SSgt Burns keeps an eye on Cpl Davies progress.

The aim of Expedition Serpent Divide Ebor was to trek 165 miles at 8,000 to 12,500 ft along the Continental Divide from Rabbit Ears Pass to Berthound Pass in Colorado. Following training and team building, 18 participants with a wide range of civilian occupations were selected for the venture. There were also four qualified instructors and a two-man support crew. 

Flying from Manchester to Denver followed by a four hour drive, we arrived at our first campsite at Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat Springs. After two days of acclimatisation training, the group was shuttled to the trail head and then began the trek in two teams - team leaders changing on a daily basis. Our routine was reveille at 0500 hrs, start walking at 0600 hrs and make camp where possible by 1530 hrs prior to the afternoon lightning storms. 

Teams carried their own tents, equipment and sufficient food and water for three or four days with resupply provided by the support team at set points. All non-essential kit was left with the support team in an effort to lighten the pack loads, which were averaging around forty-five pounds plus water. Due to the high altitude terrain and very hot weather conditions, water was replenished twice a day, which coincided with meal breaks. It was salutary to realise how much water one requires, and the effort needed to provide it makes you appreciate something as simple as turning on a tap. 

The teams worked well together calling on their civilian skills - with a mechanic servicing the cookers, a physiotherapist sorting out the neck and shoulder problems, and a medic carrying out dentistry on a team member! The routine of making and breaking camp became slicker as the days progressed, as did the confidence in individual strengths and team abilities - forest fires and spectacular electrical storms notwithstanding! 

After an enjoyable rest day on 4th July, the teams climbed higher than before, into more wilderness with correspondingly awesome countryside. To conclude the expedition, the group split into two, half going to Denver for retail therapy and comfortable beds, and the others going to the Grand Canyon to trek the famous Bright Angel Trail. The group met up again in Denver for the return flight to the UK. 

The expedition was considered to be a great success due to good planning, a flexible programme, and excellent instructors and support crew. The participants gained enormously from the experience, not only in the development of their own personal skills, but also in the way as individuals they interacted with each other. The wilderness is certainly a great leveller.