even more spectacular views of Pico Aneto. A refreshing shower followed the long walk back down the valley in the afternoon, and then much needed dinner was enjoyed by all at the Refuge.

We had an early rise the following morning to avoid the very hot sun during the steep climb back to France via the Port de la Gere, at 2367 metres. Even so, it was a very long day, and everyone was pleased to see the vehicles waiting for us at the Hospice de France.

We had a day's rest and play where some decided to 'shop until they dropped' and then ride the cable car to the top of the mountain, while others opted to do more rock climbing.

A farewell dinner in Luchon on the last night was a great success. We were all sad to be leaving, but we had had a great time, and it was a time to celebrate. We had made many new friends and had a lot of good memories to take home; there was the pancake tossing competition, the hilarious skits put on by everyone, the water polo and volleyball competitions to name but a few. This was apart from the achievements rock climbing and trekking.

An early start was made the next morning for our tiring but uneventful journey back to Shrewsbury where we all said our sad farewells and went our separate ways.

That the expedition was a success there is no doubt. Both adults and cadets achieved things and pushed themselves harder than they thought possible. With all the bad press the younger generation get today, it was good to see some of them proving this is far from the truth in a lot of cases. These cadets were fit, had lots of initiative and were well motivated. They wanted to succeed and did so, everyone of them. These young teenagers proved themselves every bit as resourceful as the regular soldiers that I normally work with and hopefully, one day, some of them will take their places as leaders in our Forces.

Finally, on behalf of all who took part, I would like to thank The Reserve Forces Ulysses Trust for their very generous donation to the expedition, which helped to make it all possible. Thank You.

Captain Fred Salt

The trekking party