Trekking Expedition ‘Northern Serpent Challenge 2003’ - California, June / July 2003
2nd Medical Brigade
The challenge: to cover mountains, desert and canyon from 14496ft above to 283ft below sea level, from frozen lakes and snow fields to 50+°C… all within 17 days.
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An enthusiastic 20-strong party (three groups of 6 people
and a 2-man support group) set out to climb Mt Whitney and peaks in Death
Valley, and hike down into the Grand Canyon. Numerous professions and
ranks participated from a range of Units including HQ 2 Med Bde, ATG, 202,
205, 208, 212, 256 and 306 Fd Hosp, under the leadership of WO1 Ashcroft
and three JSMEL.
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 Foresters Pass |
Phase One… hike along the John Muir Trail to Mt Whitney summit at 14496ft and proceed to Whitney Portal. Due to limited permits, only two groups followed the Shepherd Pass route taking four days, while the third group started further north over the Kearsarge Pass, adding 13 miles and a fifth day to the hike. The scenery was stunning with panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks, welcome forest shade at lower altitudes, and challenging mountain creeks to cross while balancing precariously with >20kg Bergen’s on our backs! Two bears graciously made an appearance at one campsite, thus justifying the effort of carrying cumbersome bear-proof food canisters! |
 Ascent of Mt Whitney |
Phase Two… aptly-named Death Valley! Dismounting from air-conditioned vehicles at Stovepipe wells was like entering an oven… 49°C in the shade! Fortunately camping at ~ 8000ft the temperature was more bearable. The original plan to climb Telescope Peak (11049ft) and then continue down Hanaupah Canyon to cross Badwater Basin (-283ft) overnight was deemed too risky because of the high temperatures. Telescope Peak was conquered nonetheless, with the groups starting out at first light, and rewarded with a lunchtime rest at the summit. Vehicles were used to travel across to Badwater Basin Salt Pan, where the temperature was almost bearable for 10 minutes in early evening! The extra day was spent enjoying the local sights in Death Valley – Scotty’s Castle, Dante’s View, Sand Dunes, Devil’s Golf Course and Furnace Creek Visitor Centre.
Phase Three… The Grand Canyon – which speaks for itself! Obtaining permits to stay overnight in the Canyon proved difficult. As there were numerous day-hiking trails into the Canyon, it was decided to camp on the Rim. The steep trail proved little challenge following the previous hikes, but the temperature was much higher than expected. The little stream and few trees at Indian Garden were very welcome, and nobody doubted the thermometer which read off the scale… >125°F /52°C! The scenery was indescribable, with sunrise and sunset creating amazing colours against the rock formations.
The last day of the expedition was a complete contrast… R & R in Las Vegas, where moving walkways connect huge hotels boasting impressive features such as Venetian gondolas, dancing fountains, an erupting volcano and even an Eiffel Tower!
The Expedition was very worthwhile, and there was real
satisfaction in achieving the aims. To hike over the most technically difficult
part of the 2650 mile Pacific Crest Trail gave a real sense of achievement
confidence that will enable us to face further challenges.
2Lt NC Robb, 306 Fd Hosp (V)